1985 Snow Serpent: Cobra Polar Assault
Includes: AK-47, anti-tank EK99 missile, bipod, survival packs, snow shoes, parachute pack
Action figure image gallery:
Roll over the images below to find out more, or click the images to enlarge them. Photos courtesy of Phillip Donnelly.
Packaging image gallery:
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Filecard information:
File Name: Classified
Primary Military Specialty: Arctic Operations
Secondary Military Specialty: Infantry
Birthplace: Various Countries
Snow Serpents are the Arctic Specialist branch of the Eels (COBRA Frogmen). They must undergo the same rigorous training program as the Eels with the addition of a six month cold weather course somewhere above the Arctic Circle. Other aspects of their training include airborne operations (under arctic conditions), anti-tank procedures and the use of snow-shoes, skis and kayaks.
"If the Eels are the elite of COBRA's naval branch, then the Snow Serpents are the best of the best. How else could you characterize an individual who would parachute onto an ice floe in sub-zero temperatures and then be prepared to march 50 miles with full field pack, assault rifle and anti-tank weapon?"
Primary Military Specialty: Arctic Operations
Secondary Military Specialty: Infantry
Birthplace: Various Countries
Snow Serpents are the Arctic Specialist branch of the Eels (COBRA Frogmen). They must undergo the same rigorous training program as the Eels with the addition of a six month cold weather course somewhere above the Arctic Circle. Other aspects of their training include airborne operations (under arctic conditions), anti-tank procedures and the use of snow-shoes, skis and kayaks.
"If the Eels are the elite of COBRA's naval branch, then the Snow Serpents are the best of the best. How else could you characterize an individual who would parachute onto an ice floe in sub-zero temperatures and then be prepared to march 50 miles with full field pack, assault rifle and anti-tank weapon?"
Creator Commentary
Ron designed Snow Serpent in 1984. Below you can see an earlier sketch (left) and a later sketch (right). You can see how he evolved the character from a "1982 Cobra in winter gear" look into a much more unique figure design. The helmet, mask, and backpack evolved greatly and he added the fur details and snowshoes.
Below you can see the second sketch by Ron Rudat, next to the final presentation art by George Woodbridge.
Once management had bought into the design, Ron would get back to work creating figure sculpture sheets (also know as control art). These sheets showed views from the front and back and from both sides with the arms removed. Once completed, these sheets were shared with the sculptors that were tasked with creating the figures. Ron would work closely with the engineers when working on a vehicle, or with the sculptors when working on a figure, to ensure sure that the final product achieved his vision.
Once the Figure Sculpture Sheets were done and fabrication was underway, Ron would create a figure reference system (also known as a color chart). These charts showed: what color plastic every part of the figure should be molded in, where any logos or patches should be printed, and where spray ops should be applied and what colors to use. These color charts also included pantone samples and a column for comments/revisions. These charts were created to help guide the manufacturing partners in the Orient and were incredibility detailed to help avoid mistakes. Before sending anything out Ron would work with costing people to make sure he was within budget.
