Arashikage Clan Warriors - Snake Eyes & Storm Shadow

This post is inspired by an illustration I came across of Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow standing back to back (scroll down to see the beautiful artwork I mentioned). Throughout their history in the comic books, the duo have been everything to one another from the bitterest of enemies, to the most loyal of friends (and blood brothers) who would fight and die for one another. The movie version is somewhat different. You don't see either of them fighting or dying for one another - it was kill or be killed!

This was the illustration I mentioned. The artwork blew me away - it's just beautiful :)

Snake Eyes is the code name of a member of the G.I. Joe team. Much of his history and information, including his real name, place of birth, as well as almost everything else about him, have remained classified throughout all depictions of his origin. All that is known for certain about his military standing is that he holds the rank of U.S. Army Master Sergeant (E-8), has undergone Drill Sergeant training, and is a former U.S. Army Special Forces Delta Operator. He is also the team's resident hand to hand combat instructor.

In every version of his story, Snake Eyes is quiet in his movements and is a swift and deadly master of multiple martial arts. He is an expert in the use of the ninjatō and spike-knuckled trench knives (which he collects). He usually carries them in pairs but often uses only one. He is equally qualified with and willing to use standard weapons like firearms and explosives. Making him even more dangerous is that he rarely relies on one set of weapons to the exclusion of others.

I had posted pictures of this Snake Eyes figure which was originally released as a "GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra" 12-inch Snake Eyes (reviewed HERE) but then upgraded (full review HERE)

Storm Shadow's real name is Thomas S Arashikage (トーマス・嵐影) (Arashi = "Storm" and kage = "shadow" in Japanese). Best known as the Cobra Commander's ninja bodyguard, and assassin at times, he is the only character to have changed sides several times; conflicted in loyalties between Cobra, G.I. Joe, and his blood-brother, Snake Eyes.

This 12" Storm Shadow was released by Hasbro in 2003 as part of the "Spy Troops" set. See my post HERE for more pictures :)

In the comics storyline, it was Storm Shadow who brought Snake Eyes into his clan, the Arashikage clan (Arashi = "Storm" and kage = "shadow" in Japanese) where Snake Eyes learned and mastered the ways of the ninja warrior.

And here's a picture of some 1/6 scale ninjas featured in the G.I. Joe storyline: one (1) Storm Shadow, two (2) Firefly and three (3) Snake-Eyes. Click on the picture for a bigger and better view or see my post HERE for more pictures :)

Here's a look at some traditional ninjas (in 1/6 scale, of course) - see my post HERE for more pictures. I just love group shots, don't you?