The red head, of course, looks like Scarlett. And, to get the figure actually produced, it's possible that Hasbro would have insisted upon the character being a new version of an existing, recognizable G.I. Joe team member. (There was only one female figure released in the Joe line after 1987 and it was a new version of Scarlett.) The dark haired portrait looks more like a unique character. The big staff could have been a fun accessory for her, too.
Were this figure released in 1993 or 1994, though, it would likely be about as popular as the Ninja Force Scarlett figure is. The non-traditional construction and bulky design of that era would doom this character to obscurity. The same is true were she released prior to 1985. There, the simplicity of her design would obfuscate the mold's intricacy. However, were this figure released between 1988 and 1991, it would likely be immensely popular. That was the height of Hasbro's sculpting prowess and this figure would have benefited from that quality as well as the novelty of being the Joe line's only female from that era.
The character art looks interesting enough. And, collectors would greatly appreciate more female figures in the vintage style: even if it was another martial arts themed character. The white uniform would have made a decent foil for Stormshadow. But, it would have also been a nice color to see on another Joe. The designs are ornate. And, it's likely that much of that detail would have been lost upon the concept's conversion to plastic from paper. But, Lotus Steel remains an interesting part of Joe history.
Brunette is more interesting in design. Red head is bit more what you'd expect from some female fantasy martial artist.
ReplyDeleteIf the Hasbro suits had allowed any post 1987 females (until Ninja Scarlett), we might have gotten one of those Hasbro Python designs...maybe. But the final decision makers would shoot down ANY proposed female character. According to what I read, the team would propose them every year, but they never made it past the big shots. By the time the second Baroness (Battle Corps Rangers) was given the go, the line died.
I really like Ninja Force Scarlett-- from the waist up-- but the action feature and t-crotch do hurt the figure. I would hate for Lotus to share the same fate.
ReplyDeleteIf either of these 2 concept female ninjas(Regardless if it was Lotus Steel or the Red head who we are assuming was a different take on Ninja Force Scarlett) got released during the 1993-1994 time frame, they would of most likely have gotten released under the Ninja Force line, meaning that they would of had a action feature gimmick to it, though what type of gimmick, we don't really know.
ReplyDeleteI would of personally had hope it was of the arm or maybe waist gimmicks, and not the kicking action gimmicks, since the kicking action gimmicks would mean no ball jointed legs to move around. Meanwhile, the arm or maybe waist action feature gimmicks would still mean that the figures can move around and pose a bit more. Though that would also mean no screw hole at the back, so no easy way to replace the O-Ring.
Both designs are nice. Like you stated in your post, Lotus Steel is more of an interesting and unique character design. Mind you, 1 possibility Hasbro could of in the end decided to do if she did get release, is release her as a updated Jinx as well.
The Red Head design is good to, and I like elements of it, especially the pants. Looking at the hair style and face, a part of me wonder if Hasbro would of consider using her as Ninja Force Lady Jaye. Mind you, Lady Jaye is more of a brown hair instead of red, but the hair style and face sort of reminds me of Lady Jaye, especially from the cartoon series. And since the line has had a few characters change their hair colour, you could always say Lady Jaye changed her's too. Of course, Scarlett would still be the most likely person who this was suppose to be.
While these 2 would of most likely had been released as Ninja Force(Given their Ninja like designs), there is a small part of me that would of hoped they would of gotten released as part of the Battle Corps line, just in hopes of getting regular articulation to go with the boat load of accessories they would of came with, along with the over size missile launchers. Either way, I do like both designs.
If either of these had be sculpted and release, I wonder if these would of been used for the Hasbro Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat lines? There is a part of me that kind of sees Lotus Steel's design use as Katana from Mortal Kombat, though I will admit, elements of Lotus Steel's design would more match some of Katana's more elaborate modern designs from the 2000's and onwards, than any of her looks from the 1990's.