Funskool Toxo Viper

Funskool Toxo Viper GI Joe Cobra ARAHThis figure is what makes Funskool figures fun to me. You take an already good figure like the V1 Toxo Viper, put it in the V2 Toxo Viper’s colors and have an even better figure. It’s interesting as a novelty collectible and as an upgrade to the vintage figure.

The V1 Toxo Viper was a unique and interesting entry into the Cobra hierarchy, though I feel his near pink color coupled with teal bits held the figure back some. Later versions improved on this, but didn’t have the same charm as the V1 sculpt. Only this Funkool version has the best of both worlds with good colors and the original sculpt. I even think the green backpack fits with the figure, despite that I’m not usually a fan of brightly colored parts.

Mind you, you still have all the flaws associated with Funskool figures. Inconsistent quality control and poor plastic quality being mainly that. The Toxo Viper doesn’t seem to have paint that is as generally poor as other Funskool figures, so at least there’s that.

Back when these were cheap, it really was a must-have of what Funskool produced. It’s sad however, so many of these figures have attained value they really aren’t worth now. These guys now routinely go for $10 to $15, which despite my appreciation for them, I really can’t say Funskool quality is worth that much. They are cool novelties and collectibles, but not something I really think is worth a fortune (excluding the incredibly rare figures like blue Snake Eyes).

1991 Toxo Viper

Toxo-Viper Sludge Viper Eco Warriors GI Joe Cobra ARAH vintageI’ve always been a big fan of both Toxo Vipers and the Eco Warriors. While the original is a classic, this one is an improvement in ways. I like the colors better on this figure, and it’s much less clunky feeling. I do think the original had a nicer backpack, and the helmet just looked good too. I suppose both are nice in different ways.

Though on the topic of Toxo Vipers, the Funskool version uses the original sculpt in colors closer to these. I should take a shot of that one sometime.