Full review of G.I. Joe Classified Pythona

G.I. Joe Classified Series #172 Cobra-La Pythona Figure Brings Biotech Mayhem

15 October 2025 by

Marc

The G.I. Joe Classified Series #172 Cobra-La Pythona figure is finally here, and it’s already turning heads. Whether you’re knee-deep in Joe lore or just a fan of wild-looking figures, this release is a sharp detour from the usual military fare. With 14 accessories, a striking sculpt, and deep ties to 80s animation history, Pythona brings a lot to the Classified table. In this post, we’ll break down the details, highlight some key features, and look at what this means for future Cobra-La entries in the line.

G.I. Joe Classified Series 172 Cobra-La Pythona

Release Date: Available to Hasbro Pulse Premium members now, general pre-orders start 3 November
MSRP / Price Range: USD 46.99
Edition Size / Production Run: Convention exclusive, limited release
Manufacturer / License: Hasbro, under G.I. Joe Classified Series

Cobra-La’s Emissary Finally Gets Her Spotlight

Pythona’s story starts in G.I. Joe: The Movie from 1987, where she slinks out of the shadows as Cobra-La’s top assassin and infiltrator. While Cobra Commander yells and monologues, Pythona gets things done. She’s fast, silent, deadly and coated in bio-organic weirdness that made her one of the most memorable characters in that movie.

review of G.I. Joe Classified Pythona

Cobra-La itself is a secretive civilisation, hiding deep underground after losing control of Earth long ago. They specialise in biological weaponry and strange creatures and Pythona is their eyes and claws on the surface. Until now, she’s only had one proper action figure in 2016 as a convention exclusive. That figure was solid but lacked the articulation and detail that modern Classified Series collectors expect. The new G.I. Joe Pythona Classified Series release changes all of that.

Hasbro Cobra-La Pythona Figure – First Impressions

Looking at the official images, the G.I. Joe Classified Series #172 Cobra-La Pythona figure nails the visual balance between organic and tactical. The sculpt leans into her original animated look, but adds layered texture and updated elements to make her feel like a serious threat in today’s line-up.

G.I. Joe Classified Cobra-La Pythona collectible

She’s not just another snake-themed villain. There’s a real elegance to the design with fluid body lines and unsettling biomechanical details that echo her origins in Cobra-La’s twisted science. The two head sculpts offer variety in display options, one with a slick ponytail, the other with a more dramatic flowing style.

Joe Classified Series 172

Articulation looks solid, allowing for crouches, flips, and dramatic poses that fit her assassin role. This isn’t a static shelf piece. Pythona demands movement and display space.

What’s in the Box? A Lot, Actually

Cobra-La Pythona figure acesories

Hasbro didn’t skimp on accessories here. The set includes:

  • 2 head sculpts
  • A gemstone
  • 2 chakrams (circular bladed weapons)
  • Interchangeable hands
  • A smoke-effect hand
  • A poison-effect hand
  • Five small biomechanical creatures

It’s an eclectic mix that leans into her Cobra-La roots. The chakrams give her dynamic close-combat appeal, while the poison and smoke-effect hands are excellent for diorama or photography setups. The creatures are wildcards but very on-theme for Cobra-La’s weird science aesthetic. Whether you pose her leading them or flinging them at Joes, they help tell the story.

Cobra-La Pythona figure back and front

It’s a strong accessory suite that’s more cohesive than some of the recent Classified releases. For comparison, take a look at the Ninja Force Slice & Dice 2-pack which, while well-equipped, didn’t have the same level of story-driven extras.

A Word on Price and Availability

Here’s the catch. This is a limited edition convention release, which means stock is tight and the price is already high. Hasbro Pulse lists it at $46.99, which is a step above standard figures. That price includes premium packaging and the added accessory loadout, but for many collectors, this will feel steep.

collectible G.I. Joe Classified Cobra La Pythona

If you’re wondering where to buy G.I. Joe Classified Cobra-La Pythona collectible, your options are slim. First wave availability came through NYCC and MCM London. A small batch will go live for non-Pulse Premium members on 3 November. After that, it’s secondary market or bust.

How Does It Fit in the Line?

The G.I. Joe Classified line has been slowly expanding beyond its initial military-core, and Pythona represents a serious shift into the stranger corners of the lore. We’ve seen hints of this already with figures like Sgt. Slaughter and Mercer, which bring bold personalities and unique gear into play. Pythona feels like the next logical step.

collectible G.I. Joe Cobra-La Pythona

There’s a clear appetite for more Cobra-La, and Hasbro knows it. If Pythona sells well, it’s not a stretch to imagine Nemesis Enforcer or even Golobulus entering the Classified Series next.

Final Thoughts on the Review of G.I. Joe Classified Pythona

The Hasbro G.I. Joe Classified Cobra-La Pythona release is one of the more exciting deep-cuts we’ve seen in this line. It’s niche, lore-rich and unafraid to be weird. The accessory loadout is excellent, the sculpt is strong and the design feels faithful without being stuck in the 80s.

Cobra La Pythona figure

Yes, the price stings and the limited release model doesn’t help. But for fans who grew up with G.I. Joe: The Movie, or those just drawn to unique villain designs, this one’s going to be hard to pass up. If this figure is the starting gun for a full Cobra-La wave, Hasbro might be walking into something brilliant.

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