Dollar Exclusive Storm Shadow

[danielgogeta]

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[gruppenfuhrer88]

This is a must have for me, nice review and pics, great job thus far!

[Adamantite]

I thought this used the 25th body, the Ren SS body makes it an absolute must-have. I've heard people complain about that hood but I like how it looks.

[46 Zone]

Anyone know the lore as to how SS became part of GI Joe? Was it in the comics, or was ninja force just a tool by Hasbro to make us collect more figs? I was out of Joes at the time Ninja Force was out, but I'm thinking this would be a great edition to my collection.

BTW: Great Review!!!!

[ShadowNinja]

SS found out what really happed to the Hardmaster and switched sides. He later switched back when he was captured and put through the brainwave scanner again.

[danielgogeta]

Anyone know the lore as to how SS became part of GI Joe? Was it in the comics, or was ninja force just a tool by Hasbro to make us collect more figs? I was out of Joes at the time Ninja Force was out, but I'm thinking this would be a great edition to my collection.

BTW: Great Review!!!!

Thanks bro :)

I believe Hasbro sort off adapted the storyline from Marvel comics where SS found the truth about Zartan's assassination of the Hardmaster not SE. It was when in the filecard of the 2nd version of the ARAH SS in camo outfit, SS had a change of heart, semiretired to the mountains and would do a mission or two if SE asks nicely :P

The Ninja force was a sub-series in the ARAH line, where SS leads Ninja Joes against Cobra, and it is where the outfit for the dollar line figure is based.

[Cobraticon]

I'm gonna open my SS soon, as soon as I get another one to keep MOC...:)

[rip_cord]

Great shots! Can't wait to get this!

[nighthawk]

Nice review. Of all the figures in the set, this is the one I absolutely must have. This deco of Storm Shadow was always my favourite and unfortunately, the only version had the stupid spring action.

[sharky]

i gotta give props to Hasbro for putting out some classic updates in this manner. They need to continue with this discount line of figures. I think this is a winning formula.

[MJjoe4life]

Thanks for the great pics and cool review! This is def a must buy for me. I am getting anxious for these figures to start showing up.

[Black Llama]

That and the 30th SS came with enough gear to outfit about 10 ninja's. I can't wait to find these :D

[RolandofGilead]

This is the Storm Shadow I've been asking for forever. I can't wait for these to start showing up.

[sharky]

That and the 30th SS came with enough gear to outfit about 10 ninja's. I can't wait to find these :D
Heck, the original one only came with a sword and sickle for weapons anyway. The only downside is no figure stand. That's a minor item IMO and a reasonable sacrifice if the price is lower.

[FadetoBlack2880]

Any idea when these will start showing up?

[RolandofGilead]

It's not as if I can't dig up a Storm Shadow figure stand somewhere. :)

Have we gotten anything close to that white sickle from the 25th or Modern Era line?

[GI Guppy the third]

It's not as if I can't dig up a Storm Shadow figure stand somewhere. :)

Have we gotten anything close to that white sickle from the 25th or Modern Era line?

Not that one. They do have a few that are nice smaller versions

[turner]

Storm shadow was always a good guy, infiltrated cobra to find the hard master's killer.

[danielgogeta]

i gotta give props to Hasbro for putting out some classic updates in this manner. They need to continue with this discount line of figures. I think this is a winning formula.

Precisely. Less pencil launchers, goofy spring loaded stuff that we dont really need, well what kids perceive to need.

The thing about how most toy companies think is to go for a younger larger market whose demographics include those wacky features. They didnt consider that eventually the market would age, and a constant exposure to media should be consistent to make a real following, like how sunbow cartoons long time ago.

Cost is a good feature, dollar store with cheap toys would be affordable would entice both young and old collectors. I hope this would be a trend; classic adaptations/friendly price.

[zartan80]

What dollar store should I look for to find them any dollar store?

[sharky]

Now all we need is more vehicles in the same manner as PTE/World Peacekeepers and True Heroes, and I'd call it a GI Joe Renaissance.

[arashikage tat]

I know I've been away for awhile but are these figs already being released in the US?

[Shipshape1983]

I want all these figures!

[danielgogeta]

I know I've been away for awhile but are these figs already being released in the US?

not yet fellow tanker. its just distributed as an exclusive since we dont have dollar stores in this side of the planet, Philippines.

Thanks for viewing tankers!


Btw i did forget to mention that these guys get figure stands (unlike Retaliation?) but they are generic...unmarked cobra and joe 25th stands.

[ponygt]

SS looks great! I wish they would take this figure and repaint as V2. Anyway if these are priced the same as the Transformers and Marvel figs @ said dollar stores then I see Famliy Dollar's pice at $5 and Dollar General at $6....fingers crossed:)

[neurone]

Yes, I noticed that the stands didnt have the labels/names of which stand belonged to which figure; but that is okay since, I think, none of us do really care. :)
I cant wait for the variants! I hope they also get released in the Philippines.

[danielgogeta]

Yes, I noticed that the stands didnt have the labels/names of which stand belonged to which figure; but that is okay since, I think, none of us do really care. :)
I cant wait for the variants! I hope they also get released in the Philippines.

One of them cost cutting features that I dont mind too. New filecards would do fine, but if it would affect the pricepoint, i am better off without it :)

[neurone]

I don't see how printing the card's back as file cards affecting the cost. They just have to maximize the space. Hasbro is on the environmental move, so that means we are being encouraged to keep atleast the cards.; But if they keep printing anything but file cards at the card's back, people will end up in throwing the whole packaging away.

[danielgogeta]

I don't see how printing the card's back as file cards affecting the cost. They just have to maximize the space. Hasbro is on the environmental move, so that means we are being encouraged to keep atleast the cards.; But if they keep printing anything but file cards at the card's back, people will end up in throwing the whole packaging away.

Actually it does.

There is a different price for individualized designs for each figure. so if you have six figures, you get a pay for each different graphic design, as well as print templates for mass production like how Hasbro did extensively for the 30th Anniversary line. The packaging is really cheap, they are smaller than the 25th we are used to. So having a template design with no illustration, just a generic cardback with a minimal title/name change does bring the cost per figure down...low enough for a dollar store pricepoint.

I do hope it stays that way too. I used to be a MOC fan, now i want them loose, though I keep cardbacks and packaging, its just the stands i stock up and store. Keeping the packaging generic, minimal accessories and weapons, at an affordable pricepoint is a good trend for me. Retailation cardbacks though are another story...its the garbage bin for them :P

Sorry Hasbro...you guys should have tried harder :P

[ozzie92]

Thanks bro :)

I believe Hasbro sort off adapted the storyline from Marvel comics where SS found the truth about Zartan's assassination of the Hardmaster not SE. It was when in the filecard of the 2nd version of the ARAH SS in camo outfit, SS had a change of heart, semiretired to the mountains and would do a mission or two if SE asks nicely :P

The Ninja force was a sub-series in the ARAH line, where SS leads Ninja Joes against Cobra, and it is where the outfit for the dollar line figure is based.



Pretty close--however, SS never thought it was SE, according to the Hama/Marvel comic line. He knew it was someone from Cobra--saw the Fang chopper fly off--and since he was made to look the patsy, he felt he couldn't stay at the Arashikage compound. Plus, he was determined to find the true killer of the Hard Master. So, he joined with Cobra to discover the truth. At some point, CC and SS had this discussion, with CC holding the answer over his head until SS had played out his role. When the Softmaster discovers the answer in Springfield's police headquarter files, eventually a message is received by SS and SE (separately, I believe). They meet up and run a two man attack on Cobra Island, seeking Zartan. At this point, they almost succeed--but due to a Ripcord/Zartan switch up, they fall short--and Baroness guns down SS--whose DNA becomes a part of Serpentor. When SS awakes (clearly a fantasy fiction mag at this point!), he comes to the realization that revenge is not the answer. Then, yes--he visits SE in the pit--beats the hell out of Quick Kick--and retires to SE's cabin to seek a peace/solace...only to get back into the game when SE is captured down the road.

Can you tell I'm a Hama fan? ;)

[ozzie92]

Precisely. Less pencil launchers, goofy spring loaded stuff that we dont really need, well what kids perceive to need.

The thing about how most toy companies think is to go for a younger larger market whose demographics include those wacky features. They didnt consider that eventually the market would age, and a constant exposure to media should be consistent to make a real following, like how sunbow cartoons long time ago.

Cost is a good feature, dollar store with cheap toys would be affordable would entice both young and old collectors. I hope this would be a trend; classic adaptations/friendly price.

If I'm following you correctly, you said they should realize that their market aged. Well, yes, they do--hence modern sculpt Joes to begin with. But realize that the pencil shooters are there to real in a NEW GENERATION of fans. At some point, we 80s kids get old, wear suspenders, and look for a hot nurse to change our diapers. We're not there yet, but...

[ozzie92]

I don't see how printing the card's back as file cards affecting the cost. They just have to maximize the space. Hasbro is on the environmental move, so that means we are being encouraged to keep atleast the cards.; But if they keep printing anything but file cards at the card's back, people will end up in throwing the whole packaging away.

You have to hire a team of writers to write the cards--unless you just rehashed previous cards, which I'd rather they didn't.

[danielgogeta]

If I'm following you correctly, you said they should realize that their market aged. Well, yes, they do--hence modern sculpt Joes to begin with. But realize that the pencil shooters are there to real in a NEW GENERATION of fans. At some point, we 80s kids get old, wear suspenders, and look for a hot nurse to change our diapers. We're not there yet, but...

hahaha very true bro...well i would settle a hot nurse at any age..well not just to change diapers...

but back to the issue, its the same thing that Bandai realized when they released the Soul Chogokin line. They know the fans age, and they they wont stand for odd proportion toys with just plastic and minimal articulation. The market aged, so does their income brackets too, thus they can afford for a diecast toy of lower volume with all the nasty features they can dish out.

Ben10 in a way is looking at the same level of following, aging the character as the market ages too, deepening plot lines not drastically but at least looking at a believable pace. They also dish out same characters every series yet since the kids are bombarded with new tv series, merchandise and games, they get a good following.

Point is, Hasbro should had addressed not only the younger market, but three decades old loyal fanatics to the merchandise who have the income capacity to clear out a store shelf than some rich kid asking his mom to buy them joes. Its just like most toy companies who want to stick to their main market, a market that is yes large with numbers yet very competitive with lots of cool stuff out there like NERF and yes chicks. We got our chicks so we can now indulge on toys :)

[TheLongestDay]

I MUST have this figure!!! Ive been waiting a long time for this version of SS

[danielgogeta]

Can you tell I'm a Hama fan? ;)

Coolness! A great shot in comic joe history. thanks a lot Hama Fan :)

[ozzie92]

[QUOTE=danielgogeta;3588950]hahaha very true bro...well i would settle a hot nurse at any age..well not just to change diapers...

Point is, Hasbro should had addressed not only the younger market, but three decades old loyal fanatics to the merchandise who have the income capacity to clear out a store shelf than some rich kid asking his mom to buy them joes.

***But didn't they do that? Why else would we get POC/25th versions of our favorite characters--the ones that DIDN'T make it into the movie and/or Renegades cartoon? Isn't that a direct market to us old guys? Heck--throwing in Joe Colton--the original Joe--is another example for us old guys (37, BTW). Meanwhile--as much as I HATE HATE HATE it--the SW-like articulation of the vehicle drivers and the pencil shooters keeps the new generation (fingers crossed, because we DO need them to keep this line alive) interested. What kid didn't like something that shoots at their cat/little sister/brother?

Another thing, in looking at your Ben10/etc. example, is that those toy lines have the benefit of having been 21st century toys to begin with. They have seen the trends in toys from the 70s on up, and understand that there is such thing as toy collectors, even into adult years. I don't think Hasbro/Kenner/etc. ever anticipated that--just like baseball card producers from the 30s did not. So, Ben10 is smart to slowly age their line as they go--without a 25 year gap to bridge in the first place--just like some children's authors do now. Look at the Harry Potter series that grew in topic maturity/length of book as they were written. I think that is a newer concept.

[danielgogeta]

***But didn't they do that? Why else would we get POC/25th versions of our favorite characters--the ones that DIDN'T make it into the movie and/or Renegades cartoon? Isn't that a direct market to us old guys? Heck--throwing in Joe Colton--the original Joe--is another example for us old guys (37, BTW). Meanwhile--as much as I HATE HATE HATE it--the SW-like articulation of the vehicle drivers and the pencil shooters keeps the new generation (fingers crossed, because we DO need them to keep this line alive) interested. What kid didn't like something that shoots at their cat/little sister/brother?

Another thing, in looking at your Ben10/etc. example, is that those toy lines have the benefit of having been 21st century toys to begin with. They have seen the trends in toys from the 70s on up, and understand that there is such thing as toy collectors, even into adult years. I don't think Hasbro/Kenner/etc. ever anticipated that--just like baseball card producers from the 30s did not. So, Ben10 is smart to slowly age their line as they go--without a 25 year gap to bridge in the first place--just like some children's authors do now. Look at the Harry Potter series that grew in topic maturity/length of book as they were written. I think that is a newer concept.

Its ok Im 38 :) 80's boys then. Hasbro actually did, but for how long? I mean, the concepts for selling toys revolved on nostalgia of us older folks on the premise what must be good for us with joes growing up would also be be good for our kids/younger generation. I like the way they did Resolute, Renegades, even the ROC Gijoe movie to stir things so that the merchandise can actually sell on the shelves. The problem is continuity for the short period that these media marketing ploys are placed, all conveniently selling for the short term. If you remember the how Sunbow toons had a following, paired with Marvel, really pushed the toys trending and demand for a longer time, nearly 5 years late 80's. Here we are seeing just snipets of series, from the 25th, POC, Resolute and 30th whose series just last just for a year. I am praying Renegades do get a longer sustainable interest from viewers and consumers enough to make a longer stand.

For me, Hasbro should wisen up, and connect the toylines so that the associations mature between market ages. It may be beyond TV or the movies, even to invest on online or FB games (like Marvel Alliances) or even interactive web comics to push their merchandise.

[Mainframe]

Good review, can't wait to get my hands on this guy.

[ozzie92]

Its ok Im 38 :) 80's boys then. Hasbro actually did, but for how long? I mean, the concepts for selling toys revolved on nostalgia of us older folks on the premise what must be good for us with joes growing up would also be be good for our kids/younger generation. I like the way they did Resolute, Renegades, even the ROC Gijoe movie to stir things so that the merchandise can actually sell on the shelves. The problem is continuity for the short period that these media marketing ploys are placed, all conveniently selling for the short term. If you remember the how Sunbow toons had a following, paired with Marvel, really pushed the toys trending and demand for a longer time, nearly 5 years late 80's. Here we are seeing just snipets of series, from the 25th, POC, Resolute and 30th whose series just last just for a year. I am praying Renegades do get a longer sustainable interest from viewers and consumers enough to make a longer stand.

For me, Hasbro should wisen up, and connect the toylines so that the associations mature between market ages. It may be beyond TV or the movies, even to invest on online or FB games (like Marvel Alliances) or even interactive web comics to push their merchandise.

We are definitely in agreement there. A better, longer-lasting connection for the new generation. Renegades/Resolute/etc. needs to continue on and garner long term interest. Video games may be where it's at...but it would have to be an on-line property that is cutting-edge in what it offers; it needs to stand out as a must have platform, not just a property vehicle. Otherwise, it is just another on-line game--probably even subpar, like the last PS2 game for Rise of Cobra--another novelty act that doesn't last past the 6-9 months of deployment. Kids will play a quality game/invest in a quality idea, even if the basis for it seems like crap (I mean really, Pokemon? Bakugon? TMNT?)...we as Joe fans have a quality idea--patriotism rarely goes out of style.

So...what should be done to reconnect? In a world of increasingly short attention span/instant gratification, that is not an easy answer.

[ozzie92]

Excellent recap and summary Ozzie..this should be stickied and kept for reference.

Thank you. I have every TPB, and can't wait for the last volume 15 to come out in July!!! And I'm enjoying the continuation IDW/Marvel run currently. Hope it continues on another 155 issues!

[GI abe444]

Thanks for posting pics bud!

[ozzie92]

Oh, yeah--sorry for hijacking the thread. I am SO EXCITED for these figures to come out! Thanks SO MUCH for giving us this first-hand look. ;)

[ChadVamp]

Is the hood removable? Can anyone post a pic of him w/o the hood? Please.

[Shin Densetsu]

This could've been EASILY up there with Renegades Storm Shadow had it just come with more weapons. I am debating on buying the Cyber Ninja or Shadow Ninja from Retaliation and just hijacking the parts.

[ljacone]

I recently (well... February) bought my first Ninja Force figures, Dojo and Dice, from a 50 cents box at a comic book store. They are both really nice figures and caused me to go back and re-looked at the other Ninja Force figures. So seeing this classic NF style Storm Shadow was a nice bit of timing. I only have one SS figure (the ROC one in his full mask and gear), so I think I will pick this one up to represent him as a Joe. And the repaint as T'Gin'zu looks just as cool, I think!

Thanks for the pics!