G.I. Joe Convention 2014: Zombies vs. Eco-Warriors Theme Announced!

G.I. Joe Con 2014

 

Zombies are EVERYWHERE these days– from The Walking Dead, to Resident Evil and lastly at the G.I. Joe Convention 2014!

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has released the brochure for the 2014 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention in Dallas, Texas and this year’s theme ties directly into the current craze of “zombie-mania”.  It features the return of the neon-clad Eco Warriors as well as a group referred to as the “Zombie Hunters” vs. Cobra’ s own squad of undead environmental misfits.

Here’s the description for the 1:18 scale set:

COBRA forces have acquired the “Compound Z” formula and have started testing it on their own soldiers. They believe by creating zombie warriors they can rule the World and turn its population into mindless creatures. G.I. JOE headquarters is split on how to handle the zombie affliction: save or eradicate?

GENERAL HAWK has formed two groups to solve this deadly problem. Who will be successful? Will it be the Zombie Hunters whose mission is to eradicate those infected or
will it be the E.C.O. (Emergency Chemical Operations) Force trying to rescue and find an antidote for those afflicted? And, what about the team members who become zombies, are they a casualty of war? If too many are turned, who will be left to complete their mission? Only time will tell and it’s running out!

The 2014 G.I. JOE vs. COBRA convention set contains highly requested teams and some new additions available for the first time in the modern era 25A action figure style. This special edition set includes:

Zombie Hunters: Outback, T’J BangSteel Brigade Commander

E.C.O. Force: Flint, Ozone, Clean-Sweep

Cobra Lab-Rats x 2, Toxo-Vipers x 3, Toxo-Zombies x 3, and Repulsor with Dawg (NEW K-9).
Each of these great teams comes with classic weapons, accessories, figure stands and file cards in this exciting fifteen figure boxed set.

Ooookay… that’s quite a varied set for the 50th anniversary of the G.I. Joe brand.  I’m curious about the long-rumored “Zombie Hunter Outback” as I’m hoping for a new body for the G.I. Joe team’s premiere survivalist.  The Steel Brigade Commander is one of those “take it or leave it” concepts with me as I’ve never been a bit fan of the Steel Brigade in the first place. T’Jbang— well, I’d expect to see some of the concept case 2012 ninja items used there.

Now, the Eco-Warriors were always an interesting concept saddled with a ridiculous color scheme but considering the fact that Cesspool is part of FSS 2.0 this gives some cohesion to the GIJCC’s offerings this year.  Plus, Clean-Sweep was always an amusing figure in my collection so I’ll be curious to see how he turns out.  I could live a full and happy life without the Eco Warriors Flint resurfacing in my collection again but the rest of the set could prove interesting.  Personally, I was hoping for more 1:18 Adventure Team figures to tie all of this year’s sets back to Joe’s early days but c’est la vie!

However, 1:18 collectors may find themselves a bit frustrated if they want to track down ALL of the in-scale exclusives from this year’s set.  See– the 1:6 scale set has also been described as follows:

He is a legend. His adventures have spanned decades and he has touched the lives of millions. Serving his nation in time of conflict in uniform and out, he became the basis of a force for good standing in the breach in the fight against evil. His birth name is Joseph Colton, but his Codename: G.I. Joe.

We have followed G.I. Joe through a series of exploits that took him from the brown boot army, to the founding member of the covert operations team. He has directed this team (which bears his codename) in their quest to face down Cobra’s bid for world domination. He IS the original real American Hero.

Included in this 12” two figure set: Timeless Edition Vintage G.I. Joe figure: Tiger Stripe Camouflage Green Beret Jacket and Pants; Tall Black Boots; Green Beret; M-16; Ascot; .45 with Belt and Holster; Canteen with Canteen Cover; and Gold Tone Dog Tag.

Timeless AT G.I. Joe figure: Black T-Shirt with AT sticker; Cargo Pants; Short Black Boots; Black Shoulder Holster with Label Revolver; Black Hunting Rifle; Tan belt with Canteen and cover; Duffel Bag featuring AT logo; Map with Map Case; Rope; and a Gold Tone AT Dog Tag.*

In addition, to celebrate all ages of G.I. Joe, this set comes with a unique 3 3/4” Joseph Colton, G.I. Joe with Pistol and Club Action Figure Display System with 50th Anniversary backdrop.*
All of these items will be packaged together in a 50th Anniversary display box.

Umm… what?!  So, if a 1:18 collector wants to get the Joseph Colton figure they’re going to have to purchase a 12″ set as well?  (Either that or find a 12″ collector who has ZERO interest in that piece and hope that they’re willing to part with it for a decent price.)  While I can understand that concept of including something from multiple Joe eras in the set, it kind of feels like the 1:6 collectors are being minimized a bit further in that their set has to include something from the 1:18 scale.  Hopefully the GIJCC will produce extras of the Colton figure for those 1:18 fans who would like  a figure of General Colton w/o having to incur the expense of purchasing TWO different con sets.

Regardless of the commentary, the brochure with the 2014 pricing is now available ONLINE.  Go ahead and check it out and start making plans for the “once in a life-time” event that will be the 2014 JoeCon.

2 thoughts on “G.I. Joe Convention 2014: Zombies vs. Eco-Warriors Theme Announced!

  1. I’m no zombie fan but I’m sure that there are fans out there who will love this set. Easy pass for me, though. The comic should be interesting if only to see if any fan favorites are killed off or zombified. I imagine that would stir up quite the hornet’s nest.

    I have even less interest in anything Colton. I wasn’t too thrilled with the way he was tied into 80’s continuity and much preferred the original concept where Generals Austin and Flagg initially oversaw the G.I. Joe team during its early years.

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