No one makes fighting action figures quite like Storm Collectibles. From real life warriors like Bruce Lee and Muhammad Ali to a pair of video game’s most famous martial artists, Storm’s kung fu is incredibly strong.
I’d meant to showcase Storm’s renditions of Mortal Kombat’s Scorpion and Street Fighter’s Ryu much sooner, but the box they were shipped to me in has been sitting in the office of my gated community for nearly five months, with nary a notice given. Needless to say, the pair were very eager to break out of their packaging.
Both Ryu and Scorpion are premium 1/12th scale figures, packed with plenty of extra hands, faces and accessories. The details are tight, the painting is on point and they also smell quite nice. Both run around $50.
We’ll start with Scorpion, because of the two he’s likely the most impatient.
I was a little worried about Scorpion initially, as unlike Ryu he does not come with a stand.
Scorpion needs no stand. Along with being ridiculously well articulated, Storm’s figures are rock-solid when it comes to precarious posing. Normally I’ve got to spend a couple minutes getting a figure to stand on one leg.
The blackwash on the yellow vest really makes the pattern pop. It’s slightly flexible, to aid with the posing
Are you ready for an uppercut? Scorpion is ready to give one. He has much love and uppercuts to give.
Scorpion’s signature spear comes in both coiled and uncoiled form.
Have you ever wondered what Scorpion’s lower face looks like?
You are welcome for the nightmares. One of the purposes this gaping hole serves is to allow Scorpion to swap his Mortal Kombat II mask for his Mortal Kombat I mask.
And should he take off his mask entirely . . .
CUE FATALITY MUSIC!
Now that we’re finished with him, it’s on to Ryu.
Ryu features a much beefier sculpt than Scorpion, reflecting his exaggerated appearance in Street Fighter V. Just look at this meaty muscle man.
Again we’ve got a nice wash to give the clothing a weathered look, as Ryu has never used a washing machine or visited a J.C. Penney men’s department. I particularly love the glove cuffs, which can be turned to match hand orientation. It’s the little things.
Since Ryu is barefoot, he gives us a good opportunity to look at Storm’s super-poseable feet. With a little finesse you can get Ryu to stand on his tippy toes.
And with a little chi-focusing . . .
HADOUKEN!
Whoops.
Ryu also benefits from a pretty awesome clear stand with an adjustable height slider. It comes in handy when replicating some of his more famous moves.
SHORYUKEN!
So we’ve got two different iconic figures from two of the greatest fighting game franchises ever. I suppose we should pit them against each other in a fight to the death, as you do.
Here’s where Storm Collectibles’ articulation really shines. With a little work, all sorts of amazing battles can play out across the top of your desk.
Ryu’s slide kick is having none of Scorpion’s “Get over here” bullshit.
I am really impressed with Storm Collectibles’ fighting game figures. When I first saw them I was a bit worried that the arm joints would bug me, but once I saw what those arm joints could do, I was all in.
The biggest problem with Storm’s stuff is that if you’re just getting one, you’re missing out on some pretty amazing battles. I’m looking forward to adding Zangief and Reptile to my roster in the near future. Until then . . .
READY! FIGHT!