HissTank forum member jinx723 is back with another G.I.Joe Retaliation Wave 4 figure review, this time of Blind Master! Blind Master made an appearance in the original Marvel Comic continuity as Billy, Cobra Commander‘s son, found his way to the Blind Masters dojo. This is where we learn that Jinx was the Blind Master’s protege. He was also mentioned by Jinx during her sparring session with Beachhead in the G.I.Joe animated movie.
In G.I.Joe Retaliation and per the figure’s dossier, Blind Master is the wise and mysterious leader of the Arashikage ninja clan who can see what others can’t. He is the toughest of masters and has trained Snake Eyes, Storm Shadow and Kim ‘Jinx’ Arashikage in the secret ninja arts. He is skilled with multiple weapons including the bladed shield, the flying saw and legendary nine-ring sword.
This figure has several unique characteristics – It’s the first time (to my knowledge) that this character has seen it’s own figure and it’s likeness is none other than the RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan. Once again, jinx723 covers all points, including many pictures of the Blind Master with his different accessories. How does this figure pan out? Check out the review to see for yourself!
Jinx723 says
From card back "dossier":
Blind Master is the wise and mysterious leader of the Arashikage ninja clan who can see what others can't. He is the toughest of masters and has trained Snake Eyes, Storm Shadow and Kim 'Jinx' Arashikage in the secret ninja arts. He is skilled with multiple weapons including the bladed shield, the flying saw and legendary nine-ring sword.
The dossier is based on the Movie Universe Blind Master. Those of us that grew up reading Marvel's A Real American Hero comics would know the difference of the Blind Master character. The Blind Master's first appearance was in issue #59 where he's training Jinx. Blind Master was trained by the Hard Master who also trained Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow.
Blind Master, played by Robert Fitzgerald Diggs aka RZA of the hip-hop group Wu-Tang, gets his own action figure. We get Blind Master in the newly released Retaliation wave 4. Blind Master is another figure that is mainly a 'kit-bashed' as known in the G.I. Joe collecting community. The entire figure is made from (Renegades) Storm Shadow v41 with the skirt from ROC Storm Shadow v32 and a new head sculpt. Hence this figure does not have rocker ankles that is the new norm for articulated lower legs and feet.
Accessories: The one thing known with the later waves of Retaliation figures is you get plenty of accessories. Blind Master might not have a plethora of gear like 'Ultimate' Duke, but what he does come with are all new sculpts. I can't remember where, but I read that RZA was involved in the designing process with the figure. And it definitely shows in the accessories.
Overall the Retaliation Blind Master is great figure. He may be a straight up repaint of the Renegade Storm Shadow, but he more than makes up for it with his accessories. The only flaw I can find with the figure is the skirt hinders lower body articulation. Also I wish the figure was molded in black instead of the grayish-brown used. It's a shade darker than the Dark Ninja which also should have been molded in black. Guess, Hasbro ran out of black with the constant Snake Eyes releases. I'd recommend the figure to complete your Movie cast or simply just for the accessories.
Jinx723 says
RolandofGilead says
Want!
JediKnutt says
Which set is that background from? Looks good with these figures.
80sKid says
Nice review. Definitely gotta get him, Jinx and Night Viper.
Dragasses says
review good.
need blind master.
rip_cord says
Nice review.
I'll pass on Blind Master.
Waiting on your Jinx review...
Michael Jade says
Good review. I am not too excited about this figure but I will get him for the accessories.
cobraEdaco says
KINGOFNOD5 says
Wu-Tang Clan - Ain't Nothin Ta Fuck Wit - YouTube
TIGER STYLE!!!!!
can't wait to get this guy but I wish they had retooled the skirt.
Keep reading: Retaliation Blind Master - Page 2
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