These are a couple of actual Red Shadows figures from the original Action Force line, that used Cobra Commander molds. I originally customized them into a new specialty of Crimson Guards, and later into a new type of Red Shadows Troopers. However, lacking the original logo, I had to come up with one based on clip art. Now, with the 2010 Convention Set, new Red Shadows troopers, and the official logo, I wanted to recustomize these guys one more time to better fit the set and new storyline.

Following the battle with Flint and a contingent of Special Action Force soldiers that revealed the resurgence of the Red Shadows, and their subsequent new alliance with Cobra, the Black Major felt it was prudent to enlist two of his top soldiers as his own personal guard. Dubbed "RED GUARDS", they don't dress quite as ornately as the Red Shadows or the Red Torches, but they do their job. The single-color helmet is intended to be disquieting, and the somewhat plain uniform with the very prominent Red Shadows emblem leaves no question as to their allegiance. They are highly trained in many forms of close-quarters combat, and their sole purpose is the safety and protection of the Black Major. They accompany him in the Red Shadows' Staff Car (one of them usually drives), and are by his side at all times. Not even other Red Shadows troopers can get close to the Black Major if he tells the Red Guards to back them off. The fact that their uniform resembles, in basic form, one of Cobra Commander's early outfits, is said by the Black Major to be entirely coincidental. Cobra Commander isn't entirely convinced of this, and isn't at all sure he likes the idea of a couple of bodyguards serving the Black Major that even superficially resemble him so much.