Review: Skeletron Red Shadows Assault Trooper
Review by @GIJoeRepairShop
They’re finally here! Those evil minions of Baron Ironblood, the classic Red Shadows troopers, have finally made their appearance in the SKELETRON line of figures. While Red Shadows Wolf troopers are fantastic, a lot of fans were waiting for the classic Red Shadows look to emerge from the depths of SKELETRON’s secret lab. The Red Shadows Assault Trooper is probably one of the worst-kept secrets in GI Joe/Action Force collecting.
Anyone who bought a Roboskull MK II flight stand also got a deck of Roboskull MK II trading cards. Printed on the back of each card was a piece of an illustration. When put together, they formed the card art for the Red Shadows Assault Trooper by artist Alex Horley. Here’s the front and back of the figure.
The Red Shadows Assault Trooper is the seventh Red Shadows figure from SKELETRON (really the eighth if you count Red Weasel, the Kickstarter-exclusive Roboskull pilot). As you can see from the photos, you get a lot of gear for your $26.99. His equipment includes: a combat pistol, a rifle, three rifle magazines, a silencer, an under-barrel grenade launcher, a bayonet, a Supran RPG launcher, two rocket-propelled grenades, and a hinged backpack to store some of this gear. A figure stand is also included. That’s a lot of stuff to carry around. These Red Shadows are armed to the teeth!
(This image is copyright 2026 SKELETRON.)
SKELETON has been releasing figures in 3.75-inch, 4-inch, and 6-inch scales. Their 3.75-inch scale figures tend to be o-ring figures. Whereas, the 4-inch and 6-inch figures are of a more-modern construction. While a quarter of a inch might not seem like a lot, it’s worth noting that the 4-inch figures also have larger bodies and much more articulation than the 3.75-inch figures. Some features of the Red Shadows Assault Trooper include tilting elbows, swivel-capable thighs, swivel-capable boots, and rocking ankles.
However, all of this 4-inch figure articulation does come with a word of warning from the manufacturer: Figures may have tight joints after the production process. It is important to apply heat to any stiff or tight joints before moving and posing them, especially if you live in a cold climate. Otherwise, attempting to force a tight joint may break it. SKELETRON recommends the use of a hair dryer or hot water to loosen tight joints.
4-inch (left) versus 3.75-inch (right)
What’s not to love about the Red Shadows Assault Trooper? It’s one of those figures of which it’s difficult to buy only one. Its release extends the amazing line of figures that SKELETRON has produced and distributed within the last two or three years. If you’re looking for more information on this figure or any SKELETRON product, please check out their website (skeletron.com) or the SKELETRON Secret Lab Facebook Group (facebook.com/groups/skeletron).
