GI Joe Retaliation: Cobra Red Ninja

Here's another G.I. Joe Retaliation figure I've been sitting on since last summer.  At the time I didn't really realize that the whole ninja element would be so widely focused on in the upcoming Retaliation movie.  Now that the movie is just a few weeks away from releasing and there are more toys on the shelves, I can see the ninja focus now more than ever.

This looks like a cool figure and all, but could Hasbro really not come up with a more imaginative name?  Red  Ninja.  Really Hasbro?!

I really hate that Hasbro isn't including file cards with the new G.I. Joe figures.  File cards are to G.I. Joe to what tech spec cards are to Transformers.  I've still yet to set up the 7 feet of zip line that this and the other ninja figures come with.

I'm not the best when it comes to identifying previously used parts from other figures, but I believe this is mostly a repainted G.I. Joe Renegades Storm Shadow figure.  This is a good thing.  This is a super articulated figure (ankle joints!) and comes with some decent accessories.

  

I'm guessing because the zip line was included with the figure that cuts had to be made in the accessory department.  The Red Ninja's weapons are just two swords.  No claws or throwing starts to pose in his hands this time around.  All in all though it's a pretty cool release and I can see plenty of hardcore Joe collectors army building this generic character.

GI Joe Retaliation: Cobra Trooper

After a near one year delay the second live action G.I. Joe film, Retaliation is slated for release next month.  With the movie comes more toys from Hasbro.  I grabbed a few figures last year when the first two waves were available at retail before Hasbro recalled the toys after the announcement was made that the move was being pushed back to 2013.  I can't believe that it's taken me this long to finally get around to taking a look at the new Cobra Trooper.

I'm not sure what to make of the new packaging.  While it's much brighter in color than the Rise of Cobra toys were, I don't care for the image of Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson being plastered on everything!  At least the figure inside the packaging looks cool.

The back of the blister card is much better, although there isn't as much character specific info as I'd like to see.

Stripping the figure of it's webgear and accessories will give you a good look at the figure's construction.  Like all G.I. Joe figures, the figure is a frankenstein; using parts from previous figures to form a new figure.  I believe the head sculpt is new, but I swear it looks familiar.

   

In addition to the real working parachute, the Cobra Trooper is also given two sets of webgear, a helmet, black pistol and a semi-automatic rifle.

The parachute webgear easily attaches to the figure, however I never took the time to attach the actual parachute.  I figured it would be cumbersome and get in the way when trying to display the figure on my shelves.

The parachute itself is made of a nylon like material and is rather large.  I love the huge, red Cobra symbol.  If I was a kid I'd be all over this toy, throwing him up in the air and watching him float down.  First thing I wondered when I saw this toy was if the Official G.I. Joe Collector's Club would be using this figure as a part of their annual parachute figure drop?

From what I've seen of the Retaliation toys thus far I like.  It appears that Hasbro is making an effort to combine some classic elements of the A Real American Hero toy line with the modern movie elements.  I doubt I'll be buying much from the line this year as I'm trying to keep my focus on Transformers, but I'm glad I grabbed this figure last year.  I may eventually grab one more to keep sealed and add it to my Cobra collection I have displayed around the top of my toy room.  Fun stuff.