Sub-Teams Part 3: Python Patrol

By Destro Designs and Viper Den Studios

G.I. Joe Python Patrol is probably the sub-team that nails the concept in such a fantastic way.

Cobra is already such a crazy-awesome name for the bad guys, and it has one of the coolest symbols in all the land. So, in order to have a sub-team worthy of Cobra, I feel like staying within the snake family is the best way to go. A python is deadly as hell and has a rather unique pattern—even among a species filled with unique patterns.

The camouflage pattern that came on the Python Patrol ASP is the perfect example of just how awesome the concept can be. I think the deco on both the 3¾-inch figures and the Classified Series figures looks great. Sure, I would tweak a few things here and there, but overall, I love them.

Python Patrol also has a very cool origin story. In the first episode of the DIC cartoon Operation: Dragonfire, Cobra Commander is restored to his human form by a laser created by the Baroness.

Once Cobra Commander is back on two legs again, he uses that same technology to capture the essence of the python and transfer it to his soldiers. The process makes their uniforms and vehicles virtually undetectable by the Joes’ radar and gives them increased stealth capabilities at night—just like a snake.

Totally awesome.

And I put my money where my mouth is. I have more than 70 Python Patrol figures and eight Python Patrol Trouble Bubbles. One of those Trouble Bubbles is currently incorporated into my Grid Iron Mech setup, and it looks absolutely awesome.

Of those 70-plus figures, 28 are Python Patrol Vipers. It is a truly awesome figure. Using the sculpt from the Cobra Island/3-Pack Vipers, the Python Patrol version takes that already-great design and gives it a striking combination of yellow, black, and various shades of gray. Add the red battle mask and cool backpack, and you have one seriously impressive figure.

My magnum opus diorama will eventually be a massive Python Patrol guarded entrance to Cobra Island.

I’m talking six feet tall, five feet wide, and almost five feet deep, with multiple waterfalls and several Trouble Bubble landing areas positioned at different elevations. At the bottom will be a moving entrance hidden between two waterfalls, complete with a command center and a dedicated area for the Python Patrol Trouble Bubble Mech to chill.

When am I going to build it? I don’t know.

But I promise you—it’s freaking happening.

Looking toward the Classified Series, I would love to see Hasbro bring a few characters into Python Patrol who were never originally part of the team. A Python Patrol Techno-Viper would be incredible. I would also love to see an Alley Viper, Range-Viper, and maybe even a character like Darklon brought into the group.

There is also a story reason why I think Darklon would fit perfectly.

In my version of the Python Patrol story, Darklon—flanked by his five Grim Vipers—has taken control of Python Patrol. Cobra Commander may still think he is running the show, but Darklon ultimately reports to Destro. That would effectively make Python Patrol an extension of the Iron Grenadiers, deployed specifically in environments and battles where their specialized camouflage and stealth capabilities give them an advantage.

That opens the door to a lot of possibilities, both for the toy line and for storytelling.

Python Patrol is my No. 2 favorite G.I. Joe sub-team, and I appreciate everyone following me down the path as I explore why these teams continue to stand out decades later.

Join me for the next article as we head into the shadows with Night Force!