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 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

Joe Con 2016: Sky Patrol Skystrikers in Club Store

Joe Con 2016 is now one for the history books but we’ve got one last bit of news.  The Sky Patrol Skystrikers are now available online!

Joe Con 2016 Sky Patrol Skystriker

That’s right Joe fans– the remaining inventory of the silver finish Joe Con 2016 Sky Patrol Skystrikers are now up for sale to anyone with a Club membership.    They’re limited to two per member and each jet will set you back a cool $160.00 but for fans who were debating purchasing one on Ebay this is your chance to get one for retail!

Here’s the official verbiage describing this latest reissue of the G.I. Joe F-14 Tomcat:

LIMITED TO 2 PER MEMBERSHIP.

The Cobra Air Force won’t know what hit them with the Sky Patrol Sky Striker (XP-26) Combat Jet! This fantastic 3 3/4-inch scale aircraft has tons of moving parts and amazing detail. The Limited Edition convention exclusive Sky Patrol Sky Striker features a unique silver color scheme and has wings that sweep in and out, working landing gear and removable missile accessories.

Vehicle and accessories are packed in a silver metallic display box (Figure Not Included)

However, as the informercials say: “But wait, there’s more!” Continue reading

G.I. Joe FSS 4 Billy Arboc & Cobra Interrogator reviews

G.I. Joe FSS 4 shipment 5

The G.I. Joe FSS 4 Billy Arboc & Cobra Interrogator figures have been reviewed!

Of all of the shipments in G.I. Joe FSS 4, this one was the most anticipated for many subscribers.  With the first ever figure of Cobra Commander’s son Billy and the long-awaited debut of the Cobra Interrogator in generation 3 form, there was little in the roster that could top it.  Finally, after weeks of waiting, the figures have dropped!

Did they live up to decades of anticipation?  Was Billy Arboc worth the wait?  Did the Cobra Interrogator live up to the hype.  Do Chris and Fred agree on anything in these reviews?  More importantly, does Deadpool make yet another in a series of gratuitous cameo appearances?

Head on over the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Review Index and find out the answer to these questions and more!

Also, if you’re so inclined, you can check out the Facebook LIVE “initial reactions” video below!

G.I. Joe Kindle Worlds Stiletto coming in November 2016

The G.I. Joe Kindle Worlds Stiletto figure is coming to Toys R Us and Entertainment Earth in November 2016!

I’m the first to admit it– this is a very slow news period for anything related to G.I. Joe right now.  Aside from new FSS figure drops from the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club, we’re in a slump until Joe Con 2016 next month.  However, yesterday the folks at Hasbro dropped a new article on Hasbro Pulse that pulls back the curtain on the development of the forthcoming fans’ choice Stiletto figure, originally created by author Bill Nedrow.

Hasbro Kindle Worlds Stiletto

Continue reading

G.I. Joe FSS 4 Barricade & Ice Ninja Reviews

G.I. Joe FSS 4 shipment 2

G.I. Joe FSS 4 Barricade & Cobra Ice Ninja reviews are live!

It was just over a week ago that subscribers to G.I. Joe FSS 4 began receiving their second of six shipments with the latest two figures in the line.  Today, Chris and Fred pull Barricade and the Cobra Ice Ninja off of their cards and throw them under the review lights!

What did our two intrepid reviewers think of these latest figures from G.I. Joe FSS 4?  Did they break new barriers or were they met with a chilly reception? Does Fred keep trying to make inane ice and cold puns?  Does Deadpool make yet another cameo? (Like you had to ask…)

These questions and more are answered in two reviews chock-full of banter, obscure sci-fi references and more links to Wikipedia than you can shake a stick at!

Check out the reviews of Barricade and the Cobra Ice Ninja from G.I. Joe FSS 4 over at the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Review Index and let us know what you think in the comments below!

Kindle Worlds Poll for New 2016 G.I. Joe!

Kindle Worlds G.I. Joe Poll

The Hasbro Kindle Worlds Poll for a new 2016 G.I. Joe is now open!   Hurry over to the article on Hasbro Pulse and cast your vote for one of FOUR exciting fan-created characters through Monday November 9, 2015!

Before you vote, we’ve collected links to the stories featuring each of the four Kindle Worlds characters.  Check ’em out below, read the stories, and then cast your vote for your favorite character.

Here’s the official details on the contest including thoughts from brand manager Mark Weber: Continue reading

Toy Soldiers War Chest drops on August 11

Toy Soldiers War Chest

Toy Soldiers War Chest is almost here!

Remember a few weeks ago when a certain video dropped for Toy Soldiers War Chest?  You know the one I’m referring to– the one that suddenly dropped He-Man and G.I. Joe characters firmly into the middle of the pixel carnage of video game combat?  Remember the anticipation that was experienced by video game fans everywhere at the thought of being able to take your favorite toy lines and pit them against each other?

The wait is nearly over.  Toy Soldiers War Chest hits Xbox, Playstation, and PC on August 11, 2015!

Continue reading

G.I. Joe Club Sub Viper & Wave Crusher now in stock!

Wave Crusher & Sub Viper

The long-awaited Wave Crusher & Sub Viper set is now IN STOCK at the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club store.

Apparently the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club doesn’t care that the new 50th Anniversary product is hitting stores now and that the SDCC exclusives just went up for sale at HTS as today they’ve opened up sales on both the Wave Crusher and the two G.I. Joe / Transformers crossover sets!  After all, aren’t all collectors independently wealthy?

Regardless, this repaint of the 25th Anniversary Night Specter (SHARC) comes complete with an exclusive Sub Viper figure.  It was stated at Joe Con 2015 that sales of future vehicle sets such as the announced Dreadnok Heartwrencher are dependant upon sales of the Wave Crusher and Sub Viper.

If you’re looking to snag the Wave Crusher and Sub Viper, it’s listed for $49.00 at the Club store.

G.I. Joe Club Exclusive Wave Crusher and Sub Viper

And now you know…

FSS 4 Billy Arboc is revealed!

No more words… FSS 4 Billy Arboc has been unveiled!

FSS 4 Billy Arboc

COBRA COMMANDER’S SON: BILLY ARBOC

(Based on the never before released G.I. Joe comic book character!)

Includes: NEW head, submachine gun, sword, grappling hook, and figure stand.

Note: Photoshop coloration make some parts look glossy but will not be that way on production figure.

 

Continue reading