The suspense is over… the GIJoeCon 2018 brochure is now ONLINE!
No more speculation… thanks to the release of the GIJoeCon 2018 brochure we know the theme of the final G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention set: Python Peril – Marauders to the Rescue!
Here’s the official synopsis:
Python Peril: Marauders to the Rescue!
The COBRA PYTHON PATROL is an elite unit of troopers that have been handpicked for their various tactical specialties. They are expertly trained and equipped for stealth and infiltration missions. They wear unique camouflage grid uniforms to mask their presence, which confuses radar detection systems and allows them to accomplish sinister operations around the globe.
Using the latest radar absorbing materials and stealth technology, PYTHON PATROL 2.0 rears its ugly head with a surgical strike against their sworn enemy. Led by the nefarious MAJOR BLUDD, they have successfully captured a “Real American Hero” and key member of the G.I. JOE team.
The SLAUGHTER’S MARAUDERS unit is called into action to mount a dire rescue mission of their original commander. A fellow Marine Drill Instructor, SGT. SMASHER takes the squad leader position and selects highly specialized soldiers for a fast attack, ground assault into enemy territory to combat these devious COBRA forces.
PYTHON PATROL 2.0 is a dangerous unit, but it will take more than their special uniforms and slithering nastiness to get the best of the entire SLAUGHTER’S MARAUDERS team! Our 2018 exclusive 3 3/4-inch convention set contains a highly requested G.I. JOE team and updated COBRA army that are available for the first time in the modern era 25A action figure style. This special edition 15action-figure set includes:
Five G.I. JOE team members: Sgt. Smasher, Footloose, Hardball, Mutt & Junkyard (K-9), Spirit & Freedom (eagle).
Ten COBRA team members: Major Bludd, Python H.E.A.T. Viper (troop builder x 3), Python Lamprey (troop builder x 3), Python Laser Viper (troop builder x 3).
Each of these great teams comes with their classic weapons,
accessories, figure stands and file cards!
Hmmm… very interesting indeed. It would seem that the Club is going to complete the Slaughter’s Marauders roster that was started several years ago in the 2011 Slaughter’s Marauders exclusive boxed set. That set included Falcon, Low-light, and Barbeque as well as Spirit. (Apparently someone wasn’t a fan of that Spirit release?) The addition of Footloose and Mutt round out most of the original team– minus Sgt. Slaughter, of course. In his stead is another drill instructor known as “Sgt. Smasher.” (After all, that was the name of his international repaint.) Now, could this be a repaint of the 2010 SDCC Sarge under a different name for copyright purposes? Hardball is a bit of a surprise only in the respect that he’s presented as a Marauder here. Does this mean that a classic themed version could appear in FSS 8? After all, the Club telegraphed his eventual release in the Joe Con 2017 figure accessories. Footloose will likely be a repaint of his 2012 Club renewal version in the classic Slaughter’s Marauder’s deco.
The Cobra side is a bit more straight forward– building on the 2011 Mission Brazil 2 convention set that featured the Python Patrol. This particular roster seems to borrow from the 2003 Toys R Us exclusive six pack with the inclusion of the Laser Viper, Lamprey and HEAT Viper along with Major Bludd. It seems safe to conclude the decos will be inspired by their o-ring versions– with the darker red/gold/black color scheme. Does this mean that Python versions of the SAW Viper and the Rock Viper might be convention exclusives?
This year’s convention set will set Club members back a cool $415 ($495 for non-Club members).
Overall, I’m kind of digging it. It’s certainly an unexpected theme choice for the final year of the Fun Publications conventions. Plus it fills in the roster of the Marauders rather nicely. Plus, I’m a HUGE fan of the 2003 Python Patrol decos and hold out hope that the Club plans on recreating that look in the 25A style!
To register for GIJoeCon 2018, keep your eyes peeled to GIJoeCon.com!
