* SNAKE EYES & STORM SHADOW O-RING 2022 * | G.I. Joe Retro Series Action Figure Review | Hasbro

[@forumicebreaker]

Thank you for this video. This is really nice to see the many figures next to each other. Without cartoon or comic access, the file card is the real base of characterization that brings an action figure to life. The 1989 Snake Eyes accessories are an interesting inclusion. The printed text on figures used to be molded in text on figures. That was some fine print worked into that mold, the print is the easy way out. Some cloth texture or extra added details to the "original" new figures would have made this more appealing for me. That retro-Stalker has that detail, Snake Eyes could have had this rather than the skin tight smooth plastic to give a little more commando look. The Snake Eyes could have even have used the 2005 (-ish ?) comic pack Snake Eyes style head that could have bumped up the detail to give it that little bit more. The "A Real American Hero Collection" years and the "15th anniversary" years have perhaps more quality versions of these. Even the comic-packs that were out in the G.I.Joe versus Cobra years might have more interesting version options of these two figures. I wish I still had all of these older ones I mentioned so I could compare them to these cutting edge figures from such a large company. But I was kind of burnt out on the same old with a little something new added in routine and sent them all on their way.

[@MacDowin]

Thank you for the comment. It was great to read your thoughts. I know that they are simply trying re-release old figures, but I agree some updates would have been nice. Info like the texture idea. That may be why I really like that Stalker figure.

[@JB-eh2oj]

I was unfamiliar with the Marauders waist design. I think that molded plastic ball joint is a great idea as an update to the o-ring. I really enjoyed this video. Especially since I'll be keeping mine in the packages.

[@woodman29]

I have been on the fence with these mainly the cost…I have the originals, and I’m probably going to pull the trigger after watch this! Thanks MAC!

[@RAKETABN]

They should have used the 1985 SnakeEyes

[@toddsmith9598]

I really hope Hasbro makes a ton of these. I hope a BAT comes out soon!

[@MacDowin]

That would be really cool to get a B.A.T. They are missing some good money if they don't make a few good troop builders.

[@danielmckinney699]

Outside Storm Shadow's backpack there are three to four notches. This is where the bow goes.

[@memphiswildfirewrestling2886]

The main reason fans of the original style like the O-ring style is as kids we would take them apart and made our own figures. U can't do that with figures that aren't able to come completely apart.

[@keithguay7523]

Thanks! I’ve never taken an action figure apart especially a GI Joe and now I know!! 💪

[@MacDowin]

Glad I could help. 😃

[@Toy_Reclaimer]

And knowing is half the battle!

[@stevenhartono3876]

great review ❤️, i'm waiting for mine

[@2000sonydude]

There is a lot of new technology going on the new o-rings. Plastic is way better seems more durable and flexible, notice the groove where the torso connects, the rivet is much much stronger. If you take apart the legs you will appreciate the new design how the diameter gets bigger the closet to the peg. They did improve a lot. However, I agree with you. They should have also made the head ball joint and update the 1983 design to 1985. Also, take the opportunity and fix the colors to make it cartoon accurate. Fix all the mistakes from the 80's. They did fix it on cobra commander and Duke but not on the cobras and snake eyes. They should have done the 1985 version just like the art shows.

[@MacDowin]

I didn’t take the legs apart, I will do that to see the updates.

[@shinobi-Wan]

I would assume the original released O ring figures would stay the same price if not increase in price sense guys just getting into the line may want to go back and pick up the original releases. Those production dates are pretty important to those collectors that pay those after market prices. It's like 1st printings and 2nd printings.

[@sammyscollectabletoyshall1626]

Yo Joe awesome video

[@MacDowin]

Thank you.

[@sundownstudios2.075]

That stalker figure reminds of the articulation of the marvel universe 3.75” figures before they messed it up and started taking away the articulation and moved to the 6” line. If you can get your hands on the Marvel universe 3.75” Steve Rogers I highly recommend it. I would say the punisher as well but they had three versions and I don’t want you to get the wrong one. It would have been the most recent.

[@rattlerlead]

I think Snake Eyes is accessory is a demolition satchel charge, or full of some other kind of explosives.

[@jasonking3182]

I love the fact that we are getting the o-rings back. But I agree that hasbro should not be a slave to the originals. I hope they take a page from masters of the universe origins and improve on them. I would also love it if the female figures were redesigned, the first scarlet looks a little rough after 40 years.

[@HighFalutinTootin]

They already did that with retro figures look it up they only made 5 or 6 figures but they are exactly what you described and they are cooool but the original line is awesome too

[@jasonking3182]

@@HighFalutinTootin I am talking about touching up the original o-rings, the retro figures were just the modern figures we have been getting since the 25th anniversary line. I loves those and have a ton of them but they are not o-rings

[@HighFalutinTootin]

@@jasonking3182 yeah i understand what you mean mean and on some figures they do a bit of that

[@GrayDark617]

Great review, thank you! About the prices, i'm from the EU. $63.50 for the Duke and Cobra Commander set. Also no Sanke Eyes and Storm Shadow set in sight. ;(

[@MacDowin]

You are welcome. Wow, that sounds expensive. Yikes.

[@jersonmendoza2094]

Past will always be the best brings back good memories..new Ones don't just saying.. you can't ever compare an original to new ones

[@d4ll4sdr4gon2]

I love it!! I hope this line BLOWS UP !

[@MacDowin]

As long as I get a re-release Shockwave figure and Battle Wagon vehicle, I am happy.

[@georgeaitken2719]

I live in the uk we got snakes eyes as a sas driver the only difference was the grey highlights on the face the accessories were the same these ones are different plastic and look smoother than the originals

[@joshua3732]

Nice video. My figures came today, and I love these things. I have the originals loose, so I'm going to leave these on the card.

[@MacDowin]

Thank you. Sounds like a great way to hang onto these figures.

[@missionfoxsparrow7906]

Sick load out going to order right now

[@davejbutler1]

Retro collection was pretty nice (some quality issues for sure) -so sorry to hear that Hasbro canceled.

[@MacDowin]

Same. Really liked the direction they were heading.

[@starscream003]

Even though we have to wait till next spring for the haslab project, I wonder if they are going to change the color of cobra commander that gets released in the 2 pack with Duke, because it is the same mold just from all the pics that comes with the skystriker.

[@MacDowin]

Yep, some of the paint apps are different.

[@occamsrazor4370]

They should have done a Tomax and Xamont style box for MIB collectors. Poor guys can’t even see the figures lol. Thought about getting these guys. But I spend too much on vintage ARAH as it is lol. I’m keeping my “new Gijoe releases in check” for now.

[@MacDowin]

Yeah, it can get out of hand fast.

[@mountainpeakcloud8442]

I appreciate your video, however I have to respectfully disagree on some points. I want this line to thrive in the line term, and not just because of the nostalgic appeal, but there are things I like a lot more about these O-ring style Joes than I do about the modern war sculpts. There are of course the aesthetic differences I prefer, such as I prefer the proportions of the o-rings, and I also can’t stand the chest cuts in the modern figures, which makes them look like they have breast, and the upper thighs the protrude out from the hips etc… but ultimately what I prefer about the o-rings is the balance of articulation and solidity, because that’s what makes a good playable toy vs a figure primarily for posing. I noticed that you were struggling to get your stalker to stand up, and that’s exemplary of one of the issues I have with modern figures, is that they sacrifice some of the structure and solidity of the figures for articulation. Every joint has the potential to be unstable, so the more you put, the more the figure has to have stiffness in all those places to maintain structure, and to me, while the modern figures are superior for posing, the o-rings are superior for playing with. As a collector who not only sets up dios, but still plays with his toys, I can appreciate the o-rings much more than the modern figures from a functional point of view. This is where more updates is not necessarily a good thing, and for me, the o-rings got it right for a playable toy. Plus, for me, the pinnacle of modern technology is Joes are the Classified line. They have superior detail and articulation to every Joe produced in the past, and the proportions look good to, while mostly staying true to the originals. To me, Classified and o-rings cover different ground, but cover their own respective territories very well. Classified for the ultimate modern expression of modern toy making with hyper realistic detail and articulation, perfect for posing… and o-rings, the perfect balance of articulation and structure for playability. For me the modern 4” figure kind of fall in no mans land somewhere in between… they don’t have the detail and articulation of Classified, and they don’t have the same level of playable structure and vehicle compatibility, and nostalgia, as o-rings. I get that they have their fans, but I was disappointed when they brought them back under the umbrella of the “retro” collection. I get the argument for possibly adding a swivel at the wrists to the o-rings, and I’m on the fence about that since it could possibly add something to the figures, but it’s also a potential fail point in the long term. A swivel at the ankle don’t make sense as the foot would look misaligned from the knees, and adding a ball joint to either the knees or ankles just adds potential instability to the figure, which for me defeats the purpose of the o-rings. I believe the crotch’s are made from the same PVC based plastic as the hands and forearms… at least that’s what I remember the team saying in one of the live streams. Ultimately I want classified to continue in the long term, and I want this O-ring line to continue in the long term too. I believe both have their place in our current time, and fulfill their purposes perfectly.

[@MacDowin]

Its true that it is sometimes difficult to stand a retro style figure. Some of the figures the club released just couldn't stand. That is one thing nice about the o-ring figures, even with gear on, it was easy to make them stand almost every time and somethings without even thinking about it. That is why I think the Marauder ball joint at the waist would be an acceptable upgrade to the o-ring. As far as I can tell it has the exact same mobility as the o-ring. Twisting and bending just about as far as you want. The marauder legs are also straight designed, not posed designed so they stand easier than the pre-posed figures. One thing I find interesting. I really like the Zica R.I.O.T. Trooper o-ring figure, but it is difficult to get it to stand sometimes. It falls over. Not sure if that is a foot issue or a figure balancing issue. Zica did add a swivel to the wrists and a new style of ball joint to the neck. Not sure if that is teh issue. These new Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow figures stand really easy, like the old figures. While saying all this, I really do like where the retro line was going with Stalker, Grunt, and Cobra Officer. I have learned how to get them to stand pretty easy when I am not reaching around a camera, lol. While I still play with figures, I don't play with them in the dirt and the mud like I use to as a kid, so I really enjoy the added articulation to get figures into poses that are just not possible with the o-ring style. With that said I think there is room for both designs. I am very excited for the forth-coming o-ring figures and would love to see new characters released in o-ring style or maybe some modern era only characters released as o-rings. And Hiya has announced a 1:18 scale G.I. Joe line that I am guessing will be the modern era style. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a great comment. I love talking about G.I. Joe stuff.

[@mountainpeakcloud8442]

@@MacDowin Thanks for writing such a detailed response. You make a lot of good point. I would be totally fine with a different type of waist joint, as long as it still have the aesthetic of the o-rings figures. I don't really care about the actual rubber o-ring, just the way the figures look. People seem to really like those Marauder figures. I really like the look of the Zica Riot commando too as it retains the o-ring style, and the swivel wrists are cool too... I just get concerned when there's more articulation added, because to me they represent more potential fail points. Some of the 4" retro Joes had their hands and forearms falling off with the slightest bend of the arm, so they not only really limit the play value, but it's also easier to lose pieces. I do still play with my Joes from time to time, come up with narratives and act them out, so playability and durability are still the most important aspect for me. I do agree that there should be room for both designs, however, it seems Hasbro tends to go with one or the other, but not at the same time... especially with Classified now. I did hear about the Hiya announcement, it will be interesting to see what they do with Joe. Nice chatting with you. Cheers!

[@timothyjacob1167]

I never saw the retro figures side-by-side the O-ring figure before. And now I understand why they are going to discontinue them. If Hasbro has plans on re-release some of the older vehicles, like the sky striker they just did a few months ago, then they are going to need the original size of the figures to fit inside them. I think the retro figures are just a little bit too tall.

[@MacDowin]

There really is a big enough height difference. They had to modify some of the old vehicles back around 2006 and 2007 when they were releasing modern figures with original vehicles and even then sometimes it was a very tight fit. That's why they didn't advertise that modern figures would fit the Haslab Skystriker. It might just be too tight of a fit.

[@UnitedWeStandFreedom]

I am an o-ring collector but I say leave them in the past I was enjoying the Walmart retro figures we didn't need these . I love the ball joint idea in the waste a lot better if anything. Can't believe these guys are trying to get 40 bucks for a double pack it's plastic theft these shouldn't even be 12 bucks each .

[@chevy-is-a-good-boy]

Hope Hasbro Pulse won't be the only way to acquire the new O-ring figs. Crappy cardbacks aside, the figs seem pretty nice - ace review.

[@MacDowin]

At least for the foreseeable future, all o-ring figures will be Pulse exclusive.

[@superermac55]

When was that Riot trooper released?

[@MacDowin]

July of 2021. www.zicatoys.com/eagle-force-retro-riot-commando/

[@superermac55]

@@MacDowin thanks

[@normanguzman417]

I step forward would be if Hasbro can make the GI Joe classified in 4". I don't like the large 6" figures, they are too expensive, they take too much space and they don't even have vehicles or headquarters.

[@palpatine1975]

Hasbro does 5 languages dossier cards because they know adult collectors are buying these now ,not kids

[@MacDowin]

That and they release in multiple countries.

[@presymarauder]

20 dollars for a 3.5 inch o ring figure is too much. You can get a McFarlane 7 inch figure with amazing sculpt, stand, and paint for 19.5 dollars. Thought of getting this if it were like 8 dollars or less.

[@williamthompson5504]

It’s an explosives pack for Snake Eyes.

[@MacDowin]

Oh, ok. That makes a lot more sense.

[@davidarnold373]

Love the set just don't understand why the box art has V2 SnakeEyes on it.

[@MacDowin]

That that has come up a few times. They even mentioned it in the live stream. I think the original intention was to release that version, but they ended up with v1.

[@nightshadeii9248]

It irritates me that the box art shows ninja Snake Eyes, but the figure is commando Snake Eyes.

[@timothyjacob1167]

Let’s be real here, kids nowadays don’t play with toys like G.I. Joe. The people that are buying these are adults that had these when they were kids. I can see the O-ring line be an exclusive to Hasbro Pulse, and I also believe that the future HasLab projects will also be O-ring related. Yes, it would be cool to see something from the classified line but let’s be real it would be too big. Maybe we’ll see a jump jet pack or a fang helicopter but I don’t think you’re going to see anything like a sky striker or a rattler.

[@MacDowin]

Yeah, a Classified Haslab would also be pretty expensive for a large vehicle. I also don't have room for a large vehicle to just display. I am happy for those that have the room though. Super disappointed I will never have a Classified Battle Wagon. I don't know which age groups buys which figures these days. I do know that I see a lot more kids and parents looking at and buying the Fortnite toys then I do other lines when I walk the toy aisles. I think kids would buy G.I. Joe again, but Hasbro would need to have a full media push behind it. Right now they just seem more interested in releasing different figure scales and licensing it out to other companies who just made more figures in different scales.

[@stacks9079]

O-rings should be the new standard going forward. Thankfully they've stopped production on those dreadful classified style "retros".

[@MacDowin]

But I like the retros. 😃 Lol. That's alright, Hiya has announced a line of 4" G.I. Joe figures. That means both lines will be moving forward.

[@jebstuart4004]

@@MacDowin i think that retro line looks too much like the 25th figures. they are really nice but o ring touch adult nostalgia. that s pethaps because they cancelled it. it s a bad news for the véhicules cause i love vintage like boxes.....

[@yfz350twin]

The Super7 file card has a more complete bio which is sad and bad more solid card.

[@MacDowin]

Yeah, the Super7 cards are strong and the file cards are more like the original. I don’t like the figures but the presentation is great.

[@JGARCIA2012FULL]

This must be a joke, I bought two Snake Eyes and Scarlett 20th anniversary packs not long ago for a little more than the cost of these two figures, I can still find original figures in very good condition for around 10-12 dollars, Hasbro has lost his mind.

[@ejc2064]

with 6inch figures at 25-26 asking 20 for these is asking way two much. Most of the 3 inch lines im seeing is why overpriced in comparison to 6 inch figures. should be in the 12-14$ each range. I really wanted o-rings back but at this price it gives me pause. If they continue the line eventually these new figures will start to be more expensive then some vintage lots! At that point why buy them?

[@MacDowin]

That is a very interesting thought. I bought a v2 Firefly in 2020 for about $45. Only about $20 away from that.

[@jaytoigo1027]

They can't put the description of what accessories are included on the side of the package anymore. They would have to write it in 17 languages and there's not enough room. Lol

[@MacDowin]

That is an excellent point! Didn’t even think about that.

[@seanmc7128]

So I have all of the g.i.joe retro figures and vehicles. So now you're telling me they just decided to discontinue that design and start all over again with the old style o ring design? Yea I'm out. Nothing at all against the classic design. I like that. It's just that Hasbro just seems to change things up in a split second and I'm not too happy in that regard. I think I'm just going to stop collecting these and stick with the classified line until they screw that up.

[@MacDowin]

They didn't say cancelled, but on hold. It led us all to believe it might come back, maybe. Now Hiya is teasing a new 4" scale of G.I. Joe figures. SO my guess is Hasbro licensed out the 4" figures to them. Not sure what they will look like, but guess we will see.

[@fiercekrypton]

I'd like swivel wrists and ball jointed heads as well but I'm sure all the purists would complain.

[@noodleschalepah5934]

These are on pusle no thanks I probably be lucky to get a vintage online 😅🤣

[@MacDowin]

I wish you luck!

[@fiercekrypton]

18:42 nah... Not even close. You can bend an o ring fig in half.

[@MacDowin]

Ok yes, true. I was referring to how most people would use the figure. I admit that I was not clear on my meaning.

[@Doiboy35]

28:08 Wait, they cancelled the Retro series? Darn... that's disappointing.

[@MacDowin]

Yes, the non-Oring Reteo was put on hold. No idea if they will return or not. I agree, disappointing.

[@KirksCORNER1983]

No thanks they are different then the ORIGINALS

[@poolee77]

I’m tired of the modern stuff. O-ring is refreshing from all the super articulated modern crap. Been collecting 25th since its inception, how much more can be done at the 1:18 scale?

[@baumer2504]

I pulled the trigger on these guys, but I can't justify $20 a figure just for nostalgia. I already have better versions of these figures in the 25th and 50th lines. I also collect the Classified line. I think I'm going to be extremely selective with my O Ring purchasing.

[@TerryTurner]

😎👍

[@wallaroo1295]

The *fuck!* I am paying $40 for two *replica* figures. Nope nopity nope nope nope.

[@MacDowin]

Not entirely replicas..... the inside chest is different. 😐

[@wallaroo1295]

@@MacDowin Thank you for the reply. So, they are not even accurate replicas. That's kind of like the fiberglass 60s Mustang kit cars from 20 years ago - looks original, maybe even has better components... not the same. I wouldn't have a problem paying $8 maybe even $10 for one of these. $20 each? No, my dusty old nostalgia isn't worth that much to me anyway! 😄

[@MacDowin]

I was more making a joke. Lol. I think the inside chest peg difference is so people can’t pass them off as originals or repair originals with these. Just an idea.

[@viktorlanderos3165]

$40 bucks this crap? Hell no!

[@ricktaylor4789]

Boring, Boring, Boring.

[@MacDowin]

I apologize, I will try to add more expression to my discussions. 😃