 Venomous Viper
RZ-020 Snake Type, "Stealth Viper" in Japan
Zoids Small Wind-Up Toy Kit
Item No.: Asst. 83028 No. 83029
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Includes: Stickers, 1 pilot
Action Feature: Really slithers when you wind it
Retail: $7.99
Availability: ca. 2001
Other: Discount Helic Republic
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I prefer dinosaurs, but a Zoids snake for two bucks? I had to get this kit. Kay-Bee Toys blew out Venomous Viper for $1.99, and I bought a second one which is still in the box somewhere because I thought I might have a use for the abundant 3mm weaponry on it. The kit has seven blasters and I figured that was a lot of parts to use to give more blasters to other kits in the future - which I never bothered to do. But I did enjoy this one kit.
There was a Japanese release in the 1980s that was pretty similar. The tan parts were a little lighter, the green parts were a bit greener, and the stickers were completely diferent. But that's what happens. The new stickers don't love to adhere to the curved surfaces, but otherwise it's pretty much the same toy. There was also a Zoids Graphics reissue of the original kit with classic stickers, but I had this so I didn't bother.
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I remember seeing this in old Tomy catalogs from Japan, and I didn't exactly want to jump on it. As an import toy line, it wasn't even possible - but Hasbro bringing these to America made it easy to grab one. The hooded snake has two massive blasters hanging off the head, two more in the middle of the body, another pair of embankments near the end of the tail, and one last set of rocket launchers near the tip. They don't do anything too special other than move while the toy slithers. There's a well-disguised wind-up knob in the middle of the back which causes the motor to turn a wheel, which drags the toy forward. The figure is assembled in segments which writhe around as it heads forward. It's a neat design. An additional wheel under the head props the noggin up and helps it move forward.
The kit has seating for one, and this time it's a gray driver. Just pop open the orange canopy and you're in. It doesn't do much other than sit in place, and the dark color makes it blend in the dark surroundings. The 1980s chrome pilots really popped in there, and with the added sticker meant for the cockpit you don't really see him at all. At least you won't feel too bad if you misplace it.
Detail is pretty consistent with other kits from the 1980s. It's worth noting there are a lot more rubber bolts holding this one together so it can move, and the armor panels have little ridges or a groove indicating a couple of panels were shoved together. You'll see some vents, and also another unused hardpoint for another cannon if you have a spare.
As the design came from a pre-digital era, I find it extra charming. There aren't any pieces that don't fit together well, nothing really clangs against another part. It's a wind-up toy so everything needs to work like, well, clockwork. I don't doubt this one wound up on discount because a robot snake isn't as exciting as a dinosaur or a rhino or some other creature, but Tomy did a nice job with it and Hasbro did a nice job repackaging it for American kids. I assume we're unlikely to find another line of wind-up toy kits on toy aisles in my lifetime, so I'm glad I picked up a bunch of these when they were cheap. If you can score one of these for a fair price, I'd recommend doing so. It's neat. But buy some dinosaurs first.
--Adam Pawlus
Additional Images
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