Interview with Gabe Dobkin (Cobra Commander)

OK, every once in a while a army comes along that just cant be denied. It could be the conversions, the colors, the theme or in this case all of the above.

Who or what could I be talking about you ask?

Well in a word, COBRA!!!

Yes, that's right if you didn't know the forces of Cobra are alive in our world of 40K and I sat down with Cobra Commander himself, Gabe Dobkin, recently to pick his brain on painting, theme and his recent multiple 'best appearance,' wins.

So lets get to it!

How long have you been painting/playing?

I started building models when I was about 11 years old. I bought my first Games Workshop kits of RT-B01 Space Marines, Rhinos, and Predators for the modeling aspect. I played a few games of Rogue Trader but it didn't really click with me. When the 2^nd edition 40k boxed set released, I picked it up for the models and was hooked on the game soon thereafter.

How long have you been working on the Cobra Imperial Guard army?

I started working on the Cobra IG when the previous edition of the Imperial Guard Codex released a few years back.

What inspired you to build the theme?

I was a huge fan of the toys, cartoon series, and comics as a kid. I gave all of my toys to charity when I was about 15 or 16 years old. Since I can't afford to buy them back, I figured I should make my own!

What is your favorite unit to field in the army?

I would have to say Zartan and the Dreadnoks, which I use to represent Captain Al'rahem and his command squad. Many hours of sculpting and conversion work went into creating them. I love the way they turned out as the resemblance to the action figures is spot on. Tactically, Al'rahem really changes how a guard army can be played.

Do you have a unit that you painted that never gets play time?

I have a unit of Snipers that I have never fielded. I used Catachan and Cadian Sniper models as Cobra never had halflings!

What upcoming plans do you have for building/painting for the Cobra army?

I have a Tomax & Xamot that are unfinished as well as a Serpentor in the works. Other projects seem to be taking over my hobby time though.

OK so you just won Best Army and Renaissance Man at Nova, do you have any other appearance wins with this force you would like to share?

The Nova award is definitely the biggest, but Cobra has been awarded similar accolades at the Necronomicon and Bolter Beach.

What are your favorite paints to use?

I prefer Games Workshop paints, but absolutely love the Vallejo wet palette.

Any tips for the rest of us trying to give you some competition?

Vallejo wet palette!

With such a force as this is it a problem to travel with?

Thanks to the advancements in army transport products, it is far easier than it once was. That being said, I would never pack them in my luggage. It has to be carry-on all the way!

There is always a chance that models can get hurt on the table top as well, have you ever had someone knock your figs over or off the top of a building?

Accidents happen. Usually it's me dropping one! My models were all painted to game with and not for display or competition. I also put a Testors Model Master Gloss Coat followed later by a Dull Coat on everything so they have a level of protection.

That last question was to see if you had forgotten the time I knocked your entire unit out of the top of a building. Looks like I'm in the clear!

So that's about it, I would like to thank Gabe for taking the time to answer my questions and take some pics of just a few of his great looking figs.

One day soon I might drive up his way with my "milk jug" and do a photo shoot on the entire force.

Until then keep your ear to the ground for the sound of tank treads and your eyes on the horizon for the blazing blue and red of Cobra, you never know where he will turn up next and ruin your chances of winning a best appearance award. (Or best general)

Thanks again Gabe good luck in the future.