Cobra Ninja! The History of Storm Shadow: 80's Edition ⚡

A look at the most iconic 80's ninja of all, and his journey from an evil henchman to a real Japanese-American hero.
Special thanks to www.3djoes.com for vintage card art and card back scans.
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#StormShadow #GIJoe

[@tonyt1551]

True story - When I was around 8 circa1985 I used to play with my gi joes in my grandparents guest room . One day when I was around 19 I was visiting my grandparents and was hanging out in their guest room watching tv. I was sitting on the floor next to this huge fake plant they had had forever. I bumped it getting up to go get a drink and Storm Shadow fell out of the plant. He had been in there just chillin for 11 years lol. I was so amazed. Ive kept him and he and snake eyes are on my bluray bookcase still. Im 42 now.

[@scarman470]

Tony Taylor great nostalgic story ,, awesome ,,

[@MrAdamJoel]

Cool!

[@aznsketcher]

Awesome story!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@saintdamien8290]

I was 6 when I got Storm Shadow for X-Mas. Took him to show and tell. Well, I lost him on the way home. Couldn't find him anywhere. Being it snowed, didn't see him outside either. Then spring comes around and low behold the same short cut I took everyday something white caught my eye. There he was, survived the whole winter out there. Only cause he's a ninja I'm sure lol.

[@daltononeill5026]

The greatest ninja villain ever

[@Awesomest915]

Shredder: Am I a joke to you?

[@AmericanGwyn]

I like that “Ninja” was Storm Shadow’s “occupation.” Like, “plumber” or “barista.” “Hey, dad, I got this job working for Cobra as an assistant Ninja. No benefits, but great opportunity for promotion.”

[@wiibrockster]

Imagine being a Plumber for Cobra. "Hey mum. I'm now a Plumber for Cobra who also doubles as an infantry soldier"

[@konkyolife]

No sick leave either, geez!

[@donnie1238]

LOLHahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahaha!!,😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@BalorShield]

no benefits?? ninjas don't need benefits.

[@troyt6864]

Storm Shadow is the best Ninjas of the 80's. No other comes close. Also, enjoyed Storm Shadow reboot in Resolute. Have to learn the 7th step.

[@KUROSHURA]

Larry Hama was Japanese, it’s not a stretch to say that Storm Shadow was based on Sho Kosugi’s ninja movies. The 80’s were dominated by Ninja Fever.

[@TheBluCorner]

I always found it more fun playing with the bad guys and Storm Shadow was without a doubt my favorite G.I. Joe character and only one i wished i still had to this day...

[@PowerRedBullTypology]

@@Drizzt_Do_Entreri Cobra characters tend to look cooler too with darker colors and what not. Even the cobra logo is way cooler than the gi joe one. Also, the cobra characters tend to be more entertaining and have more variety than gi joes

[@mrvanimal]

Storm Shadow was my very first Cobra figure. I got him for Christmas with a bunch of G.I. Joe figures and vehicles. He was the only Cobra I had for a while. I guess my parents didn't want me to have bad guys yet haha. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[@LastBastian]

Both iterations of Storm Shadow were my favorite Joes! Loved this character as a kid!

[@IronLordsPodcastRoundtable]

I cant thank you enough for this Lord Michael Mercy. I cant stop smiling ear to ear. Such a deep breakdown and analysis of my favorite GI Joe character ever. Ninja craze in the 80s was at an all time fever pitch...coupled with my favorite videogames like Shinobi , ninja gaiden et, and ninjas in action movies. I always thought the voice actor was honorable & also made me appreciate the Storm shadow even more. You are a treasure for bringing my childhood back with megatron and now this! Thank you for ALL you do. I have to get you on Iron Lords Podcast ASAP #Nerdmaste - Lord Cognito

[@MichaelMercy]

Thank you for supporting the channel! This video wouldn't have happened without you. So glad to hear you enjoyed it! Yo Joe!

[@XMattingly]

Learned something new today: Stormshadow is from my hometown!!! 👍👍👍 As they say, knowing is half the battle. Thanks, Michael Mercy! ✌️😎

[@Glock_Nico]

Storm Shadow was the hardest figure to find in store. When I finally found him, I convinced my mom to buy two. This was also at the same time I was waiting to hear back from Hasbro if I could buy direct... the answer was yes, but at $6 each. Considering the regular store price of ~$3.50 I only bought two. So in the end I had four Storm Shadows. I still have them, but the internal rubber bands that hold them together need to be replaced.

[@protectourfreedom8221]

Awesome I didn't know you could contact hasbro to get hard to find figures...genius

[@jordel2010]

I had both versions (v1 and v2) of Storm Shadow back in the day; he's my top favorite character in GI Joe (followed closely by Snake Eyes). English isn't my native language, so while the Marvel GI Joe comics were widely available where I grew up, I really wasn't able to read and understand comics in English until the late 80s/early 90s, and by then I was captivated by Batman, Spider-Man and the X-Men. Years later when I finally got the chance to read a couple of issues from the Marvel GI Joe run, it didn't take long for me to see why those are still so revered and praised (especially so in the case of both Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes character development); too bad I wasn't able to read those back in the day but at least I got the chance to later in life.

[@wiibrockster]

Cobra is probably one of my favourite evil organisations in fiction. They have it all: Soldiers,Ninja's,cool vehicles and weapons.

[@thetreasuresunknown]

The Stormshadow/Snake Eyes history was by far my favorite story line of the comic books. I loved their back stories.

[@AnimeJason2011]

One can't exist without the other. Which is the case for Storm Shadow, the yang to the yin that is Snake Eyes. Whether with Cobra or as a Joe, Storm Shadow is one awesome ninja, just like Ryu Hayabusa, Joe Musashi and the aforementioned Snake Eyes. Ninjas are awesome to the max! Keep up the good work.

[@gazz_N7]

Stormshadow has alway been a favorite, especially V1. That look was that classic 80's ninja movie look, and get that awe feeling when I see that version. V2 is also really cool and a great follow up to the original, but V1 will always be the best. Thank you for the video, NERDMASTE'! 😊

[@MBJ861]

One of my favourite action force figures because he was a Ninja. Maybe it had something to do with the american ninja movies too.. Holy crap this is nerdy 24 karat gold 😁

[@robertchristensen8275]

my fav character of all time

[@lordtwohig7671]

Thanks for another outstanding production, Mr. Mercy! Storm Shadow was one of my favs. I still have that comic!

[@nathanrobertson1223]

88 version is my favorite action figure from the entire Joe collection

[@iliketocomment8144]

Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow my favorites.

[@gatorcroc7212]

Stormshadow is stil my fav GI JOE character, im so glad I own a cgc 9.8 GI JOE comic #21! The Silent Interlude.

[@JoeSelf1982]

I love these deep dive videos about iconic 80s characters so much! I'm proud to be part of your Patreon Tribe!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Joe! I appreciate your support! 🙏

[@robdcollector2808]

...talk about cool!!! Lovedddd this Storm Shadow upload!!!!! Coolest bad ninja ever!

[@cherylsaliens5451]

Amazingly perfect nerdmaste

[@paulmacdonald5135]

You bring honor to all old toys Master!

[@jedijian]

Omg!!!! I grew up being addicted to all things to do with Storm Shadow & Snake Eyes!!! My favourite UK comic issues were the ones solely on both the Ninjas back stories and missions. The UK renamed Gi Joe to Action Force to appeal to the UK kids & unfortunately ran up until issue 50 where I totally lost my knowledge of all Gi Joe news. I didn't even realise Storm Shadow became a Gi Joe until watching your fantastic KZbin video here!!! After all these years and decades!!! So happy Storm Shadow was a good guy after all!!! I remember using a red marker and drawing & colouring in the makeshift tattoos on my forearms to pretend I was Storm Shadow!!!! Even left it on when I went to school!!! Lol!!!

[@joshua3732]

Good Stuff...Silent Interlude is my favorite all time comic. I read when I was 8 and that last page blew my little mind! I clearly remember being shocked that they had the same tattoo.

[@agnethaladuff8559]

Great video of one of the best G.I. Joe character Storm Shadow. Thank you Michael Mercy.

[@ANIMUS97]

WOw! I never gave the tattoo any thought. Great info! Top shelf work.

[@AC-gb7do]

Watching this video reconfirms why Storm Shadow was a great character. Quick Kick on the other hand..

[@andrewbourne6806]

Wow. You've outdone yourself. Highlighted my favorite character, and told me things I didn't know.

[@omarkho4284]

Love this series of the history between these characters .good job Micheal 👍

[@tungleeage16skilledingungf27]

I love storm shadow he’s one of my favorite ninja characters

[@danieltokfashion]

This ninja is my favorite cobra

[@AgentNevets]

I love the history of videos, particularly the year by year ones, but I’m really enjoying the character specific ones too.

[@scotthenderson9622]

Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes always been my favorite. Even collecting figures I had to have them first.

[@peteortiz65]

Awesome, now knowing is half the battle! Storm Shadow is by far, and always my best action figure growing up, thanks for this video!!

[@AK-ug1md]

the GI joe comic book (silent/no words) with snake eyes and storm shadow was one of the best ever!!!

[@ohkamimusic8815]

This video was recommended to me and it's the first one I've watched of yours. Storm Shadow was by far my favorite character growing up and watching this gave me goosebumps. Very well put together, subscribed! Can't wait to see more of your content!

[@generalisimo1]

I came along later but I'll never forget getting Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow for my 8th birthday.

[@wrp4955]

Great video. I never knew the comics growing up, and as i grew older i didn't see that Storm Shadow was on the GI Joe side until many many years later. Only knowing the Sunbow cartoon, I loved how Spirit and Storm Shadow had respect for one another. And even though he was a Cobra, he was humble and never took to grandstanding like all other Cobra's did. Many of the 80s Cartoons were like this which we just dont get anymore. And it taught me to respect my opponents in sports.

[@am234523]

Definitely my favorite Joe character. The second edition of his figure went EVERYWHERE with me when I was a kid. #awesome

[@ChonkySlotDonkey]

Another great video. Thanks Michael!!

[@neopunch]

When my 7 month old son is old enough, I will be showing him this video. Thx MM!!!

[@greenlanternhg5141]

In my hunting as a kid, looking desperately for Snake Eyes, who I wanted so much or even to get a glimpse of him in person, I found his nemesis instead...Storm Shadow, not difficult to understand why he became my second favorite figure 🤔 still looked for Snake Eyes but to no avail 🥺...now I own six different Snake Eyes but have not seen the original figure or any of his other versions other than in pictures 🤔🥺 Great video Mr Mercy 👍🏽✌🏽...you really know how to pull on those nostalgia strings

[@protectourfreedom8221]

Snake eyes and storm shadow were super hard to find

[@walterarchie5388]

Greatest ninja , greatest character

[@andrewrash1931]

I always thought the storm shadow and spirit rivalry was an interesting one to see, because I can’t think of any other time a ninja and a Native American warrior have ever came face to face in mortal combat.

[@georgelea4297]

An awesome video as always Michael loved the focus on their rivalry

[@emiliobarco4015]

I remember back in 85/86 when I was at a store and saw both v1 Storm Shadow and v2 Snake Eyes. I asked my brother if he could buy them for me and he did. I had both figures for a long long time. When I read the comics, I loved the character of Storm Shadow even more. Such complexity and fulfilling story arch for his character. However, I will have to say that Storm Shadow did eventually get the best of Quick Kick in the Sunbow episode dealing with Excalibur and the Lady in the Lake. And Freedom did pull off a hat trick and foiling Storm Shadow a third time by stealing Excalibur from him and returning it to the lake.

[@jasondwilliams972]

My 2nd favorite, all-time. Great video, to boot! I won a white handled, white scabbard katana in a competition that I have affectionately named “Storm Shadow,” and am in the process of customizing it in his likeness...

[@2OldGeeksTalking]

Loved Storm Shadow in the Larry Hama comics.

[@JMitsuruDavis]

Another wonderful video! Fitting of such an iconic character. Thanks for producing it!

[@christianbrix5211]

Amazing stuff, Michael! Please feel free to keep 'em coming, would love your take on as many Joes and Cobras as possible - keep up the good work, and a happy new year!

[@cjgonzilla7676]

That was totally awesome, man!! Brought back alot of memories from one of the most enigmatic characters ever! Well done, sir!!!

[@brianng3414]

Very cool video. I love the reenactment of the TV show with your action figures. Your Storm Shadow figure is in very good condition unlike my own. As much as I love the '84 figure, the '88 figure is far superior.

[@ValkyrieMagnus]

Awesome video!! Thanks for always making uplifting and positive videos.

[@yeahicrackaces]

Excellent episode. One of my favorites!

[@brianng8350]

Great recap of the cartoon and a good summary of the comics. And fun re-enactment with your action figures!

[@robvegas9354]

Awesome vid as always Michael . many thanks!!! i had V2 and V3 stormy growing up and his arc in the comics was great. amazing character and fantastic fun figures.

[@NemesisEnforcerYT]

My favorite character of all time so miss understood. I felt like Indy trying to find him as a kid. Only took 30 plus years to find him he's an extremely elusive ninja.

[@MiyabiJNEP]

I've watched two of your videos this far and I am most impressed by the enthusiasm you exude for the subject matter. Thank you for sharing your research. Keep up the good energy!

[@chevyfreak1453]

Storm Shadow was my favorite toy as a kid it was stolen from me and i stole it from other kids many times lol! I was lucky enough to own an insane amount of Gi Joes, my mom was the best. My collection was so great i even had the uss flag carrier, cost 144$ bucks back in the day at Zellers. I was spoiled by my mother who didnt have much growing up also helped that i was an only child. In my teens i donated all my Joes to sick kids at a hospital in Ottawa Ontario where my mom worked... Sure wish i kept my Storm Shadow though (cries in a corner)... Great channel bro hope you do an 1987 Joes line up vid!

[@MrChristopoop]

Ahh, Storm Shadow. Introduced at the epoch of the ninja craze in the US. You had the American Ninja movie (idea of which was much cooler than the actual movie) and those two or three ninja movies that floated around HBO or Cinemax at the time, they were fleeting appearances on the cable channel it seemed and you would sit inside on a beautiful summer day to watch one if it happened to be on. Heck, in stores there were tons of ninja magazine a floating around by the comic book racks as well. Who didn’t dream of ordering nunchucks, throwing stars, a ninja suit and those tabi boots with the split toe. Nice nostalgia for the dreary central New York afternoon. Thank you Mr. Mercy

[@ddave7026]

Enter the Ninja and I think they made a appearance in a Chuck Norris film🤔 Good Ol $1.50 for two movie days

[@Mcandy78gaming]

With so many amazing toys out in the 80s your videos are a very enjoyable trip down memory lane😁

[@johndorosh5512]

Great video. Remember the comic exactly and found it such a great story. Thanks for the memories.

[@melvinbagby4221]

Excellent recap, sir.

[@skribbleink83]

Awesome tribute man. I love how you present your videos. Cant wait for more gi joe character history vids. Thanks for uploading these!

[@jaredaldridge2053]

Love your video never will stop watching them

[@phillipgatelein8591]

Would love a solo Storm Shadow movie . History of work places , hardships and up bringing into cobra.

[@KUROSHURA]

I love this bro. You’re commentary reflects my exact same sentiments.

[@isamudyson7231]

Very well done.

[@colinalford4976]

Michael, well done man. Well done. Absolutely loved it!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Colin, glad you enjoyed it.

[@Ebonyleopard]

This was shown my by my TV's recommends and I'm very glad it was. The photos you take of the toys recreating the scenes are just down right amazing. Heh And it's reminded me I've wanted to get my hands on the modern Spirit figure and I guess that's why he was one of my favorite Joes due to his constant battles with Storm Shadow.

[@bajra79]

really dig character deep dives. thanks!

[@konkyolife]

Storm Shadow, flying my Rattler. Best toy ever.

[@MrYagbolls]

Awesome review.....just awesome., I didn’t really understood why stormshadow became a GIJoe before when I was growing up., but it was my fav stormshadow gig back then., now u make me wanna hunt for that version of stormshadow as a joe...... dang it!!!!! 👍🙏

[@LuStevens]

Loved this

[@bucknastynastybuck]

I could never find me a brand new storm shadow. I was only 2 in 1984 so had to buy used ones already played with and broke up. I see them graded on eBay for thousands...I'm like this use to be $3.00 - $4.00 back in the day. Crazy. I love this figure, firefly and all the dreadknocks

[@gijoespanol]

As a kid that grew up with the cartoon, ignoring the existence of the comic, Spirit was always Storm Shadow's nemesis. Their relation was very well developed in the cartoon even considering their "childish" nature.

[@gerainthorton8980]

Great video Michael. Loved the little re-enactments with the figures. I always wanted Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow. They were so popular that I think I didn't even see them in the stores. I didn't realise Storm Shadow came with so many accessories.

[@woodman29]

Fantastic video Michael. Darn it u inspire me to appreciate my collection more and more. Nerdmaste’ buddy

[@yurushii]

I sincerely love this! I had that same Philco TV when I was a child! This is great! COOOOOOOOOOOBBBBBBRRRAAAAAA!!!

[@chadpilkington8405]

My four favorite were Storm Shadow Snake Eyes Spirit and Quick kick!!

[@Primeentertainment2007]

I'm glad storm shadow turned into a gi joe. he was awesome as a bad guy with cobra but he was probably getting tired of cobra commander and destro so going to the gi joe team makes his character even better and the action figure is cool to lol 😄👍

[@magnificentmarc707]

This is excellent commentary 💯

[@eltenda]

Great episode!

[@mephosto]

the hockey match for the weather dominator is legend.

[@ilarianannini2975]

Amazing review, you well caught the spirit of Storm Shadow. A great character even as a villain!

[@anthonywelsh481]

Big Storm Shadow fan 😎👍

[@swordpegasus4032]

Awesome!

[@OrangeDyna]

I've always known Storm Shadow to have been born in San Francisco, CA. Great video bro. Tommy is one of my favorite characters of all the toy lines I've been a fan of.

[@beingnow9015]

My older cousin told me (6yrs old) that their was No Way I could find the 2nd Storm Shadow at the store, too popular. But for some reason my Belief was Super Strong that I would find it. Going to the store with my aunt: I searched the shelves for one, but didn't see one. While walking around in circles as my aunt looked at clothes, on top of some boxes I see an out of place G.I. Joe in the woman's clothing department. And their he was! I picked it up feeling like I had won the lottery! And wondered just how it got here for me to find! Many years later, a girlfriend came home with a movie called The Secret. And when the Law of Attraction was fully explained, my mind flashed back to two Unexplainable events of how They Could Happen. Get this toy was one of them, and how much I Believed that I would get it, when others said it was impossible! 1Love

[@protectourfreedom8221]

Awesome...that must have been like finding the willy Wonka golden ticket

[@laiddogg7251]

Great Video!!!

[@dsanchez9703]

Love Storm Shadow hes awsome him and snakeyes r two of my top 5 Gijoes

[@MissingLinkMTB]

Dear God, let's not talk about Resolute.... First time I watched it I was floored!!!!!

[@rodrigodamianaramayopizarr7745]

¡Fantastic video! I remember those old GI Joe Tv episodes, like I saw yesterday. Many thanks my friend.

[@pozitivitymusic]

Great video! :-)

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks!

[@macgyver4269]

Great show

[@jaredsteel9015]

Pretty awesome. Didnt know this about storm shadow. Then again I dont know a ton about the Joe's. Love these kind of videos.

[@plzfollow]

Great video, one of your best

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks!