GIJoeCon 2018: Meet Slaughter’s Marauders Footloose

GIJoeCon 2018 is a few months away and the reveals have begun!  First out of the gate is Slaughter’s Marauders Footloose!

GIJoe Con 2018 Slaughter's Marauders Footloose

SLAUGHTER’S MARAUDERS
INFANTRY TROOPER: FOOTLOOSE

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure.
– Modern Era Release of Character based on 1989 SM design.
– Includes removable helmet, harness, assault rifle, rocket launcher,
knife, pistol, flashlight, backpack, and G.I. Joe Logo Stand.

(Note: Photo depicts action figure mock-up and final product may slightly differ.)

Hmm… this is interesting. Very interesting indeed…

It’s no secret that, when faced with between the decision to either adhere to vintage aesthetics or modernize a character design, the Club always chooses vintage.  Such is the case with Slaughter’s Marauders Footloose who is sporting a near-identical color scheme to the 1989 vintage figure.  The parts build should come as a surprise to no one as it is the same as was used for the 2012 Club membership incentive Footloose but the color scheme was a bit of a wild card.   Continue reading

GIJoeCon 2018 brochure is now online!

The suspense is over… the GIJoeCon 2018 brochure is now ONLINE!

GIJoeCon 2018 logo

No more speculation… thanks to the release of the GIJoeCon 2018 brochure we know the theme of the final G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention set: Python Peril – Marauders to the Rescue!

Here’s the official synopsis:

Python Peril: Marauders to the Rescue!

The COBRA PYTHON PATROL is an elite unit of troopers that have been handpicked for their various tactical specialties. They are expertly trained and equipped for stealth and infiltration missions. They wear unique camouflage grid uniforms to mask their presence, which confuses radar detection systems and allows them to accomplish sinister operations around the globe.

Using the latest radar absorbing materials and stealth technology, PYTHON PATROL 2.0 rears its ugly head with a surgical strike against their sworn enemy. Led by the nefarious MAJOR BLUDD, they have successfully captured a “Real American Hero” and key member of the G.I. JOE team.

The SLAUGHTER’S MARAUDERS unit is called into action to mount a dire rescue mission of their original commander. A fellow Marine Drill Instructor, SGT. SMASHER takes the squad leader position and selects highly specialized soldiers for a fast attack, ground assault into enemy territory to combat these devious COBRA forces.

PYTHON PATROL 2.0 is a dangerous unit, but it will take more than their special uniforms and slithering nastiness to get the best of the entire SLAUGHTER’S MARAUDERS team! Our 2018 exclusive 3 3/4-inch convention set contains a highly requested G.I. JOE team and updated COBRA army that are available for the first time in the modern era 25A action figure style. This special edition 15action-figure set includes:

Five G.I. JOE team members: Sgt. Smasher, Footloose, Hardball, Mutt & Junkyard (K-9), Spirit & Freedom (eagle).

Ten COBRA team members: Major Bludd, Python H.E.A.T. Viper (troop builder x 3), Python Lamprey (troop builder x 3), Python Laser Viper (troop builder x 3).

Each of these great teams comes with their classic weapons,
accessories, figure stands and file cards!

Hmmm… very interesting indeed.  It would seem that the Club is going to complete the Slaughter’s Marauders roster that was started several years ago in the 2011 Slaughter’s Marauders exclusive boxed set. That set included Falcon, Low-light, and Barbeque as well as Spirit.  (Apparently someone wasn’t a fan of that Spirit release?)  The addition of Footloose and Mutt round out most of the original team– minus Sgt. Slaughter, of course.  In his stead is another drill instructor known as “Sgt. Smasher.”  (After all, that was the name of his international repaint.) Now, could this be a repaint of the 2010 SDCC Sarge under a different name for copyright purposes?  Continue reading

SDCC G.I. Joe exclusives available 8/14 at HasbroToyShop

Cobra Missile Command Headquarters box front

SDCC 2017 is in full swing and G.Hasbro’s annual G.I. Joe exclusives are very much on everyone’s mind!  However, it would seem that those of us who are stuck at home know just when the sought-after comic con items will be dropping on HasbroToyShop.com.

Yesterday, two product listings were quietly added to the website.

Included in each product description was the note “available 8/14”.  Apparently that day, the second Monday in August, will be when fans from around the globe will be hitting the site, frantically hitting F5 to refresh their screens in the hopes of completing their transactions before the items sell out. While the exclusives of the past few years have been pretty easy to obtain, there’s something about this year’s two G.I. Joe-related SDCC items that feels very different.

Hasbro IDW Revolution Comic Crossover Mega-Set

I’m not going to lie– I’m giddy over the prospect of BOTH of these sets, for very different reasons.  Nostalgia plays a heavy hand in my love for both sets but I’d be hard-pressed right now to choose one over the other if I had to prioritize dropping one in my cart first.  One one had there’s the AMAZING recreation/update to the Cobra Missile Command Headquarters but on the other hand there’s the IDW Hasbro Comic Crossover Mega-Set that includes Renegades Roadblock, ROM the Space Knight, and the Micronauts.  Decisions, decisions.

Regardless, August 14th is the day to put on your calendars kids!

And now you know…

Hasbro’s IDW Revolution Comic Crossover Mega-Set:

Cobra Missile Command Headquarters:

 

Hasbro Revolution Comic Crossover Mega-Set SDCC Exclusive

The Revolution Comic Crossover Mega-Set is coming to San Diego Comic Con 2017!

Hasbro IDW Revolution Comic Crossover Mega-Set

Sweet Colton’s Ghost!  Just when you thought that we’d seen and heard all that there was to know about the future of G.I. Joe this year Entertainment Weekly dropped a MOAB of exclusive news.  Debuting this year at San Diego Comic Con and available at both Canda’s Fan Expo and then eventually at HasbroToyShop.com, the IDW Revolution Comic Crossover Mega-Set isn’t just a long name– it’s a $99.00 box of so much epic goodness that this long-time toy fan doesn’t know where to start.  Seriously…

Hasbro IDW Revolution Comic Crossover Mega-Set

Inspired by the debut miniseries of IDW’s Hasbro Shared Universe, this set includes something from EACH of the brands that will comprise the forthcoming Hasbro Cinematic Universe.  That’s right Children of the 80’s, the Revolution Comic Crossover Mega-Set includes all of the following:

Seriously… all of this for a whopping $99!  That’s it!  This is a CRAZY good deal.

I’m not going to lie– as far as this toy collector is concerned there isn’t one single weak spot in the Revolution Comic Crossover Mega-Set.  Seriously.  I’m old enough to remember both ROM and the Micronauts when they were at retail the first time around. I have a real soft spot for Jetfire as both a Transformers and a Robotech fan.  The new incarnation of M.A.S.K. intrigues me.  While I have no nostalgia whatsoever for Visionaries I like the design of Leoric.

Oh yeah, and then there’s RENEGADES FREAKING ROADBLOCK!!!

Seriously– this set is a virtual love letter to the fans of all of Hasbro’s now in-house properties.  I’m not going to lie– between this and the Cobra Missile Command Headquarters reissue I’m going to be wearing out the F5 key when these drop on HasbroToyShop.

Seriously– to all involved at Hasbro, THANK YOU for the Revolution Comic Crossover Mega-Set.  You’ve made this child of the 80’s very happy indeed!

Joe Con 2017: News from the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club roundtable

Gi joe con 2017 logo

Thanks to YoJoe.com, we have a LIVE feed from this year’s Collector’s Club Roundtable panel.  We’ll be updating this page with our notes as we can but we’ve embedded the LIVE feed below.

Here’s the details as we have them:

  • Rock-n-Roll v2 renewal figure
  • Night Stalker 3-pack coming
    • Includes African American

FSS 7 partial list:

  • CRYSTAL BALL
  • Extensive Enterprises Tomax
  • FSS 8 will dovetail with a one month gap between FSS 7

Next year’s con Chattanooga TN from June 21 – 24, 2018

As of now, Joe Con 2018 will be the final Fun Pub convention year

Derryl DePriest from Hasbro offered the following:

  • Effort being made to document ever Hasbro-owned piece of G.I. Joe package art, etc. (Including Battle Force 2000)
    • There are plans for this artwork from Hasbro
  • SDCC release—i09 already released:
    • Cobra Missile Command Headquarters
    • Roughly $54.00 plus tax
    • Based on original printed assembly from Hasbro archives
      • Updated the silhouettes in the background to reflect 30th Cobra Troopers
    • Bobby Vala is Hasbro designer who worked on this
    • “Mickey Mouse” Cobra Commander logo
  • No G.I. Joe product at retail this year or next year
    • Nothing at retail until the next piece of entertainment launches
    • Paramount will announce the next version
  • Future of Joe Con:
    • HASCON is the beginning of something new
      • Not the kind of convention that Joe Con is currently
      • Focused on celebrating a wide spectrum of brands
      • G.I. Joe VIP experience developed for Hascon on 9/8
        • Partnering with Dan Klingensmith of 375inchJoe.com
        • Largest gathering of G.I. Joe creators ever assembled
        • Special dinner event this year with the creators
        • Additional VIP merchandise and gifts for that dinner
        • $600 for this event
        • Derryl has been brought onto the HASCON team for fan outreach
      • More details to be announced in the next two weeks
      • Derryl is curating a series of “never-before-seen” package paintings and design artifacts (including products) that have never been released on display
    • The future of Joe Con is unknown as HASCON grows

Joe Con 2017: Day 2 Souvenir items and recap

Joe Con 2017 coverage

Joe Con 2017 Day 2 is now one for the history books!  However, we’ve got a bit to talk about in today’s Armchair Coverage recap.

To start– let’s talk souvenir items!  Thanks to Mike Tinnel of Just Another G.I. Joe Show we received an update to last night’s story about the souvenir item list.  This included confirmation and pricing for all of the items.

  • BF 2000 Vector Jet (repainted Conquest) – $132.00
  • Cobra Sky Serpent w/Pilot (rumored to be a Black Dragon VTOL) – $95.00
  • BF 2000 Marauder Snowmobile 2 Pack (repainted Polar Battle Bears) – $64.00
  • Cobra Laser Vipers 3 Pack (concept case version from a few years ago) – $80.00
  • Ultimate Enemies 2 Pack (two pack of DeeJay and his Brazilian repaint Corasao, an Eco-Warriors foe) – $58.00
  • Cobra B.A.T. Rocket Glider 2 Pack (rumored to be the Cobra Jet Pack) – $58.00
  • Battle Force 2000 weapons pack – $13.00

However, Mike has also posted a quick video look at the souvenir figures including Dee-Jay, Corrosao, and the Cobra Laser Viper:

Has anyone noticed that Corrosao seems to be carrying HARDBALL’S launcher!!!  Could this be a hint at FSS 7?!!! Continue reading

SDCC 2017 exclusive: Cobra Missile Command Base

This year’s SDCC exclusive G.I. Joe item has leaked a bit early, thanks to the folks at io9.com!

sdcc 2017 cobra missile command

Sweet Colton’s Ghost!  It’s the Cobra Missile Command playset!!!

This bad boy is one of the rarest of the rare– a cardboard playset that was released exclusive to Sears back in 1982 when there was virtually no other product available.  It came with Cobra Commander, a Cobra Officer, and a Cobra Trooper along with a diorama that seemed inspired by Ken Adam’s designs from the James Bond franchise.

It was gorgeous.  It was also fragile as all get out, due to being cardboard.

Here’s the details direct from Hasbro:

G.I. Joe Cobra Missile Command Headquarters

(Ages 5 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99/Available at Booth #3329 at Comic-Con International in San Diego)

Cobraaaa! One of the rarest of all G.I. Joe playsets is back! The G.I. Joe Cobra Missile Command Headquarters, this convention exclusive is a faithful reproduction of the original and iconic Cobra Missile Command Headquarters Set from 1982. It recreates the classic design of the original in exacting detail with a weathered finished, following the original die-lines with all new re-created graphics. Assemble the highly detailed, sturdy graphic board components to build a headquarters that includes missile base, missile support systems, cruise missile, control panel, movable elevator, work platform, and seats. The set also comes with reproductions of the three figures that came with the original set – Cobra Commander (with a logo that is an homage to the original, first version Cobra Commander logo), Cobra Officer, and Cobra Trooper. Set includes file cards for the figures, as well as a file card holder for the cards. The G.I. Joe Cobra Missile Command Headquarters will be for sale during San Diego Comic-Con 2017. Following the convention, a limited number will be available on HasbroToyShop.com .

Yes! Yes!  YES!!!  A “Mickey Mouse” variation based on the Retaliation Ultimate Cobra Commander and an update to the killer 30th Cobra Trooper?  For $50.00?!!

Consider this Joe fan SOLD!  I never had a Cobra Missile Command Headquarters as a kid and now I can.  Now we just have to receive confirmation if this is also the Hascon 2017 exclusive as well.

Yo freaking Joe!!!

 

Joe Con 2017: Video reviews of the Battle Force 2000 vs BATs set

Gi joe con 2017 logo

Joe Con 2017 is ramping up and Mike Tinnel of Just Another G.I. Joe Show has been hard at work already, providing details of the souvenir sets and other intel from the show floor.

Late last night, Mike broke open his convention set and posted a series of videos showcasing the figures that comprise the Force of Battle 2017!  He even brought along vintage counterparts of the figures for comparison purposes.  (I wonder what the TSA made of Avalanche, Blaster, Blocker, Dodger, Knockdown and Maverick.) Joe Con 2017 probably raises a few eyebrows at security checkpoints.

I’ll be embedding all the parts of his review below for your viewing pleasure as they go live this morning!

Continue reading

Joe Con 2017: Souvenir list and first look at the set

Joe Con 2017 coverage

Joe Con 2017 has begun and the golden ticket holders have picked up their sets. Thanks to Mike Tinnel of Just Another G.I. Joe Show, we have some information on this year’s souvenir list.  So, without further adieu:

  • BF 2000 Vector Jet (repainted Conquest) – $132.00
  • Cobra Sky Serpent w/Pilot (rumored to be a Black Dragon VTOL) – $95.00
  • BF 2000 Marauder Snowmobile 2 Pack (repainted Polar Battle Bears) – $64.00
  • Cobra Laser Vipers 3 Pack (concept case version from a few years ago) – $80.00
  • Ultimate Enemies 2 Pack (two pack of DeeJay and his Brazilian repaint Corasao, an Eco-Warriors foe) – $58.00
  • Cobra B.A.T. Rocket Glider 2 Pack (rumored to be the Cobra Jet Pack) – $58.00
  • Battle Force 2000 weapons pack – $13.00

This year’s attendee exclusive is a red & blue Cobra release of the Laser Artillery Weapon

Joe Con 2017 LAW

 

Over at GeneralsJoes.com, Justin has some screen shots from the comic that back up a lot of our guesses here.

In addition, the rumor is that Backstop may be the parachute figure this year.  This makes sense given the design of the Joe Con 2016 Static Line whose head was an amalgamation of two design.

Lastly, here’s a quick look at this year’s set courtesy of Mike Tinnel’s cell phone:

Joe Con 2017 set

For those who purchased bagged sets, it’s being reported that three of the figures are packaged sans accessories.  The Club will be providing the missing pieces to purchasers at a later date.  However, if you bought a set on eBay, be sure to check with the seller to make certain that they will ship you the missing gear!

We’ll have more information as it becomes available but this is what we know thus far from the first night of Joe Con 2017!

And now you know!

Joe Con 2017: JBL’s armchair coverage begins this evening

Joe Con 2017 coverage

Joe Con 2017 begins today at the Walt Disney World Hotel in Orlando!

While hundreds of Joe fans flock down to the Dolphin Hotel to celebrate their love of the original action figure, many of us are still sitting at home.  This includes the JBL admin who will not be attending this year.  However, that doesn’t mean that JBL can’t provide convention coverage once more!

Each day we’ll be providing armchair cover– a round up of the day’s events right here.  From panel live streams to pictures of the exclusives, we’ll be curating the best content from across the web into a single source so that all of us “Homefront Heroes” have a place to follow the events of Joe Con 2017.

Plus, Saturday night, join us at 3:30pm CST for a special “From the Convention Floor” episode of Just Another G.I. Joe Show with Mike Tinnel who broadcasting LIVE from Orlando as the Dealer’s Room closes.

Tune back in this evening at we’ll get our first glimpses of this year’s Joe Con 2017 set when Golden Ticket Package Pickup begins at 8:30pm EST.

It’s bound to be an interesting con this year.