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View Poll Results: How Would You Rate This Figure? | |||
10 | 6 | 6.74% | |
9 | 17 | 19.10% | |
8 | 17 | 19.10% | |
7 | 20 | 22.47% | |
6 | 8 | 8.99% | |
5 | 5 | 5.62% | |
4 | 3 | 3.37% | |
3 | 1 | 1.12% | |
2 | 6 | 6.74% | |
1 | 6 | 6.74% | |
Voters: 89. You may not vote on this poll |
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12-02-2009, 12:22 AM | #1 |
VALKYRIE
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Over the rainbow where your mom is at son
Posts: 23,515
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G.I. Joe Rise of Cobra Wave 5 features some of the best versions of popular G.I. Joe and Cobra operatives from the movie. Yet none of these versions in wave 5 actually appeared in the movie. This wave is proof that even offscreen toys can be better than the actual onscreen toys from a movie line.
One of the figures that caught my eye months back was Storm Shadow(Arctic Threat), which I am reviewing here. This figure caught a lot of backlash and some fans even detest it, viewing it as the worst Storm Shadow figure in the line. Yet is that how I feel about it? Read on... |
12-02-2009, 12:44 AM | #2 |
VALKYRIE
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Over the rainbow where your mom is at son
Posts: 23,515
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I think Hasbro got the idea from this figure primarily from the arrival on a M.A.R.S. arctic base scene from G.I. Joe Rise of Cobra. This is the scene where Storm Shadow is shown with a long coat, unmasked, and then throws shurikens at Duke. Sure this figure is very different from what we saw, but I actually wish Storm Shadow looked more like this figure in the movie. Why?
This version of Storm Shadow is inspired by the Storm Shadow V2 figure from 1988. The camouflage stripes are different this time around, as they are a dark turquoise as opposed to light gray, and the bandolier is the same color instead of red. Will we see a running change with a more V2 accurate look, reminiscent of the box art? Possibly. We've seen running changes on Timber(w/Paris Pursuit Snake Eyes) and other figures. Speaking of Snake Eyes(Paris Pursuit), this version of Storm Shadow has the trenchcoat from that version of Snake Eyes(albeit molded in white with painted camo stripes). In addition to stripes, a Cobra symbol is printed on the left side of his chest, where it's commonly seen on nearly every version of Storm Shadow. It's good to see some red on this figure, as it makes the figure look more interesting. Maybe the red Cobra symbol is a further homage to the 1988 V2 prototype, which had Cobra symbols all over it(but was changed for final production as by that time, Storm Shadow had defected to the Joes in the comic). The body is from the wave 1 Storm Shadow. No mold degradation yet as the sculpted lines and intricate details are still present. The combination of the wave 1 Storm Shadow body with the trenchcoat makes Arctic Threat Storm Shadow look more like a hitman/assassin. Definitely comes across looking like an Arctic Threat. The stripes contrast well since the figure is primarily molded in white. Would gray with a red bandolier, as shown on the card art look better? Possibly, but that doesn't make the current deco look bad. |
12-02-2009, 12:52 AM | #3 |
VALKYRIE
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Over the rainbow where your mom is at son
Posts: 23,515
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This figure comes with the wave 1 Storm Shadow weapons, and more:
The missle launcher with rope is from wave 1 Snake Eyes, and while you can probably get some neat poses with Storm Shadow hanging from the handles, it's not necessary. I could do without it and I honestly don't see many buyers, kids and older fans included, really using it. It's one of those accessories that I tossed aside until I started shooting photos for this review. I'd rather have more ninja weapons. The sai is from Paris Pursuit Storm Shadow, and there is enough space between the bandolier and body to store the sai. I've shown this in the attached photos. The swords and scabbards are the same as the ones that come with all previous movie Storm Shadows. The only difference is that the swords are molded ing ray and the handles painted white. This is good because there are no worries about paint scraping off of the blades. I'd rather see paint scrape off(if any) on the handles than on the blades. |
12-02-2009, 01:01 AM | #4 |
VALKYRIE
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Over the rainbow where your mom is at son
Posts: 23,515
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To show how this figure pays homage to the V2 Storm Shadow and shares the trenchcoat with Paris Pursuit Snake Eyes, I shot images of Arctic Threat Storm Shadow with the 2 aforementioned figures(V2 shown is the 25th Anniversary version). If a more card/V2 accurate running change repaint comes along I'll probably pick it up, as that deco and the current deco look good to me.
While Paris Pursuit Snake Eyes and Arctic Threat Storm Shadow just share the same trenchcoat, both figures have enough unique parts to stand apart from each other. In that respect, they complement each other rather well, and it's fitting that they do being that Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes, despite being sword brothers, have very different personality traits. |
12-02-2009, 01:10 AM | #5 |
VALKYRIE
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Over the rainbow where your mom is at son
Posts: 23,515
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In conclusion, this figure is worth picking up. It definitely stands out amongst all other previous Storm Shadow figures in the line, in part because of the deco and due to the trenchcoat. The V2 homage is appreciated, as that is one of my favorite Storm Shadow costumes of all time. The stripes have been a source of complaints amongst the fans but I think the stripes work well on this figure due to making the deco stand out. It's a visually more striking figure than the wave 1 version.
With this review concluded, I leave you with some action shots: |
12-02-2009, 01:24 AM | #6 |
Cobra Viper
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: WONDERSHOWZENVAINA
Posts: 395
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i got this figure a while back and am still surprized on how much i really like it. one of my favs of the roc line
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12-02-2009, 01:25 AM | #7 |
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Hiding from the ROC Police
Posts: 14,738
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thanks for the review. I don't buy roc figures but I still enjoy reading the reviews
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12-02-2009, 01:27 AM | #8 |
Knuckle Massage!
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: CT sometimes Tokyo
Posts: 8,280
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Excellent review Shin & some spectacular shots.
For those not in the know, Shin did some mighty fine camera work just having to work with a white palate alone. It's difficult to shoot white on a white background (As any skooled cinephile or photog can tell you) & it's illustrated beautifully in these shots on how to do that right. The closeups & dynamic posing is real a nice bonus! I was not not enthused with this version of SS at first, but when I got him in hand I really liked the bulk of the figure. He remains nicely poseable & still feels massive for a Storm Shadow figure. Even with the vintage homage he remains unique & I think many will be surprised how versatile this figure can be! |
12-02-2009, 01:37 AM | #9 |
^No Step^
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Argentina
Posts: 9,056
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Quote:
The shots are so good that i actually changed a bit my mind about this fig. I don't hate it, but i'm not a fan neither. personally, the camo doesn't bothers me, it's mainly the general look...it doesn't appeal me...dunno. I have to admit that SS has great arms, i love those stripes on the wrists.
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12-02-2009, 01:37 AM | #10 |
#voteblackjack
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Northwood, NH
Posts: 35,747
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I'm torn on this one. i like the trench coat look and the detailing, but not sold on the large stripes. This may be a pass and it may not. I think it'll be one of those in the store with it in hand and think about it for a minute.
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