Patreon Special Missions: G.I. Joe Cobra Rattler (1984 & 2008)

[@darkcitydj]

I just found the original 1984 Cobra plane at a thrift store. it had been sitting in someone's attic for years. I could not believe it. I took it home cleaned it up and opened the turret and to my freaking surprise was a cobra commander, this was the one you had to do a mail in rebate for. JACKPOT HELL YEAH!!! COBRAAAAAAAA!

[@MichaelMercy]

Awesome find! Never know where old bumper face will be hiding. :D

[@rukkent7792]

Now, that a real steal.

[@loosecrash]

The Rattler was hands down one of my most beloved possessions as a kid! A dark blue A10 with pivoting wings that make it a VTOL (!!!!), a manned turret on the back, a million missiles & bombs, a rotating 30mm cannon, and last but not least I really liked Wild Weasel. His bio was badass, dude had ice water running through his veins. Anyways MM, if you happen to see this comment, I just recently found your channel and wanted to tell you thanks for all of the hard work that you put into your channel-it shows. Seeing these toys again is a total time machine and I can’t thank you enough!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Cris! Yo Joe!

[@caseygray6028]

This was my Favorite GI Joe toy. Christmas was awesome that year. SOOOO many stickers to apply. And now, I must buy the Eflite A-10 64 mm RC jet in remembrance of this toy. I'm such a big kid.

[@dangerfindertreasureseeker8905]

When I was young I loved G.I. Joe , but Cobra was my real favorite. I would have battles with my Star Wars figures , mostly snow battles since Empire came out just a couple years earlier. Really miss those times.

[@coreyeckrich1148]

My GOLDEN year of childhood Christmas 82 and 83 ❤ revolved around GI Joe. Sadly all my toys smelled horribly from the plastic outgassing when i was divorcing late 201x.; and i threw them all in the dumpster at work to the chagrin of my bro and my nostalgic memories. Glad feelings live on in other posts and videos. Thank you fellow "Joes" 💪👍 for keeping the memory alive! Yo Joe!

[@Bear-nu8xm]

This was my favorite toy as a kid , and boy was I spoiled! This toy made me love the real plane.

[@greeneyedbaldy]

In my humble opinion, Cobra definitely had the cooler looking equipment. I only had a couple of GI Joe toys as a kid and both were Cobra.

[@John-lp4fy]

I got mine in 1984 and I miss it sooo much😢

[@KidsToysPlayChannel]

I'm loving these videos. I remember Grade 2, showing up to school and a kid had one of these. I honestly didn't know that it came with smooth side panels. Every time I saw one, they had the bullet hole inserts in them.

[@jean-paulaudette9246]

I loved my Rattler, as a kid. Thatbaby was my "Big Present" one Christmas. I gushed over all the removable and retractile parts, like the landinggear, and the engine covers, and especially the fuselage panel that could be replaced with the damaged one, for later repairs.

[@jediarco]

You always make me smile because you rekindle my childhood with each video you do. I had/still have most of the toys you feature on your channel and it takes me back to a simpler time. You bring tears of joy, and I hope you never stop. Keep up the awesome work!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed. Nerdmasté! 🙏

[@kolkatakakalakar]

You make my childhood relived......I lost my gi Joe's action figures..... really miss them. You are lucky bro you have them all

[@LuisRivera-pf2eh]

The rattler is the first Christmas present I'll remember getting... Whao! Thanks for the memories

[@BadazzGregg]

That's a good one to start with. Lucky.

[@jongreenwald9417]

That #34 Joe comic was the first one that I bought off the stand at local grocery store. Started my love of joe comics.

[@DamenPrice-dm8qg]

❤ I really enjoyed your commentary on this toy. In 84 I got both the sky striker and rattler for Christmas! Of course I was the coolest kid that winter😊. I love the old nostalgic toys from the 80s. PURE CLASSICS!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks!

[@SpoofyJ]

The glossy deep blue color of the first version really does make the details on the mold pop out more too.

[@bigsprinter]

One of my absolute faves, as well as that issue of the comic. No wonder the A10 has always been my favorite real jet.

[@konkyolife]

Rattler + STORMSHADOW! I used to put his backpack and swords/bow in the backseat.

[@marcryan1974]

I got all 4 planes growing up and the Rattler might just be my favorite! I remember getting it for my birthday and I remember how excited I was to put it together and fly it!! Great memories! Yo Joe!!

[@Jimvenice2008]

Watching this channel makes me remember just how many awesome toys I had as a kid. It also reminds me kids have no foresight. All my joes, transformers were sold in a garage sale when I was getting just old enough not to care. I regret it deeply these days. Oh the collection I could've shown! Thanks for letting me relive those times in my head at least.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks James! Hindsight is 20/20 after all. Glad you can enjoy them again through this channel though.

[@robbierupac9442]

I tend to do everything Old school WWF on weekend days but your channel has slowly been one of my favorite go tos and the comment section alone shows the level of fanboy nerdom you have here. Thanks for making my favorite childhood memories alive again! Born in 77' this was my 1984 Christmas or 85' I can't recall exactly but I was in my young prime for being everything Yo Joe!

[@MrAvenger1975]

Yeah, my gear is the problem with my 1984 release. The front wheel is perfectly fine and I never had any issues with it. The rear ones, however, became quite loose over time and will collapse inward if simply sitting there for any length of time.

[@davidkanengieter]

My favorite plane of the entire series. Just the bristling armament was an instant winner. Never got one, but did get a Tiger Force Tiger Rat. The pilot "Skystriker" was a W Weasle repaint with a different head. I think Thunder's.

[@daddiodizzle8990]

Awesome as usual Michael. The special effects are rad and your implementation of real time, cartoon and commercial film clips really flesh out the shorts. So much fun! Thank you from the 41 & 5 year olds here.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks, much appreciated. Yo Joe! :D

[@MUMSUniverse]

This was my first G.I. Joe vehicle & I played with it everyday. I always thought that Cobra had the coolest looking toy line & the Rattler was one the best toys ever. "COBRA!!!" 😲

[@MrCAcompora]

I got the rattler for Christmas in its production year. I rushed through putting it together and realized that the rear landing gear were put in place backwards. They were reversed so if you closed them (which if memory serves me, I don’t think I was able to) the wheel side would be exposed under neath. My dad looked it over and said I should just keep it like it was, he did not think the Rattler would handle being taken apart and put back together correctly. Time has proven him correct on some of those vintage joe toys, broken tabs seem to be the order of the day, when messing around a vehicle and trying to take it apart for whatever reason. Thanks for another great video.

[@internetabyss]

A vertical take off warthog, what more do you want in a war plane? Loved mine!

[@SITST6]

Had this back in the day, one of my favorite toys.. and finally all these years later as a pilot I realize now that he had two knee boards printed on his legs. Had no idea what that was for as a kid hah.

[@conrailman]

I had the original 1984 Cobra Rattler as a kid and it was my first ever GI Joe toy!

[@brianbecker2077]

I had one of these as kid, great toy. Essentially though it's the cobra version of A-10 Warthog

[@d.pierce.6820]

I bought this one for my son back then-it's still down in the basement, more than a little beat up now. I also have the Tiger Force version, same model, just yellow with black stripes.

[@shanezielinski7418]

Got that GI JOE comic (#34) with the dogfight signed by Larry BECAUSE it was that memorable a comic DECADES after I read it. Its also funny, because, as can be seen, you can suddenly remember the colour and paper involved in printing it going that 'strange' way. At the time even Larry sort of went 'oh.. oh yeah' and was flicking around at the way it was actually printed as a final product, more then memory of the battle.

[@RHannah78]

Never had one as a kid, but I just bought a vintage unbroken one off of Ebay and I couldn't be happier. It vaulted right to the top of the list of the most prized pieces of my collection along with my Killer Whale and Tomahawk.

[@animatedplastic]

I got this vehicle for Christmas, then when my dad and I were putting the landing gear on, it broke. We took it back to McDades (Yeah remember that store? Like Service Merchandise) They didn't have any more so we got an ESB X-Wing Fighter.....I always regretted that. Never got another Rattler and from that point on...I think I realized the superiority of the GI Joe vehicles over Star Wars. I was able to finally get the 25th Anniversary Rattler at Target when it came out. One of my favorite airplanes of GI Joe. Right there next to the Cobra Hurricane and the GI Joe X-19 Phantom. Great video and love all the animated scenes recreating the cartoon.

[@ACGreyhound04]

I never saw this plane in the stores back in the 1980s, even though I was a huge GI Joe fan. I saw it in the cartoons and thought it was wicked cool. My uncle told me the nickname of the real plane it was based on (A-10 ground attack fighter, with engines placed differently and an extra one on the tail), so I called it the “Cobra Warthog”.

[@robbierupac9442]

ACGreyhound04 Fellow Pats fan here Boston fan all the way north shore khed 7 minute from bean town. Born in 77' I got this toy for Christmas and literally right up there with the WWF infamous LJN line for all time favorite childhood memory. 1984 I was 7 yrs young & in my prime for everything Joe!! Thanks for the uploads and thoroughly enjoying this very knowledgeable comment section

[@No_Use_For_A_Name]

I love seeing these videos, brings back so many memories. I would love to get into collecting G.I.Joe. By far my favourite toy growing up. I find it so hard to find them, though. In Australia I can't find anywhere that sells them. I've never collected anything before, though, so I admit that I really don't know what I'm doing. I did find a toy collectors shop in Melbourne, they did have a few Joe toys, but depressingly not too much to talk about. It was a huge store, but half of it was taken up by Star Wars stuff. If I collect I'm really only interested in G.I.Joe, really just for the memories. I would so love to have a wall with carded Joe's covering it like Michael's.

[@SamGuthrie1977]

Michael, you're not kidding about that landing gear. My childhood Rattler is complete and otherwise really nice, but one of the rear landing gear broke. I hate to glue vintage toys back together, but sometimes you have to.

[@wrp4955]

Loved the Rattler. Christmas of 84, unwrapped, under the tree that ol Santa had left. Loved how detailed it was even for a toy. All GI Joe toys seemed that way. And Wild Weasel was my one of my favorite figures for a long time. Great video and review. Regret not getting the 08 version.

[@SgtRoxx72]

Saturday morning ✔ Coffee ✔ Nerdmasté coffee mug ✔ New Michael Mercy video ✔ It just doesn't get any better than this! Awesome video of one of my favorite Cobra jets Michael! I still have my Rattler from when I was a kid. It came in a close second behind the Night Raven as my favorite Cobra aerial vehicle. Mine is complete, but has the same issue with the landing gear yours does. Despite it's design flaws the Rattler is still an amazing thing to behold in person. Thank you for making Saturday mornings fun again Michael! I look forward to seeing what exciting adventures await us on your KZbin channel just as much as I looked forward to a new episode of G.I. Joe when I was younger. You sure bring out the kid in me with your amazing tips down memory lane! Thanks again for all you do. Keep being that beacon of hope, joy, and love that I am proud to call friend and brother. Nerdmasté!!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Scott! Enjoying a cup of tea (Earl Grey...hot) in my own Nerdmasté mug. :D It's too bad about the landing gear, but I'd rather have that be the issue than the wings not being able to rotate anymore. Even though I've always known Powerglide is the same type of jet, I only just now realized his wings can rotate the same way for VTOL as well! Thanks for the words of encouragement good brother. Looking forward to more trips down memory lane on Saturday mornings. Nerdmasté! 🙏

[@SgtRoxx72]

Totally off topic here, but I love tea. I normally either drink black tea, or green tea. I've never tried Earl Grey though. I need to hop aboard the Picard train and try it. I'm sure I'm missing out!

[@MichaelMercy]

It's great with some almond milk and maple syrup for sweetener. Peppermint tea is great for digestion too. Very helpful after doing my impression of Unicron and devouring everything in m path. :D

[@SgtRoxx72]

I'll have to try it. It sounds amazing with some almond milk. Might try some sugar-free maple syrup in it as my wife and I are doing a lifestyle change. Low or no carb, and no sugar. No processed foods. Only fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean meats for protein. We started almost 4 months ago under the supervision of our doctor. We went in about 2 weeks ago for our 3 month checkup. My wife had lost 43lbs, and I had lost 49lbs : ) We are loving the results we are seeing, and the way we are feeling. It's keeping us motivated. I also quit drinking beer when we started this journey. I don't miss it at all! I don't need it either. I know it's not good for me so I'm done with alcohol. Permanently. Also I quit drinking soda. All I drank was Diet Coke, but I quit drinking that also to help me lose weight. My wife and I had been talking for quite some time about making a life change to a healthier us. Your video a few months ago gave us the motivation we needed. So now you know why I say you have brought more positive change in my life than you realize. I consider you a role model. You have pushed me to not only be a better person, but a healthier one too! For that I thank you Michael. You sir, are awesome!!

[@wheeljack0]

I have bitter /sweet memories of the Rattler. I had it when it firs came out but had the good idea a few years later to shoot all my G.I.Joe vehicles up with an air rifle. Never have got around to replace them but lucky i do have all the figures in great condition still.

[@jakezzfunk8876]

I love the jets!! After reading issue #34 Wild Weasel became one of my favorite cobras, great comic! I currently have a squadron of 5 Rattlers in my Cobra air force, one original with broken landing gear that hangs from the ceiling, 3 25th additions and one custom for Wild Weasel. Great video!!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Jake!

[@DesertFox0420]

Love this thing. I don’t think you mentioned It was modeled after the A-10 Thunderbolt (Warthog). Great vid!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks. Quite a few people in the comments beat you to it.

[@timsmith573]

One of the few pieces I still have! In my Top 3 favorite childhood G.I. Joe/Cobra toys

[@agnethaladuff8559]

Awesome video of the 1984 Cobra Rattler and a nice quick view of the 2008 25th Anniversary Rattler. I like your 1984 Cobra Rattler, it look like it's in great condition for it's age. Great video review of the Rattler. Thumbs up.

[@RavishingSailor]

Lol, I literally remember when I got this. It was a Saturday and I was in my room while my parents where watching the Omen. lol I was one of those kids that liked the good panels over the battled worn ones. My favorite was my sky striker because I have always loved the f-14 tomcat but my wife’s uncle retired a 3 Star Major general from the US Airforce. He flew the f-4 phantom but also flew the a-10 for 20+ years before he retired. Hence I have a soft spot for the ratler.

[@hindsite275]

I was waiting for you to mention that issue of the comic. One of the best stories ever. Great channel bring back some great memories. Thank you...

[@Stormtrooper53]

My dad actually broke one of the main gears when he was assembling it on Christmas morning. It spent the remainder of it's life with one gear superglued on.

[@37Kilo2]

My favorite childhood toy right here! When my family moved, I gave this to my best friend before we left (5 year olds are stupid) and I've regretted it ever since.

[@JoeSelf1982]

I'm really digging these Special Missions. Hope to join Patreon soon.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks! I am as well, great suggestions from the Patreon Tribe.

[@brucestro18]

Yeah I had that problem w/the landing gear as well! If not careful they can break. Good to have glue to repair or sand down the landing area so it would be smoother.

[@danielcarlson7002]

Stood in line for this at Toys R Us-Covina (now defunct), fall 1984. I was 11, pushing 12. Wild Weasel is a Mercenary Pilot, from what I read.

[@slkric1724]

I had the Cobra Rattler when I was a kid I loved it. It was one of my favorite GI Joe toys. I liked all the Cobra vehicles and figures because they came with a lot more weapons then the GI Joes.

[@HarryCollyer]

Loved having the rattlor when I was younger but boy did that plane not stand up to be played with. Landing gears soon snapped off, engine cover clips soon bent or snapped! And missles were soon lost!! But good memories all the same!!

[@dimitrioskalfopoulos3473]

Issue 34 was my favorite comic!

[@marcryan1974]

You can put a black coffee stirrer or something similar in size between the two rear wheels to help straighten them out when landing gear is deployed and on display 👍 That’s what I’ve done with mine and it works well and is hidden as well...

[@MichaelMercy]

Get BIG GOOD GI Joe items at BIGBADTOYSTORE and support my channel by using this link: bit.ly/BBTStoys

[@robbierupac9442]

Michael Mercy just discovered your channel by my absolute passion for MOTU & Joe!! My all time favorite movie play toys was the Rattler!! can't wait to binge watch everything Joe 1st then Masters of the Universe. I just watched your 1982 video describing the Original line up of Joe from the early days (1960) era and Mr.Hamma creative writing for the updated version. The history lesson was outstanding and I always knew Joe figures were more solid and flexible than Star Wars and most Other lines. Thanks to you and the awesome fans that are requesting these amazing topics of the best era evah!! heavy Boston accent !!

[@newrunner91]

The Cobra Rattler was an incredible toy as a kid. It had so many details and features! Still love it.

[@ProfessorHurt]

Watching this review made me realize the need in my Cobra life had to be filled with this plane. So I got a 25th Anniversary Rattler. It just needs better labels on it which a fix which Toy Hax can possibly solve.

[@shaggycan]

Easily my favourite GI Joe toy I ever had.

[@Homeschoolsw6]

One of my favorite Christmas gifts.

[@TSi99999]

Great video. Had one of these new. One of the highest quality and detailed toys ever! Great sound effects as always!!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend.

[@reekz1568]

I’m goons start rebuying all these toys. I loved this stuff I even had a gi joe three wheeler power wheels. Thanks for the great channel dude

[@jamiecourtemanche4495]

I still have my original Rattler but of course its in played shape but still good condition along with all parts. I am so glad you mentioned G.I. Joe issue #34 since that was such a great single issue and of course Rattler along with Wild Weasel were a major part of it.

[@TerrenceChilds-xz3xu]

I really don't understand why Hasbro just doesn't really release all their old vintage models I pay a small fortune for that

[@Aut0KAD]

when I was a kid, I was so excited when we got the rattler on lay way. waited months only to find out the store went out of business. The rattler, has always been the one that got away...

[@kibblewibble1]

Was a gigantic fan of both the A10 & the F14 as a kid, so after my brother got the Sky Striker and I got the Rattler, it was sweet. Easily the best GI Joe toy I ever had! And yes, I used the crap out of the damage panels as much as the pristine ones!

[@schwinnbike18]

I had the Rattler when I was a child of the 80's. I remember it not lasting too long due to it's fragility when playing with it. I still have the pilot to this day, though!

[@Thebramforpresident1]

IMO this is the best GI Joe toy vehicle. If you don't mind with the turret of course

[@Crooklyn-hx3eo]

Great video! Whenever I see pics or clips of the A-10 I'm always reminded of the Rattler!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Christian! :D

[@andrehernandez3193]

Love the video. I had the rattler and loved it. I used to collect the comics as well. From what I remember about the comic issue you mentioned, Wild Weasel's ground crew took lots of shortcuts and his plane failed because of poor maintenance due to Wild Weasel's lack of respect for said ground crew. Ace on the other was good at listening to his crew and thus they helped keep his place in better shape. The dogfight really came to whose plane was better maintained.

[@bustyrandit]

If I remember right, the dogfight ended as a stalemate because they were both out of missles and ammo.

[@JerryPittman]

Best toy videos on KZbin! I have this plane still even though it is missing every piece imaginable! What a great toy!

[@pappafett9826]

I remember getting this when I was fourteen at Kmart, and reading the back and saying you mean "Bush" war is not "bus" Wars ...i still have my original, and just got a second one for baroness to fly.

[@mikeisaacs2314]

This plane had me fall in love with the A-10

[@jugenut]

This thing is basically an A-10 warhog with 3 engines then two

[@SCYTHE2525]

I had this thing back in the day! And I do remember thinking it was just about the coolest G.I. Joe vehicle ever made. So realistic compared to many of them at the time.

[@JPVee511]

The X-wing I got had battle damage stickers that could be applied if so desired, but obviously permanent. When I got the Rattler I thought it was so cool that it had interchangeable panels. Also, I get so pissed whenever I see a Rattler with the main gears installed properly (tires tuck into the well when retracted). The assembly instructions showed the gears to be installed incorrectly which resulted in the wheels facing out. I was about 8yo with no better clue.

[@mtd3v]

Great stuff! I remember getting this. Still holds up as one of my favorites.

[@dpiddy82]

Here to find out about the vintage Rattler after the Haslab announcement. The Haslab looks very cool but I'm not into 6" scale - much prefer 3.75. Wondered if I could pick up a second hand vintage Rattler but no idea what the cost would be. None on UK eBay at the moment. Good to know there's a more recent release which "might" be cheaper to pick up than the vintage one...

[@Jtr_ceral_killer]

i have the 08 version still in box. wish i still had the tiger rat re-issue

[@dcdrew3]

I always liked the Cobra Logo for the Rattler. It reminded me of the Logo from the TV show Airwolf. I'm not sure if the front afterburners is a good design? It looks like if engaged, they would burn off the back tail fin of the aircraft. After all, it's probably about 35,000lbs of thrust. lol.

[@adrionjones]

Love your Joe reviews, man.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks so much Adrion! :D

[@jprovorse4159]

Rattler is the single coolest toy airplane ever made

[@dennissologaistoa3376]

I got 3 of those Rattlers, my favorite favorite favorite toy... LONG LIVE COBRA 🐍 COBRAAAAAAAAAAAA

[@MrRjsnowden]

I got this for Christmas in 85. The main landing gear literally broke that week. I was crushed.

[@BigBennKlingon]

That specific issue was my most prized comics as a kid

[@mrw3685]

The Rattler had a metal rod that connected the wings so they pivoted together. Christmas of 86 or so it fell out of the box into the couch cushions when my dad was putting it together for me. There was about 3 hours of pure panic by me until we found it. Don’t worry, she’s still safe and sound in my parents basement.

[@66_ed_Hawkenson]

Thanks for the awesome video.. I've been planning on finding the missing parts on ebay for my rattler, hovercraft etc.. some day!

[@charlesgardner4875]

Great video review. This was the first GI Joe Aircraft and still have mine to this day . But sadly my back landing gear did break off but for the most part the rest of the plane is in good shape for 34 year old toy. I also have the 2008 version as well but it still in the box!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks!

[@jsteelav8r]

Great review. As a pilot I love any toy that is aviation related

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Jared! Fly safe! :D

[@jsteelav8r]

@@MichaelMercy Always!

[@Anthony-ot8vl]

HAD to get one when I started collecting. May have to get a few more.

[@chrismayer3919]

Those animation patch-ins you make are funny! 😏

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Chris! :D

[@DeathZiren01]

Shoutout from the philippines michael!! Spending hours watching your awesome collection and content..keep it up!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks so much! :D

[@drvnwolfwolfie1377]

1 thing we always did with the Ratttler. either leave wheels down or up. whether playing or storing. We broke a few. lol

[@johnkirk2863]

My cousin had the rattler I had the skystriker...grabbed the 25th anniversary one and its a great vehicle

[@tomservo5347]

I always found the figurine's backstory (chalk full of little details) to be fascinating.

[@knigh_hawk_733]

Good I would have loved to know what my collection would have been worth. Some are still in fair shape but as a kid I loved them and had to play with them all. I put them away for my kids to play with let’s say they were not as kind as I was...lol but still have lots and some in storage still. Your channel brings back great memories thanks

[@davidfontaine8619]

Great review and great start to a Saturday. I love the Rattler, though the only version I have is the 25th Tiger Rat. Lol

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks David! They sure did a lot of repaints in GI Joe. :D

[@middleagegeek]

rattler was cool as F! The wings turned in and made a straight up take off!

[@alrighty323]

man, toys back then we’re awesome

[@BadazzGregg]

Gung ho flying rear is the most GI joe thing I can think of.

[@jackson2531]

This is a good video! I hope to eventually get a complete G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero collection.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Jackson!