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Hasbro GI JOE Classified Series Cobra Pimp Daddy Destro Review

GI JOE Classified Cobra Pimp Daddy Destro 

It's been a long time since we had new GI JOE figures from Hasbro in our hands, but its starting to look like it was worth the wait. I've been picking up the majority of the 6" classified series, but right now I think Pimp Daddy Destro is my favorite in the current line.  Now this isn't the same level of figure we are used to reviewing with the $23 price tag, but it doesn't matter its a great figure. Hasbro released the original deco Destro in wave 1, but I'm really happy they went with this repaint for him.  Lets take a closer look at what Hasbro is offering us now in the 6" scale. 

The Part of My Toy Collection I Can Display - GI JOE COBRA TRANSFORMERS MEZCO NECA HOT TOYS SIDESHOW

Check out my latest video

New Netflix Series: "The Toys That Made US" is every 80's Kids Dream Come True

Have you heard about the new Netflix series "The Toys That Made Us" yet? Well if you haven't be sure to get it on your radar. 

A Sneak Peak Into the G.I. JOE Room

We will let the video speak for itself, but here is a quick sneak peak at a big part of Steve's vintage G.I. JOE ARAH collection. Enjoy!

Feel free to chat with us on Twitter @cobrashadowjoes

Customizing 101

Customizing

NECA Snake Plissken Custom Bat

I think anyone who collects at least thinks about the idea of customizing or actually does customizing to their figures or makes dioramas, etc.  Doing any type of customizing takes planning, time, patience, and so much more.  I really started custom painting when I was a kid. I started with various things such as models, green army men, and even the occasional GI Joe figure.  Over the past 10 years I have become much more involved with the process and it continues to be the best part about the hobby for me.  I love to do things that are hands-on.

Custom GI JOE Sideshow Law Helmet 

How about you? Does the idea of customizing interest you?  What are some of the best ways to start your own diorama or your own paint scheme or figure?  Today I am going to share some of my personal tips and tricks to making these things happen.  You might think you don't have the right items you want/need to start a customization, but all you need to do is look around your house and you will find lots of things that you will need before spending any money at the store.  

Some items that could be used for dioramas are things such as cans, paper rolls, plastic strips, nails, wood, just to name a few. I could keep going, but the point is you can dig around your house to find some good stuff. The possibilities are endless. Just use your imagination.

 It sounds simple, but the first thing to do before anything else is to come up with an idea.  Some times that can actually be the toughest part. Do you have an idea of what you want to paint, sculpt, or build?  I suggest you sketch out your idea first which will allow you to tinker with the idea.  Whether it will be for a figure or diorama, you want to know your complete vision before you start your work.  

OK, so now you have your sketch of your idea of what you want to create.  This really simplifies the process and helps you visualize what you want to make. For instance, I wanted to create a brick wall for my figures as a backdrop but also wanted it to look as good as possible.  First, I started with some foam board and measured out precise 1" lines to offset the bricks so they would look in line.  After doing this, I used the butt end of a brush to indent the lines into the foam board to give it a more realistic look.  After I did this, I painted over the foam to give it more detail.  I liked it, but I thought I could do even better.  I decided to take foam bricks and cut them into pieces and glue them to a piece of thick foam.  Once I was able to glue the foam to the wall I was able to customize the wall to my liking.  I generally use cheap paint you can buy at a Walmart to paint my backdrops with.  It's fabric paint (I can't remember the name off the top of my head), but it works well for diorama paint. 

 I usually use model paint for figure customs and seal with a matte finish spray.  This can be a much harder process as you are painting small details and small areas.  Some things to help with this are toothpicks, tweezers, paper clips, etc… these items help get a little bit of paint in tiny areas. These are just some of the little tips that I learned from my dad when we used to build models when I was a kid.

Please let us know if you have any questions about customizing!! 

Make sure to follow us on Twitter @cobrashadowjoes

Merry Christmas from COBRASHADOWJOES!

COBRASHADOWJOES Christmas Giveaway!!!

NECA Elder V2, NECA NES Freddy, Data-Viper, Red Ninja, Cobrashadowjoes T-Shirt

It's Christmas time and COBRASHADOWJOES wants to spread the JOY!  We are going to be giving away a few cool items over the next month that you will not want to miss out on!  Do you like GI JOE, NECA, or how about an awesome COBRASHADOWJOES T-Shirt?  Well, stay tuned because it's going to happen and a few lucky people will be getting one of these!

To kick things off we are giving away one of our COBRASHADOWJOES T-Shirts! It comes in a nice army green color with our logo!!! We will also be giving away a NECA Elder Predator V2, NECA NES Freddy, Data-Viper, and Red Ninja!!

***Want to enter???? All you have to do is leave a comment on this thread with your name, Twitter handle or email address (if you don't have Twitter), AND a short reason on why you deserve a Xmas gift and why you love toys and collecting. If you follow us on Twitter keep an eye out for more announcements and be sure to RT our Christmas giveaways! Our first winner will be announced Christmas Night, and last through the month!

Thanks and Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays (and good luck) from COBRASHADOWJOES!

***As much as we would like to offer this to everyone, winners can only be from US and Canada. You can only qualify to win 1 item***

Born 1981

            I was lucky enough to be born in the 80’s when toys were great.  The first toy I can remember getting was a Super Powers Batman.  Shortly after I had Flash, Robin, Aquaman, etc… I bring this up because I remember the joy of getting them and playing with them.  Over time I collected stompers, hot wheels, micro machines, super powers, GI JOE, transformers, construx, legos, crash dummies, TMNT, tyco cars and tracks, army men, GUTS and much more. My father and I would build Monogram WWII planes on the weekends as he taught me how to paint. Vivid memories of the past and the reasons I collect today.

 

Christmas 1985 He Man Roboto with DAD

            I think one of the best things about being a collector is you get to hear everyone’s childhood memories like mine. I wanted to post this to hear your stories, of your childhood memories of getting that first toy or searching everywhere to get it. What were you able to keep from your childhood, and what is now sadly long gone.

Thank you MOM!

My mom found this in the attic not long ago and it's in mint shape! Thanks MOM!

 

1987 GI JOE Sleeping bag

Who had this sleeping bag growing up?

KRE-O COBRA Army

I wanted to post this pic because I've had a ton of requests for KREO. The series 1 stuff has become hard to find! This pic was taken months ago and I have so much more now!!

COBRA!!!!

Alley Viper, Crimson Guard and many more!

What do you think of the KREO'S??

Snake Eyes VS Zombie Vipers

Hey everyone, I recently took some pics of some Zombie Vipers battling Snake Eyes. Let me know what you think!

A lot of these are close up pics

What do you think?  Do you like the Zombie Vipers?

New Setup -- Cobra Layout

Terror Drome Island!

Well I'm back to post my new setup. Still in the process of trying to find a new house so can only display so much with a lot stored. Let me know what you think, posting a lot of pics!

I would really like some ideas of what people want to see. There is a good chance I could make it or have it. Enjoy the pictures!

All the figures are doubles for display. I would love to load them up with Vipers, BATS, and Crimson Guards but I think it would be to much clutter. 

GI JOE Dragonfly

The GI JOE DRAGONFLY!!

The Dragonfly is one of the coolest toy helicopters ever made. It's very similar to a real Twin Cobra helicopter. I have 6 of mine showing in these pics with 2 of them having red missle sets like in the cartoon. 

There are a few easily broke/bent parts on these so it's taken a little time to build up my squad. My brother received one for Xmas when I was young and I loved playing with it. I currently don't have the tan version but hope to get one soon. 

How does the Dragonfly rank in your GI JOE world? 

Custom Cobra Death Squad

I created these figures over the past few years. I wish I had more time to do it. Some have more customization than others, but I think they look cool. I also took some pics of a Jungle Viper I did. Let me know what you think and if you have any questions!

More to come!!