The G.I. Joe Classified series has been around since 2020. The reimagined line took inspiration from the ’80s Real American Hero G.I. Joes with notes of Modern Warfare. Any slight deviation from the ’80s aesthetic drew criticism from certain corners of the internet.
Cobra Commander was one of the first figures released in 2020. It was a great figure that paid tribute to the original, but it was distinctly its own thing. With each subsequent repaint release, rumours would swirl about why we still weren’t getting the traditional versions of the character.
The most consistent rumour I would hear is that Hasbro would never release a version of Cobra Commander with his hood due to the Klan undertones. I don’t remember Cobra Commander having a pointed hood. Is there some Mandela Effect going on that I’m not aware of? I never heard from any official Hasbro sources; just a Lorenzo di Bonaventura quote from 2009 and people who claimed: “Hasbro isn’t going to put out a figure of a guy in a hood.”
I don’t subscribe to conspiracy theories. I don’t think Hasbro ever had a ban in place. However, I do think they were motivated to release a hooded version of Cobra Commander after seeing the success of BigBadWorkshop’s hooded figures. Leaving money on the table isn’t Hasbro’s style. Right on time for Yo Joe! June, we get a preorder for the highly anticipated Cobra Commander “in dress uniform”.
G.I. Joe Classified Series Deluxe Cobra Commander in Dress Uniform
This Cobra Commander in dress uniform figure contains 9 character-inspired accessory pieces, including staff, knife, 4 alternate hands for striking villainous poses, snake-coiled globe, weapon accessory, and massive snake hood throne; plus removable crown and softgoods cape. Cobra Commander is hatred and evil personified. Corrupt. A man without scruples. Probably the most dangerous man alive!
The throne looks amazing. I would have loved a podium, but maybe we’ll get a President Cobra Commander in the future? The Classified Team has already anticipated the demand of this release and announced a second run will follow next year. I didn’t think I needed another Cobra Commander, but I’d have a hard time turning down a podium for him to spew venom from.
Operation Monster Force Chatsworth
One of my favourite figures that I picked up recently is from the previously mentioned BigBadWorkshop and Fresh Monkey Fiction’s Operation Monster Force line: Chatsworth!
Meet Chatsworth, the most unlikely hero to emerge from the Rocky Mountains! This highly detailed action figure brings to life the legendary Sasquatch, who traded his mountain home for a career in tactical operations. Standing as the sole member of his tribe to venture into modern civilization, Chatsworth combines incredible strength with an unexpectedly gentle heart and a serious weakness for ‘80s TV shows.
Part of the mysterious “Venerable Tribe of the Mountain Folk,” Chatsworth represents one of only 48 remaining individuals of his kind, according to the Bureau of Cryptid-Hominid Affairs. What sets him apart isn’t just his imposing stature, but his unique upbringing on smuggled television broadcasts featuring adventure shows like Highlander and Renegade. This pop culture education shaped his dream of becoming a bounty hunter, ultimately leading to his recruitment by General Brown’s elite tactical team.
Chatsworth isn’t your typical cryptid – he’s a gentle giant with a big heart who loves playing with children and caring for exotic birds. While he possesses incredible physical strength, making him the ultimate heavy gunner and human battering ram, his true passion lies in doing the right thing, sharing laughs with teammates, and belting out karaoke classics.
I adore this figure. I fell in love with him the moment I saw him at Power Con a couple of years ago, and I’m happy to report. The wait was worth it!
Chatsworth isn’t the biggest Bigfoot figure on the market, but he’s certainly the most heavily armed. Chatsworth is right at home on my G.I. Joe Classified shelf when he’s loaded out. While I was only in the market for a Sasquatch figure, the accessories included with the offering take it to the next level. From the delicious donuts and Gatling gun with blast effect to the multiple heads and hands, it’s all top-notch. I was also fortunate enough to score one of the chase figures with a “Born a Renegade” soft goods t-shirt. It’s high quality and fits extremely well.
Chatsworth could be released as a basic figure without all the accessories, and he’d still be a figure-of-the-year contender. Now give me a Disco Yeti for my Disney shelf.