As I seem to recall, ninjas were all the rage back in the mid '80s. Everything was going ninja at that time, including myself for Halloeen one year. While it does look like out favorite silent commando, I'm guessing Mattel's intention was was just to keep up with the ninja fad.

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The United States will conquer Terrorism with the help of God and a few Marines.

Some people, when trying to avoid thinking about those things that cause them pain, turn to drink, or perhaps food, or drugs... I turn not to any of those... I collect action figures, turning my mind to the hunt, so that I might find a mote of peace... Over the years, I've found that alcoholism is much more socially acceptable by far.