From 2002, this is Shock Viper.

There rare example of a head-to-toe repaint that is an improvement of its original use, Cobra's Shock Viper figure was originally Ice Cream Soldier of the GI Joe team.

To alter the look even further from that of Ice Cream Soldier, I've reworked the helmet a bit. The faceplate is different, showing the face underneath, and there's a breathing hose added to the back of the helmet. The thigh rings are still there, but now as supports for pouches, which probably hold the incendiary devices a Shock Viper would use to start fires. The last change was keeping the trousers untucked, to make the uniform look more like firefighter turnout gear.

Unlike many of the other Every Joe pieces, this one isn't just placed "in front of" a background. The bits of burning ember or ash or whatever they are (swirling around the Shock Viper's legs), are actually reflected on the helmet visor.

As I worked on this piece, I realized that the pose is very similar to a GI Joe cover featuring a wounded Gung-Ho. This isn't intended as a "tribute" piece, and I didn't copy the Mike Zeck drawing. Just a happy coincidence. There are only so many ways people can hold guns in macho poses.

nice!

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Thanks!

Love it. One of my favorite Cobras, too.

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