Distribution on these is really, really terrible, even for Hasbro, that's part of the reason they're scarce. They're not really reissues, they're new molds with double knee and elbow joints, mid-torso joints, ball joint necks, etc. I've been tempted to buy some, but I really can't branch out into a million different things to collect...

I bought the "Cobra Legion" 5 pack today and I'm largely impressed. It includes faceplate Cobra Commander repainted in black with silver and gold detailing, Storm Shadow in his Valor Vs. Venom deco, a Cobra Trooper, a Stinger Driver, and a jet pack Trooper.


Cobra Commander:
The commander is really nice looking in what I guess would be his "Parade" uniform, has a pistol modeled after the original's which can holster on his back and a removable helmet. The only thing that sucks about him is the fact that his left hand is permanently clenched in a fist. Good for shaking at Joes or making triumphant gestures, but can't hold a gun.

Cobra Troopers:
The Trooper, Stinger Driver and Jet Trooper are all the same mold, but have enough paint and (in the Jet Trooper's case) accessory differences to make them cool in their own way. They each have removable helmets (the Jet Trooper has two, a gas-mask deal for flying and also a regular infantry one), rifles, and combat knives that can be sheathed on their left thighs. The Jet Trooper also has a jet pack (dur) and what can only be a flamethrower as a hand weapon which attaches via hose to the fuel tanks. The best thing about him though is that if you have a certain Boba Fett figure, the Trooper's jetpack plugs into the column of flame that came with Boba. The result? Your Jet Trooper is now blasting off! Sweet. (Obviously I have said Fett.)

Storm Shadow:
Storm Shadow is really nice as well. Not a classic costume, but still a very nice one, I especially like the cobra logo draped across the front of his mask so the Cobra's hood runs down over his eyes. He comes with a bow, a long katana and a slightly shorter one, plus a small dagger that fits in his belt. His backpack has sheaths for his swords and a quiver of arrows. I haven't mentioned it in the other sections, but each figure sports about 16 points of articulation including double-jointed knees and elbows and ball-jointed necks. This is especially nifty for a ninja, since you can get some really cool poses out of him.

Logo, Packaging, Stands:
Included with set is a large plastic Cobra logo which plays two Cobra oriented clips of the opening theme from the movie (you know, "Cobra! COBRA! Cobra! COBRA!") The best thing about it however is the large on/off switch on the back. I hate sound effects that can't be toggled on and off, I usually just take out the batteries of anything with sounds effects. The packaging is absolutely beautiful, reflective silver cover with art of the Commander making an angry fist on the left, "Cobra Legion" and a Cobra logo on the right and the 25th anniversary logo towards the top. The flip-up panel has art for each of the included characters styled like the 80's card art and their names, below that is the actual bubble containing the figures. There are actually instructions printed on the bottom of the box telling you how to carefully cut free and remove each piece without damaging it so you could put it all back together again for display if you wanted. The figures are packed (from right to left) Storm Shadow, Cobra Trooper, cardboard Cobra banner on pole, Cobra Commander raised up higher than the others in front of the Cobra base piece, another cardboard banner, Stinger Driver, Jet Trooper. Behind the bubble is a cardboard insert showing legions of Red Ninjas, Crimson Guardsmen (led by Tomax and Zamot), Cobra Troopers, Stinger Drivers and Jet Troopers. Finally, the back and sides of the box are a collage of Cobra soldiers, vehicles and command personnel taken from the comics, card art and cartoon with a text blurb about Cobra in the middle. The figures also each come with a black stand featuring a sculpted Cobra logo in middle and the character's name printed in white on the front edge (almost exactly like the recent Star Wars stands.)

Overall, this is a very, very nice set for not a lot of money. There are a few minor annoyances, the troopers can't hold their rifles with both hands without looking a bit awkward because of their elbow joints, the Commander's hand is a little too loose to hold his pistol tight, etc. I'm still all for it though, it's worth the $25.