G.I. Joe Retro Cobra H.I.S.S. III Tank Review (2021 Blue Variant)

I vividly remember staring at the original blue H.I.S.S. III Tank on the toy store shelves back in 2000. As a kid with zero budget, adding it to my Cobra ranks just wasn’t happening. Fast forward a couple of decades, and having adult money definitely changes the game. Being able to finally unbox and display this specific homage is exactly why the Retro line hits so hard for those of us who grew up with Hasbro 3.75-inch figures.

If you are wondering why Cobra is suddenly rolling out in blue armor instead of their signature stealth black, this 2021 Walmart Exclusive is actually a brilliant deep cut into G.I. Joe history. It perfectly bridges the gap between the vintage O-ring era and modern articulated collecting.

The 2000 Homage vs. The Modern Retro Line

That original 2000 release was a major milestone for the community because it brought the iconic 1983 mold back into production, introducing the specialized driver, Rip It. By releasing this variant in the Retro Collection, Hasbro delivered a modernized re-release of that exact turn-of-the-century aesthetic.

The most obvious shift is the color palette. This variant keeps the legendary H.I.S.S. III Tank silhouette completely intact but swaps the traditional black plastic for a deep, tactical Cobra blue.

Out of the Box and Under the Lights

The translucent red canopy remains untouched, but against that new blue chassis, the visual contrast is striking. Functionally, you get all the features that make action figure vehicles great: the elevating dual-cannon turret, the moving treads, and the rear standing pegs that lock your Cobra Troopers in place securely.

As a toy photographer, I’ve noticed this matte blue finish absorbs and reflects light very differently than the classic black. If you are setting up a macro photography shoot, I highly recommend throwing a dedicated kicker light behind the chassis. That rim light separates the blue from darker cinematic backgrounds and really highlights the sculpted mechanical details along the tread assemblies.

Motor Pool Display Considerations

While the classic black H.I.S.S. III Tank feels like the standard, mass-produced ground unit for your infantry, the blue variant brings a highly elite, “Cobra Air/Ground Support” vibe to the shelf.

For collectors who love to army build and organize their displays by tactical role, this tank serves as a perfect command vehicle. It breaks up the visual monotony of a strictly black-and-red Cobra fleet. Pair this blue variant with a squad of standard troopers, and you instantly create a layered, dynamic motor pool that commands attention.

Should You Add It to the Motor Pool?

The 2021 G.I. Joe Retro Collection Cobra H.I.S.S. III Tank in blue is a thoughtful tribute to a specific era of collecting. For those of us who missed out on the 2000 original, this Walmart Exclusive is the perfect redemption. It delivers high-quality playability and display presence, with a unique visual flair that elevates any 1:18 scale Cobra base.

If you’re hunting for this specific release to round out your collection, checking the secondary market is usually your best bet. You can track current availability and pricing right here