For this #SPS, I’m taking a look at one of my favorite figures from the ARAH era, Cobra Commander v3. Although later versions of this figure were available (1997 3 Pack, 2000s Comic Pack, Modern Era), this write-up will focus on the first o-ring version.
This version of Cobra Commander saw significant time represented in Marvel’s G.I.Joe: A Real American Hero comics and in DiC’s 30-minute cartoon, G.I.Joe International Heroes.
On the comics front, the Battle Armor suit was presented to Cobra Commander by a Crimson Guard, Fred VII. Fred would later steal the identity of and steal the role of Cobra Commander himself.
In Cartoons, Cobra Commander made his triumphant return Operation: Dragonfire, bringing G.I.Joe to the next generation of fans. From his mutated form in the G.I.Joe movie to the Commander we know and love, it was a lot of fun to see this version on the big screen, albeit as part of the rather-cringy DiC series.
1987 was such a fun year for G.I.Joe, with so many unique offerings; Cobra Commander v3 was most certainly one of them.
The Commander included a pistol (in black, I’m using a silver one here from the modern era release here), a back pack and a hose that connected to his helmet. What’s interesting to note is the fact that helmets-with-hoses were all the rage in those days, from Cobra Commander to Croc Master, Big Boa to Fast Draw. You can most certainly see why.
CCv3’s armor was silver, with a blue suit underneath, giving off that classic Cobra Vibe. His helmet had a raised Cobra Logo, which was all sorts of cool then as it is now.
All things said and done, the sample you see pictured above is literally the 5th time I’ve added this figure to my collection. I think it’s safe to say that I enjoy it just a bit.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little spotlight on a Series 6 offering. What’s your take on Cobra Commander in Battle Armor? Are you a fan or do you prefer a different look for CC? Share your thoughts in the comments, I’d love to hear’em!
SURVEILLANCE PORT 
As a kid, I did not like this figure, primarily because he didn’t look like the Cobra Commander on TV. And later, when the DiC cartoon aired, I had a other reason to dislike this figure: My distaste for that cartoon (even as a kid) colored my view of the figure.
With the benefit of time, however, this figure has grown on me. I now view this version as an IronMan suit for Cobra Commander, which makes him fearsome in battle with GI Joe. In other words, this figure fills a gap. I can appreciate that.
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Sam, I couldn’t agree more with you about the DiC series. By the time it came out, I had started high school; Although I was still all about G.I.Joe, I couldn’t bring myself to watch the cartoon outside of Operation: Dragonfire. It was just a bit too campy.
As for BACC, my opinion there is somewhat similar to yours, although the main difference I personally have always been fond of this figure.
As you noted, I too loved this version and the idea of a mech suit, as it just made more sense that the Commander would want to protect himself in the midst of battle…or if the occasional transformer showed up to instigate a fight.
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