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Research and Ideation (or Sketching)
This "Officer" illustration was signed and dated September 3rd, 1981 by Ron Rudat. Ron labeled rank markings on his left upper arm and shoulder, explosives and cartridge pouches on his chest, gloves on his hands, a fancy knife like the Commanders on his left thigh, and a modified AKM. He did not illustrate or call out the rank on his helmet, this must've been a later addition. It is interesting to note the differences between the AKM shown here and the AK-47 we received. The AK-47 (officially known as the Avtomat Kalashnikova) is a gas-operated assault rifle that is chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge. It was developed in the Soviet Union by Russian small-arms designer Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1948. The AKM variant of the AK-47 was developed by Mikhail Kalashnikov and introduced into service with the Soviet Army in 1959. The AKM features detail improvements and some parts and assemblies were revised to optimize the rifle for mass production using simplified manufacturing methods.
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Creator Commentary:
Kirk Bozigian (G.I. Joe Product Manager) and Ron Rudat (R&D Figure Designer) discuss how the idea for a ruthless terrorist organization known as Cobra came to be, designing the figures, and the wildly successful Cobra Commander promotion.
Unadorned Package Art
The painting above was created by Coleman, Lipuma, Segal & Morrill, Inc. (CLS&M) with art direction by Ed Morrill and illustration by Hector Garrido. Note the red Cobra logo, which was changed to silver before mass production.
A proof card (or proof) is an early printing of an action figure card back. These were used as a quality control to verify the card back is correct and to create mock ups for bubble placement and advertising pieces. Some proofs are printed on slightly thinner cardstock and others are found on production quality card stock. Proof cards can be found as a front side with a blank back, a back side with a blank front, or printed on both sides. All proofs are printed on a big sheet and individually cut. Examples have been found that are die cut by a machine or hand cut by a person.
This double sided, thick cardstock, die cut proof card features the 1984 "with swivel-arm battle grip!" callout graphic. Cobra Officer was available at retail in the US from 1982-1984.
This double sided, thick cardstock, die cut proof card features the 1984 "with swivel-arm battle grip!" callout graphic. Cobra Officer was available at retail in the US from 1982-1984.
Production: 1982 Cobra Officer: The Enemy v1 (straight-arm)
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Includes: AK-47 assault rifle
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