Red Shadows

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The Red Shadows are the fictional fighting force opposed to Action Force and depicted in the Battle Action Force comic books. They are also portrayed by action figures by Palitoy as a European version of the G. I. Joe range.

Contents

[edit] History and Characterisation

Created first in print in the Battle Action Force comic books, the Red Shadows are led by Baron Ironblood and are believed to be fanatical in their devotion to their leader and cause, as described in their comic strip potrayal:

"An Evil genius threatens the world. His name is Baron Ironblood and his twisted criminal brain dreams of only one thing.......world domination. Using powerful and sophisticated weaponry, Ironblood's ruthless followers would gladly die for their master. Baron Ironblood has vowed to destroy Action Force"

Red Shadows were an enemy force created to face a second generation of Action Force characters following the evolution of the Action Force range.

[edit] Graphic representation

The standard Red Shadows (predominantly the infantry troops) were controversially depicted in the comic books and annuals of the mid 1980s in quasi-German military uniform. Their red clothing was similar in style to the World War II German military wear including long black boots, black gloves and 'Jerry' style helmets, albeit extended to cover the face. In addition, the weapons they carried also included German-style stick grenades and bazookas.

Additional characters and vehicles also had strong associations with the German military - The Black Major for example (Baron Ironblood's deputy) was dressed in a similar style to a Gestapo officer and the Shadowtrak armoured vehicle had a German-influenced design. Indeed one of the final storylines involving the Red Shadows had them operating alongside the Nazis in South America, including a re-animated Adolf Hitler[1]. However, as the range developed, further characters were more fantastical and included mutants and cyborgs.

[edit] Characters

The principal characters were:

[edit] Weaponry and vehicles

The Red Shadows weapons, vehicles and armoury consisted of:

  • The Laser Exterminator
  • The Shadowtrak
  • Hyena
  • Roboskull
  • Escape Armour

[edit] Transition to Cobra

In later editions of the Battle Action Force series[2], Ironblood betrays the Red Shadows, leaking information about their bases and intentions to the UN. As the Shadows are under attack, Ironblood goes into hiding and constructs a new identity for himself, becoming Cobra Commander, and creating Cobra as a new enemy force.

The continuity of the storyline was maintained as the Black Major (himself a former traitor from Action Force), Red Laser, Red Vulture and Red Jackal, re-grouped the Red Shadows and sought revenge against Cobra Commander and the newly-amalgameted 'AF'. Additional storylines saw the Red Shadows fighting alongside the Nazis against both Cobra and Action Force. In Showdown for the Shadows[3]the Shadows make their final appearance.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Death in South America storyline courtesy of Blood for the Baron!
  2. ^ World Enemy No. 1 storyline courtesy of Blood for the Baron!
  3. ^ Showdown for the Shadows! storyline courtesy of Blood for the Baron!

[edit] External links

 v • d • e Action Force
Toy Line Action Force | AF | G.I. Joe | Action Man
Comics Battle Action Force
Action Force Characters Gaucho | Steeler | Jammer | Quarrel | Tracker | Wheels | Shark | Dolphin | Stakeout | Blades | Stalker | Sparrowhawk | Beaver | Hunter | Quickfire | Sky Raider | AF Characters
Action Force Units Z Force | Q Force | Space Force | SAS
Action Force Villains Baron Ironblood | The Black Major | Red Laser | Red Jackal | Red Shadow | Red Wolf | Muton | Kraken | Skeletron | Cobra Commander | Destro | Baroness | Zartan | Storm Shadow | Firefly
Factions Red Shadows | Cobra | G.I. Joe Team
Video Games Action Force
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