Alexx Shorts: PoC Quick Kick - Toys R Us Exclusive (9/13/10)

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.



Quick Kick kicks quick in slick kicks.  News at eleven.

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It's time for the second of the TRU exclusives: Movie homage #2, Bruce Lee Quick Kick!

First off, I'll say that I don't have any Quick Kick figures on to compare with this one. Never had the original and I didn't get the pack that had him in the 25th line. I wanted him, but skipped the pack too many times, thus leaving it to disappear quickly before I could change my mind. I didn't lament it too much, 'cause the figure is kinda strange. I mean, you've already got figures like Storm Shadow walkin' around in traditional ninja gear, so I it's not crazy for a guy to be regularly dressed in nothin' but a sash and pants. Regardless...I guess I never saw him as a guy who would be out with the joes doing regular joe stuff. Seemed like he would be the guy you would use in the training sequences; you know, in the dojo training the new guys or helping the regulars hone their techniques.

Things change a bit with this one but, only just a bit. He at least matches Storm Shadow now, in that he is wearing serviceable gear that you normally wouldn't (but it's okay 'cause all the cool ninjas are doing it). In fact, speaking of Storm Shadow: Quick Kick's parts have made some interesting rounds! First, you know 25th Quick Kick, and you can tell this one is using the same torso and head. Next, you'll see that same torso on Resolute Storm Shadow. Storm Shadow used new arms (possibly just new hands) and TRU Quick Kick takes back his torso and borrows Storm Shadows hands in the process.

Next, you'll see his legs and probably assume they're from RoC Storm Shadow. However, upon close inspection, I've noticed that the folds on the pants of the lower legs are different, as well as the shoes! I thought this was strange, since they're nearly the same. I knew they wouldn't make new parts for an exclusive, so they had to come from somewhere. The answer was in the training gloves that he comes with.  Look here, at the canceled Training Duke! You'll see the gloves, and there's the pants and new shoes (you'll also see Spirit's torso, so they've managed to use most of that Duke).

So there, I'm absolutely crazy. Moving on!

You'll also notice that QK is using Reso SS's shirt, and it's one of my main complaints about this guy. The thing is way too big, and it's just kinda goofy looking on him. Which, once again, makes QK shirtless. It's cool, though; 'cause he's got some badass “Enter the Dragon” scars on him now. They are either really coincidental, or he's a big fan of Bruce Lee. 

Anyway, if you're not a fan of the shirt and happened to buy RoC Kamakura (if you even found him), then you can make an interesting Night Force Quick Kick.

At least, that's what I'm calling him.

Now, how about those accessories?

Mac-10 (I believe), new katana, mustardy nunchucks, and some training gloves! Very cool accessories, but my next gripe makes most of them useless: BIG 'OL HANDS. Teeny tiny sword handle. Heck, even the nunchucks can barely be held! The sword cannot be held at all, though. No point in even giving it to him honestly, which is fine, since he doesn't seem like the type to use a full classic katana. Curiously, the katana is brand new, so I'm wondering what it was originally molded for (I know they aren't gona make him a brand new sword). 

So there he is with the katana set in his hand and the nunchucks in one of the few positions where they don't fall out. The gun fits, of course, but you're gona have to find some good weapons without trigger guards so he won't look like a doof holding them. In general, the angled wrist on the left hand makes him look like a doof no matter what. These aren't terrible hands, 'cause they can hold some stuff, but they ain't great. One way you could get them to hold the sword is like this:

The gloves squeeze his giant mitts, but I dunno why he would be wearing those regularly. I suppose if you can suspend your own disbelief, then you might as well leave those gloves on. Those hands are a disgrace to the symbol he wears on his shirt:

Kung-Fu slip is more like it.

So I'm not a big fan of this guy. If he had better hands, I'm sure I would like him better. It's not a total loss, 'cause he seems like a bare knuckled kinda guy. He does look cool (without the doofy shirt) and I do like him...I just wish he could use his accessories. 

If he could, then a scene like that would result in some sorta awesome ninja fight. Instead, you just get this:

So, in the end, I suppose I do recommend him (though, it sounds like finding him is going to be hard). It's one of those rare times where not being able to use the accessories doesn't bother me as much, 'cause the figure does hold up his end, and he can at least hold some other accessories. Plus, his accessories are cool on their own and can be used elsewhere (I don't know who else would use yellow nunchucks, though). It's also the only Quick Kick out there with some more serviceable clothes. I'll put this guy at middle-of-the-road: I wouldn't worry about it if you miss him, but he is kinda cool if you do run into 'em.

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I was never clamoring for a Quick Kick, so I guess I'm glad they did this weird movie homage.  It made him unique.  Granted, I ended up permanently using that "Night Force" look, which nearly brings him back to his classic look...but at least he's not barefoot.

I guess I still feel the same about him, save for being less bothered by his inability to hold the accessories.  They look great with anyone but Quick Kick, and Quick Kick looks great without any weapons, so they're all winners.

I don't know if this is anyone's default Quick Kick, but he's not bad.  May be the best one, honestly!  He didn't get many figures, and your only other option is the barefoot classic one that looks like the Karate Kid, so....

...yeah, I'd go for this one.  Best endorsement I got.