Delta-17 War In The Shadows O-Ring Line Update
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The final engineering pilot samples, which are the final colored test shots, for Delta-17: War in the Shadows, a 3.75″ O-ring toy line that will launch at the end of 2023, are ready! We just finished a live stream with Ken from Toy Kennections and got an update on this unique line of O-ring figures that immediately transport back to when you were a kid! This article was co-written by both Michael and The Toy Sorceress for an amazing product we really believe in!
Delta-17 Backstory
The Delta-17 action figure line, the next evolution in the 3.75” O-ring retro-stylized military action figure range, reimagined in modern times! The Delta-17 line is described as a true-blue military action figure line with a splash of the incredible. Tier-1 Operatives take on a Samurai-themed leader, his army of ninja-based androids, and his hired mercenaries. These figures will be compatible in scale to your GI Joe O-Ring figures.
Tier 1 operators are assembled from around the world, unified in a clandestine, black ops group. The objective: to confront the threat of a new, militaristic cabal operating in the shadows. This enigmatic new enemy appears to function with illegal support and funding from our very own, apparently legit governmental organizations. As such, Delta-17’s entire existence and missions are conducted off the books. As a tier 1 special task force, their day to day assignment is the confrontation and destruction of this new dark state cabal and its military support assets. For now, little is known about this new cabal and its associated army.
Unofficially, they are known in the underground circles as the Dark Shadows, with an undisclosed base of operations off the coast of Japan. They are believed to be tied to various mercenary factions to assist them, the origins and alliances of which are under ongoing scrutiny by Delta-17 and the military intelligence group that is a direct support element to D17. In the end, few can be trusted, no missions will be recorded. History will have no knowledge of what has or will transpire here. The fight between Delta-17 and its mysterious enemy begins and ends… in the shadows.
Delta-17 First 12
This first wave of Delta-17 figures will consist of 11 unique o-ring figures and the 12th figure is different in ethnicity, which is great because it is an army builder! The figure line as 3 different Factions, which we explore below so you can get a sense of how the backstory relates to their characters and bios! The Delta-17 figure line has three factions that is made of up the Retrograd, Delta-17, and Dark Shadows forces!
Retrograd Faction
Retrograd is a mercenary faction of disgruntled Spetsnaz members, handpicked by their leader Death Sparrow.
Death Sparrow
Death Sparrow is the commander of Retrograd, a mercenary army that has been hired to be the primary task force for missions on behalf of the “Dark Shadows”.
Here is how Death Sparrow looks from the engineering pilot sample and she looks amazing! She is a throwback to how things were done in the Soviet Union in the past, which is evidenced by her PPSh-41, a Soviet submachine gun with a drum ammunition feed.
Death Sparrow – Enemy Retrograd Leader
Age: 32
Name: Anya Petrovich
Birthplace: Moscow, Russia
Rank: Captain
Death Sparrow is the commander of Retrograd, a mercenary army that has been hired to be the primary task force for missions on behalf of the “Dark Shadows”.
Death Sparrow has lived a hard life and it exudes from her like heat from a fire. She is not to be trifled with, nor underestimated. She is violent, determined and highly intelligent.
Joining the army at a young age, she was quickly transferred to a GRU Spetsnaz field unit, where her natural leadership abilities and fiery spirit gained her notoriety within their ranks.
Retrograd consists primarily of disgruntled Spetsnaz members, many of whom were handpicked by Death Sparrow herself.
Death Sparrow directly answers to Shadow Dragon, leader of the Dark Shadows.
RETROGRAD’s preferred payment is gold.
MSRP $24.99 USD
Thunder Battalion
Members of the Retrograd, a mercenary army; Thunder Battalion operate under the direct command of Death Sparrow.
Below is an image of a couple Thunder Battalion engineering pilot samples and they look incredible! The detail on their outfits, and the amount of gear they come packed with will make these an army building favorite of the line! I love how their webbing and ammo pouches are a separate removeable piece made of a softer more pliable plastic.
Thunder Battalion – Enemy Infantry
Recruited from various special operations units across Russia, members of the Spetsnaz Thunder Battalion operate under the direct command of Death Sparrow.
The Thunder Battalion ranks soon began to swell with new members as the word spread throughout the former Soviet empire of a mercenary unit that was paying better, had great food and benefits. Most importantly, this unit offered adventure and glory in the form of excessive violence and unbridled combat.
The Thunder Battalion are trained in multiple specialties ranging from special reconnaissance to direct rapid action attacks.
All members are familiar with weapons handling, infiltration, escape/evasion techniques, counter-terrorism, hand-to-hand combat, emergency medical training, explosives and demolition, as well as alpine mountaineering.
Toy features:
-Removable helmet and visor
-Removable belt order
-Gun and backpack
MSRP $24.99 USD
Hero Faction
Tier 1 operators are assembled from around the world, unified in a clandestine, black ops group.
Shepard
Shepard is the Delta-17 Squad Leader. His last posting was as a member of the US Army Delta Force before being personally selected to lead Delta-17.
Shepard’s engineering pilot sample is below. I must say that the tampo on his face mask came out great! I really like the contrast between his black outfit and his army green flak jacket and leg pouches.
Shepard – Delta 17 Squad Leader
Age: 43
Name: James Washburn
Birthplace: Philadelphia, PA
Rank: 2nd Lt.
As the field commander of Delta-17, Shepherd doesn’t flinch when the bombs start dropping and the bullets start flying. That’s the moment when he feels the most at one with himself.
He’s seasoned but not cynical, hardened but approachable, has high expectations but is fair.
Shepherd’s whole adult life has been about the military. Joining the Army at the age of 18 and soon transferring to the Rangers, his last posting was as a member of the US Army Delta Force before being personally selected to lead Delta-17.
Shepherd is brave, bold and task oriented. He’s exactly as a field commander should be, and then some.
Toy Features:
-Removable helmet
-Removable/reversible night vision goggles
-Stowable shotgun (clips onto pack)
MSRP $24.99 USD
Preacher
Preacher is the Delta-17 Marksman. Preacher gets his nickname from a missionary stint he did in the Congo.
The engineering pilot sample for Preacher is pickers below. They did a fantastic job of really landing that camo pattern on his pants!
Preacher – Delta 17 Marksman
Age: 27
Name: Clive Williams
Birthplace: Chicago, Ill
Rank: Corporal
Preacher is a kind and loving soul, but don’t mistake his good nature for weakness.
Preacher gets his nickname from a missionary stint he did in the Congo. While assisting the construction of an orphanage when it came under attack, he quickly acquired an AK off of a rebel and destroyed the entire rebel squad single-handedly.
He still sends part of his pay over to the orphanage so they can afford armed security.
Preacher never abandoned his faith. He simply chose to refine it.
Changing career paths, he joined the Marines and went on to become a member of the Marine Forces Reconnaissance unit, specializing as marksman/sniper.
Toy Features:
-Comes with a MRAD sniper rifle, and low-tech M4 for close range encounters.
-MRAD features a removable bipod.
-Both rifles can be clipped onto the backpack for easy storage.
MSRP $24.99 USD
Rooster
Rooster is in charge of comms and reconnaissance missions for Delta-17. He was nicknamed Rooster by his colleagues for his iconic haircut (which he wears as a hat-tip to his Native American heritage) and his ironic silent nature.
Rooster’s engieneering pilot sample is pictured below, and his face camo looks incredible! I love his overall green camo color scheme as it really seems to suit this character.
Shepard – Delta 17 Comms/Recon
Age: 32
Name: Eric Warcloud
Birthplace: Akwesasne, NY
Rank: Corporal
Nicknamed Rooster by his colleagues for his iconic haircut (which he wears as a hat-tip to his Native American heritage) and his ironic silent nature.
Rooster rarely speaks, but when he does, you best listen.
As a young teenager, Rooster was sent out on a “spirit quest” to enter manhood.
Two years later he sent a postcard from Iraq. He had walked so far and lived off the land so long, he didn’t want to go back. Instead, he joined the army, and joined the Rangers.
Rooster was famous in his town for long walks in the bush and would often return weeks later with enough smoked game to feed many people in his village.
Toy features:
-Comes equipped with a “dual-pack” backpack system.
-Radio portion can be detached from the larger pack and worn on its own.
-Detachable radio handset.
MSRP $24.99 USD
Leonidas
Leonidas is the Warrant Officer for Delta-17. Joining the Canadian army right out of high school, Leonitus soon volunteered for the selection process with Canada’s premier special forces unit: JTF2.
Leondias and his pet companion are photographed below. This engineering sample is super impressive, especially the tampo’d tattoos all over Leondias’ arms! The teal color on his shirt and hat are the standout of this wave!
Leondias – Delta 17 Squad 21C
Age: 36
Name: Leonard Johnston
Birthplace: Gimli, Manitoba
Rank: Warrant Officer (2IC under Shepherd)
Joining the Canadian army right out of high school, Leonidus soon volunteered for the selection process with Canada’s premier special forces unit: JTF2.
After several tours in multiple theaters, his attitude began to sour. Leonidas loves soldiering, but hates the bureaucratic nature of the army.
Delta-17 affords him the freedom of a casual attire, laid back attitude, and the ability to bring his pet with him everywhere, including the battlefield, provided that mission objectives are not hindered.
Regardless of his unique and relaxed nature, his instincts and passion as a soldier remain sharp. He is highly respected as a cornerstone member of Delta-17.
“When all evil is vanquished, I’ll buy myself a boat, write that fiction novel, and kick back to relax for my remaining days.” – Leonidus
Toy features:
-Puppy attaches to backpack
-Dog bowl attaches to backpack
MSRP $24.99 USD
Kestral
Kestral, Female Grenadier for Delta-17, she is the youngest member, but her age and experience are not to be underestimated.
Krestral has a very classic A Real American Hero look to her, and they really did a great job on her face sculpt.
Kestral – Delta 17 Grenadier
Age: 25
Name: Magdelina Laska
Birthplace: Prusim, Poland
Rank: Corporal
Kestrel is the youngest member of Delta-17, but her age and experience are not to be underestimated.
Born on a small farm in Poland, Kestrel spent most of her childhood outdoors, learning survival skills, hunting and exploring the surrounding forests. Her uncle was an Air Force General in Warsaw, and taught her as a teenager to fly small planes and helicopters.
Naturally, she enlisted in the military as soon as she was eligible, and proceeded to join the Polish special forces unit known as J.W. Grom.
Tasked with an undercover operation to infiltrate Retrograd, her mission was compromised when she chose to save members of Delta-17 from certain death.
As a sub-specialty, Kestrel has become Delta-17’s unofficial translator, being fluent in several languages, including Russian and English.
MSRP $24.99 USD
Delta Squad
Delta Squad infantry troopers are selected from Tier 1 and Tier 2 special operations units from all branches of the military.
Again we are going to have another army builder favorite here! Engineering pilot sample for the Delta Squad Infantry trooper is shown below.
Delta Squad – Delta 17 Infantry
Delta Squad infantry troopers are selected from Tier 1 and Tier 2 special operations units from all branches of the military. Some members are brought in from international spec ops units to assist Delta-17 on select missions.
Delta Squad is a standby unit consisting of 100 active members. Hundreds more have been fully trained, but reside with their regular units until needed.
Positioned across the globe in small units, Delta Squad is able to mobilize on short notice and assist Delta-17 when required.
Members are cross-trained in the following: advanced combat training, escape/evasion, survival skills, and anti-terrorist maneuvers while maintaining a high level of physical fitness.
Toy features:
-A detachable gas mask that stows inside the pack
-G36C rifle
-LAW rocket launcher
-3 missiles for the launcher
-K-Bar knife, and backpack.
Delta Squad toy figures are available in either “A” or “B” versions.
“A” is lighter skinned, and “B” is darker.
MSRP $24.99 USD
Dark Shadows
“Good and Evil are just subjective terms. Without honor, both sides are meaningless.”
Shadow Dragon
The Supreme leader of the Dark Shadows, Shadow Dragon is an international enigma. “Good and Evil are just subjective terms. Without honor, both sides are meaningless.”
Cunning, ruthless, and battle hardened… nothing phases the perpetually cold demeanor of Shadow Dragon, leader of the Dark Shadows.
Shadow Dragon is going to become the star of the entire wave and they nailed it with his samurai warrior look and the chef’s kiss is that soft goods cape!
Shadow Dragon – Dark Shadows Supreme Leader
Age: Unknown
Name: Unknown
Birthplace: Unknown
Rank: Supreme Leader of the Dark Shadows
“Good and Evil are just subjective terms. Without honor, both sides are meaningless.”
Cunning, ruthless, and battle hardened… nothing phases the perpetually cold demeanor of Shadow Dragon, leader of the Dark Shadows.
His history seems to be an intentional enigma.
What is known is that he wields deadly martial arts weaponry and performs hand to hand combat with effortless grace, yet no one is able to pinpoint the origin of how he mastered all of this so proficiently.
As the enemy of Delta-17, Shadow Dragon employs the mercenary faction known as Retrograd to assist in his objectives. He also maintains an army of Okami robots, and keeps a core group of advisors to oversee his plans.
Toy features:
-Removable cape
-poseable wire in cape
-swords can be stowed in rear shoulder armor.
MSRP $24.99 USD
Jaguar
Jaguar is second in command of the Dark Shadows, answering only to Shadow Dragon. He is often referred to as “the Dragon’s cold right hand”.
Jaguar, second in command has a very Firefly look to him in his tiger striped grey camo!
Jaguar – Enemy Assassin
Age: Unknown
Name: Unknown
Birthplace: Unknown
Rank: unknown
Jaguar is second in command of the Dark Shadows, answering only to Shadow Dragon. He is often referred to as “the Dragon’s cold right hand”.
Jaguar is cruel, cold and calculating.
His identity is unknown – on paper, he does not exist. He has never removed his goggles or face mask, nor has he ever spoken out loud in public. He prefers to whisper over the radio or directly in the ear of Shadow Dragon. He even uses a small handheld telegraph device to send Morse code messages to HQ.
By trade, Jaguar specializes as a hidden assassin, hand to hand combat expert, tracker, and has parkour skills that would put the most fleet-footed athletes to shame.
Specializing in CQB warfare and armed with dual baton-swords as well as a sniper rifle, he is a high level threat to Delta-17. He is Shadow Dragon’s most effective and dependable living weapon.
MSRP $24.99 USD
Okami
The ”Okami” (Japanese for “wolf” or “wolves”) are a seemingly limitless army of robot-ninja warriors built in Shadow Dragon’s secret hidden factory/base.
Okami, the enemy robot ninjas will become the B.A.T army builders of this line. With their interchangeable arm cannon parts, they are sure to be a hit with collectors!
Okami – Enemy Robot Ninjas
The ”Okami” (Japanese for “wolf” or “wolves”) are a seemingly limitless army of robot-ninja warriors built in Shadow Dragon’s secret hidden factory/base.
The Okami robots are unlike anything seen so far. They are extremely fast, light, agile and have no fear of personal injury. They can leap up to ten feet in the air, throw knives from their chest bandolier with precision, and engage multiple enemies with ease.
The antenna on their heads is where they receive commands from Shadow Dragon or another unit leader. The Okami are equipped with both night vision and thermal optics.
Toy features:
-Both hands on the Okami can be removed and replaced with smaller hand-swords or a sub-machine gun.
-Equipped with a two-part backpack that can stow all gear, including the swappable hands.
-Backpack can be used in the “light attack mode”, stowing only the two long swords and gun, OR it can be used in the “full carry mode”, where both backpack parts are attached and loaded up with all the accessories.
MSRP $24.99 USD
Carded samples
Ken from toykennections was kind enough to send of these first carded examples of the figures and they look spectacular! The artwork on the card backs are so incredibly well done. The cardbacks are the same size as vintage GI Joe A Real American Hero card backs, so if you have MOC or Star Cases for them, they will fit inside!
Productions Begins Live Stream
You can check out the engineering pilot samples here:
Test Shots
A very late stage prototype, test shots are factory samples that are sent to toy designers once the tooling is complete. The Delta-17 figures are near complete and, in this stage, could go through some final tweaking regarding tightness and tolerances. We are thrilled to see the first five figures in the line so let’s dive in and learn more about Delta-17!
Communications Officer
This character is Native American who carries an FN SCAR series rifle.
The cool aspect of the backpack he’s wearing is that the design is modular, meaning that you can remove the antennae and the radio but it gets better! The communications assembly also comes off and can turn into it’s own backpack!
Okami – Robot Ninja
Japanese for Wolf, Delta-17 has created a badass Robot Ninja who’s hands pop off and are compatible with the GI Joe BAT’s. He’s clad in armor with some Ninja sai’s on this leg. He’s carrying a submachine gun with both smaller and larger Katana swords on his backpack. Described as Difficult to defeat, effective in firearms, adept at hand to hand combat, and unconditionally programmed to follow orders the Okami stand at the forefront of the Dark Shadows’ operations.
Preacher
The designated marksman of the crew, Preacher comes armed to the gills with two rifles. You can stow both rifles on his pack and he also comes with a close quarters M4. The long rifle is an MRAD Lapua with a bipod and it looks amazing! He is also wearing a retro Harley Davidson leather jacket and will also feature digital camouflage pants.
Spetsnaz Trooper
Based off the real life Spetsnaz, this figure features some nice updates on the harness to make it Delta-17’s own. As part of the Thunder Battalion, he’s wearing the Altyn Helmet, which is a titanium helmet and will come with two different visors. He also is wearing a balaclava with a PVC belt, similar to the way that the GI Joe Snow Serpent was belt was constructed. He is also carrying an AK-12 assault rifle and is meant to be a troop builder.
Shadow Dragon
The highest in command of the bad guys, Shadow Dragon has a helmet with heads up display (inside), shoulder armor, and leg armor. The forearm armor pieces will be glued on and the color scheme of the figure will be a nice medley of bright reds, dark blacks, and rich grays. A custom SMG gun was made for the figure. The soft goods cape has a wire at the bottom, so you can pose the cape and position it how you like it.The cape is also removable for an additional display option. The swords clip in nice and tight and they are held in as part of the shoulder armor.
You can also view the livestream here and hear all of the details from the owner, Steve, who appeared on Toy Kennections live stream:
Where to Buy- Shop Live NOW
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