X Review: Storm Shadow

There have been 43 previous incarnations of Storm Shadow, not including mail-aways and special versions with different names. He was first available in 1984, and has since then been found in single packs, double-packs, box sets, and with vehicles.

From the classic filecard:

Code Name: Storm Shadow
Birthplace: Classified
Primary Specialty: Assassin
Secondary Specialty: Intelligence

Storm Shadow can trace his family history through thirty generations of assassins. He can scale sheer walls with bare hands and feet, move with blinding speed, and endure unspeakable hardship and pain. Qualified expert: Long bow, Samurai sword; Throwing stars; Nunchaku sticks; 8th degree black belt in five martial arts.

“The great Ninja assassin clans disappeared a hundred years ago. If they were wiped out, nobody took the credit for it and if they’re still around – who are they working for?”

From the Amazon pack filecard:

Code Name: Storm Shadow
Name: Thomas Arashikage
Military Specialty: Ninja
Primary Weapons: Katana swords

Storm Shadow is an elite ninja mercenary. He was trained by the Arashikage ninjas alongside his clan brother – and now archenemy – Snake Eyes, a G.I. Joe ninja commando. Suspected of assassinating Hard Master, the leader of the Arashikage clan, Storm Shadow joins forces with the evil Cobra organization.

I’ve seen worse. I’ve also seen better.