Storm Shadow (2007)

The first Storm Shadow of the 25th anniversary line was a bit of an interesting departure from the original 1984 figure design. I think that it really showcased this series’ attempt to take the highly recognizable character designs of the Real American Hero era into a new super-detailed direction.

I don’t know what constitutes a historically accurate ninja garb, but this looks like it would be much closer than what we saw in the 80s toys version. Detail is more subtle in both the sculpt and paint apps. Other figures from the early days of the modern era haven’t aged well, but I still find this to be a good looking figure.

Poseability issues still keep it from being a great example of the preeminent Cobra ninja, and I still can’t figure out the logic of the mid-forearm swivel cuts for the arms, particularly when there’s a natural break at the wrappings. The 80s figures’ hidden swivel tricks are sorely missed. 

I am a sucker for repaints, and I picked up every iteration of the mold after this. I will admit that a certain level of mold fatigue eventually set in, but I still like to dig through all the ninjas and set them up as a group from time to time. I’m weird like that.