Rank & File volume 2 & 3 Reprint Kickstarter almost funded!

With EIGHT days to go, the Rank & File volume 2 & 3 reprint Kickstarter has nearly reached its goal!

Rank & File vol 3 reprintA good reference book is an invaluable resource when managing a collection. In fact, you might even say that it’s ESSENTIAL, especially when the collection involves multiple variations of characters and a seemingly endless supply of tiny accessories.  The internet and hobby dedicated websites are an invaluable resource but nothing beats a good tangible book filled with high quality photos showcasing every knife, pistol, helmet, and accessory.  Plus, a good book is always there whether or not you have a WiFi connection available.

Enter the Rank & File book series from “noted author” (and long-time friend of JBL) James Kavanaugh!

We’ve talked about these books before.  Rank & File volumes 1, 2, and 3 have proven to be so popular with fans that the original print runs of all three have sold out, with volume 1 receiving a second printing!  Now, supplies of volumes 2 & 3 are almost gone and newly-revised and updated second printings are seeking funding on Kickstarter!  With just eight days remaining, this project could use your support to reach its goal and see this books available once more!

The current campaign ends Saturday March 17, 2018 at 7:10pm CST.

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Rank & File vol 2 is now available!

Rank & File vol 2, your guide to the G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra and Pursuit of Cobra action figure lines is now available online!

G.I. Joe Rank & File vol 2 cover

If you purchased Rank & File vol 1 or the RAHC Guide then you’re already familiar with the care and quality that “Noted Author” James Kavanaugh puts into his guides.  For that reason I’m excited that Rank & File vol 2 is NOW AVAILABLE online at RAHCGuide.com.  This second volume focuses solely on the “movie era” G.I. Joe and offers a comprehensive look at the figures and vehicles from both the Rise of Cobra and Pursuit of Cobra lines.  Even better– a copy will only set US Joe fans back $26.50!

In fact, here’s a sample of what fans can expect to find inside:

Rank & File vol 2 Ashiko preview

I’ve known author James Kavanaugh for a long time now and I can personally attest to the fact that these guide books are a personal passion of his.  From his initial layout mock-ups that he debuted back in New Orleans in 2006 to the final product, there is a real love of the product that shines through on each and every page.  As I’ve been pulling various parts of my RAHC and 25th anniversary collection figures out of storage, his guides have become essential in helping this Joe fan re-equip so many figures that were lumped together in the same storage bin.  All bias aside, this is THE book to use if you don’t want to go online to look up a part or figure!

However, don’t take my word for it! Check out some additional preview images below and then peruse through the official press release.  Trust me, you’ll want to snag your own copy of Rank & File vol 2 ASAP!

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Steel Brigade Deltas Have Landed on Ebay

steel brigade delta

The Steel Brigade Delta has apparently invaded Ebay!  (Or at least one particular seller’s listings.)

Over the past few days, Ebay seller fzwlcmfyr has listed over 50 auctions for the Steel Brigade Delta v1.  Originally included with the 2011 30th Anniversary VAMP Mk II, the Steel Brigade Delta proved to be a surprise hit with fans– to the point where the Collector’s Club released their own version as part of the 2014 Zombie Initiative convention set.  However, for troop builders the figure has proven to be a bit more challenging to acquire.

Until now.

The auctions on Ebay appear to be for complete figures– and include the figure’s helmet, rifle, and two combat knives as well as a figure stand. (Also included is the VAMP Mk II’s ammo belt and firing projectile.)  Most of these figures are currently listing under $11.00 which is a significant price drop from the prices they’ve been closing for in recent months.

So, if you wanted to stock up on this troop builder and still now blow your Holiday budget, now is your chance!

Check out the auctions while they’re still active and good luck!

Zed takes on “The Many Faces of Firefly” in a mega-review

The Many Faces of Firefly

The Many Faces of Firely @ ZedsJoeSite.com

It’s been forever since I’ve written a review for JBL.  However, that hasn’t stopped me from still reading reviews of Joe products both old and new.   As such, I’ve been LOVING the “Many Faces Of…” series that Zed has been posting over at ZedsJoeSite.com.  Sure, I may not always agree with his ratings but I still enjoy seeing such a comprehensive look at the many versions of a single character that Hasbro has inundated fans and collectors since the relaunch of G.I. Joe back in 2000.

It seemed a no-brainer that both Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow would be featured given the fact that they seem to have a new version released every third Thursday of the month.  However, I was extremely pleased to see that Zed takes on Cobra’s premiere saboteur in his latest installment!

Check out The Many Faces of Firefly over at Zed’s site!

Pursuit of Cobra Wave 3 & 4 press images

Recently news of two “surprise waves” for the Pursuit of Cobra line hit the internet.  Consisting most of rehashes of existing parts, these filler waves exist to fill the gap between now and the 30th Anniversary waves in the fall. 

Wave 3, 2011 – Due April, 2011; MSRP $6.99

  • Blowtorch
  • General Hawk
  • Steel Brigade
  • Cobra Commander
  • Cobra The Enemy
  • Jungle B.A.T.

Wave 4, 2011 – Due April, 2011; MSRP $6.99

  • Crazy Legs
  • Snake Eyes (Temple Guardian)
  • Croc Master
  • Iron Grenadier
  • Rock Viper
  • Cobra Viper

For “in person images”, check out Justin’s awesome Toy Fair 2011 coverage at GeneralsJoes.com!

G.I. Joe Toy Fair 2011 Press Release

Hasbro issued the following press release concerning their G.I. Joe offerings for 2011.

HASBRO LAUNCHES NEW G.I. JOE TOY LINE TO CELEBRATE “30 YEARS OF G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO” 

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (February XX, 2011) – After nearly three decades, the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA battle rages on and legions of fans couldn’t be happier. When the fight between these two foes commenced in the early 1980’s – as G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO – it brought the world’s first action figure to life for a whole new generation of fans. To celebrate this milestone, Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is introducing new and updated versions of many fan-favorite characters, vehicles, and play patterns from the past 30 years. Hasbro’s 2011 G.I. JOE line will include the re-launch of 12” A REAL AMERICAN HERO figures, re-imagined versions of classic 3.75” figures and vehicles, and new characters from “G.I. Joe Renegades,” the hit animated series that premiered on the Hub last Fall. 

Hasbro invented the action figure category when it launched its G.I. JOE brand more than 45 years ago. The 2011 G.I. JOE line of action figures and vehicles lives up to that legacy with new sculpts showcasing favorite G.I. JOE and COBRA characters. Fans will love adding the new STORM SHADOW, FLINT, and SCARLETT figures, among many others, to their collections and kids will enjoy the characters from the “G.I. Joe: Renegades” program showing up in action figure form.

The brigade of 3.75” figures will have iconic vehicles to add to their arsenal, including a new version of the iconic H.I.S.S. tank and the SKYSTRIKER JET. The original SKYSTRIKER JET, released early in the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA series, has been at the top of fans’ wish lists since it was discontinued in the mid 1980’s. It will come with a 3.75” pilot to help navigate G.I. JOE through treacherous COBRA territory. Also, debuting is the BLACK DRAGON Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft taken directly from the new programming.  Continue reading