Straight from the terrorist organization(s) nefarious plot to give collectors across the country heart attacks and strokes, today we are taking a look at the exclusive Cobra Island Baroness and C.O.I.L. set. The first 3 exclusives – Cobra Trooper, Beach Head and Roadblock V2 came first, with Baroness hitting stores a week or so later. She is still trickling out, so if you are still looking hopefully you can score without hitting the aftermarket. I was lucky enough to have a friend of a friend find one in the wild and offer it at cost, so big props to KamenRiderOOO and TokuChris over at TokuNation for that. That being said, I’ve hit Targets an absolutely stupid amount of times since the end of July, probably more than I have been in that store in the last 3 years combined, and have only seen Roadblock on the pegs, once. And that’s with tracking via Popfindr, bugging employees, and doing 100 mile circuits (at the start of this mess).
What makes it all that more frustrating – these figures are GREAT. And Baroness especially. Modernized suit with classic notes, color palette on point, epic face sculpt, good weapons. It has it all. The bike – the sculpt is good for a future techy style vehicle, but there is a lot of raw plastic going on and it feels a bit Playskool. Some detailed paint and washing to bring it a bit more real world and it could work.
Bottom line – Baroness is a win. Hopefully she keeps releasing widely at stores, and really – hopefully she releases single packed with minimal changes down the road. Red, blue and alt decos are cool, but she needs to be easily accessible in this black version at some point.
Read on to check some additional thoughts and over 75 HD images after the break!
G.I. Joe Classified Cobra Island Baroness and C.O.I.L.
Overall Thoughts
Awesome. A great modern take on a classic character. The all black getup is there, but with tons of sculpting, texture, layering. Her high boots, Cobra symbol on the chest, long black hair and glasses are all present. Dual golden guns to match Destro is a nice touch, as are the waist mounted holsters. The face sculpt is great, one of the best of the line so far. As is her skin tone, nice and pale to play off those dark colors. The rims of the glasses were a bit messy paint wise, but not too bad when at a distance. Snake emblems on the shoulder armor and snake scaling throughout is also a great touch. A lot of fine tuned details in this figure, even though it’s hard to grasp in all black.
The C.O.I.L. bike – not super excited about it. As you can see above, I did like the Akira vibes. But it is not that stark red or shiny in person, I pushed levels for the fancy shots because my goal there is cool factor, not real world looks. However, if this had a more fine tuned paint job, some wash and highlights, it could work. Cut that raw plastic down a bit. I do like that they jumped into vehicles this early on with the line though, it gives me hope for a nice big expensive HissTank down the road. :)
Bottom line – epic piece, grab it if you can.
Check out some key shots below, with 75+ in gallery format after that!
Tony_Bacala says
Let's use this thread to actually talk about the figures. Keep the other one for rightfully bitching about the cluster farkery.
Full set, 180+ pics:
Cobra Trooper, Beach Head, and Roadblock – Cobra Island G.I. Joe Classified In-Hand Gallery (Sorry)
And finally - The Baroness with C.O.I.L.
G.I. Joe Classified Baroness and C.O.I.L. In-Hand Gallery
DESTRO says
Excellent photos. I hope these get a second print run in the same packaging. It's almost as if fans have not been asking for these for 10+ years and Hasbro was caught off guard by demand.
flying2high says
If anyone collects Star Wars Black Series or Transformers then you should be aware of Target exclusives. Ive seen plenty of Star Wars Black Series exclusives hit the shelves early and everyone scrambled just to show up months down the line and easy to track down. Same with Transformers. The Seekers 2 pack that just came out was gold. Now I have come across it at multiple stores . Just be patient. I was one that tried to secure some and was hoping this morning there would be plenty of stock. Nope. Roadblock was available for a bit and just saw him in stores but without the others I just said not yet. Beach Head seemed to be available online (received notification) but could not add in cart. I was able to add it really quick and then snagged immediately. I am hoping Target will recieve some new stock. Or maybe Hasbro will put out a Cobra Trooper 2 pack or similar to the Marvel line with Hyrdra/AIM troopers as a Pulse exclusive. If these are not available downt he road I may have to bow out of the G.I. Joe 6 inch line.
Junkyard84 says
Appreciate the sentiment Tony, but no apology needed. Respect your commitment and admire the hell out of your photography and posing talents.
Quick thoughts: BH's green guns I actually hate less than I thought I would, but they're gonna get their asses replaced (expect for the crossbow, of course). I can't any flaws in CT and the display options are fantastic. RB...honestly I think I would have bought if he didn't have that dumbass ear gadget. So much more personality in this one as compared to V1. Agree that they should have waited to release as filler or re-branded as Heavy Duty.
Tony_Bacala says
Tony_Bacala says
Quick thoughts: BH's green guns I actually hate less than I thought I would, but they're gonna get their asses replaced (expect for the crossbow, of course). I can't any flaws in CT and the display options are fantastic. RB...honestly I think I would have bought if he didn't have that dumbass ear gadget. So much more personality in this one as compared to V1. Agree that they should have waited to release as filler or re-branded as Heavy Duty.
Crossface says
No need to apologize
evopete says
I agree with you. I hate waiting. Great read and I am glad I did not get into the 6inch line. Feels like the 25th Wave 1 - 4 Fiasco back in 2007. Hasbro still has not figured out that there is Joe fan out there, and when done right, will sell out like this.
BodyMassage says
Tony, I really appreciate your commentary on this debacle, and you have nothing over-which to apologize, you have not made anything worse, in my estimation. The pics are great, thank you for sharing them.
280-CUSTOMS says
Was able to purchase one Beach head and one cobra trooper at a target in Mansfield Ohio They had them behind the front service desk and had a limit of one character per guest which i understand but @ the same time
First come first served should have taken place and another collector and i were the only ones in the store @ 8:00 and were both willing to be adults about it and not argue or be douches to each other i want like 6 cobra troopers i have 3 now 2 from 3 weeks ago i was lucky enough to snag and the 1 from today would have liked another beachhead as well for parts etc guess maybe ill find 1 later I will still continue to collect this line Since I have loved G.I. Joe for almost 40 years ...Hope everybody that didn’t find anything isn’t too bitter and will push for this line to be better stocked distributed etc .. YOOOOO JOE ....
Keep reading: HissTank's G.I. Joe Classified Cobra Island Galleries - Page 2
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