Toys R Us Danger at the Docks Available NOW!

SDCC Danger at the Docks sold out

 UPDATE: As of 10:30am CST on 7/24 these are now SOLD OUT.

Just a quick update– the SDCC exclusive Danger at the Docks set is up at ToysRUs.com right now!  Limit one per person!

Go get ’em! A ’85 color scheme Flint and a VAMP Mk II await!  (Oh, and that Night Landing isn’t too shabby either!)

SDCC Exclusive G.I. Joe Danger at the Docks set

SDCC Danger at the Docks to Hit TRU.com on July 24

SDCC Danger Docks VAMP mk2

It’s almost time for SDCC 2014!

Next week is the 2014 San Diego Comic Con!  It’s a celebration of genre-related goodness with everything from panels featuring the latest movies to forthcoming toy lines on display.  It’s also a time when exclusive products are made available through manufacturers and retailers.   The G.I. Joe brand is no stranger to this concept– with a history of SDCC exclusive items sold through HasbroToyShop.com including the “Pimp Daddy” Destro, Sgt. Slaughter, and Jinx figures and even some G.I. Joe/Transformers cross-over items.  This year, however, the place to check out at the con is the Toys R Us booth!

As reported earlier here at JBL, Toys R Us will be offering an exclusive version of the forthcoming 50th Anniversary “Danger at the Docks” set at the Entertainment Earth Booth (#2343) featuring Flint in his classic colors as well as the first-ever Generation 3 update of the desert VAMP Mk 2.  However, this item will also be available online starting on July 24, 2014!

That’s right– this set, along with a host of other items including this admin’s sought-after movie-accurate TMNT figures, will be available at the following link on July 24, 2014!

http://www.toysrus.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=11433485&sr=1&origkw=sdcc

So get ready to hit those F5 keys and set your browser bookmarks!  July 24th is going to be an interesting day to shop online!

Please note: there is also a standard “urban” version of this set available as part of the 50th Anniversary line which will be available at brick & mortar Toys R Us stores later this Summer/early Fall.

G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Now A Shared Exclusive

G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Danger at the Docks

The G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary line is due out this Fall and apparently it won’t just be available at Toys R Us!

Many Joe fans had a bit of a surprise waiting in their email boxes this morning.  Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com announced that the G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary line will now be a shared retail exclusive.  Even more interesting is that not all of the announced packs are currently listed for order– possibly indicating that Hasbro intends to stretch the series out over a longer period and two waves.  A quick bit of clarification posted at ToyNewsI.com states that Hasbro has no set release date for the missing two-packs featuring the Baroness vs. Lady Jaye and Snow Job vs. a Cobra B.A.T.

Here’s the actual text with the individual links:

BBTS SHARED EXCLUSIVE GI JOE 50TH ANNIVERSARY FIGURE TWO-PACKS 
The first of the new 50th Anniversary listings is the Figure Two-Packs. This wave includes Night Marksmen (Low-Light Vs. Night Viper) and Heated Battle (Blowtorch Vs. H.E.A.T. Viper), and they are available at $29.99 for the Set of two Two-Packs, or $16.99 for each Two-Pack singly.
BBTS SHARED EXCLUSIVE GI JOE 50TH ANNIVERSARY FIGURE THREE-PACKS 
This wave of Three-Packs is titled Outnumbered and includes The Vipers Pit (Cobra Trooper, Cobra Viper, Beach Head) and The Eagles Edge (Destro, Leatherneck, Hawk). They are priced at $22.99 each, or at $39.99 for the Set of two Three-Packs.
BBTS SHARED EXCLUSIVE GI JOE 50TH ANNIVERSARY DANGER AT THE DOCKS SET 
The first of two vehicle packs is the Danger at the Docks Set, which includes the GI Joe VAMP MK II with Flint Versus Cobra Eel with Night Landing Craft. This Set is listed at $29.99.
BBTS SHARED EXCLUSIVE GI JOE 50TH ANNIVERSARY BATTLE BELOW ZERO SET 
We also have the Battle Below Zero Set listed. It includes Cobra Wolf with Ice Viper Versus Arctic Sky Hawk with Arctic Snake Eyes, and is priced at $39.99.

So, the pre-orders are up and fans now have at least two locations to shop for new product.  It’s good news for fans who are seeking to track down the 32nd Anniversary… uh 50th Anniversary line.  (That’s a discussion for another day, however.)

And now you know…

G.I. Joe Kre-O Images and Info from Toy Fair 2014

Kre-O Gung-Ho

When it comes to G.I. Joe and Toy Fair 2014, it was the Kre-O line that truly stood out at yesterday’s Hasbro Brand Entertainment Event in NYC.  The only Joe product shown “on site”, the tiny building block line took everyone by surprise with the sheer diversity of the line showcased.  From 24 new individual figures to some killer boxed sets, Hasbro proved their commitment to Kre-O with a Toys R Us exclusive G.I. Joe line that is sure to please many fans.

Note: You may view JBL’s complete Toy Fair 2014 coverage/info page here.

I’ve recapped the Kre-O information that was posted yesterday and have also added in the “on site” images provided by Mike Breaux of The Breaux Show who was gracious enough to cover the event for JBL.  Now, how do I get my hands on that Gung-Ho again?

Kre-O individual figures (Available March 2014):

  • Air Adventurer (classic Adventure Team)
  • Airborne
  • Atomic Man (aka Mike Power – classic Adventure Team)
  • Budo
  • Chuckles
  • Cobra Air Trooper
  • Cobra Eel
  • Cobra Shock Trooper
  • Cobra Viper
  • Doc
  • Footloose
  • Lady Jaye
  • Low-Light
  • Nemesis Enforcer
  • Night Creeper
  • Night Viper
  • Nunchuck
  • Scrap Iron
  • Snow Serpent
  • Tomax
  • Torch
  • Tripwire
  • Wet Suit
  • Zartan

Did I also spy Alpine in there?!  It’s a solid group of figures– including two additions from the Adventure Team roster although they seem to have lost their flocked hair!

Kre-O Boxed sets (Available March 2014):

  • Outpost Defense with (97 pieces) – includes Cobra Ferret and Outpost Defender, Storm Shadow v2  and Beach Head.
  • Firebat Attack with (292 pieces) – includes  Firebat, Wolverine, Bazooka, Recondo
  • Cobra Terror-Drome (856 pieces) – includes Gung Ho, Hawk, Mainframe, Serpentor, and Xamot

Hasbro’s official press images:

 

Toy Fair 2014 press release copy:

Beginning in March, exciting new KRE-O building sets will let kids and collectors alike build vehicles and environments to play out the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA fantasy. Collectible blind-bagged KREONS of popular G.I. JOE characters will also hit shelves, including characters from both the heroic G.I. JOE team like LADY JAYE and FOOTLOOSE, as well as the villainous COBRA organization like TOMAX and SCRAP IRON. As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, Hasbro and Toys“R”Us are bringing one of the most popular G.I. JOE vs. COBRA playsets from the 1980s back in KRE-O form with the KRE-O G.I. JOE TERROR DROME Building Set. This iconic set features over 850 pieces and will be available in the fall.

 

G.I. Joe Toy Fair Press Release and Official Images

G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Social Clash

Thanks to the good folks at Hunter Public Relations, we now have the official G.I. Joe Toy Fair press release and images!

HASBRO CELEBRATES THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE G.I. JOE BRAND

The “Original Action Figure” Turns a Half-Century Old with New Toys“R”Us-Exclusive Line, Licensing Program

PAWTUCKET, R.I. – February 15, 2014 – Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) today unveiled initiatives planned for the 50th anniversary celebration of its iconic G.I. JOE brand at the American International Toy Fair in New York City. The storied property, which invented the “action figure” toy category, celebrates its incredible five-decade history by partnering with Toys“R”Us as the official toy headquarters for the G.I. JOE brand in 2014. Kids and fans can look forward to a special edition 50th anniversary-branded action figure line available only at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com, along with new items in the popular KRE-O G.I. JOE line of building sets from Hasbro, beginning this March through the fall 2014.

Launched at the American International Toy Fair in 1964, the “original action figure” debuted as a 12-inch pose-able soldier toy, G.I. JOE has been a pop-culture phenomenon ever since. The property evolved over the years, from the original 12-inch action figure in the 1960s, the ADVENTURE TEAM in the 1970s and the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA saga which was introduced in the 1980s with a 3.75-inch action figure line, comic book series and legendary animated series G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO. Recently the brand has introduced two blockbuster movies based on the saga including G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA and G.I. JOE RETALIATION from Paramount Pictures.

“The G.I. JOE brand is a pop culture and childhood icon whose cultural relevance, based on its core essence of action, bravery and the compelling characters from G.I. JOE vs. COBRA saga, continues to inspire the imaginations of kids and fans around the world,” said John Frascotti, Chief Marketing Officer, Hasbro, Inc. “From action figures and publishing, to animated series and global blockbuster movies, few properties have the cultural resonance and enduring appeal. In the 50th anniversary year of the G.I. JOE brand Hasbro looks forward to delivering fan-favorite action figures, exciting new publishing ventures and innovative but nostalgic KRE-O building sets to the brands most ardent fans and newest recruits.”

“For generations, Toys“R”Us kids big and small have cherished the G.I. JOE brand and brought its legendary characters to life through play,” said Lisa Harnisch, Senior Vice President and General Merchandising Manager, Toys“R”Us, U.S. “We are proud to partner with Hasbro to help commemorate this golden anniversary, and are eager to bring an exciting assortment of G.I. JOE figures, including classics and new items from the hit KRE-O line, exclusively to Toys“R”Us customers this year.”

Beginning in March, exciting new KRE-O building sets will let kids and collectors alike build vehicles and environments to play out the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA fantasy. Collectible blind-bagged KREONS of popular G.I. JOE characters will also hit shelves, including characters from both the heroic G.I. JOE team like LADY JAYE and FOOTLOOSE, as well as the villainous COBRA organization like TOMAX and SCRAP IRON. As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, Hasbro and Toys“R”Us are bringing one of the most popular G.I. JOE vs. COBRA playsets from the 1980s back in KRE-O form with the KRE-O G.I. JOE TERROR DROME Building Set. This iconic set features over 850 pieces and will be available in the fall.

Additionally, a collectible 50th anniversary-branded, 3.75-inch scale action figure and vehicle line will debut at Toys“R”Us this fall. The special edition line will be offered in unique 50th anniversary branded packaging and reintroduce classic G.I. JOE vs. COBRA characters and iconic vehicles, including some that have not been available since the 1980s. Fans will be able to purchase classic characters like DESTRO, SNAKE EYES and HAWK, as well as vehicles like the G.I. JOE VAMP MKII and COBRA WOLF VEHICLE with an updated sculpting style and unique deco.

The 50th anniversary year will also continue the G.I. JOE brand’s long tradition of publishing and rich storytelling with exciting new programs from Hasbro’s partners. IDW Publishing’s G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICANHERO will release its landmark 200th issue in March 2014, continuing the story of the original 1980s G.I. JOE comic by original writer Larry Hama. IDW will also launch TRANSFORMERS/G.I. JOE, a series uniting Hasbro’s iconic brands, by acclaimed creators Tom Scioli and John Barber this summer. Additionally, as part of its publishing program, Hasbro is opening the fantasy to fan participation. Amazon Publishing recently announced that Kindle Worlds has reached a licensing agreement with Hasbro to open up a new Kindle World based on the G.I. JOE brand. With the launch of the G.I. JOE Kindle World, writers will be able to publish their own original fiction starring iconic G.I. JOE characters like DUKE, SNAKE EYES, and COBRA COMMANDER and sell their work on Amazon.com. The G.I. JOE Kindle World will open for writers to start publishing stories in the next few months.

This spring, the official G.I. JOE Collector’s Club will host the 21st annual G.I. JOE fan convention, known as “GIJoeCon,” in Dallas from Thursday, April 10 to Sunday, April 13. Convention organizers plan on celebrating the 50th anniversary with exclusive action figure sets, special G.I. JOE guests from throughout the brand’s history and the opportunity to meet and interact with other fans of the brand. Fans can learn more about the Hasbro-sponsored convention by visiting www.GIJoeCon.com.

About Hasbro, Inc.
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company dedicated to fulfilling the fundamental need for play for children and families through the creative expression of the Company’s world class brand portfolio, including TRANSFORMERS, MONOPOLY, PLAY-DOH, MY LITTLE PONY, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF and LITTLEST PET SHOP. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with innovative play and entertainment experiences, in a variety of forms and formats, anytime and anywhere. The Company’s Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for more than 170 markets around the world, and for the U.S. on Hub Network, part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications(NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK). Through the company’s deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “100 Best Corporate Citizens.” Learn more at www.hasbro.com.

50th Anniversary:

Kre-O:

G.I. Joe vs. Transformers – Kre-O style!

Kre-O logo

While the New York Comic Con may not be the font of new product news that many G.I. Joe fans were hoping for, all is not bleak in Joe-land!  New Kre-O sets and blind-bagged figures are dropping at Toys R Us stores across the nation.  To celebrate this, the good folks at Hunter PR passed on a stop-motion animation gem that is sure to put a smile on the face of even the most stodgy of Joe fans!

So, check out “G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers” — Kre-O style!

2013 JoeCon: Hasbro panel detail summary

If you’ve been you’ve been following the JoeCon coverage here at JBL over the past few days– thank you!  It’s been several years since I’ve been both at a con and an active part of the Joe community and there was some personal apprehension about coming back to this event after being away for nearly 4 years.  However, I can honestly say that it’s good to be back in action again.

Earlier today, I posted live coverage of the Hasbro panel on Twitter.  What follows here is a more detailed summary of the information that was presented earlier.

Hasbro had a very small presence at JoeCon this year.  Consisting solely of Derryl DePriest and John Warden and a single display case, fan weren’t quite sure what to expect.  In fact, the Dynamic Duo from Pawtucket opened their presentation by saying that they were showing the same slide show that was used at Toy Fair and that nothing new would be presented.  However, some good information came out of their discussion.

In terms of G.I. Joe Retaliation, the highly anticipated wave 3 will be available later this year– and it’s looking like late July/early August.  The order has been sent to the factories in China and production has begun.  Figures like Kwinn, Data Viper, Ultimate Duke, Ultimate Roadblock, and Ultimate Flint will be hitting stores with a great deal of fan and retailer anticipation.  During this part of the discussion, John Warden broke down some interesting facts for the wave.

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G.I. Joe Kre-O debuts at pre-NYCC Hasbro event

gi joe kre-o sets

Last week, Hasbro announced that G.I. Joe would be getting the Kre-O treatment this February exclusively at Toys R Us.  Last night, as a special media event in NYC, Hasbro unveiled the building block product that will be hitting store shelves early next year.  Consisting of boxed “battle sets” consisting of figures and bricks to build vehicles and bases as well as blind-bagged individual figures, the team from Pawtucket unveiled Joe’s first really attempt at conquering the small “Lego figure” world.

Here are two galleries of official press images:

Blind bag figures:

 

Vehicles & Playsets:

 

Honestly, these figures create a bit of a dilemma for me as a G.I. Joe collector.  On one hand, they represent a bold new direction for the Joe brand and feature some details that show the line was developed by someone who gets the brand.  (Quick Kick’s “Frozen Fudgee” and a fuzz-headed Adventure Team Commander?  That’s just awesome!)  Plus, the character selection– which includes fan favorites like Snake Eyes but also features Kamakura and Torpedo is great.  (One could argue that Torpedo merely repurposes parts from the Battleship movie line of Kre-O figures.)  Lego-like figures extremely popular with collectors and kids alike– as the success of lines released by both Lego and competitor Mega-Blocks can attest.

On the other hand, this line is a pretty radical departure for G.I. Joe in terms of retail presence.  Kre-O items aren’t typically found in the figure aisles of most retailers.   G.I. Joe’s last attempt at conquering the construction block world– the ill-fated Build To Rule line– met with mixed reactions and little retail success.  Plus, Kre-O will be hitting shelves around the same time as the movie merchandise which means that collectors, who are the primary audience of the brand now, will be focusing their efforts and $$$ on the more traditional 1:18 offerings.

Only time will tell if this line can succeed where previous attempts have failed.  Personally, I think I’d be more inclined to snag these if the figures were closer in scale and style to Art Asylum’s popular Mini-Mates lines.  I’m not a Lego figure collector myself– although I have to admit that I’m tempted by the mini Kamakura and AT Commander figures.  Joe fans, however, are more habitually geared toward looking for product in the action figure aisles of retailers and many of us just might forget to look for these guys when February rolls around.  I can’t help but wonder if the line would have a great potential for success if it had hit TRU stores in the coming weeks– at a time when G.I. Joe is all-but-absent from stores after the disappointing rescheduling of G.I. Joe: Retaliation earlier this year.   For me, these might just be a casual purchase but I don’t see myself going “all completionist” on this.  Of course, that’s just one Joe fan’s opinion.

Additional coverage of the Kre-O debut can be found over at ToyNewsI.com

Variety: Retailers to recall unsold Retaliation merchandise?

G.I. Joe Retiation - moved to March 29, 2013

When it rains, it pours– at least for Joe fans. 

Hot on the heels of recent news about the rescheduling of G.I. Joe: Retaliation’s premiere from June 29, 2012 to March 29, 2013, Variety.com ran this bit of news:

Yanking G.I. Joe toys with retailers

Reversal causes spirited round of musical shelves

At major retailers nationwide, something is missing from the toy aisles: “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” action figures. In their place, an empty space.With Paramount moving the actioner from June 29 to March 29, 2013, to give it more muscle at the box office with 3D, retailers are being asked to send back the line of Hasbro toys that were starting to appear on shelves.

Some Walmart, Toys R Us and Target locations had started to stock the toys this week, although they weren’t supposed to make them available until next week. Those that did wanted to get a jump on demand, and some of the 47 items that would’ve been sold are expected to show up on eBay at inflated prices by the end of the weekend.

In a statement, released Friday, Hasbro said: “G.I. Joe is an ongoing consumer franchise and therefore there is merchandise available to consumers. There is a limited amount of ‘G.I. Joe Retaliation’ product at retail now, but in light of the movie moving out to March 29, 2013, the majority of the movie line will be made available early next year in time for the film’s release.”

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