A fanbase divided...in 2002, Hasbro brought the great news that the G.I. Joe line would return full force to the toyshelves, and there was much rejoicing.

Until the pictures...until the O-Ring. Wave 1 came and went, with much bitterness and mixed reviews. But Hasbro came to their collective senses and the O-Ring returned, and there was much happiness...well, more happiness, anyway. Cobra Commander was a victim of limited articulation in Wave 1, but was returned to greatness in Wave 3, O-Ring and all.

No matter what your opinion of the new sculpt figures, it cannot be denied that the 2002 Cobra Force is a dominant one, and a dangerous one. Cobra Commander once again sits on his throne ready to lead a monstrous army...not restricted to limited release and Toys R Us shelves, but ready and poised to dominate the world!

Cobra Commander's career in toys and media has been a tumultuous one, but his importance cannot be denied. Without Cobra Commander, there would be no Cobra...and the way Cobra Commander is rep-resented is the way in which Cobra itself is looked upon.

Whether adorned in fancy dress and regal attire, or with robotic, destructive battle armor, Cobra Commander leads his troops both from behind and at the front lines. His skills in battle are debatable, but his cunning and wile are not. Cobra Commander IS Cobra, and Cobra is the Commander as well...Hasbro has treated him well thus far, and hopefully will continue to do so.

From the grave; from snake-skin and back again, Cobra Commander always seems to come on top, and I'm glad he was the first choice for Character of the Month. It makes sense.

Until next month's character is revealed... Yo Joe!