Toy
name: COBRA Ninja Trooper Assortment: Valor vs. Venom
Wave 5 Price: MSRP $7.99 Availability: October 2004
For
what seems like forever we've been hearing rumors of an o-ring version of the
original Wave 1 Storm Shadow. People have been clamoring for it, it's been supposedly
appearing for months and months, yet the figure always seems to find a way to
get postponed or cancelled. Well, it's finally hit shelves, only not as Storm
Shadow, but as what appears to be an updated Ninja Viper, now called "COBRA
Ninja Trooper". Does this new figure work? Yeah, I think it does...although
moreso as an homage than as a really effective new figure.
Figure Mold
This figure
proves that, sculpt wise, any way, Hasbro did have some stuff going for them
back when this new series first started those two rocky years ago. Even without
an o-ring, those figures had pretty neat detailing and effective uniform designs.
The fact that a re-tooled version of one of those figures could be released
now and at least somewhat fit in really proves that assessment.
The overall
base of the uniform is very ninja-esque, with a somewhat baggy martial arts
uniform, two-piece hood/mask ensemble and the always popular (with me, anyway)
wrapped arms and legs. These features all come together nicely to create a pretty
decent classic ninja figure. The twin strapping along the torso adds an even
cooler element, enabling Hasbro to fit a few pouches on there, plus a pair of
throwing stars. His belt contains the same types of pouches, and even his legs
carry an assortment of ninja gear. He is loaded with stuff, but not overloaded...a
nice blend of sculpting, I think.
The re-tooled
o-ring construction works pretty well, too, surprisingly enough. All parts seem
to remain in proportion, and the movement is slick and easy. It almost looks
like it was originally constructed this way...almost. The mold design and construction
does look pretty dated, though, when compared to figures like the Wave 4 Storm
Shadow...still, for what it is, this figure is pretty neat, I think. One downside
is the look of his head...it almost looks different compared to the original
Stormy...looks a little gangly and tiny for whatever reason.
Paint Applications/Color Choices
This is where
things get a little questionable. Okay, first of all, it's blatantly obvious
that Hasbro was definitely going for a Ninja Viper homage, which is cool. However,
by making this figure an homage, they really limit the army building, I think,
simply because who really needs an army of teal green ninjas running around?
Personally,
I kind of dig the color choices, only because I like my paint apps weird and
bright, but I can see how a lot of folks would hold back on troop building.
The green base,
while odd for a martial artist who specializes in dark combat, is a neat shade
of green/blue and is something nice and different to look at. I really like
the even darker shades of turquoise along the legs and the face, and the white
stands out nicely.
Straps and bandages
in white bring up a nice splash of color and do wonders to make the figure more
interesting...all in all, I really enjoy the color pallet of this figure.
Accessories
Nothing of any
real excitement to mention here. A double sheath w/ two swords, and a knife.
Nothing surprising, nothing new...but effective weapons for who the trooper
is, to be sure.
Final Comments
A pretty neat
figure. As an homage, it works nicely, using a repainted new Storm Shadow figure
to represent a repainted classic Storm Shadow figure. The homage is obvious
and enjoyable, but I'm not sure it will end up having mass market appeal.
While we do
seem to be getting inundated with ninjas lately, as long as Hasbro is putting
out ninjas of quality, I won't complain. Figures like the recent Storm Shadow
and these two only help the ninjas cases, and while I don't think I'll be army
building these at all, they will look neat on display and I think are worth
a second look at the checkout counter.
For
what seems like forever we've been hearing rumors of an o-ring version of the
original Wave 1 Storm Shadow. People have been clamoring for it, it's been supposedly
appearing for months and months, yet the figure always seems to find a way to
get postponed or cancelled. Well, it's finally hit shelves, only not as Storm
Shadow, but as what appears to be an updated Ninja Viper, now called "COBRA
Ninja Trooper". Does this new figure work? Yeah, I think it does...although
moreso as an homage than as a really effective new figure.
