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A Viper is the code-name given to a large majority of the soldiers/troops in the Cobra Organization, which are found in the G.I. Joe A Real American Hero universe. For the most part the code name Viper is followed or preceded by their area of expertise. The first figure to receive the designation Viper was the Viper Pilot (included with the Cobra Viper Attack Glider) in 1983.[1] Beginning in 1986, most Cobra troops began adding the code name Viper. However in 1985 Hasbro released the Tele-Viper (Cobra Communications)[2] alongside other Cobra troops without the Viper designation such as the Snow Serpent (Cobra Polar Assault)[3] and the Eel (Cobra Frogman).[4] But for the most part since then, Cobra Troops, including drivers/pilots, have had the Viper code name attached to their area of expertise. The Cobra Soldier figure was the standard infantry trooper for Cobra,[5] until 1986 when Hasbro released the Cobra Viper figure.[6] The Viper's uniform featured a black flak jacket and a mirrored mask that resembled the battle mask worn by Cobra Commander.[7][6] This figure was later released both as part of the Python Patrol and Sonic Fighters sub-lines of G.I. Joe in alternate colors.[8][9] In 1994 a new standard infantry Viper figure was released with an all-new look (purple armor with gas mask).[10] In the G.I. Joe comic book series published by Marvel this version of the Viper was portrayed as being a yellow/gold color.[11] This new uniform did not last long however and Cobra has since returned to the more familiar Viper look for its standard Vipers.
[edit] List of Viper Variations
It should be noted that the Ice and Hydro-Vipers are actually part of the Cobra Eels/Snow Serpents.[12][13] How it is that these troops are "Vipers" and yet part of a non-Viper unit has never been explained by Hasbro. [edit] Python PatrolPython Patrol is a codename given to a subgroup of Vipers and other Cobra troops whose uniforms have undergone the "pythonization" process.[14] This renders their uniforms immune to radar and other forms of electronic detection. The unit has been led by both Copperhead and Major Bludd. In one instance, Zarana leads a unit on an attack on G.I. Joe's headquarters, the Pit. [edit] Vipers in Python Patrol
[edit] Others[edit] Night StalkersThe Night Stalkers are a cadre of female Cobra Vipers recruited to serve as a commando force to strike at various installations. Since their body frames are lighter, they don't need to carry a lot of military gear or body armor.[15] [edit] ConfusionEver since Hasbro released the standard Viper in 1986 there has been some confusion as to what the Vipers' purpose is within the Cobra Command as opposed to that of the basic Cobra Troopers. Both characters are listed as being "Infantry" and as being at the bottom of the Cobra hierarchy. In 1998 Hasbro released a "Cobra Infantry Team" 3-pack in in which both the Cobra Troopers and Officer were simply repaints of the 1986 Cobra Viper.[16] While this may suggest to some that Vipers and Troopers are indeed the same thing, the filecard suggests otherwise: "The Cobra Troopers are the most basic, bottom-of-the-barrel soldiers in the Cobra regime. They have to work their way up to even become Vipers".[17] This text would be repeated on further filecards included with Cobra Trooper figures.[18] [edit] References
[edit] See also[edit] External links
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