Alexx Shorts: RoC Arctic Threat Storm Shadow (10/27/09)

Well, this is it: I've finally decided to start reposting my old "Alexx Shorts" G.I. Joe reviews.  They're the reviews that lead to what eventually became this blog!  I'll be posting them in straight copy-and-paste format, separating them with bold dotted lines so you know where they begin and end, and then I'll post some final thoughts on what I think of the figure currently.

For those unfamiliar: I used to take random pictures here and there, but by the time the Rise of Cobra toys came out, I was getting annoying with how much people had been bashing the figures which were clearly better than the previous 25th Anniversary offerings.  I set out to show people how awesome they were, and things went from there, forming into "Alexx Shorts", named so because I thought I was going to keep to a short format with a few pictures.  I did not do that.


The Arctic has never been more threatened!

-------------------------------------------------------------

Look at those eyes. Those eyes mean business! He wasn't serious before, when he assaulted the arctic; no shirt, open wounds, backpack with concealed spring-loaded blades. He was just having fun with that stuff. This time, though, the arctic is a threat!  It's time to actually wear something warm and...carry a zipline! You know.

Anyway, this figure is an obvious homage to Storm Shadow v2. So much so, that you can see on the package that they were going to color the straps on the coat red, at one point:

That would have matched the red backpack and sword he originally came with. They didn't go that route for the figure though (and I kinda wished they had gone with the lighter grey camo on the package, but what we got is still cool). Now, as I usually mention in any SE or SS review: "What's the point in getting another Storm Shadow?" Well, for one, I can say that this one stands out and is particularly awesome. On the other hand, if you've had enough of him, the first two RoC versions should do you just fine. This one does, however, offer some unique things. One of those things is just how good he looks; another is the fact that this is bascially the v1 RoC sculpt sans the coat bottom, allowing for standard leg movement.  What tops that off, is the fact that the coat can be removed, and unlike most coated figures, he isn't left with sleeve-arms! Here, lets take a look.

The accessories are a little sparse, but he has what he needs. I would have liked a second sai, but the one works well with the Paris Pursuit SE belt that he's wearing.

It looks kinda cool there! Otherwise, he's got the claw and swords like normal.

So, like I said, this is the same mold as the v1 SS, but the coat part has been replaced by PP SE's belt.

With the coat on, you'll get the same range that PP SE can get, which isn't bad! 

Take the coat off, though, and you'll have everything you ever wanted out of that first mold! It's really cool, and the stand-out feature of this figure. It's rare when you can remove a coat and not have the arms ruin the look.

Oh, of course, you also have the zipline that is always a cool idea, but never one that can be implemented properly. I loved those things when I was little, but was quickly saddened when I could never find a good way to use them.

So, in the end, I think this is a good buy! For folks who have enough Storm Shadow, I think this one in particular fills the niche of being a good arctic version of him, while also being able to lose the coat and perform just as well as a really cool looking version of SS. I don't think they've done an arctic version of SS before, so if you've refrained from the SS figures from RoC so far, then i'd say that this is the one to get! He's very cool, and I can't stress enough how cool it is that you can remove the coat and still have a useable figure!

-------------------------------------------------------------

 

I think you're gona have to get used to the "Oh, I'm reviewing another Storm Shadow" comments, from here on out.  I think I mention it every time, and every time I'm happy with whatever Storm Shadow I'm reviewing (well...save for one, but we'll get to him near the end).  What can I say?  They don't mess with Storm Shadow that much!  Plus: I LOVE this mold.  Especially when they lose the jacket bottom that restricts the legs.  It just looks so awesome!  The padded coat, the high collar, the layered mask.  All of it!  This one is no exception.

 

It's hard to sell after the fact, though.  If you were in to Rise of Cobra, then you have SOME form of this figure.  I know you do.  If you have none left over, I'd be surprised.  You gotta keep at least ONE of these!  I'm just not sure if this would be the one.  It is an awesome look, and I do still like it, but when it comes to a version of this guy without the coat, I usually go for this Target exclusive one with some red on him (you'll see that later as well).  This guy is just neat, when compared to some later versions.  Plus: Who knows, maybe you like the one with the long coat?  Cutting the coat really frees up the articulation.  One way or another: If you like the look, then this is the one to hunt down!  If not, you've got your share of choices, lemme tell ya.