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09/14/2008 Target Exclusive Hasbro GI Joe Cobra Rattler Jet review

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There are a lot of bombs and missiles - just like the original. Some of them do have stickers that need applied to them. They have changed ever so slightly from the originals but not enough that I care or really notice. I suspect child safety laws probably had something to do with that. All the ordinance stays put in place on mine and I didn't have the problem of loose dropping bombs when I didn't want them to.

One major flaw with the original toy is the landing gear are prone to breakage. The plastic didn't hold up very well to the repeated movement of the gears - especially over the years - and many vintage Rattlers have either broken off landing gear or ones with stress marks. It is hard to get a mint example.

These new landing gear feel much more durable and of a stronger plastic. I don't think we will see nearly the breakage rates with this one compared to the vintage plane.

The vertical take off and landing ability of the original remains. The wings rotate with little effort but don't flop around either.

The two battle damaged panels are also included with this new version. I tend not to use these when displaying my Rattlers.

And the gunner position cockpit glass is back. This was another place with high breakage on the original. This one once again feels much more durable and should hold up better to play wear.

I love this toy at every angle. It is everything I want in a Cobra vehicle for my 25th GI Joes.

The engine covers will come off as well.

This is a Target exclusive and I suspect this might be difficult to find in some areas. Be patient, you should be able to find it with a little work (if you have a Target near by of course). It cost me $24.99 which in the age of $7 individual Joes, doesn't seem to be that bad of a deal - I was actually quite happy with the price.

I am giving this figure a **** 1/2 out of five star rating. It is an awesome toy but I am marking it a down a 1/2 star from being perfect for all the work I had to put into the application of a ton of stickers. Most importantly I am marking it down a bit because it is a store exclusive. Something this iconic in the Cobra army deserved a larger release. I suspect there will be several collectors who will never have the opportunity to buy this at retail.

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