SideShow Crimson Guard

The Crimson Guard is an elite organization under the Cobra Command dedicated to protecting Cobra Commander.

They are often referred to by a phonetic spelling of their organization’s initials, as “Siegies” (in the comics).

I have been impressed with Sideshow's 12" GI Joe line.

So impressed that this line has become a secondary toy line that I collect.

Till date, I have gotten Snake Eyes, Storm Shadow & Cobra Viper.

The Crimson Guard is another iconic & cool looking figure from the GI Joe universe.

Under the GI Joe 3.75" toy line, the Crimson Guard was first released as part of the fourth series (1985). He was also available in 1986 and was discontinued in 1987.

I have always liked the design and feel of the packaging for this line and the packaging here is no different from the other characters from the GI Joe line.

So how does the Crimson Guard fare when blown up to 12" scale.

Hmmmm...I must admit I am not liking the sculpt.

At this scale, the lack of details really shows and makes the overall figure look unrealistic.

Compared to the Cobra Viper, this pales in comparison.

Maybe Sideshow could have added in more details or chrome up certain areas.

To me it just looks bland.

However, I am liking the uniform. The jacket is well made and uses a realistic looking leather material. This adds to the realism of the figure. Attached to the jacket are Affixed Rank and Medal Badges.

The front panel of the jacket can be taken out and re-attached.

Sideshow uses magnet hence making it very easy to put on and take off.

With this function, it also helps to hide the backpack strapes. After you have attached the backpack to the figure, you can just put back the front panel onto the jacket.

Unfortunately at the time of photo taking, I did not realise this hence the the backpack straps are visible in all the photos. 

For weapons, the Crimson Guard comes with one standard issue rifle, a .45 Assault SMG with Folding Stock (with suppressor) and .50 Caliber Automatic Pistol. We also get a couple of magazines for the weapons.

Other items are a bayonet, 2 Flash Bang Grenades & 1 Magnetic Mine.

I like that the bayonet can be attached to the rifle.

There is a left hand drop leg holster in which the .50 Caliber Automatic Pistol can fit into.

Mine was a pretty tight fit and I had to use some force to get it in...please be careful, you don't want to break either the pistol or holster.

There is the standard stand with the Cobra insignia.

With the figure, you get 2 extra pairs of hand and the standard 'stepping' boots which is common issue for Sideshow's GI Joe and Star Wars (trooper) line.

What I really like about the accessories is the backpack.

The scale up version looks really cool.

Not only does it look good, Sideshow went the extra step to make it functional. The backpack actually opens up and you can store all spare ammo clips as well as the grenades inside.

Overall, this is a nice figure to add to my 12" GI Joe collection. I bet it would look good as a platoon of Crimson Guards!

There is an exclusive version which comes with an extra unmasked head sculpt. Nothing to shout about so the non exclusive is good enough for me. 

SideShow Cobra Viper

Vipers are the backbone of the Cobra Legions. They are highly motivated, superbly trained and formidably equipped.
All Vipers are issued a combination of assault rifle/grenade launcher; the rifle part of which can function as a short burst assault weapon, a sustained fire cover support weapon, or a long range sniper rifle with an advanced light-intensification night vision telescopic sign with a built-in range-finder.
Multi-layer body armor and wraparound acrylic/composite helmets with built-in RTO gear are standard issue.

I have always likes Sideshow take on the GI Joe line. If I have enough dough, I definitely would have collected this toy line. Unfortunately, this isn't so, hence I have to be selective. I currently have Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow and the Cobra Viper is another iconic character I just could not pass.

The packaging is no different from the other characters from the GI Joe line.
It has the feel of the old 80's GI Joe design.











I have always like the look of the Cobra Viper with its metallic face plate. Seriously how cool is that. I think Sideshow has done well with this line and have capture the essence of the Cobra Viper.
Since the face of the Viper is covered by a face plate, there is nothing to comment about in terms of facial sculpting but overall the sculpting and details of the helmet is well done. The metallic face plate is also well done and shiny.

The Viper comes with a decent amount of accessories and two rifles. Yeah I love more weapons.
I also like the two water bottles which looks very cool.
It also comes with the standard stand & 'stepping' boots which is common for this line.



All pack up!


Geared up!




Sideshow gives us tones of different insignia & tab which you can attached onto the Viper's uniform by Velcro. I am really pleased with this.
For my Viper, I have chosen 4 insigna which I think stay true to the Cobra Viper.









Overall, I love this figure mainly because I love the design of the Cobra Viper.
COBRA!