Hong Kong toy company Storm Collectibles, known for releasing numerous articulated action figures of fighting game characters, is set to launch another action figure from SNK's classic fighting game series, Samurai Shodown, in the second quarter of 2023. The new character to be released this time is the very Haohmaru-like "Rasetsumaru"!
SNK's Samurai Shodown (SAMURAI SPIRITS) first appeared on arcade platforms in 1993. Its characteristic feature is that each character possesses their own unique weapon, making it arguably the progenitor of weapon-based fighting games where combatants clash with blades. The game's intense effects, such as blood sprays and dismemberment, were also one of its selling points.
Rasetsumaru, who bears a strong resemblance to Haohmaru, first appeared in Samurai Shodown V. He was born from the Demon World, hence his purple skin and cruel, ruthless personality. His design primarily draws inspiration from the Rasetsu (demon) versions of Haohmaru in Samurai Shodown III: Blades of Blood and Samurai Shodown IV: Amakusa's Revenge. While his techniques are somewhat similar to Haohmaru's, he also possesses original moves. In the ending of Samurai Shodown VI: Tales of the World's Greatest Swordsman, he even kills Haohmaru, proclaiming himself the "perfect Haohmaru."
This Rasetsumaru figure from Storm Collectibles closely resembles Haohmaru, but with a wilder, more untamed hairstyle. His hair is more upright, giving the impression of floating upwards. It comes with four interchangeable hair sculpts and four sets of interchangeable hand parts, allowing Rasetsumaru to strike various imposing poses, including intense expressions like sticking out his tongue to lick his blade. As for accessories, in addition to the same steel katana as Haohmaru (but with blood-stained paintwork), it also includes an effect part for his Senpu Retsuzan (Rasetsumaru's version is called "Senpu Retsuzan: Setsu"), allowing fans to recreate his special move.
RASETSUMARU - SAMURAI SHODOWN VI ACTION FIGURE "LIMITED EDITION"
Suggested Retail Price: US$90
Scale: 1/12
Estimated Release Date: Q2 2023
via： STORM COLLECTIBLES