Code Name: FRAG-VIPER

The original ARAH Frag-Viper was released in 1989. I don't know if it's just a coincidence or was Hasbro's marketing scheme, but to me, the original Frag-Viper bears a remarkable resemblance to the Predator from the 1987 film Predator. Given that in 1988 (just one year after Predator's release) Hasbro also produced a grenadier (Hard Ball) and heavy-cam (Repeater) troopers, I just can't help but think that Hasbro was riding on the coattails of the success of Predator.



For my Frag-Viper, I got completely away from the Predator-looking head and yellow-brown tights with that goofy looking "Scoop Ball" weapon. Yes, I've taken the Frag-Viper back to the basics; back to the post popular Cobra design of all -- the "blue shirt!"

That's right! Since 1989 there have only been THREE (count them - THREE) Predator-esque Frag-Vipers. Yet since 1982, there have anywhere from THIRTY to FIFTY (or more - counting "Python Patrol" and "Night Forces") "Blue Shirt" Cobras produced. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

Again, this is another simple parts swap and repaint. I used a POC/50th Viper upper body with the head, helmet, and hands of a POC/50th Cobra trooper stading with the legs from the 50th 3pk female Cobra Officer (the ones with the snazzy explosive attachment). So, between a multi-shot grenade launcher, a couple of grenades on the web gear, and some explosives attached to the leg; this Frag-Viper has got your indirect artillery and demolitions covered!!

Using the 50th female Cobra officer legs wasn't that big of a sacrifice as some might imagine. In my "Joeverse," there are no female Cobra troopers, except for the Baroness (Zarana doesn't count because the Dreadnoks are more like hired thugs). I think having the Baroness as the only female in the Cobra Legion really adds emphasis to her role as a Cobra Leader. Besides that 50th 3pk female Cobra Officer looks too much like "Bishop" from NCIS!

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