My dad was driving me in that day and my mom typically packed me a brown paper bag with a juice box and a snack for the ride. I remember peering into the bag and seeing that, in addition to the usual contents, there was a carded G.I. Joe figure in there! The car ride was a blur; I was entranced with this awesome ninja soldier armed with his sub-machine gun and a sword that perfectly slid into his backpack for storage. Plus, he even came with a wolf!
All right, enough reminiscing. I’m wasting words on a 30-year-old toy instead of telling you guys about my favorite figure of 2013. As part of the G.I. Joe Retaliation wave 3 movie line, Hasbro released the perfect update to this childhood favorite of mine. Hasbro has made numerous toys based on this specific look, not to mention a multitude of other Snake Eyes variations. This figure is #67 according to yojoe.com
I remember seeing this Snake Eyes on display at SDCC 2012. While other guys were scrambling about the Marvel Legends and Star Wars Black displays, I was staring at this piece of perfection. Don’t get me wrong, I’m as big a Marvel zombie as the next Fwoosher, and there was plenty to drool at over there. My mom still loves telling everyone that I was potty trained with the promise of a new Star Wars action figures every time I went like a big boy, so the 6-inch Black Series was super exciting as well. This Snake Eyes just hit the sweet spot for me, he’s a little more superhero-y then your typical G.I. Joe stuff, clad in spandex with the knight-style visor, its just too cool/kooky/iconic all at the same time.
The figure itself is sculpted beautifully, it features the side-to-side ankle articulation that should be commonplace on every action figure for the rest of eternity. Timber even has an awesome ball-jointed neck. He comes with a good assortment of accessories in what has come to be expected from the modern Joes. Despite my two minor nitpicks — he wasn’t released with the headsculpt that was shown at SDCC, and he also is missing a backpack to hold his sword like the original release — he is still a remarkably fun action figure. I own three (I have a problem).
He rightfully claims his title as Ultimate Snake Eyes and is my pick for Fwoosh Staff Best of 2013.
