G.I. Joe Retaliation Ninja Showdown Set

Storm Shadow and his Red Ninja anxiously awaited the arrival of Snake Eyes

Presenting the Snake Eyes, Storm Shadow and the Red Ninja from the GI Joe Retaliation Ninja Showdown Set.

I actually had the opportunity to purchase the individual G.I. Joe Retaliation Snake Eyes, Storm Shadow and Red Ninja when I chanced upon this three pack. I noted that the three pack looked like the better deal because both the individual Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow were just painted in their base black and white colors respectively. They were kinda...plain and typical. At the very least the two in the Retaliation Ninja Showdown Set gave me more... color... variety if you will.

Another advantage of the G.I. Joe Retaliation Ninja Showdown set over the individual Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow figures was that the set was chock full of accessories. I  would not be stuck with just a pair of "Sky Commander" Zipline rip-offs (Though I have to say that the Zipline comes with 7 feet of string and THAT is impressive for an action-figure), but weapons and accessories that I could use for other purposes and figures.

So I picked up the set instead - and the Red Ninja - but only because people were scalping them.

G.I. Joe Retaliation figures in packages.

Our friends at Toy News International have posted two photos of the upcoming G.I. Joe Retaliation ToyLine.

I have to say that I'm starting to have mixed feelings about the toy-line. The packaging is less military and more movie based - I suppose we can let that slide, the Rock has to be paid after-all.

But here we are again with those huge weapons that are just a waste of plastic that most collectors simply pack away in a box.

And what's with that orange gun?

For a view of Cobra Commander, visit our friends at Toy News International.

G.I. Joe Retaliation 2012 Toy News

Hasbro is all set for next week's SDCC 2012 where it will reveal this year's G.I. Joe Retaliation toy-line up. And I have to say I absolutely love what I see! The full line-up of toys can be seen here at Hasbro's site.

But here are some highlights that I'm looking forward to including the SDCC exclusive Kim Arashikage (White Ninja on the Right) - which makes me wish I lived in San Francisco (If anyone reads this blog and is going to the SDCC, please do PM me, I'd so love to have one sent over.The Kim Arashikage on the left is the retail version.