Category Archives: Conventions

If JBL has covered or attended a convention, the information will be here.

Joe Con 2017: Meet Cobra BAT v1.8

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The final 1:18 Joe Con 2017 preview has been posted – the Cobra BAT v1.8!

gi joe con 2017 Cobra BAT v1.8

COBRA BATTLE ANDROID TROOPERS:
B.A.T. V1.8

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure.
– Modern Era Character Update with NEW Head Sculpt!
– EIGHT Army Builder action figures in this exclusive set
– Includes removable Chest plate, interchangeable Hand
attachments: Sword, Claw, Flamethrower, Laser weapon,
Backpack, Pistol, and Cobra Logo Stand.

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

This is how the Joe Con 2017 previews end… not with a BANG but with a whimper.

The final preview is live and fans finally get a look at the Cobra Battle Android Trooper v1.8.  I’ll be blunt– it’s exactly what I was afraid it would be.  The Cobra BAT v1.8 is merely the existing 25th Anniversary Cobra BAT with the head of the BAT Squad Leader, which is essentially that of the classic 1991 Battle Android Trooper. The only real new addition to the BAT’s kit is the blade that was last released with the FSS 4.0 Inferno BAT.

This year’s “Force of Battle 2000” set is going to include eight of the Cobra BAT v1.8 and one Cobra BAT Squad Leader.  Normally, nine reuses of the same tooling might be a good thing– if the the figure was a highly sought after piece.  However, there have been so many re-releases of the Battle Android Troopers in recent years that I find it hard to believe that anyone out there is actively clamoring for more of them.  Heck, there have been TWO re-releases in the 50th Anniversary line alone!  (2014 Arctic Ambush and 2016 Cobra Legions Urban camo.)

Essentially, this new BAT v1.8 is a repaint of the BAT Squad Leader.  Call me crazy but that just feels uninspired and, quite honestly, lazy.

Unless the Club is saving all of their production budget for the souvenir exclusive items, this year’s set feels pretty lackluster from a character standpoint.

In case you’re keeping score, here’s the roster and all of the previews shown thus far:

Battle Force 2000:

Cobra:

According to the convention brochure, this year’s Joe Con 2017 boxed set will retail for $410.00.  Also, there’s no word on souvenir pricing at this time although it’s a safe bet that prices will remain at or around levels seen in both 2015 and 2016.  With so many vehicle drivers in the mix it’s a sure bet that the souvenirs this year will be mostly vehicles.  The question remains– which vehicle molds will be repainted and reused?

For more information on this year’s event at Walt Disney World, visit GIJoeCon.com!

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Joe Con 2017: Battle Force 2000 Blocker revealed

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A new week and a new Joe Con 2017 preview.  Meet Battle Force 2000 Eliminator driver Blocker!

G.I. Joe Con 2017 Battle Force 2000 Blocker

G.I. JOE BF 2000 TEAM:
David “Blocker” McCarthy

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure.
– 1st Modern Era Release of Character based on 1987 design.
– NEW Head Sculpt and includes removable Vest,
Tactical Shotgun, original XL-13 Laser weapon,
with G.I. Joe Logo Stand.

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

Just like that we’ve now seen every member of the Joe Con 2017 iteration of Battle Force 2000.

Blocker’s not bad… It looks like we’ve got another Club use of the Retaliation G.I. Joe Trooper web gear to recreate the original 1987 Blocker torso.  I see my least favorite Pursuit of Cobra Snake Eyes lower legs as well.  We do get a brand new head sculpt for the figure– but it appears to be missing the visor found on the original figure.  Really?  That’s kind of big omission but the Club seems to be going with head sculpts that require ZERO additional attachments these days– most likely to keep costs down.  Thank goodness that cost savings was passed on to the Joe Con 2017 attendees.  Oh wait…

Overall, it’s a decent approximation of the original vintage figure.  Plus, there’s the recreated 1987 sidearm that the Club has tooled up for each member of the team.

With this preview we’re down to the preview of the new BAT v1.8 — of which there will be eight included in the set.  (Let’s hope it’s good.)

In case you’re keeping score, here’s the roster and all of the previews shown thus far:

Battle Force 2000:

Cobra:

According to the convention brochure, this year’s Joe Con 2017 boxed set will retail for $410.00.  Also, there’s no word on souvenir pricing at this time although it’s a safe bet that prices will remain at or around levels seen in both 2015 and 2016.  With so many vehicle drivers in the mix it’s a sure bet that the souvenirs this year will be mostly vehicles.  The question remains– which vehicle molds will be repainted and reused?

For more information on this year’s event at Walt Disney World, visit GIJoeCon.com!

Joe Con 2017: Meet Battle Force 2000 Blaster

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Registration for Joe Con 2017 is now LIVE and we’ve got another preview: Battle Force 2000 Blaster!

G.I. Joe Con 2017 Battle Force 2000 Blaster

G.I. JOE BF 2000 TEAM:
Brian “Blaster” Davis

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure.
– 1st Modern Era Release of Character based on 1987 design.
– NEW Head Sculpt and includes removable Holster, Knife,
Assault Rifle, original DK-528 Laser weapon,
with G.I. Joe Logo Stand.

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

Now THAT’S what I’m talking about! Battle Force 2000 Blaster is looking GOOD!

Let’s be honest– reaction to the Joe Con 2017 preview images so far has been pretty mixed.  Fans seemed to like Maverick and Avalanche and they were lukewarm to both Dodger and Knockdown.  With only three figure designs left to show, it was up to the Club to turn the tide with the remaining figures.

Blaster does a pretty solid job in that department.  Yes, it’s the return of the tried and true PoC Duke torso that has been used by the Club for both Psyche-Out and Barrell Roll. I think I’m seeing the PoC Jungle Viper arms and at least the lower legs of of the amazing PoC Snake Eyes.  For the most part, it’s a decent match to the original 1987 Blaster design.  I’m still not 100% sold on retooling the vintage weapons but c’est la vie.

I’m very curious to see what this head sculpt looks like in a non-digital sense.  It’s still hard to get a feel for what Blaster will really look like from this Photoshop preview.

With this preview we’re down to two previews remaining– Blocker and the new BAT v1.8 — of which there will be eight included in the set.

In case you’re keeping score, here’s the roster and all of the previews shown thus far:

Battle Force 2000:

Cobra:

According to the convention brochure, this year’s Joe Con 2017 boxed set will retail for $410.00.  Also, there’s no word on souvenir pricing at this time although it’s a safe bet that prices will remain at or around levels seen in both 2015 and 2016.  Regardless, it will be interesting to see how the Club intends to replicate the signature vehicles of this DARPA-inspired team.  Could another RHINO re-release be in the works?

For more information on this year’s event at Walt Disney World, visit GIJoeCon.com!

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Joe Con 2017: Battle Force 2000 Dodger unveiled

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The Joe Con 2017 preview came early today with a look at Battle Force 2000’s Dodger!

G.I. Joe Con 2017 Battle Force 2000 Dodger

G.I. JOE BF 2000 TEAM:
DODGER

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure.
– 1st Modern Era Release of Character based on 1987 design.
– NEW Head Sculpt and includes removable Vest, Gaunlet,
Tactical Shotgun, original Ulta-Sonic Photon Rifle,
with G.I. Joe Logo Stand.

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

Okay, I’ll just say it— “a swing… and a miss!!!”

I get it… not every one of these previews can be a winner.  In the case of Dodger… yeah, I don’t know what happened.

Several years ago, I sat down and reviewed the 1987 Battle Force 2000 Dodger figure.  Of all of his compatriots, Dodger was the most realistic looking in terms of overall design.  From this sculpted web gear, to the darker hues of green and orange used for his uniform, to the helmet design, the Marauder driver conveyed the impression that his design might be plausible someday in the future.  The only thing about his design that seemed truly fantastic was his rifle and that was my least favorite part.

I don’t know– maybe it’s the fact that this image is HEAVILY Photoshopped.  Maybe it’s the fact that the odd hue of metallic green is so prevalent that it overpowers the entire image.  I just know that the figure that I was looking forward to the most in this Joe Con 2017 isn’t all that and a bag of chips in this preview.  At all… (Plus, I really really hate those gimmicky Snake Eyes legs.)  He’s missing some of the bulk that made the original Dodger so impressive. Plus, where’s the comms gear from his helmet?

We’re now over the halfway point when it comes to the previews of this year’s set.  So far, the reaction online has been “lukewarm” to the set.  Hopefully the remaining three previews will knock it out of the park as fans have been requesting Battle Force 2000 for years now.  (I hate to think of what the Club will charge for the souvenir vehicles this year.)

Here’s the roster, just in case:

Battle Force 2000:

Cobra:

According to the convention brochure, this year’s Joe Con 2017 boxed set will retail for $410.00.  Also, there’s no word on souvenir pricing at this time although it’s a safe bet that prices will remain at or around levels seen in both 2015 and 2016.  Regardless, it will be interesting to see how the Club intends to replicate the signature vehicles of this DARPA-inspired team.  Could another RHINO re-release be in the works?

For more information on this year’s event at Walt Disney World, visit GIJoeCon.com!

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Joe Con 2017: Battle Force 2000 Avalanche preview

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The Joe Con 2017 previews continue with a look at Battle Force 2000 Avalanche!

Joe Con 2017 Battle Force 2000 Avalanche

G.I. JOE BF 2000 TEAM:
Ian “Avalanche” Costello

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure.
– 1st Modern Era Release of Character based on 1987 design.
– NEW Head Sculpt and includes removable Bandolier, Knife,
Assault Rifle, Re-tool of iconic P-460 Sub-Zero Stun Gun,
with G.I. Joe Logo Stand.

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

Holy Photoshop, Batman! The preview of Battle Force 2000’s Avalanche is more digital than real!

According to the description, we’re getting a new head for this figure, which is a good thing.  However, given the fact that the helmet is non-removable and the design deviates somewhat from the original 1987 design, it’s a good bet that we’ll be seeing this head reused in the next FSS as we did with Airborne into Scoop.  (I’m thinking maybe Windmill?  That’s just some idle speculation on my part.) There’s also the fact that last year’s Static Line head bore more than a passing resemblance to Persuader driver Backstop.  Hmm…

Additionally, we’re seeing another original Battle Force 2000 weapon retooled for this figure.  This begs the question: are THAT many fans really enamored with BF2K’s vintage weapons?

As far as the rest, I think I’m seeing the Retaliation Firefly torso, and maybe Wraith’s lower legs?  (I can’t be certain the last point– it’s been a long time since I looked at my Wraith figure.)

With four Joe Con 2017 figures previewed, we’re at the halfway point for the character designs in this year’s set.  As such, that leaves just four more previews before the entire set is revealed.

Here’s the roster, just in case:

Battle Force 2000:

Cobra:

According to the convention brochure, this year’s Joe Con 2017 boxed set will retail for $410.00.  Also, there’s no word on souvenir pricing at this time although it’s a safe bet that prices will remain at or around levels seen in both 2015 and 2016.  Regardless, it will be interesting to see how the Club intends to replicate the signature vehicles of this DARPA-inspired team.  Could another RHINO re-release be in the works?

For more information on this year’s event at Walt Disney World, visit GIJoeCon.com!

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Joe Con 2017: Brochure now online and pricing revealed

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As Joe Con 2017 grows closer, the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club is releasing more details about this year’s event in Walt Disney World.  Yesterday, the convention brochure was released— containing details on this year’s sets as well as the pricing.

Gi joe con 2017 logo

You can view the entire Joe Con 2017 brochure HERE but here are a few of the highlights:

Battle Force 2000 vs. Cobra BATs:

We’re celebrating the 30th anniversary of the G.I. JOE Battle Force 2000 team with this untold tale of the original team members from a recently declassified special mission.

 

The G.I. JOE BF 2000 team is the walking, breathing proving grounds for tomorrow’s battlefield technology today! These highly trained specialists are entrusted with one-of-a-kind, state-of-theart prototype weapons. Their mission is to field-test experimental equipment under battlefield conditions.

 

COBRA has developed a new laser weapon system so dangerous that it threatens the safety of the entire planet! The G.I. JOE BF 2000 team is called into action and must travel through the Pacific Northwest into British Columbia to dismantle the operation. What they don’t know is that COBRA is ready for them with a battalion of their upgraded B.A.T. (Battle Android Troopers) guarding their base. This G.I. JOE team will be fighting against insurmountable odds, and must pull their individual specialties together to battle these deadly threats. Will the cold and calculated programming of the COBRA B.A.T. SQUAD LEADER be the end of this G.I. JOE team?

 

Our 2017 exclusive 3 3/4-inch convention set contains a highly requested G.I. JOE team and some new additions to your COBRA army that are available for the first time in the modern era 25A action figure style. This special edition 15 action-figure set includes:

 

Six G.I. JOE team members: Ian “Avalanche” Costello, Brian “Blaster” Davis, David “Blocker” McCarthy, Thomas “Maverick” Kiley, Knockdown, and Dodger.

 

Nine enemy combatants: COBRA B.A.T. SQUAD LEADER, and COBRA B.A.T. V1.8 (troop builder x 8). Each of these great teams comes with their classic weapons, accessories, figure stands and file cards!

We now have the roster for this year’s set: 6 members of Battle Force 2000 vs. 1 Cobra BAT Squad leader and 8 Cobra BATs.  This means that the Club will be utilizing a total of 8 unique figure designs this year to produce the boxed set. Continue reading →

Joe Con 2017: Battle Force 2000 Knockdown unveiled

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As the Joe Con 2017 reveals continue, feast your eyes on Battle Force 2000 Knockdown!

Joe Con 2017 Battle Force 2000 Knockdown

G.I. JOE BF 2000 TEAM:
KNOCKDOWN

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure.
– 1st Modern Era Release of Character based on 1987 design.
– Includes removable Helmet and Vest, Tactical Rifle, Re-tool
of iconic Ground to Air Pistol, and G.I. Joe Logo Stand.

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

The Battle Force 2000 Sky Sweeper driver Knockdown is back– even if this image is pretty Photoshop heavy.  Right off, I’ll admit that I didn’t see the reuse of the 2013 Retaliation Lift Ticket helmet coming but it works!  The PoC Techno-Viper lower legs are a decent approximation of the original 1987 Knockdown design— or at least as well as could be done with existing parts.  I can also appreciate the newly-tooled vintage weapon recreation– even if I’d much rather have a new head sculpt for the character.

As far as the Joe Con 2017 previews go, he’s not bad.  He’s not the strongest of the three, but he’s not bad.  Definitely a decent approximation of the original design.

So far, we’ve had the following characters from this year’s set revealed:

G.I. Joe Battle Force 2000:

  • Avalanche, Blaster, Blocker, Dodger, Knockdown, Maverick

Cobra: BATs:

Without a greater description of this set, we’re still left wondering just who exactly is coming on the Cobra side of this year’s Battle Force 2000 vs Cobra BATs set.  Could Overkill be in the works?

For more information of this year’s event, visit GIJoeCon.com.

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Joe Con 2017: Meet the Cobra BAT Squad Leader

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The Joe Con 2017 previews continue with a look at the Cobra BAT Squad Leader!

Joe Con 2017 Cobra BAT squad leader

COBRA B.A.T. SQUAD LEADER

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure.
– Modern Era Character Update with NEW Head Sculpt!
– Includes removable Hands with Weapon attachments x 3,
Rocket Launcher with projectile, and Cobra Logo Stand.

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

Hmmm… do I see a 1991 BAT v2 design in this Joe Con 2017 preview?  I believe I do!

There’s not a lot of surprises in this reveal as the BAT v2 design is a classic that has yet to have a good update in the generation 3 era.  With a set that is going to be chock-full of mechanical Cobra troops, I was going to be surprised if we DIDN’T see this design presented.  However, I like the new head sculpt with is a very faithful recreation of the original.  (This design hasn’t been used since 2003’s BAT troop builder packs!)  Plus, with the title of “Squad Leader” there’s only going to be one of this mechanical menace in the set.

Hmm… now that just begs the question: what will the other Cobra BAT’s look like?

With the reveal of Battle Force 2000 Maverick, this makes two reveals down– more to come!

For more information on the Joe Con 2017 event, visit GIJoeCon.com!

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Hascon is coming September 8 – 10, 2017

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Hascon 2017 has been officially announced!

Hascon

It’s been rumored.  It’s been speculated.  Now it’s been announced.  Hascon, Hasbro’s combined property entertainment event, is coming to Providence Rhode, Island from September 8 – 10, 2017!

Described as a one-of-a-kind event, Hascon is slated to feature “live interactive experiences, exclusive products, talent appearances, panels” and much more.  The event, which will be held at the Rhode Island Convention Center and Dunkin Donuts Center promises to bring the company’s core brands together for an event that is targeted to both fans and families.  This includes Transformers, My Little Pony, Nerf, Magic the Gathering, Play-Doh, Monopoly, and G.I. Joe all featured under one single roof.

I’ll be honest– I’ve no idea how Hascon is going to play out.  It could be a fantastic event that proves to be more mass-audience friendly than some of the more focused individual property conventions.  It could be more wallet-friendly as Hasbro seeks to draw in both fans and families and not just cater to the top-tiers of the adult collector market.  In some ways, it could almost serve as a mini-Comic Con for Hasbro located right in their backyard as the company continues to try to expand its brand presence in the entertainment worth with the development of the Hasbro Cinematic Universe. (Are Play-Doh fans really going to travel for an event?  Are there actually Play-Doh fans?)

Right now there’s not much on the official Hascon website other than a sign-up form and a press release link but I expect that to change in the coming months.  Regardless, it’s nice to see G.I. Joe included in the list of properties being featured as the brand has become far more of a niche property over the past few years.

What do you think of this announcement?  Are you onboard for a combined-properties event?

i can haz hascon Continue reading →

Coil Con 7 – October 9, 2016 in Dayton OH

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It’s back!  Coil Con 7 IS happening this year!

Coil Con 7

I’ll admit it — I wasn’t certain if Coil Con was going to be happening this year.  There’d been no updates on the Facebook page or the website in a long time but thankfully the guys behind the event have rallied and we have some official details for this year’s event to be held in Dayton, Ohio!  The teaser image dropped last week and now we’ve got more information on the venue, the date, and some of the planned activities for the day.

The Coil Con Details:

Mark your calendars! The COIL strikes again this October with COIL Con 7!

 

October 9, 2016 – 10am-4pm

 

2800 Presidential Drive Fairborn, OH 45324 at the Holiday Inn Dayton/I-675 Hotel by Wright State University off of Colonel Glenn Drive.

 

  • Show Exclusives
  • Vendor Booths
  • Door Prizes
  • Custom Contest
  • Special Guests
  • Collector Panels
  • Toys for Tots Toy Drive – bring an unopened toy for a great cause. Cash donations also accepted.

$5 admission at the door. Children 12 and under get in free. Wear a GI Joe costume and get free admission.

Coil Con is a completely fan-organized event.  That’s right– run by the fans, for the fans.  So make your plans, back your back, grab your Toys for Toys donation tiem, and get ready to hit Coil Con 7 in Fairborn, OH this October!  Trust me, from having attended past Coil Con events, it’s going to be a great day filled with Joes, Joe fans, and fun for everyone! Whether it was in Kokomo, Indianapolis, or Dayton, the Coil Con events are fun for Joe fans of all age.

For more information, including updates to the schedule of events and special guests that will be appearing, keep your eyes peeled to the Coil Con Facebook page or the Coil Club Facebook Group.