The Sigma 6 toy line served several purposes for Hasbro. First, it allowed them to depart from the classic 3 ¾-inch format of the A Real American Hero series of the 1980s; most Sigma 6 action figures stand at approximately 8 inches (200 mm) and have more articulation. Second, the new series offered them the chance to streamline the story and characters, stripping away old continuity and "rebooting" the franchise with younger versions of the cast - similar but different to their 1980s namesakes - rendered in the popular anime style. [source: wiki]
In 2005, G.I. Joe returned to television with "Sigma 6", the code name for a new group of G.I. Joe operatives with highly specialized capabilities, which they use to protect the world from the Cobra Commander and his evil forces. Sigma 6 featured many of the most popular and well-known G.I. Joe characters, such as Duke, Snake-Eyes, Heavy Duty, Scarlett and Tunnel Rat, as well as a new hero, Long Range. The action figures made the jump to a larger scale (approximately 8 inch), replacing both 3 ¾ inch action figures and 12-inch (300 mm) action figures in retail stores.
This is the Hasbro G.I. Joe Sigma 6 Storm Shadow COBRA Ninja Master action figure. The figure comes in a very unique packaging which looks a bit like a capsule with top and bottom covers / caps which can be turned into a weapons case for storing all the figure's weapons and accessories.
A brief description on the box: Storm Shadow has a long history with Snake Eyes. Although now they are the bitterest of enemies, they were once the greatest ninja team in the world. The bond they forged long ago as ninja apprentices still joins them today even as they battle to defeat one another.
They stood side by side for years, battling COBRA together and were joined by a common hatred for the corrupt organization.
Before he was brainwashed by COBRA, Storm Shadow took part in many covert missions to stop the evil plots of COBRA Commander and his followers. His knowledge of the inner workings of the Sigma 6 team makes him very valuable to COBRA Commander since he was turned to the dark side.
Add his expert sabotage skills into the equation, and Storm Shadow becomes a truly powerful weapon in the fight to defeat Sigma 6 and allow COBRA a clear path to world domination.
Besides Storm Shadow's Katana (hand-forged Japanese sword with a hardened, carbonite steel blade - I don't write them, I just put down what I see on the box packaging), he is also equipped with a battle knife that can be separated into two equal halves for use as a double edged weapon.
This is Storm Shadow's Bolo launcher - an arm-mounted system that fires dual projectiles.
Being a ninja master, Storm Shadow is also equipped with climbing gear. In this case, they comprise of boot claws, anti-gravity climbing cups and reinforced grappling hook.
In the original storyline, 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.
Storm Shadow still has his Ninja Clan's symbol (Arashikage Clan) tattooed on his upper left arm.
I didn't know about this new G.I. Joe animated series back then as it never made it to Singapore :( I only saw pictures of the G.I. Joe Sigma 6 figures on the internet and I just love the Japanese anime style approach to the action figures. I like the angular lines and the exaggerated proportions to the physique which makes the action figures look more heroic and bada$$
Just check out the lines and sculpt of this G.I. Joe Sigma 6 Storm Shadow COBRA Ninja Master Action Figure's back and arms. I just find that the exaggerated muscles and bulk work very well for the look of this 8-inch action figure (200mm tall).
Close-ups of the Hasbro G.I. Joe Sigma 6 Storm Shadow COBRA Ninja Master Action Figure head sculpt and upper body. His legs are covered by the maroon pants he wears with the COBRA symbol printed on it.
Ninjas usually use the Ninja-To. The Ninja-To (Ninja Sword) in general is much shorter than the sword of a Samarai's (which is the katana). Traveling by foot and for concealment it is much easier to carry a lighter and shorter sword. The average length of a ninja sword is 24" while Samarai's swords range from 26 1/2" to 37". Ninja swords are housed inside a scabbard, which often times are made longer by a couple of inches to hold secret weapons, such as daggers, spikes, or poison.
NEXT: More of this G.I. Joe Sigma 6 Storm Shadow COBRA Ninja Master Action Figure (with pants removed) and weapons case displayed.
For more on the subject of NINJAs, click on the "Ninja" label at the bottom of this toy blog entry / post.
the styling is amazing! Animation style rules!
ReplyDeletethanks Marcus, glad we agree - love the style, love the lines ;p
ReplyDeletethat ROCKS!
ReplyDeleteit certainly does, Super-D ;p and lots of FUN too!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed collecting most of this line, it was pretty solid! The show had its moments, and I would love to get a hold of it someday. I Passed on that Storm Shadow you have, as I had the first version, But I like yours better. My Storm Shadow's chest turned a bit yellow, which irks me!
ReplyDeletethanks Dan. would love to see pictures of your Sigma 6 collection. i don't have a lot of these and these are the first pictures i've taken so far CHEERS
ReplyDeleteNice to see a Sigma 6 figure featured. That's really all I collect. I look around the 1/6 sites for vehicles, weapons, etc that are close enough in scale to work with them. I LOVE Sigma 6. Make sure you feature Lt. Stone and/or Crime Boss Destro-those two are great.
ReplyDelete