Monthly Archives: January 2013

G.I. Joe Con 2013: First three figures from Nocturnal Fire previewed!

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With registration for the 2013  G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention imminent, the folks at the GIJCC have posted previews of the first three figures from this year’s Night Force set!  First up are Cobra Mortal, Cobra Letal, and Cobra Frag-Vipers!

WARLORD: COBRA MORTAL

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure
– Based on “White” Variant Action Figure from Venezuela
– Includes Cobra Logo Stand, Crossbow, Knife,
Sword, Sub-Machine Gun, and Satchel

COBRA GRENADIERS: FRAG-VIPERS

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure
– Troop Builder THREE Action Figures in Box Set
– NEW Head Based on Action Figure from 1989
– Includes Cobra Logo Stand, Grenade Thrower,
Backpack with Connection Hose, Grenades,
Sub-Machine Gun, Pistol, and Knife

FRAG-VIPER COMMANDER: COBRA LETAL

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure
– Based on Variant “Green” Action Figure from Brazil
– NEW Head Shared with the Frag-Viper Troopers
– Includes Cobra Logo Stand, Bazooka Launcher,
Backpack with Removable Shells, Pistol, Knife,
and Sub-Machine Gun

So far, I’m liking what I’m seeing.  Some nice use of new tooling for the accessories of the Frag-Vipers and for the head gear on both them and Letal as well as a solid reuse of existing parts for the rest of the figures.  Cobra Mortal looks decidedly evil and you’ll never lose Letal in the dark with that day-glo speed skating suit of his!  Typically with these previews, the Club starts with the least-anticipated figures and works their way up to the ones that will make fans cry with joy– so I can anticipate some Night Force figures being revealed in the coming days.    I must say that I’m more excited about these troop builders than I was the Iron Grenadiers from last year so with only three figures in the GIJCC has my FULL attention.

Check out the pics mirrored below and visit GIJoeCon.com for more information.

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Joe Con Nocturnal Fire
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G.I. Joe Con 2013 brochure is ONLINE!

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G.I. Joe Collector's Convention 2013

The 2013 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention is happening in just over two months in Indianapolis!  So far, all that had been revealed about the 1:18 offerings for the con was some Night Force themed artwork hinting that “G.I. Joe was giving Cobra a reason to be afraid of the dark.

All of that changed this weekend (technically Friday afternoon) when the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club unveiled the 2013 convention brochure!  Along the requisite price increase (now $360.00 for this year’s set), some interesting details were revealed in this paragraph:

Nocturnal Fire

G.I. JOE: Night Force is a covert unit specializing in nighttime surveillance and defensive operations. Each team member has been selected for their enhanced skills, sophisticated hardware and advanced technology to surprise and vanquish any enemy!

This fan favorite and highly requested team contains several of the classic Night Force members and some new additions
available for the first time in the modern era 25A style. Our special edition Nocturnal Fire squad includes: Charbroil, Hit & Run, Muskrat, Psyche-Out, Repeater and Spearhead with Max (NEW Bobcat).

The Cobra Demolitions Team is ready to take on any obstacle that gets in their path of destruction. Led by the mysterious Cobra Mortal, he employs Cobra Letal and the deadly saboteur Crimson Asp (NEW female character). Their specialized troopers include: Cobra Frag-Vipers x 3, Cobra S.A.W.-Vipers x 3.

Each of these great teams comes with their classic weapons, accessories, figure stands and file cards in this exciting fifteen figure boxed set.

So, classic Night Force members Charbroil, Muskrat, Psyche-Out, Repeater, and Spearhead & Max are seeing release in the 25A construction with Hit & Run joining the team.  That leaves Lightfoot, Crazylegs, and Sneak Peek as the only classic members to not have an update.  Could there be an attendee 3 pack in the works?

Plus, on the Cobra side, Cobra Mortal sees his second release from the Club and his first new construction figure, the Frag-Vipers receive a new paint scheme both as troopers and as Letal, and a new female figure is introduced into the mix.  Plus, the first Generation 3 release of a SAW-Viper!  Could a Night Boomer from the new mold Skystriker be far behind?

I have to admit that I’m LOVING this set concept.  First off, I NEVER thought that Psyche-Out would ever see a Generation 3 update!  Plus, Muskrat has long been one of those characters that I’ve wanted to see more of.  For Charbroil, we have only to look at the Toys R Us exclusive Rise of Cobra version for inspiration but a brand-new Repeater in his Night Force colors is pure AWESOME! Seriously, the heavy gunner’s design has always appealed to me and I found the TRU exclusive version from a few years ago to be lacking.  Plus, a NEW Cobra female!  Seriously– that is what I love to see in the line– NEW CHARACTERS!  Yeah, this is one of those sets that I’ll have to pony up the cash for– even if it is more than my monthly car payments.

For more information, check out GIJoecon.com!

 

Look who’s getting reviewed soon– Joe Colton! (Or more importantly JOHN McCLANE!)

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A very special G.I. Joe: Retaliation box arrived in the mail here at “JBL HQ” last week.  Normally I wouldn’t order a figure early like this nor would I pay significantly more than retail (as I’m cheap) but the subject matter was just too good to be ignored.

Some folks may call him Joe Colton from G.I. Joe Retaliation but for the majority of us he’ll always be Officer John McClane of the NYPD!

I wanted to toss up a quick headshot photo to alleviate folks concerns about the head likeness and the neck.  The head sculpt is SOLID and the dreaded “Recondo neck” has been fixed!  (Thanks John Warden!)

Expect a review coming this week!

G.I. Joe Retaliation Bruce Willis

G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Wave 2 is SHIPPING!!

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figuresubscriptionservice

Subscribers to the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Figure Subscription Service should start watching their mailboxes– the second shipment of figures for the FSS has started to arrive!  Over at HISSTank.com, customizer and caster Raginspoon posted that he received his second box from the FSS– and has revealed what the figures are.

If you’re one of the folks that wants to be surprised, don’t click the link.  It pretty much spoils everything and contains links to his Ebay auctions.  However, if you’re like me, you’ve already clicked the link and know exactly who is arriving.  Now, I’ve got no quarrel with anyone who chooses to reveal the newest arrivals– waiting like this can really drive me batty.

Keep checking those mailboxes folks– new Joes are on the way!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club FSS wave 1

 

3DJoes.com: Posters are on the way!

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3DJoes.com G.I. Joe

G.I. Joe fans are a lucky group sometimes.  Compared to other fandoms, we have some of the most detailed and organized online resources on the internet.  Looking for when a figure was released?  Check out YoJoe.com.  Interesting in perusing custom work?  Hit JoeCustoms.com.  Need some diorama inspiration?  JoeDios.com and DioWarriors.com have got your back.  Plus, let’s not forget the plethora of Joe review sites out there from GeneralsJoes.com to JoeADay.com to JBL (when I get updates posted.)  However, if you’re looking for 3D turnarounds of your G.I. Joe figures– look no further than 3DJoes.com!  Taking the fandom by storm last year, 3DJoes has consistently updated their site with figures and vehicles all the way through 1989 with no signs of stopping.

Like any fansite, however, there are costs involved.  In order to keep 3DJoes.com spinning, the minds behind the site are offering a unique and exciting fundraiser that’s sure to be the highlight of any Joe fan’s wall!

Posters are on the way!

The first 3DJoes poster will feature every figure from 1982-89. The second will feature every figure from 1990-94. There will be a whopping 244 figs on the first poster and 236 on the second. They will each be 24″W x 36″H.

The image to the right shows the first poster, which is currently in progress. I have made it through 1988. The last four rows are just placeholder Night Force Falcons (a personal favorite). As soon as I find and document the last six 1989 Night Force figures (if you have them, please contact me using the links at the top) then I’ll be able to finish up 1989 and finish this poster.

The image below shows a close up of what the poster will look like. I’m currently going into Photoshop to clean up the images and digitally remove the figure stands. It’s going to be awesome!

The first poster, “3DJoes of the 80s” should be available in the next few weeks. Cost will be determined by the quality of paper you want, and I’m probably going to use Zazzle for distribution. Proceeds will help pay the $80/month that I have to start shelling out to Arqball for the 3D photos. Viewers enjoyed 47,000 spins last month and the kickstarter grace period has finally worn off, so now I have to start paying for the pro subscription. More info on that here: Pricing » Arqball Spin Blog

If you want 3DJoes on your wall, please submit your contact info below and I’ll email you as soon as the first poster is ready to order. If you’re not already following @3DJoes on twitter, then please do… and tell your fellow G.I. Joe friends.

Help me get the word out and keep 3DJoes spinning ad free!

Seriously, the 3DJoes site is one of the more unique twists on a figure archive to drop on any fandom in a long time.  As such, I’d like to see it continue on for a good long time.  Plus, the concept of one giant poster covering the A Real American Hero figures from ’82 – ’89 is pure awesome!  What Joe fan isn’t going to want one of these on the wall of their office/studio/Joe room?  Just check out the preview images below!

Hit the 3D  Joes Merchandise page and drop your contact information if you’re interested in learning more.

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3d-joes-poster

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G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Subscription Wave 2 ships in two weeks!

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Many G.I. Joe received an extra present just before the Christmas holiday– the first pair of figures from the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Figure Subscription Service had landed on their doorstep!  Of course, as soon as those first two figures shipped, fans began to speculate as to when the next round would be arriving.  Brian Savage sends out this update to let “eagle eyed” fans know that the wait is almost over:

We are getting ready to prepare the second shipment. We anticipate they they will ship about two weeks from now. Please have any address changes in the system by Wednesday (1/09/13) at 5pm Central Time.

Also, we are planning to do the installment billing for the second payment on or about January 21st. Please ensure that your credit card information is correct and that your debit cards have enough funds. Everyone’s billing amount is different so please refer to your first invoice to know what your amount will be. If you don’t have your invoice, you can log in and look at your order..

For those of you who paid in full, you can ignore the billing information.

Thanks for your support! We hope that you are enjoying your first figure shipment!

Now the speculation begins– with Jinx and Dice already shipped, who will be next?

Dice
Desert Grunt
Nano-BAT
Quarrel
Topside
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surefirefweb
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Happy 2013 from JBL! Bring on G.I. Joe Retaliation!

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Duke and Roadblock are looking forward to the return of G.I. Joe in 2013!

Duke and Roadblock are looking forward to the return of G.I. Joe in 2013!

What are G.I. Joe team members Duke and Roadblock looking at?  They’re looking forward to 2013 in which G.I. Joe returns to store shelves, cineplexes, and the public eye once more. 

2012 was a year of challenges for our favorite brand and yet 2013 promises to be the year the Joe “came back” and staked its claim once more as a top brand for Hasbro.  I know that I’m looking forward to forthcoming waves of Retaliation product and getting the review schedule back on track around here once more.  (C’mon– a 1:18 Bruce Willis?  How can you NOT love that?!!!)

So, welcome 2013– 31 years after the debut of A Real American Hero.  It’s time to show the world that G.I. Joe is back and stronger than ever.