Shockblast (2009)
The Joe formerly known as Shockwave for a time shared a dubious honor with the fan favorite Decepticon of the same name. Both were renamed to the much less threatening and apparently less copyright infringing name Shockblast . Doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, does it?
I’m not too excited about most of the modern versions of classic Joes, but this one has grown on me. Essentially a repaint of the blue version of the original incuded in a 25th anniversary comic pack, it’s a recolor that makes sense for an urban operative. The color scheme is close to the Night Force version as well. The parts choices for the most part get along well, although the arms don’t have the greatest range of motion. That’s a weakness of the base Cobra Trooper, an early 25th mold.
Thanks to that same base figure, as well as the 25th Snow Job, this is one figure that maintains actual human proportions, something even the vintage version lacked, with its melon head.
Weapon selection is paltry. His only rifle is a tactical shotgun, a natural inclusion for a SWAT guy, but a disappointment considering the number of automatic rifle molds available. Shockblast didn’t get short shrift in the headgear department however, as he includes not only the classic cap, but a combat helmet and gas mask as well.
I got an extra one of these figures to make a more mobile and “accurate” Shockwave, which will use the hat, head, legs, belt, vest, and pistols. The arms are being used for an original character of mine.
Clarity of thought before rashness of action
I have the blue version and I’m happy with it but these later colors are cool as well. Having the multiple headgear available again is always appreciated. Plus, as Acer notes, you can always trick him out with extra gear.
Nice figure for sure, but the two I took out of the package split at the leg where the holster is.
Cool Benelli, mask and shoes!
I suspect the melon head of the ’88 version might be why he’s never been a big character of mine. This is a decent remake with the camo.
I love this release, it helps it came with the Night Creeper in Urban-Colours too.
I’ve customized my Shockblast/wave by giving him one of my Pit Commando vests with the arm bits trimmed off, while keeping the belt this figure has. Oh and some newer hands.
I like this one a lot – it fits in better with the rest of the Joes, IMO.
I just wish he’d had some of the newer holsters. Those massive things come close to ruining the clean lines of the figure (same thing happened to Wild Bill).
(I’m so used to seeing him with one of Marauder Inc’s riot shields that I forgot he didn’t come with it.,)