G.I. Joe FSS 5 drops the scoop on Scoop!

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club drops another G.I. Joe FSS 5 preview today and it’s Scoop!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Scoop

G.I. JOE COMBAT JOURNALIST: SCOOP
(Based on the classic 1989 action figure!)

Includes: removable vest, radio, broadcast camera, microphone, assault rifle, knife, pistol, and figure stand.

NOTE: All images are Photoshop representations, final product, accessories and/or colors may vary!

Back in 1989, the minds behind G.I. Joe introduced the concept of an embedded reporter to America’s daring highly-trained special mission force.  Based on NBC reporter Mike Leonard, the 1989 release of Scoop was distinctive for both his bright yellow jumpsuit (a fashion trend later co-opted by April O’Neil?) and his giant TV camera.

For the G.I. Joe FSS 5 version, we’re seeing the familiar Resolute Duke web gear placed over the top of what appears to be the Retaliation Firefly torso with PoC Lifeline body parts combination and topped off with the 2016 Joe Con Sky Patrol Airborne head.  Toss in the 25th DVD pack #5 TV camera and you’ve got the makings for good ole Scoop!

I’m hoping that the colors are just off on this preview as Scoop’s jumpsuit looks WAY more orange than yellow.  As these are just photoshop mock-ups that is likely to be the case.  Otherwise, this would appear to be an attempt at a Tiger Force take on the team’s reporter.  While I miss the removable helmet of the original figure, this one is pretty decent.

It’s still a better looking build than yesterday’s Salvo reveal!

To subscribe to the FSS, head on over to GIJoeClub.com and JBL for more G.I. Joe FSS 5 reveals and news! Continue reading

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Salvo is a blast from the past

The G.I. Joe FSS 5 previews continue with a look at the anti-armor specialist Salvo!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Salvo

G.I. JOE ANTI-ARMOR TROOPER: SALVO
(Based on the classic 1990 action figure!)

Includes: removable helmet, rocket launcher with projectile, weapons case, pistol, and figure stand.

NOTE: All images are Photoshop representations, final product, accessories and/or colors may vary!

Hmm… not at all what I was expecting.  Not at all.   When Salvo was first announced I figured that the Club would favor the G.I. Joe Retaliation Roadblock body given the character’s apparent size as well the nature of the gear he toted.  The original 1990 figure was equipped with a MASSIVE missile launcher as was the later DTC Salvo figure.  Instead I’m seeing the legs that were used for the Resolute Duke action figure and, well, an upper torso that seems to lack the muscle mass of ALL of the previous releases.

And then there’s the helmet, which is a reuse of the head protection that was included with the Pursuit of Cobra Sci-Fi.

Again, not at all what I expected and, even though I’ll take a lot of flak for this, not at all in keeping with the character’s previous releases.  Of all of the G.I. Joe FSS 5 reveals thus far I find this one to be the most disappointing in terms of build.  (There are folks out there who will say that I’m nitpicking and that I should just be happy that we’re getting something but I prefer quality over quantity.)

After yesterday’s reveal of Gaucho and now Salvo, I’m not nearly as excited about this roster as I once was.

To subscribe to the FSS, head on over to GIJoeClub.com and JBL for more G.I. Joe FSS 5 reveals and news! Continue reading

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Raptor swoops into view!

The G.I. Joe FSS 5 previews continue anew with a look at Cobra’s very own bird man: Raptor!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Raptor

COBRA FALCONER: RAPTOR
(Based on the classic 1987 action figure!)

Includes: removable falcon headpiece, harness, whistle, winged backpack,
revolver pistol, bird staff, falcon with removable hood, and figure stand.

NOTE: All images are Photoshop representations, final product, accessories and/or colors may vary!

I can’t help it– I LOVE the character that is Raptor.  He’s an accountant who dresses up in what is essentially a giant bird suit so that he can better relate to his flock of trained falcons.  Seriously– what’s NOT to love about this guy?   Given his rather unique look I was a bit worried as to how the Club would pull off a build that essentially requires so many non-standard parts.

I have to say– I’m pleasantly surprised!  There’s the repurposed ghillie suit of the PoC Jungle Viper, the clawed feet of the comic pack Resolute Destro, and much of the gear of the “desert nomad” PoC Zartan.  However, there’s also a new head cowl that really replicated the original 1987 design.  Not bad, GIJCC.  Not bad at all…

Now, bring on Scoop and Salvo!!!

To subscribe to the FSS, head on over to GIJoeClub.com and JBL for more G.I. Joe FSS 5 reveals and news! Continue reading

G.I. Joe FSS 5 sign-up is LIVE!

This isn’t a preview announcement– G.I. Joe FSS 5 sign-up is now LIVE!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 logo

That’s right– no more waiting.  If you want to be a part of G.I. Joe FSS 5, you can sign-up any time between NOW and September 2, 2016!  Of course, membership in the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club is required for purchase.  This year’s sub will set subscribers back a cool $336.00 + shipping in either one lump payment or three installments of $112.00.   (There is an extra transaction fee for the installment plan, per the Club’s usual policy.)

So, if you’re at all interested in this year’s wave of 12 stated figures plus the mysterious 13th bonus character, head on over and sign-up today!

Here’s the official announcement straight from the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club:

The GIJCC Figure Subscription Service 5.0 is an optional separate purchase if you are an active member of the G.I. Joe Collectors’ Club. You can subscribe now through September 2nd deadline!

The cost of the 12 figure subscription service is $336 (+ shipping for 6 shipments). You can pay all at once or in three installments of $112 (billed to your credit card). When you subscribe and choose pay by Installment, you will be billed for the first two month’s shipments. Then sometime during the second month of shipping you will be billed for the 3rd and 4th months’ shipments and sometime during the 4th month of shipping you will be billed for the final 2 months’ shipments. Upon subscription completion, you will receive a bonus carded 13th mystery figure with the last shipment.

Please note that for the installment payment option, there is a $6 service charge per billing while the pay in full option has one $6 service charge. Please also note that for installment buyers, there is an additional charge each time a billing is attempted if your card is not approved. If your card has been declined and we have to re-bill, we will only be able to retry your billing three (3) times before your subscription is cancelled. Each retry has an additional fee added to your total charge (please see the Terms and Conditions.)

This Figure Subscription Service is a “build to order process” so you can order as many as you like, until the order period closes. At that time, we will not process any additional subscriptions and we may/may not have additional figures in the club store at a higher per figure price.

Please note that these are Photoshop mock-ups and the final product may vary. Also note that the colors are approximate as some may look glossy and everyone’s computer screen has a different look/calibration. Final figures colors/names/accessories may vary from the above descriptions and pictures.

Thanks for posting this on all your boards!  Order now!

Brian

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G.I. Joe FSS 5 Battle Corps Cobra Viper preview!

The G.I. Joe FSS 5 previews continue today with a look at the mock-up for the Battle Corps Cobra Viper!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Battle Corps Cobra Viper

COBRA BATTLE CORPS: COBRA VIPER
(Based on the 1994 Battle Corps action figure!)

Includes: assault rifle, grenade launcher, backpack dagger, pistol, and figure stand.

NOTE: All images are Photoshop representations, final product, accessories and/or colors may vary!

I’m not going to lie — I’m not really a fan of the 1994 Cobra Viper design.  Yes, Hasbro tried something new in that final year and I’ll applaud them for taking some design risks but it just wasn’t my cup of Joe.  (Pun so obviously intended.)  I’m not saying that I don’t like the design aesthetics as I think they were so elegantly repurposed years later as the 2005 Iron Anvil paratroopers.  Instead it’s just that this design doesn’t scream “Cobra Viper!” to me.

Now that my own preferences are safely out of the way, I have to say that this isn’t a bad update at all. I had expected the 2015 “Peril in Paradise” Iron Anvil trooper in a 1994 color scheme.  Instead, this appears to be a Pursuit of Cobra Jungle Viper with what appear to be Retalition Cobra Trooper arms.  This works “well enough” for G.I. Joe FSS 5 because it keeps tooling dollars down and still makes what is essentially an end-of-the-line design available for those who want it.  Fans of the later-era figures are going to be pleased, even if troop-building this figure is going to prove to be a financially challenging scenario.

Five days, five figure previews.  We’ve pretty much knocked off the first five figures revealed at Joe Con 2016.  Does this mean that Salvo is up for Monday? Continue reading

G.I. Joe FSS 5 General Flagg demands your attention!

The G.I. Joe FSS 5 previews are coming fast and furious with General Flagg!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 General Flagg

G.I. JOE STRATEGIC COMMANDER: GENERAL FLAGG
(Based on the 1993 Battle Corps action figure!)Includes: removable hat, sub machine gun, top secret files briefcase, pistol, and figure stand.NOTE: All images are Photoshop representations, final product, accessories and/or colors may vary!

Hmm… this is an interesting take on the original 1993 General Flagg.   The jacket is from the 2013 Retaliation masked Firefly— which is “okay” but doesn’t really seem to this Joe fan like something that a general would wear.  (Maybe it’s a bit too biker in feel?) The legs are from 2011 Pursuit of Cobra Duke which are nice and functional and offer a decent range of motion.  The head choice also just seems a bit young to my eyes.  (More Airborne clones!  I don’t know how well the 2012 Brekhov hat is going to stay on that head.)  So, it’s a visually interesting update but one that seems just a bit off in terms of faithfulness to the vintage design.

We’re now four figures in on the previews.  Anyone else thinking that the sign-up is coming in two weeks? Continue reading

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Darklon preview is live!

Another day, another G.I. Joe FSS 5 preview featuring Darklon!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Darklon

IRON GRENADIER COURIER: DARKLON
(Based on the classic 1989 action figure!)

Includes: removable harness, scabbard belt with sword, re-tooled projectile rifle, auto pistol, courier case, pistol, and figure stand.

NOTE: All images are Photoshop representations, final product, accessories and/or colors may vary!

Holy 1989 homage, Destro! This Darklon is straight up an homage to the original version of the character from the A Real American Hero line.  Right off the bat, I’m seeing a reuse of the convention exclusive Darklon from 2012 head sculpt– which makes perfect sense to me.  I’m also seeing the legs of the 25th Anniversary Iron Grenadiers Destro which adds a nice bit of MARS cohesion.  As far as the rest of the build, it’s hard to tell with this heavily photo-shopped mock-up.  Still, it’s a decent look for the G.I. Joe FSS 5 build of Darklon.

With three reveals in three days, is the sign-up coming soon?

The G.I. Joe FSS 5 Roster:

  • Concealment Specialist – Ambush
  • Flamethrower – Charbroil (Classic deco)
  • Iron Grenadier Courier – Darklon (more modernized version than previous convention version)
  • G.I. Joe Strategic Commander – General Flagg (similar to Battle Corps version)
  • Cobra Battle Corps Cobra Viper – based on Iron Anvils from 2015 Convention version
  • Anti-Armor Trooper – Salvo (more Pursuit of Cobra styled, based on existing tooling)
  • Combat Journalist – Scoop (using the Sky Patrol Airborne head sculpt from this year’s con set)
  • Cobra Falconer – Raptor
  • Advanced Recon – Sneak Peek (based on FSS 4 Tiger Force version)
  • SKAR Infantry Officer – Steel Raven (based on Club magazine comics – FEMALE character)
  • Cobra Shattered Glass Xamot (from the Club Comic Adventure Team storyline with new head sculpt)
  • Z-Force Mechanic Gaucho (pairs with Jammer)

Keep your eyes peeled to GIJoeClub.com and JBL for more G.I. Joe FSS 5 reveals!

Meet G.I. Joe FSS 5 Ambush!

Another G.I. Joe FSS 5 preview from the Collector’s Club – Concealment Specialist Ambush!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Ambush

G.I. JOE CONCEALMENT SPECIALIST: AMBUSH
(Based on the classic 1990 action figure!)

Includes: removable helmet, camouflage cape, grenade bandolier, assault rifle,
sub machine gun, camouflage net, and figure stand.

NOTE: All images are Photoshop representations, final product, accessories and/or colors may vary!

Is it me or is that the General Mayhem head from the Peril in Paradise Tiger Force Convention set?  It totally looks like it is and, since there’s no mention of a new head sculpt in the Club’s description that would appear to be the case.  So, Ambush will have a twin over in MARS.

Otherwise, Ambush looks decent– very evocative of his 1990 action figure debut. I’m seeing what appears to be the net from Shadow Tracker which is an “okay” substitute for the original Ambush’s build-a-blind feature.  Overall, he looks “good but not great” without any real new tooling to give him a more unique look.

The G.I. Joe FSS 5 Roster:

  • Concealment Specialist – Ambush
  • Flamethrower – Charbroil (Classic deco)
  • Iron Grenadier Courier – Darklon (more modernized version than previous convention version)
  • G.I. Joe Strategic Commander – General Flagg (similar to Battle Corps version)
  • Cobra Battle Corps Cobra Viper – based on Iron Anvils from 2015 Convention version
  • Anti-Armor Trooper – Salvo (more Pursuit of Cobra styled, based on existing tooling)
  • Combat Journalist – Scoop (using the Sky Patrol Airborne head sculpt from this year’s con set)
  • Cobra Falconer – Raptor
  • Advanced Recon – Sneak Peek (based on FSS 4 Tiger Force version)
  • SKAR Infantry Officer – Steel Raven (based on Club magazine comics – FEMALE character)
  • Cobra Shattered Glass Xamot (from the Club Comic Adventure Team storyline with new head sculpt)
  • Z-Force Mechanic Gaucho (pairs with Jammer)

Keep your eyes peeled to GIJoeClub.com and JBL for more G.I. Joe FSS 5 reveals!

G.I. Joe FSS 4 Tiger Force Outback, Sneak Peek and Doc

JBL reviews the G.I. Joe FSS 4 Tiger Force Outback, Tiger Force Sneak Peek, and bonus Carla “Doc” Greer!

G.I. Joe FSS 4 Tiger Force Sneak Peek Tiger Force Outback Doc

Just last week subscribers in this wave of the  G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Figure Subscription Service received the final figures in the series.  Tiger Force Outback and Tiger Force Sneak Peek, based on the 1990 European exclusive figures, arrived along with the mysterious “13th bonus figure.”  Initially, fans speculated that this figure was going to be Tiger Force Jinx.

The internet speculation was wrong!  Instead, fans were treated to an ARAH generation 3 update to Carla “Doc” Greer!

Fred and Chris take on the task of reviewing Tiger Force Outback, Tiger Force Sneak Peek, and Carla “Doc” Greer.  As always, our two intrepid reviewer take a look what’s good and would could be improved with these latest Club releases. Were these figures worth the wait?  Does Fred finally agree that Tiger Force isn’t so bad? Will Chris like any of these G.I. Joe Collector’s Club figures? Does Deadpool make another cameo?

The answers to these questions can be found over at the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Review Index!  Afterwards, feel free to leave your own thoughts on these new figure in the comments below!

G.I. Joe FSS 4 final shipment is incoming!

The final shipment of G.I. Joe FSS 4 is inbound!  That’s right Joe fans, Tiger Force Outback and Sneak Peek are on their way to subscribers as I type this.  However, this shipment is also noteworthy for containing the “Mysterious 13th Figure” whose identity remained cloaked under a veil of G.I. Joe Collector’s Club secrecy– until now.  Thanks to Alyosha of BrokenArrowToys.com, we have images of this final shipment!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club Figure Subscription Service logo

First, let’s take a look at the two figures we knew were coming– Tiger Force Outback and Tiger Force Sneak Peek.

Tiger Force Outback:

G.I. Joe FSS 4 Tiger Force Outback

I look at Tiger Force Outback and I hear the immortal words of Winston Zedmore from the original Ghostbusters film:

“Man, I have seen $#!% that will turn you WHITE!”

If you’ve been reading the comics in the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club monthly magazines then you’ve likely read the Club’s rationale for why Outback is suddenly a candidate for the position of Grecian Formula spokesman.  According to those comics, after the events of the Compound Z incident, Stuart Selkirk found his hair irrevocably changed due to the exposure to the Z+ formula.  As cheesy as that might sound, it’s honestly the best explanation for why he went from being a ginger in 1987 to a Santa Claus stand-in in 1990.  In addition, he’s sporting a styling new head which looks a bit less like Chuck Norris than the 2009 25th Anniversary version did.  Plus he now has hinged wrists!

Tiger Force Sneak Peek:

G.I. Joe FSS 4 Tiger Force Sneak Peek

I feel like I start off every single Tiger Force review or article with the phrase “I’m not a big fan of Tiger Force.”  However, I have to say that it’s good to see both Sneak Peek FINALLY see representation in the generation 3 construction style and the color orange being used for Tiger Force.  (Chris and I discuss this in the “Peril in Paradise” reviews that I’ve yet to post.  I know… the admin sucks…)  Much like Outback, Sneak Peek underwent a bit of a color change from his debut in 1987 to his 1991 European Tiger Force release.  The Club version is pretty faithful to the European color scheme– and it’s surprisingly solid.  (Did I just start to warm up to Tiger Force?  Say it ain’t so!)  I do like the fact that we got a newly tooled periscope and can only hope that we also see both a standard and a Night Force version of Sneak Peek in the near future!  After all, my Joe Con 2013 Nocturnal Fire set isn’t going to complete itself!

And now, the moment that folks have been waiting for– the reveal of the 13th figure.  If you don’t want to know… turn back now!

Seriously… Continue reading