Monthly Archives: February 2012

Deadline for GIJCC renewals is STILL March 16th

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It’s been no secret that the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has fallen on some pretty hard times lately in terms of public relations.  First, there have been the continual delays in launching the Figure Subscription service.  Secondly, the convention date and hotel were changed weeks after being formally announced.  Mostly recently, members of both the G.I. Joe and Transformers Collector’s Clubs have been reported fraudulent charges used at Fun Publications in the past few years.  The club was slow to respond but finally acknowledged the issue last week — by suspending online ordering capabilities.

The big question on EVERYONE’S mind has been — what are we supposed to do about renewals?  March 16th is the deadline to renew membership in order to receive either the 12″ Man of Evil or the 4″ Footloose action figure premiums.

Yesterday, Brian Savage set out the following email stating that, regardless of any security issues, the March 16th deadline is firm.

    This update is going out to all members:

Due to the issue with processing credit cards we have currently suspended your ability to renew and join the club online. The deadline is coming March 16th for you to be eligible to receive the 2012 free club exclusives.

On Monday, we will have a pdf online on the club site for membership renewals and new memberships that you can mail in with a check or money order.  We will process your membership as soon as they arrive.

Please note that the March 16th deadline is a hard deadline (in house) so please make sure any mail is in the postal system by March 9th.

If you want to receive the free club exclusive Footloose or Man of Evil, your membership must be active as of March 16th.  At the bottom of this email you will find your expiration date.  If it is after March 16, 2012, you are good to go for the 2012 figure.

Also, please log into the club club site <https://www.gijoeclub.com/club/> and ensure you have the figure selected you want to receive for this year, either 3 3/4″ or 12″.

Thanks for your support and patience during this difficult time.

Brian

Questions/comments about this announcement should be directed to admin2@funpubinc.com .

footloose
man-of-evil

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G.I. Joe Collector’s Club addresses credit card concerns

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It seems that not even the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club is immune to computer hacks and credit card schemes.  Recently, members of both the G.I. Joe Club and the Transformers Collector’s Club began reporting suspicious charges on credit cards used at Master Collector’s web stores in the past year.   Members have reported charges as low as $1 to $1600.00 being attempted from locations all around the world.

If you have been affected by malicious charges on a credit card that has been used at the Collector’s Club site, please send the following information to admin2@funpubinc.com:

We do take information on all customers having an issue with their card so if you did have unauthorized charges on the card, please reply with the following information:

1. Please send the EXACT name of merchant as it is written on your statement for the fraudulent charges.
2. Amount and date of suspect charge.
3. Bank your card is drawn on and if it is a debit or credit card.
4. Device and browser (and version) you used for your last payment with us before you saw a fraudulent charge (ie, android phone, computer, iphone, browser and version).
5. Were you on a public computer? If private, is any wi-fi on the network password protected?
6. Were you on a public wi-fi network?
7. If you were at home or work, what internet provider did you use?
8. On your last transaction with us, did you receive any kind of error message (card declined, 404 error, programming type error). If you did receive an error, how many times did you resubmit your information?
9. Charges listed(name and date) on your credit card in last 6 months.
10. When have you used your card with us, date, item(s), amount in the last 6 months.

It is very difficult to track credit card fraud. With your help, we can see if there are any parallels between those reporting an issue.

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Toy Fair 2012: Hasbro G.I. Joe press release

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Here’s the “official details” on all of Hasbro’s planned Retaliation offerings for 2012.  It’s a bit light on the details but it does provide a nice overview of what’s to come.

G.I. JOE SNAKE EYES NINJA GEAR

(Approximate retail price: $24.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Summer 2012)

Gear up and get ready to take on the role of iconic Ninja-Commando SNAKE EYES from the G.I. JOE team. With the G.I. JOE SNAKE EYES NINJA GEAR set, kids can wield an electronic sword with authentic ARASKIGAE design, which features special lights and ninja battle sounds, a SNAKE EYES role-play mask, and two NINJA THROWING STARS allowing them to play the part of their favorite Ninja hero.

G.I. JOE BATTLE-KATA BLASTER

(Approximate retail price: $14.99; Ages: 6 & up; Available: Summer 2012)

Kids will love to role-play the ROADBLOCK character’s unique fighting style with the G.I. JOE BATTLE-KATA BLASTER toy. Featuring a 2-in-1 battle combo with interchangeable BATTLE-KATA blaster and ‘blade’ modes—kids can defend their heroic team against the vile enemy insurgents of COBRA. Includes three dart projectiles.

G.I. JOE NINJA COMMANDO BLASTER

(Approximate retail price: $24.99; Ages: 6 & up; Available: Summer 2012)

Enjoy the latest in G.I. JOE role-play technology with the G.I. JOE NINJA COMMANDO blaster! Defeat the COBRA enemies with this multi-dart, pump-action blaster which features a targeting lens to spy the enemy and helps you aim the projectiles like the very best snipers the G.I. JOE team has ever seen! Includes ten dart projectiles and targeting screen.

G.I. JOE BLADE OF JUSTICE

(Approximate retail price: $14.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Summer 2012)

Replicate your favorite Ninja moves with the highly detailed, ARASHIKAGE-authentic G.I. JOE MOVIE BLADE OF JUSTICE sword used by two of the most iconic ninjas ever, SNAKE EYES and STORM SHADOW, in G.I. JOE RETALIATION.

G.I. JOE MOVIE NINJA COMMANDOS

(Approximate retail price: $19.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Summer 2012)

Get ready for the next phase in G.I. JOE action figure evolution with the G.I. JOE NINJA COMMANDO figures! The NINJA COMMANDO figures are 10-inch large-scale figures that feature quick-draw BATTLE-KATA and Ninja action.  With the press of a button, figures magically “grab” weapons to arm themselves for battle. Figures also feature electronic sound effects and phrases available for in pack “Try Me.” Choose from the iconic Ninja SNAKE EYES and BATTLE-KATA skilled ROADBLOCK. (Figures sold separately.)

G.I. JOE MOVIE 3.75-INCH ACTION FIGURES Assortment

(Approximate retail price: $7.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Summer 2012)

The live-action G.I. JOE movie, G.I. JOE: Retaliation, won’t hit theaters until June 2012, but you don’t need to wait to see the stars from the movie cast as G.I. JOE characters.  The G.I. JOE brand invented the action figure category more than 45 years ago, and the G.I. JOE MOVIE 3.75-INCH action figures continue this great legacy.  Figures are sculpted to match their on-screen counterparts, including Dwayne Johnson as ROADBLOCK, Channing Tatum as DUKE, and Bruce Willis as Joe Colton.  Each figure comes with  off-the-floor play such as  ninja zip lines and projectile launchers. Multiple waves are set to be released throughout the summer and fall 2012. (Figures each sold separately.)

G.I. JOE ALPHA VEHICLES Assortment

(Approximate retail price: $12.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Summer 2012)

The G.I. JOE ALPHA VEHICLES assortment are the smallest and most covert of the G.I. JOE vehicles made for the 3.75-inch movie figures. These stealth vehicles are outfitted with universal projectiles, launchers, a surprise attack feature, and also come with a realistic articulated ride-on action figure that will help guide you through your action-packed adventures. (Vehicles each sold separately.)

G.I. JOE BRAVO VEHICLES Assortment

(Approximate retail price: $14.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Summer 2012)

The G.I. JOE MOVIE BRAVO VEHICLES collection are mid-size vehicles inspired by the upcoming live-action G.I. JOE movie, G.I. JOE: Retaliation. Each represents the most technologically advanced vehicles in the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA arsenal, including the NINJA COMMANDO 4X4 WITH SNAKE EYES and COBRA FANG BOAT WITH SWAMP VIPER. Each vehicle comes with an action figure to help steer your squadron to victory. (Vehicles each sold separately.)

G.I. JOE MOVIE DELTA VEHICLES Assortment

(Approximate retail price: $19.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Summer 2012)

The G.I. JOE MOVIE DELTA VEHICLES collection includes the largest hero and villain vehicles inspired by the live-action G.I. JOE movie, G. I. JOE: Retaliation. Each represents the most technologically advanced vehicles in the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA arsenal, including the G.I. JOE GHOST HAWK II and the COBRA H.I.S.S. TANK. Each vehicle comes with an action figure to help steer your squadron to victory. (Vehicles each sold separately.)

G.I. JOE NINJA SHOWDOWN SET Assortment

(Approximate retail price: $19.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Summer 2012)

Kids can recreate the action-packed Ninja sequences of the upcoming live-action G.I. JOE movie, G.I. JOE: Retaliation or create their own adventures with these G.I. JOE sets. Each three-pack includes a three 3.75-inch action figures with off-the-floor action features. (each sold separately)

 

Toy Fair 2012 – Official Retaliation figure press images

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G.I. Joe: Retaliation

Sadly, the staff of JBL wasn’t able to attend Toy Fair 2012 this year.  However, the good folks at Hasbro were able to provide some press images for those sites who weren’t able to attend.  Included among those images (many of which were seen last week) were shots of the figures in waves 2 – 5 of the G.I. Joe: Retaliation movie line.  Included in those figures is one that will make many a “Die Hard” Joe fan cackle with glee– Bruce Willis as General Joe Colton!

Check ’em out below:

Wave 2:

  • Battle Kata Roadblock
  • Ninja Duel Snake Eyes
g-i-joe-3-75-movie-figure-battle-kata-roadblock-98710
g-i-joe-3-75-movie-figure-ninja-duel-snake-eyes-98709

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Wave 3:

  • Alley Viper
  • Cyber Ninja
  • Dragon Ninja
  • Joe Colton
  • Lady Jaye
g-i-joe-3-75-movie-figure-alley-viper-a0487
g-i-joe-3-75-movie-figure-cyber-ninja-a0484
g-i-joe-3-75-movie-figure-dragon-ninja-a0488-1
g-i-joe-3-75-movie-figure-dragon-ninja-a0488
g-i-joe-3-75-movie-figure-joe-colton-a0486
g-i-joe-3-75-movie-figure-lady-jaye

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Wave 4:

  • Blind Master
  • Kim Arashikage
g-i-joe-3-75-movie-figure-blind-master-a0490
g-i-joe-3-75-movie-figure-kim-arashikage-a0489

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Wave 5:

  • Crimson Guard
  • Night Viper
g-i-joe-3-75-movie-figure-crimson-guard
g-i-joe-3-75-movie-figure-night-viper

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Here’s the official press blurb from Pawtucket:

G.I. JOE MOVIE 3.75-INCH ACTION FIGURES Assortment

(Approximate retail price: $7.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Summer 2012)

The live-action G.I. JOE movie, G.I. JOE: Retaliation, won’t hit theaters until June 2012, but you don’t need to wait to see the stars from the movie cast as G.I. JOE characters.  The G.I. JOE brand invented the action figure category more than 45 years ago, and the G.I. JOE MOVIE 3.75-INCH action figures continue this great legacy.  Figures are sculpted to match their on-screen counterparts, including Dwayne Johnson as ROADBLOCK, Channing Tatum as DUKE, and Bruce Willis as Joe Colton.  Each figure comes with  off-the-floor play such as  ninja zip lines and projectile launchers. Multiple waves are set to be released throughout the summer and fall 2012. (Figures each sold separately.)

 

For more images, check out the coverage over at JBL sister site GeneralsJoes.com!

Also, here’s a look at the figure images that were previously released:

cobra-commander1
cobra-commander2
cobra-commander3
cobra_trooper
cobra_trooper2
duke1
duke1a
duke2
gi-joe_trooper1
gi-joe_trooper2
gi-joe_trooper3
redninja1
redninja2
redninja3
roadblock1
roadblock2
roadblock3
snakeeyes1a
snakeeyes2
snakeeyes3

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1 2

 

Hasbro Pre-Toy Fair images for G.I. Joe: Retaliation line!

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G.I. Joe: Retaliation

It’s been a busy weekend here at JBL HQ and I apologize for not getting these up sooner.

Friday Hasbro knocked everyone’s socks off with an unprecedented “info dump” for Retalation– in the form of HI-RES images of everything from Basic Figure assortment to Alpha Vehicles to figure battle sets to kids role-play gear.  It’s a lot of images to digest– but I’m going to post them based upon which assortment they fall into.

It’s a lot of Joe overload all in one post!

Basic figure assortment:

cobra-commander1
cobra-commander2
cobra-commander3
cobra_trooper
cobra_trooper2
duke1
duke1a
duke2
gi-joe_trooper1
gi-joe_trooper2
gi-joe_trooper3
redninja1
redninja2
redninja3
roadblock1
roadblock2
roadblock3
snakeeyes1a
snakeeyes2
snakeeyes3

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1 2

 

Alpha vehicle assortment:

ninja-speed-cycle-w-snakeeyes
road-retaliator-w-flint
wheel-blaster-bike-w-firefly

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Bravo vehicle assortment:

fangboat
g-i-joe-bravo-vehicle-tread-ripper-tank-w-clutch
ninja-commando-4x4-w-snake-eyes

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Delta vehicle assortment:

ghost-hawk-ii_0
hisstank
g-i-joe-delta-vehicle-ninja-combat-cruiser-98489

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Ninja Showdown assortment:

ninja-dojo-battle
ninjashowdown

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SDCC 2012 exclusives:

sdcc-kim-arashikage-variant_0
sdcc-kim-arashikage_0
sdcc-shockwave-hiss-tank_0
sdcc-jinx-01
sdcc-jinx-02
sdcc-jinx-03
sdcc-jinx-04

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Roleplay assortment:

blade-of-justice
battle-kata_blaster
battle-kata_exploded_view
g-i-joe-ninja-chucks-a0204
g-i-joe-special-ops-mask-98963
ninja-gear-mask
ninja-gear-star
ninja-gear-sword
snake-eyes
storm-shadow

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Battlers assortment:

roadblock-ninja-commando
snake-eyes-ninja-commando

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Podcast: WOJM #40 – JBL’s Alexx makes an appearance and the voice of Tunnel Rat!

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You’ve read his reviews for years here on JBL and on JoeSightings.com but have you ever heard the man speak?  Alexx mades an appearance on this latest installment of What’s On Joe Mind!  Here’s the synopsis:

Oh Lordy Lordy, What’s on JOE Mind reached 40!  Beach-Head Mike is promoted this week to be our new full time co-host.  Also we are joined by our buddy Craig from The Fwooshcast.  Chuck steps up in a big way to become our NEW showrunner.  It was a light news week but right off the bat we had some breaking news as the GIJCC changed the dates of the 2012 JoeCon back one week and finally announced the hotel location in New Orleans.  What was the fall out?  Joining us in the virtual studios this week we did find a very eager and well spoken guest in Eric, aka Alexx from Alexx’s Shorts on JoeSightings and JoeBattleLines.  He talks to the guys about his unique way of how he blends reviews and humor into his figure pictorials.

From the mailbag Chuck answers a letter from his sister Barbara on why he won’t go to JoeCon.  Chuck gets real for a moment and let’s it be known that he isn’t a shut-in like he made it out to be.  We also answer an older letter from Brad who asks, among other topics, if collectors are ruining Joe for kids with our need to army build.  In the second half we hear a pre-recorded interview with Matt Yang King, the voice of Tunnel Rat in GI Joe Renegades.  He has some hilarious stories to share and we hope you enjoy them as much as we do.  In addition to being promoted to co-host status, Mike is also our anchor on the news desk as we talk about the 80Tee’s up close look at the GI Joe Retaliation Motorcycle.  The GIJCC sets Footloose “loose” on the showcase turntable for a full 360 view of what this year’s incentive figure will look like.  Lastly, keep your eyes open during NBC’s broadcast of Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis for the next official trailer to hit.  Don’t forget, this will be the first to really hit the mainstream so it will be interesting come next week on the public reaction to the new direction of Joe.

So it’s JoeCon discussion, Alexx, mailbag, Matt Yang King, Retaliation, Footloose and the Super Bowl Trailer!  What more can you ask for?  Enjoy!!

Check it out below!

Hasbro reveals initial Retaliation figure and vehicle offerings!

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G.I. Joe: Retaliation

Hasbro is taking the pre-Toy Fair initiative and has launched a page revealing many of the initial figure and vehicle offerings for the forthcoming film G.I. Joe: Retaliation!

It’s a pretty diverse list that’s filled with a lot of repaints of both classic and recent vehicles.  However, it’s not just a “reused and repainted slate”– the infamous HISS Scout which only arrived in Canada has been retooled as a Joe vehicle and the recent POC/30th HISS has been given an upgrade as well.  Plus, there’s new figures galore!  Even better– Hasbro is promising 14 more reveals coming soon!

There’s even a Kim Arashikage SDCC figure coming this year!

Check it all out at Hasbro’s G.I. Joe: Retaliation page!

GIJoe: Retaliation Super Bowl spot is now online!

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Yes, it’s only 30 seconds– but it’s 30 seconds of AWESOME!

While it offers very little in terms of story details, it certainly works to increase audience anticipation.  In other words, it’s a solid film commercial!

Feast your eyes on the latest hints of what is to come below:

 

G.I. Joe Retaliation Super Bowl trailer to debut on iTunes TODAY!!

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G.I. Joe: Retaliation

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra was a mixed bag for most fans.  It was one of those films that had some familiar elements but still seemed to miss the mark in terms of overall feel and story.  The sequel G.I. Joe: Retaliation seems to be having the opposite effect as fans and pundits alike can’t seem to stop talking about it in a VERY positive light– and the film hasn’t even hit yet!

Director Jon M. Chu posted a very exciting bit of news on his Twitter feed last night:

One last thing..u will b able to C the #GIJoeRETALIATION#SUPERBOWL commercial in its ENTIRETY TOMORROW on Apple Trailers #30secondsofheaven

That’s right, Joe fan– the super bowl trailer will drop on iTunes some time TODAY!!!   Like most Joe fans, those of us at JBL HQ are going to be keeping our eyes peeled for new footage from what is turning out to be one of the summer’s most anticipated films!