HCC788 - 1985 CRIMSON GUARD - Cobra Elite Trooper- Vintage G.I. Joe toy review!

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Special Thanks to:
Geoff Adams, Sean Dowling, Jason Galligan, Droidwhisperer,
Jeff Mills (Biggypines), Ryan Wagner, James Swindell, Brian Zahn,
Byron Kellogg, Michael Johnson, Ben Penserga, Mike Smith,
Tyler Levens, Shaun Drefahl, Raz Holly, David Tejerina,
William J. Stelmack, Philip Hanks, Todd Humphrey, Kurt Kesler,
Martin Day, Venetian Snares, Magnus Lauglo, Mike Murdock,
Daryl Beck, Chris Piers, Brad Williams, Troy Smith,
Hector M. Martimez, Brandon Knight, David Fitchner,
Mark Taylor, John Logan, Judson Mabee, Donald Koehne, Brent McMillan,
Dennis Pederso, Abomb Justice of the Clan MacDonald, Hikaru,
C.S. "Chuckles" McKee, Chris Lucero, Ryan Little, Jason Malvuccio,
Jason Youngberg, Jeffrey Sharp, Gazz, steve, Bradley A. Good.
Robert Hawkins, dacca, the baron, Chris Mc.83, William Phillip,
Robert Bone, William Phillips, Lachlan McLeod, Joseph C. Melli
Sources and Information:
Crimson Guard on YoJoe.com
www.yojoe.com/action/85/crims...
Crimson Guard on 3DJoes.com:
www.3djoes.com/crimson-guard.html
Ultimate Guide to G.I. Joe, 1982-1994, 3rd ed, Mark Bellomo,
Krause Publications, 2018, 96
Crimson Guard on halfbattle.com:
www.halfbattle.com/crimsonguar...
Crimson Guard v10 on YoJoe.com:
www.yojoe.com/action/08/crims...
Crimson Guard on Joepedia:
gijoe.wikia.com/wiki/Crimson_G...)
Fred on JMM's G.I. Joe Comics Home Page:
Fred I:
www.myuselessknowledge.com/joe...
Fred II:
www.myuselessknowledge.com/joe...
Fred LXV:
www.myuselessknowledge.com/joe...
Fred VII
www.myuselessknowledge.com/joe...
Crimson Guard on Wikipedia.com:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimson...
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero by Marvel Comics
G.I. Joe animated series produced by Sunbow
G.I. Joe: Order of Battle published by Marvel Comics
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
Music:
Chipper, Big Rock, Satiate - only strings
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons:
By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
Elephants by Huma-Huma
G. I. Joe is (c) Hasbro.
All copyrighted material is used for the purpose of
comment and criticism, which constitutes a fair use
of such material.
This video is (c) Bryan Lower.

[@HCC788]

ERRATA: Cobra Commander v3 has an empty pistol holster on his left leg, not a pistol. The text overlay for Crimson Guard v9 and v10 are reversed. The description provided in the video is correct.

[@Shirtsaysshirt]

This is up there with your best of reviews. Keep the passion alive HCC!

[@rowankole3412]

Pro tip : watch series on kaldroStream. Been using them for watching lots of of movies these days.

[@estebannicolas78]

@Rowan Kole Yea, I have been using Kaldrostream for months myself :)

[@ariantoby7359]

@Rowan Kole yea, I've been watching on kaldrostream for years myself =)

[@emmanuelmaxim7566]

@Rowan Kole yea, have been watching on Kaldrostream for since december myself :D

[@slycooze150]

Crimson Guard was one of my favourites! Loved the colour, look and accessories. The fact that evil people could be living in your own neighbourhood as a part of a secret elite group was a great concept.

[@christianhafer9819]

Agreed.

[@gyroscopicjester5454]

It's very reminiscent of the "Red Scare," especially due to their coloring

[@82SSchultz]

Back when I was a kid I was only old enough for GI Joe after they stopped producing these. For several years I wanted one so bad, having seen them in the cartoon show, but in those days before the internet we all know how hard that was to do. Finally, my older brother heard one of his classmates had one and he traded his favorite comic book for it to give to me for no special reason, which to this day was the best gift I have ever received. Unfortunately, he passed away six years ago and I have bought the Sideshow Crimson Guard and gave it to his son, who is now almost eight, to tell him the story of what his father did. My nephew is also slowly receiving the entire GI Joe collection my brother and I had as my parents kept all our toys over the years. The 1985 Crimson Guard will always have a special place in my heart for obvious reasons. Thanks for this video, as well as all the others you have done.

[@soterioncoil2163]

Thank you for sharing your story! I never did get my most wanted figures back before eBay which were Scarlett and Snake-Eyes.

[@TheToyBoy1978]

Thats a very touching story my friend.

[@nickdeth24]

That's a lovely story. My GI Joe's mean a lot to me too - all tied up with memories. My 4 year old loves them too. I don't think kids now have a toyline as deep and addictive as this was to us.

[@MUMSUniverse]

❤

[@DanielR-db2ex]

I don't think there's a bad Crimson Guard figure in the original line but man, that Crimson Guard Commander. Growing up, I always thought he looked like a new version of B.A.T.S. Still do actually.

[@professord8888]

Absolutely loved this figure as a kid--the Eel too--so much detail. Both among my first Cobra figures.

[@MADSAHAD]

The Crimson Guard and the Alley Vipers were the BEST!!!!

[@Sammydx1]

1986 was a little bit to early for me. I was only 6. But !! 1989 ohhhh man. Python Patrol was a troop builder !!! Absolutely great year

[@DarthBrtt]

I believe the Crimson Guard Immortal is basically a regular CG but updated. Reason being is that on the back of the '91 cards he is simply listed as 'Crimson Guard'. Which makes me think Hasbro possibly added the "Immortal" part late into production as a way of making him stand out from the '85 figure. But who knows!

[@christianhafer9819]

I know sellers who sell only file cards. Crimson Guards are definitely a top 10, top tier figure. Fantastic. I have two of them so far.

[@cobra-emperor6starwars665]

that was one of my favorite action figures

[@torritaite2880]

Invader6 DarklordCobra66 Wish I had it when I had the chance.

[@ForburyLion]

V1 Crimson Guard was one of my favourite figures. It used to remind me of the red shadows.

[@turtle-tank8231]

Love The Crimson Guards and The Crimson Guard Immortal's I always wanted them

[@KB-gj5tr]

Now that HCC has moved on, I wish I could like this video (and his many vids) more than once! I (we) will miss you, understand why the life changes have to happen, and wish you the best! Thank you for everything over the many years!!! Kris

[@thestaz8564]

that secret Cobra sign LOL epic

[@donpaulandrews]

@HCC788 : The original Battle Armor Cobra Commander figure was not the imposter, he is the real Cobra Commander. The best of the best of the Crimson Guard were called the Fred Series. They elected to have plastic surgery and change there names to be duplicates of Cobra Commander himself, who is the one true Fred Broca. To back up what I said, as that Crimson Guardsman is plucking Cobra Commander from the ground, notice the hair color and style of Cobra Commander and the Fred Series Crimson Guard

[@rtd1409]

YES! I love this figure and always cherished since I got mine in 1985 that I always have taken amazingly good care of and the silver paint is clear as day 1 when I got him on Hollywood Blvd at a old small toy store long gone. Having learned a lot about WWII growing up around my Grandfather and others who was there I picked up an idea of where Larry Hama drew his designs for the Crimson Guard and aspects of Cobra itself. I will leave it at that.

[@hneugiii1245]

In the cartoon the Crimson Guard are not entirely loyal to CC. In Arise Serpentor Arise at one point they turn on CC when he orders them to arrest Mindbender. As a kid I only had the Python Patrol version. For my kids I picked up a bunch of V6 with the removable helmets for a nice size squad.

[@rickdavis32]

The file card for the crimson guard officer,said they were corporate soldiers who were fiercely loyal to cobra.

[@TerryTurner]

Great opening intro, just as I imagine the Crimson Guard would do when they meet one another. 👍😎

[@leeprice2849]

They would definitely be officers if they all had College degrees. In the Gi Joe movie a Guard punches the TV camera in the opening credits that's on a battle field.

[@SylentEcho]

I really liked the 25th Anniversary version of these guys, especially because of the removable helmet.

[@new2vero2]

Great ( as usual) I enjoyed the modern versions as well. I also have the direct to consumer one . Such an iconic figure in GIJOE and involved in great storylines... The CGs infiltration really had an impact in the Cobra World Order Story in modern GIJOE Issue 219-225.. Really showed how they almost took down the world from the inside

[@lazarus30001]

I did not know that the Crimson Guards had dedicated vehicles; awesome new fact;-)

[@MrKersey]

This was and still is one of the top Cobra characters. I don't know who designed their appearance, but Crimson Guards look awesome! Uhlan-like double-breasted uniform gives them regal, almost ceremonial look and very interesting and futuristic helmet completes the appearance worthy of the Cobra's most elite unit. What still puzzles me is why did Hasbro opted to paint the faceplate black instead of silver/blurred glass, like it was in the comics and animated show. Just like with almost all other figures from the G.I. Joe line, Crimson Guard got various incarnations too, but 1985 is still my favorite. Thanks for another brilliant review, HCC, wish you a great Chirstmas and all the best to you and your familly and to everyone here as well!

[@f.d.english5080]

I remember... was 13 , went to Service Merchandise, they just filled the pegs and got a Crimson Guard and..............V1 STORM SHADOW !!!!!!!!!! I collect 25th Anniversary figs and Crimson Guard is my favorite

[@Cheezy006]

The Crimson guard, The Emperor’s guard, the King’s (Formerly Queen’s) guard. All red and they look dapper!!!!

[@dirus3142]

The Crimson Guardsmen figure is one of the best figures for Cobra. I agree with HCC, I've always seen the guardsmen as elite special troops of Cobra Commander himself. Similar to the SS, and the Star Wars Imperial Guard. I could see them doing jobs like Cobra secret internal police, intelligence, and special infiltration units. The special forces of a rogue terrorist state that is Cobra. The troopers are just that. Regular grunts that have their own jobs with in a squad or platoon of soldiers. Vipers are door kickers with advanced training. They also specialize, arctic/mountaineering (snow viper), night fighting (night viper), communications / surveillance (tela viper) and amphibious commandos (eels). Any individual characters, like Major Blud, or Scrap Iron would command the over all force, or a special unit with in. Looking over the file cards, and comic stories written by Hama now, I see that he really played fast and loose with ideas. A lot of it does not fit logically. Even if the seed of the ideas are interesting. If you were to do it over again I can see a lot of room for more polish. No idea why a Guardsmen would use an M1 Garand. IT is the best combat rifle out of WW2, but it's not some thing that would be used in the 80s and 90s.

[@jodyfouse4887]

Ggs were always one of my favorites......I mean they're the E-4 mafia of cobra

[@jasonkerest394]

Great review! When I played G.I Joe as a kid , I pretended that the Cobra Legions (army builders) where their own individuals when I first got them and joined Cobra for their own nefarious reasons. So when I got G.I. Joe #43 and read that the Crimson Guard was an old war buddy of Snake-Eyes & Stalker, I thought "Someone tapped into my brain and stole my idea." Or more accurately, I arrived to the same ideas the writers did on my own. Issue #43 was an emotional turning point for me because it spoke of the Vietnam War in a very real way which was hushed about among my parents and their generation. I had a school friend named David that asked me when I was in the 4th grade why I still liked and collected G.I. Joe (this was 1986-87 school year btw) when other classmates ridiculed me for liking it. I loaned him issue #43 and he liked it and took my side. David then shared with me how he was an Army brat and told me how living in Berlin during the Cold War was a very scary place. He thought the cartoons were still kid stuff, and while I didn't articulate it well at the time I said as much that the 2nd season left much to be desired and liked the Transformers season 3 more. I've come to believe in hindsight that the 2nd season was a forewarning of the coming of Cobra-La.

[@rickdavis32]

Thank you,I feel like the only person who liked the Space based transformers. I enjoyed the darker tone and felt rodimus was relateable but also more characters got full stories than in the previous seasons 😆

[@uhhuhhuh100]

I've never owned a Crimson Guard figure, but I think it's an awesome figure.

[@KingKong-fj4dk]

I was little when The Crimson Guard came out in 1985. I thought they were so cool, but I didn't know what the words elite or crimson meant. So I looked up the word elite in the dictionary. That made me love them even more. But for some reason i didn't look up the word crimson. I ignorantly assumed that crimson was synonymous with elite. It was a couple of years later that I discovered crimson was just a shade of red. But I still associate the word crimson with being elite.

[@weaselwolf]

The immortal was one of my favorite figures and I kitted him out with the wings from the cobra-la set, a Batman action figure cape and he drove a Robotech Officer's Battle Pod... Because I was extra I guess lol I ran him as a good guy who was edgy because 90s

[@demgutts]

Crimson guard was my first cobra

[@jingizu149]

10:17 Hate to so it, but the only part of the "AK-48 A" that looks like a Kalashnikov is the shoulder stock. For amusement's sake, I broke down the parts of the "AK-48 A" and where I think they came from. Shoulder Stock: Kalashnikov series (AK-47 and subsequent) introduced in 1946 Upper Receiver: Swedish Automatkarbin 5 or AK-5 introduced in 1982 Lower Receiver, Fore Grip, and Barrel: M16-A2 introduced in 1982 Muzzle Brake: an extended "bird cage" style reminiscent of the M-14 introduced in 1959 Bayonet: A fantasy blade designed to look like a German S98/05 m.S. sawback bayonet. introduced in 1898, sawback version recalled for destruction 1917. Historical note, the S98/05 m.S. (mit Säge - with saw) was officially discontinued in 1917 when German High Command learned that any German soldier captured with a sawback bayonet in their possession was subject to summary execution by British and French troops, due to the immense suffering caused by these weapons. All that said, I love the channel. "Greed, Ambition, and Ruthlessness."

[@AceSWhyld]

Loved this figure. Always a favorite of mine.

[@nunya134]

@HoodedCobraCommander, the rifle for the 25th anniversary Fred is an M1 Garand, a WWII semi automatic 30-06 rifle. Once again an amazing review on a great figure.

[@willischalepah9488]

Had the 85 and Python ones loved them kindve plan on buying some in the future.

[@MCDJACDC]

This just gets better and better every time I watch it!!

[@slavinben4484]

Version 7 is one of my favorites. Also during the valor vs venom line there was a KB-Toys exclusive of a crimson HISS tank and a crimson ASP with three crimson guards and there was a six pack of the crimson guards a variant of xamot or tomax in their EE suits and it came with firefly in a red and black suit.

[@JoeMotionVideos82]

Again, you amaze me! I knew about all of the variants, save for the longer neck. Hat's off to you, B.

[@zartan7779]

I love army building these guys

[@blissex]

Great review, this has to be the best cobra figure like the viper, I have 5 of this figure, I like having a small army build of the crimson guard

[@dalesanteford7432]

They also remind me of Beren iron Bloods red Shadows the crimson guard could be related with those characters from the action force GI Joe line in England

[@WWJD85]

The Crimson Guard are my favorite branch of the Cobra Armed Forces. In my GI Joe Universe The Crimson Guard are used as personal bodyguards for the Cobra Commander, internal security for Cobra controlled installations and regions. They also directly answer to the Cobra Commander and no one else.

[@jrcarter9175]

Where does that leave Tomax and Xamot?

[@WWJD85]

@@jrcarter9175 field Commanders

[@thousandwolves952]

Those twins jus match the vipers much better I've always felt someone made a mistake

[@sirkowski]

Crimson Guards must also be a reference to the Russian and Chinese Red Guards.

[@Rezikai]

This is what I always assumed to, perhaps the triangle unit paint app on the CG's arm may have been inspired by the red triangle insignia of Iraq's former republican guard.

[@JB0071051982]

Given the fact that the Cold War was going on at the time these toys were produced, it is a reasonable assumption. Originally The Soviet Union was going to the main antagonists of G.I. Joe, until Larry Hama came up with the idea of Cobra.

[@Reprodestruxion]

So Cobra’s ideology is Trotskyist? “Remembers a debate between the Oktober Guard and the Baroness (admist gunfire)

[@Mlopez_602]

That left handed holster and second belt hanging low on the right always bothered me as a kid for some reason.

[@bobastu]

Great review! Great, great review! The siegies being in HISS tank armor makes sense as the only uniform which is shown is a dress uniform, and the siegies probably man a battalion of SMS. As they are elite troopers, but meant to infiltrate, wearing one of the Viper variant uniforms make total sense for battle. At the same time, if they are inserted into places like Trucial Abysmia and Borovia to see unrest, they would look like locals, not like soldiers. I think you are correct, in that the Fifth Column was comprised of mostly Fred series siegies. Professor Appel was a specialist, not so much a soldier. If you ever read Crimson Empire, you would know that the Emperor’s Royal Guard were lethal, as their battle uniform was always under their robes. I believe siegies are the same way. US Secret Service, NSA, FBI, CIA, etc would be great places for the siegies. It would place them in the perfect positions to redirect focus away from Springfield and Cobra. It would also go a long way to explain the actions of the Jugglers. If a siegie chaired the House Appropriations Committee, defunding Special Counter - Terrorist Group Delta would be a great way to get them out of the way.

[@fauztran]

That variant CG looks more like a cold climate version. I like it.

[@rtd1409]

I just watched this again and goes with what I have been doing in my collection these days and my personal reflections on how when I was stressed as a kid and growing up I imagined myself in that CG uniform and the ability to endure it made me feel.

[@tycondrius23]

sweet video , you did miss out on one modern CG set from the 2004 crimson Sabotage set where all the figures used the original design but sported removable helmets and some non silver paint apps

[@maxbrandt6]

Excellent review, the "Fred" Crimson Guard reminds me very much of this guy I knew years ago who was a mover and shaker in the real state business. He ended up marrying a very beautiful and charming woman I had a sincere affections for, it wasn't so much a "snooze you loose" situation, more like a "I'm in a higher tax bracket then you, good luck with your $3.75 an hour job, Max."

[@agnethaladuff8559]

This is a great review of the Cobra Crimson Guard. There sure are a lot of things we didn't know about the action figure and character. Thumbs up HCC788.

[@ergofoxxxy]

Found this on my feed. the rifle looks like it has the safety from an ar-15/m-16, but the stock looks like it's off of an ak47 and the magwell and upper receiver looks like it's from a stoner M96. In the newer figures they released they just show them with something that looks like an m-16, which is probably much simpler and realistic .

[@impossiblepie]

You are the man, HCC788, I love your reviews! YO JOE!!!

[@adapedneau1114]

Make a video of the top Cobra you want to see in the 6ln Line !!!

[@MCDJACDC]

One of best openings!

[@alexandremilliard4726]

The freds were in strategic position around the world but always in the shadow

[@DT-diztortion]

One of my favs

[@wallaroo1295]

I think it's based on the AR-180 rifle, but it's often hard to tell with the Joe adaptations.

[@ericwilliams1031]

British FN FAL assault rifle

[@johnnahodil]

i really liked the beginning, with the "fred" series meet up and secret handshake, but as for the figure, not to many years ago there was an, i think a joe con exclusive set of crimson gaurds that came with the baroness all dressed in red...it was a whole set with her, some crimson gaurd and xamot and tomax in red as well as a red hiss tank...i think i seen it in an old toyfair mag that had an article about a joe con in new york city i think.....if anyone knows more please correct me, my memory of when and where is bad but i do remember the baroness and twins in red

[@johannesmakila2459]

As far as army builder figures go Crimson Guard is really good and in my opinion only 2nd to Iron Grenadier.

[@phillipgatelein8591]

This one always a favorite

[@T2Tiberious]

Of course its a combat uniform, HCC-788!!! Cobra went for look over practical effect as a matter of striking fear in the enemy and pride in the troops. Much like the British Redcoats...who fought alongside irregulars who wore some camouflage of the day, but no Red Coat would ever dare besmirch the Red of British Imperial Power. Same with the Crimson Guards!

[@dalesanteford7432]

Happy holidays hooded Coco and to everybody happy holidays

[@elkhills1]

Great job Hood-E. After eatching your Making Of video i came back to watch this a second time. Man i had no idea how much goes into making one of your videos. I hope it will always be a labor of love for you, never a burden. You have come a long way in your skills, keep it up please!

[@bgddyphil]

Great video! Thanks for doing this one!

[@drozwalker9]

Sounds like you had a great year! Thanks for another great review. Happy holidays to you and your family!

[@kevinmcfadden7558]

these are the toys I grew up with I enjoy all your reviews keep up the good work

[@lazarus30001]

Awesome review, great choice!

[@MCDJACDC]

Totally awesome opening!!

[@tonywilliams6428]

Excellent video for an excellent figure. 1984 remains my favorite Joe year, but figures like this sure make a strong case for '85. Merry Christmas to you and the family and see you in '19!

[@R3alWear]

Thank you very much for this 🙌 love the CGs

[@jasonkauppinen3475]

My memory may be faulty but I seem to remember that one of the weapon packs available for purchase that had guns equipment, stands, and backpacks had a dark blue version of the CG backpack?

[@ivangonzalez8415]

You are absolutely right man.1 of the last accessory pack if not the last 1 had a recolered CG backpack.

[@chrismc.8358]

One of the best Cobra figures ever!

[@torritaite2880]

I love the Crimson Guard v7 & the modern versions too.

[@cobraisland2594]

Another great review Hoodie CoCo

[@beach7694]

Another great review! Thanks commander! Have a wonderful holiday!

[@soterioncoil2163]

Imperial Guard is a great source of inspiration! xD

[@cowpuddles4851]

Oh man, daddy likes that version 10! Wish I had some spare cash right now, cause that figure looks great!

[@Tha_Protege_BA8]

Merry Christmas!

[@jackburton3212]

I had the darker color version of this figure and it was closer to maroon than red.

[@ivangonzalez8415]

Yeah! Good ol' U.S.A flags! I counted about 18 of them.

[@mgvillanmp478]

Have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year my friend nice work as always really enjoyed this one

[@glennrobbins2372]

Great review, hope you do the Crimson Guard Immortal review in the near future.

[@ghostbusterguy20011]

I'm sorry I'm just now seeing this glad you brought it up in the live chat I support this channel cause it's awesome and I have a great deal of respect for you wish so Illinois had a Joe con or a Joe fest anyway Merry Christmas my good friend and I'll see you in the next video

[@Tobysgmc]

Probably really helped on their catalog sales as well

[@adamverwolf9499]

Hey HoodieCoco Great review

[@FredericGuimont]

This is the best review I've seen you do, Hoodie Coco. Although, I might be biased as my name is Fred.

[@thealphaflight2121]

Great video. AAA good information

[@erdio21]

I always felt like the card art made him look like the Siegies dabbled in steroids. Great review!

[@Fierroandrew21]

You a boss HCC788

[@joshbuffalow]

Awesome video bro! 👍👍👍

[@FitnFire]

2018 has been an awesome year, indeed!!! I just surpassed 7k subs last night!!! Congrats on all your success!

[@aaartnaz]

These guys fit more Along the line of spies, not combat personnel. Fred who was a Crimson Guardsmen really defied my interpretation of a CG which I liked the idea of them as lawyers and accountants whereas Fred was an engineer from his skill set. If Hama would have just included that they have engineer degrees in the file card then I wouldn’t be bothered by that discrepancy. Still They always were my favorite aesthetically but I think they did the figure wrong by producing them with black and not silver face plates.

[@bloodycard6314]

the crimson guard commander was my last GI Joe figure when I was a kid and still one of my favorite Cobra back then :)

[@leonardarola]

Dammit dude, you are good!

[@roguishpaladin]

12:10 "No, I'm not in focus" 12:13 "Yep, there we go."

[@JMitsuruDavis]

Great as usual nice job