Head: Master Gunzz cast Fast Blast Viper

Helmet: Master Gunzz cast Snow Serpent helmet

Torso: Corps!

Arms, waist, legs: Valor vs. Venom Single pack Ace (with sculpted mods to legs).

Backpack and rifle: Misc. new sculpt Joe figures.

In my book, the vintage Snow Serpent figure is one of the best action figures of all time. From its visual design, to the number and variety of accessories, to the description of the character on the file card, this figure is the epitome of everything a boy's action figure should be. I can remember buying my one and only childhood Snow Serpent, opening him in the car, and being inspired in a way that no other figure had evoked since Boba Fett arrived in the mail a few years prior. Finally, Cobra had a trooper with the skills to take on the Joes - not a scrawny melon-headed blue shirt, but a bona fide Special Forces operative. This was a soldier who could go toe to toe with the likes of Snow Job or Torpedo in the harshest environments and have a chance of actually winning. Like the Eels (which I bought on the same night) this meant new, more challenging adventures in more exotic locations. Instead of the same ragged Enemy figure for any and all scenarios, there would be new and decidedly more dangerous opponents, with the gear and deadly looks to back them up.

In that tradition, I've wanted to make an update to the vintage Snow Serpent for a long time. When Hasbro's Joe vs. Cobra and Spy Troops releases weren't quite up to par, I decided it was time to make my own. This figure came about when I was looking for parts I could use that would allow for a fully poseable figure, while keeping the spirit of the original design. Once I settled on gray-suited Ace and the oft-maligned Corps! torso, it was just a matter of paint and a few sculpted mods to the legs. Since my goal was to retain the overall look and feel of the original figure, most of the decisions were already made. Matching the gray color to the factory molded parts was a challenge, and since I wanted the figure to retain its full articulation, I ultimately I had to make the colors darker than those on the vintage design The result is smoothly painted however, just different enough to be represent another rank or function, and most importantly, there's no worries of chipping at his joints.

The helmet is one of the most defining aspects of the Snow Serpent, and using parts provided by custom caster, Master Gunzz, I was able to tie the figure to the vintage look, with the added versatility of the removable helmet. This had the bonus of making the figure's eyes visible, giving him more individuality, and immediately promoting him to officer status. After that, he just needed a cold, ruthless sounding name. Krag, seemed to fit, and was a nice reference to the icy mountains and floes where the character would most often operate.

I enjoyed working on this figure immensely and plan to do more with the Snow Serpents as time and materials permit.