Storm Shadow (2011 Renegades)
I’ve had an absolute bugger of a time tracking down this Storm Shadow. I’d heard lots of great things about it, and therefore was a bit concerned that it might not live up to expectations when I finally got it in my hands. In fact, it’s been sitting unopened for a week awaiting my review.
Well, guess what? I shouldn’t have worried. This figure has it all–spot-on proportion, solid articulation, great sculpted details and ridiculously intricate accessories. When the Pursuit of Cobra Snake Eyes was released, it was said that it resembled a scaled-down Sideshow 12 inch figure. With this Storm Shadow, Habro has done it again, only at a higher level.
Not only do we get a secondary head, but also replaceable belt and sash to recreate Renegades or classic Storm Shadow. These simple switches and the plethora of weapons really help create the option of two distinct figures. Speaking of weapons, I don’t know how this figure still qualifies as a 4+ toy. This has to be the most tiny pieces I’ve seen taped inside an action figure package. I’m afraid to take most of the gear out for fear that it will end up in the carpet, never to be seen again.
Finally a ninja head sculpt that doesn’t just look like either a ski mask or tight hoodie. The vintage styled head is an incredible sculpt; just the shape of the mask and hood perfectly creates the mystery and menace of Storm Shadow that I felt way back when I bought issue #21 of the Marvel comic. As another plus, he also looks like he could have stepped right off the screen of an 80’s Cannon Group Ninja film. Totally awesome.
My hope is that this mold is resurrected in some form for the GI Joe Retaliation line. It’s just too good to have only been released once. I would buy more of this mold even if it were repainted in dalmatian spots. There would seem to be a good chance of its reappearance later this year due to the apparent prominence of ninjas in the new GI Joe film.
I have yet to find one and this is the sweetest Stormy in years. Hasbro wins props for this masterpiece. He truly looks like the comic version come to life by way of the American Ninja movie series. By far the best Storm Shadow figure yet, and one that is sure to please various fans of different RAH incarnations.
I’m digging the latest stuff much more than any new overpriced 25th style figures (FSS).
Probably the best Tommy after version 1.
I’ve got to get this one. Was it Wave 3 or 4? Still waiting on both waves here in Rochester. We seemed to get 1 and 2 relatively late.
It’s in wave 3. I haven’t see hide nor hair of wave 4 yet.
They will NEVER ever be able to top this version of Storm Shadow. Ever.
I agree. It’s awesome. It’s on mold I hope they repaint a lot. Shame it’s apparently only in one assortment.
I know, right!?! Add to that the fact that the wave 4 case assortment was repack of one of each of the rest of wave 3 minus Storm Shadow. The entire wave 4 case pack was one of each figure with the only exception being a second Zombie-Viper that the absence of SS made room for. Honestly, if I had wanted all the rest of wave 3 I would have bought a full set of that one… wait, I did that. As great as the ZV is, I still would have preferred them to just throw another of this guy in there, just like the rest.
Why, oh why did Hasbro do this to me? Custom fodder, what other explanation could it be?.
You are responsible for my getting into modern figs. That picture of this stormy is like a ninja took it or something. You’re like a ninja photographer who makes people want to buy stuff.
I’m proud and sorry at the same time. Getting into the new stuff is a big commitment. Good luck! I also feel sorry; hasn’t Don tried to get you into the modern stuff for a while?
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