Save 50% off Collecting the Art of G.I. Joe at 3DJoes.com

Talk about a Black Friday sale! From now through November 30, fans can save 50% off the complete six volume set of Collecting the Art of G.I. Joe!

50% off Black Friday sale on Collecting the Art of G.I. Joe from 3DJoes.com.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, then you’ve heard of 3DJoes.com.  Whether it’s for the innovative 360 spin views of the classic G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero line or the painstaking restoration of the vintage package art, this site has quickly become a go-to to resource for Joe fans everywhere. 

However, 3DJoes took things to a whole new level with the Collecting the Art of G.I. Joe 6 volume series.  These softcover volumes feature careful digital restoration of every single piece of packaging art from the 1982 – 1994 classic toy line.  The final volume in the series made its debut at the 2018 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention where all six volumes were available in a GORGEOUS slipcase.  It was a fitting end to a series of reference books that resurrects the artwork and packaging that captured the hearts and minds of countless children decades ago. 

3DJoes Collecting the Art of G.I. Joe six volumes

As stock in this incredible series dwindles, 3DJoes is offering an incredible deal.  All six volumes with the slipcase for 50% off list price.  That’s right– every piece of ARAH-era packaging artwork collected in definitive series for $120.00.  The series was a STEAL at $225.00 but this makes it all the more affordable.

Here’s the kicker– there are LESS THAN 150 sets remaining as I type this.  (In fact, after checking in with the author, I’d say that they’re down to half that amount.)  If you want to own this series at this incredible price– go NOW.  Don’t wait until November 30th if you can.  Snag your copy ASAP and see what all the hype is about for yourself.

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Support G.I. Joe Flashback on Kickstarter

G.I. Joe Flashback, an independent film about a key era in the lives of several future Joes, is now funding with under 30 days to go!

We all know the stories– the tale first recounted in Marvel Comics G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #26— of a Vietnam LLRP team consisting of the men who would go on to become Stalker, Storm Shadow, and Snake Eyes.  However, do we know the stories that came before those events in which Tommy dropped everything to rescue his friend, cementing the bond between them?

Thanks to G.I. Joe Flashback we just might have the chance to learn more about the entire team– including Wade Collins, Ramon Escobedo, and Dickie Saperstein.

This is going to be more than just a “fan film”.  The folks behind G.I. Joe Flashback are bringing in some real talent to not just tell this story but to tell it right. The film is produced by cosplayer extrordinaire “Skinny“, and features a talented and passionate group of fans helping to bring it to light.  Names like Bill Nedrow and Paul Panfalone are no strangers to the fan community.  Every detail from the story to the score is being supervised with a true reverence to the source material. 

If you need any more encouragement, just check out Skinny’s recent interview on Just Another GI Joe Show below:

The deadline to show your support is Friday, November 16, 2018 at 5:18am CST.  Consider backing G.I. Joe: Flashback on Kickstarter today!

GIJoeCon 2018: Boxed set and souvenir first look videos

GIJoeCon 2018 has come and gone and I’m still playing catch-up posting the convention coverage.  The JBL staff (IE Fred) drove to the con this year and apparently making the solo 8.5 hour drive back in 9.5 hours wasn’t the best idea in the world.  Maybe it’s true what Indiana Jones said:

It’s not the years… it’s the mileage…

Regardless, I managed to post a few LIVE videos over on JBL’s Facebook page with a quick look at the various souvenir items.  I’ve archived them below for easy viewing.  In reverse order, these videos cover the following:

Python Peril: Marauders to the Rescue 2018 boxed set

including:

Slaughter’s Marauders:

  • Footloose
  • Mutt & Junkyard
  • Spirit & Freedom
  • Hardball
  • Sgt. Smasher

Python Patrol 2.0:

  • Major Bludd
  • Laser Viper
  • HEAT Viper
  • Lampreys

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GIJoeCon 2018: Final Twelve and other Club offerings

GIJoeCon 2018 is one for the history books.  The last official Joe Con is over with the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club conducting one last Club Roundtable panel on Sunday June 24, 2018.  However, the Club didn’t go out with a whimper but instead surprised fans not only with some retrospective slide shows and musings about what the past 22 years of conventions have meant to them and the community but also with a final slate of exclusive products set to drop in the coming weeks.

Note: we have no information on pricing, release date, or even overall availability.  However, if the sellout of the Dreadnok 4WD with Heartwrencher was any indication, it’s best to pre-order these as soon as possible after the orders go live.

Let’s start with the one item we knew was coming.

Cobra Night Stalkers 3-pack

GIJoeCon 2018 night stalkers 3-pack

The long-awaited updated to the 2007 Night Stalkers is coming soon! Based on the build of the the female Cobra Troopers released in 2017, this 3-pack of figures compliments the FSS 6 Night Stalker Commander.  Each three pack will include three different skin tone variations including the first African-American female Cobra trooper!  (I’m also really digging the back mounted knife sheath!) Continue reading

GIJoeCon 2018 Comic reveals souvenir list

GIJoeCon 2018 is almost officially here but last night was the Golden Ticket package pickup!  This means that Golden Ticket Holders were able to not only acquire their convention sets one night early (more on this later) but they were also able to pick up their 2018 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention comic books– which included the following souvenir list:

GIJoeCon 2018 souvenir items

That’s right– these are the Club’s extra offerings for GIJoeCon 2018. Continue reading

Introducing G.I. Joe Basic Training – a new series on YouTube

Looking to catch up on some G.I. Joe knowledge?  Check out G.I. Joe Basic Training!

g.i. joe basic trainingLet’s be honest– the G.I. Joe brand isn’t exactly a simple property for new fans to dive into.  In terms of A Real American Hero continuity you’ve got the original Marvel Comics series, followed by Devil’s Due Publishing (which was retconned away), and then IDW’s current titles.  In terms of animation there’s the classic Sunbow series, the DiC follow-up, Sgt. Savage, G.I. Joe: Extreme, Sigma 6, Resolute, and Renegades.  Let’s not forget the films in which Paramount pictures concocted a stew based on ingredients from many of the previous properties blended together with a healthy dose of creative license. All of this is just scratching the surface!

To new eyes, it can be a confusing mess of alternate versions of Ripcord and Snake Eyes, Baroness/Duke/Destro love triangles (thanks for that Rise of Cobra), and conflicting origins.  What’s a fan to do?

Enter “MacDowin”.  Long-time G.I. Joe fan and former YoJoe.com staffer, he’s taken on the task of producing short topical videos that shed some light on our favorite brand of “Real American Heroes.”  Focusing initially on the ARAH-side of things, the “G.I. Joe: Basic Training” series tackles a single aspect of the brand in a weekly video.

You can check out Episode 1: Continuity below!

I won’t lie– when MacDowin and I talked about this we discussed what a herculean undertaking this would be.  Where do you start?  Where do you end?  Does Ice Cream Soldier eventually get his own episode?

Thankfully, MacDowin was up to the task!  In fact, he’s current THREE episodes in with a fourth dropping soon. So, if you’re looking to catch up on your G.I. Joe facts or just want some Joe-related content in your YouTube feed, check out G.I. Joe: Basic Training!  If you like the episodes, hit the “subscribe” button so that you’ll never miss out on an single installment!

And now you know…

G.I. Joe FSS 8 Munitia is the mercenary of your dreams!

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has unveiled the design for the FSS 8 Cobra Mercenary Munitia!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club FSS 8 Munitia

COBRA MERCENARY
Code Name: MUNITIA
(Inspired by the 2008 DTC: GIJCC action figure.)
Features NEW head sculpt!
Includes: bladed pistol, assault rifle, radio, and figure stand.

Ah… Munitia… I’ve been waiting for this reveal ever since the Club announced her as part of FSS 8.

There are some characters that fans just find appealing, regardless of how little media presence that character may receive.  Such is the case with this mysterious mercenary femme fatale.  Munitia was initially slated to be released as part of the DTC Wave 4, a series of G.I. Joe that was exclusive to both HasbroToyShop.com and Toys R Us at the end of the o-ring era.  Sadly, that wave was cancelled along with the rest of the Direct-to-Consumer line and G.I. Joe went into a hiatus period at retail.  (Sound familiar?  The pendulum swings…) Continue reading

G.I. Joe FSS 8 Bushido is a warrior with honor!

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has released the preview of G.I. Joe Ninja Commando Bushido!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club FSS 8 Bushido

G.I. JOE NINJA COMMANDO
Code Name: BUSHIDO
(Inspired by the 1993 action figure.)
Features NEW samurai face mask!
Includes: removable samurai helmet with face mask,
tactical harness, double sheath with swords x 2,
Kusarigama weapon, and figure stand.

Talk about a career change!  Bushido went from being a “Snow Ninja” to a “Ninja Commando”.  I wonder if Snake Eyes will feel threatened now… Continue reading

G.I. Joe FSS 8 Recoil will whip it good!

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has unveiled the preview for the upcoming member of Devo… uh.. LRRP Trooper Recoil!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club FSS 8 Recoil

G.I. JOE L.R.R.P. TROOPER
Code Name: RECOIL
(Inspired by the 1989 action figure.)
Features re-tooled mine case & dual weapon!
Includes: removable helmet, tactical harness, pistol,
assault rifle, mine case, dual tactical weapon,
backpack, combat knife, radio, and figure stand.

Recoil occupies an interesting space in G.I. Joe to me. He was released not long after I stopped actively buying figures so I have zero nostalgia attached to him.  He was also pictured on the package of the Battle Force 2000 Pulverizer as the driver without actually being a member of that ill-fated team.  (Dodged a bullet there, didn’t he?)  I discovered the character as an adult during the “hiatus period” post DTC but pre 25th Anniversary and found his design to be interesting.  Sure, there’s the whole Devo helmet and the baby blue weapons but aside from that his figure design and file card made him an interesting character to this Joe fan.

So, how does the FSS 8 version compare to the vintage 1989 Recoil? Continue reading

G.I. Joe FSS 8 Over Kill is ready to terminate the Joes!

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has revealed the preview for the FSS 8 incarnation of BAT Commander Over Kill!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club FSS 8 Over Kill

COBRA B.A.T. LEADER
Code Name: OVER KILL
(Inspired by the 2003 version 2 action figure.)
Includes: removable helmet, harness, “human” face mask,
neckerchief, gauntlet, claw hands x 2, rivet gun,
hand-held assault weapon, and figure stand.

Sometimes, there’s so much to love about a figure that I don’t know where to begin.  This is one of those times.

I’m pretty unapologetic when it comes to my love of the Valor Vs. Venom era of G.I. Joe.  It was a time when the line straddled a delicate line of appealing to both kids and adult collectors and it did it well.  The toys were rugged and build for kids but there were enough nods to the line’s past that Collector’s were happy.  Yes, there were some design and proportion issues but it honestly felt like the brand was moving FORWARD in a way that I’ve not really seen since.  It embraced the old while still attempting the new. Continue reading