The Characters Of G.I. Joe - SNOW SERPENT

THE BEST OF THE BEST!

THE CHARACTERS OF G.I. JOE

    "His barracks are unheated, his mess-hall doesn't serve hot food, and it's considered a point of honor to take nothing but cold showers.  All of this enhances his ability to be a formidable Arctic fighter, mainly because it makes him exceedingly mean-tempered and nasty!" - from the file card, 1991.

COBRA COMMAND

Cobra Polar Assault - SNOW SERPENT

File Name - Various

Birthplace - Various

Specialties - Arctic Operations, Airborne Operations, Demolitions, Anti-Tank weapons. 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION...

    Troopers that have gone through the rigorous underwater training to become Cobra Eels (Frogmen), can take extra training to become members of one of the organization's most coveted roles - the Snow Serpents.  

    The Snow Serpents are Cobra's Polar Assault Troopers.  Their additional training includes a 6 month jaunt in the Arctic Circle.  There they are put to the test under harsh winter conditions learning how to use cold weather equipment like skis, snow shoes, and kayaks as well as cold weather airborne operations and the use of anti-tank weaponry.  Those that make it through the entire training regimen are considered Cobra's best of the best!

    Snow Serpents interested in climbing Cobra's latter further can acquire training to drive Cobra's snow vehicles the Wolf, the Ice Saber, and/or the Ice Snake.

THE BEST OF THE BEST...

    The assortment of Cobra figures in 1985 was phenomenal, but like his file card says - Snow Serpent is "the best of the best"!  Such a cool look and all the unique accessories!  No figure at this point had snow shoes!!  This was a figure that was tough to beat!

    The Joes already had Snow Job and Frostbite as cold weather specialists and 2 vehicles - the Polar Battle Bear and the Snow Cat.  Cobra had to come up with something special to go against that and they delivered with the Snow Serpent.  Here you have a character (or characters) with cold weather training, underwater (Eel) training, anti-tank abilities, and parachuting skills.  The Snow Serpent is going to be a difficult opponent for any Joes.

    When the 1985 figures started showing up at stores, my friend Aaron scored the Snow Serpent right out the gate.  I was having a difficult time finding ANY figures.  Luckily, one night we happened to be at K's Merchandise and there was a few new figures there... and Snow Serpent was one of them.  I couldn't wait to get this awesome figure for myself.  Aaron stopped me though!?!?  He said "why get Snow Serpent when I already have him?  Why don't you get a figure we haven't seen yet?"

    I understood his logic, but this was a figure I was anxious to add to my battles!!!  I ended up listening to him and got Tele-Viper, who is another good and important figure, just not as exciting.  I was a little frustrated I let the Snow Serpent slide by, so I was sure to grab him the next chance I got!  

    Snow Serpent here is represented by the Rise Of Cobra Snow Serpent.  This is actually one of my boys' G.I. Joe figures.  This is a fantastic update of the original figure!  I like the extra detail, the non-removable parachute, and the great accessories.  HOWEVER... this figure is all "loosey-goosey" after a lot of play!  What is it with these newer figures' joints getting loose so easy?

    (Information on the character's lore was taken from the Sunbow and DIC cartoon series, including the Movie and the figure's original File Card.)