About Fred Meyer

Digital strategist by day, hack writer and photography by night - this long-time figure collector still thinks that he can string words together and form meaningful entertaining sequences. He is obviously mistaken.

Support G.I. Joe Flashback on Kickstarter

G.I. Joe Flashback, an independent film about a key era in the lives of several future Joes, is now funding with under 30 days to go!

We all know the stories– the tale first recounted in Marvel Comics G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #26— of a Vietnam LLRP team consisting of the men who would go on to become Stalker, Storm Shadow, and Snake Eyes.  However, do we know the stories that came before those events in which Tommy dropped everything to rescue his friend, cementing the bond between them?

Thanks to G.I. Joe Flashback we just might have the chance to learn more about the entire team– including Wade Collins, Ramon Escobedo, and Dickie Saperstein.

This is going to be more than just a “fan film”.  The folks behind G.I. Joe Flashback are bringing in some real talent to not just tell this story but to tell it right. The film is produced by cosplayer extrordinaire “Skinny“, and features a talented and passionate group of fans helping to bring it to light.  Names like Bill Nedrow and Paul Panfalone are no strangers to the fan community.  Every detail from the story to the score is being supervised with a true reverence to the source material. 

If you need any more encouragement, just check out Skinny’s recent interview on Just Another GI Joe Show below:

The deadline to show your support is Friday, November 16, 2018 at 5:18am CST.  Consider backing G.I. Joe: Flashback on Kickstarter today!

Meet Sgt Slaughter and BJ Ward at Retro Con 2018

Are you going to Retro Con 2018 on October 13 – 14, 2018 in Oaks, PA?  Well, here are two more reasons you should consider going: Sgt. Slaughter & BJ Ward!

What is Retro Con?

Simply put: Retro Con is a celebration of all things 80’s and 90’s!  It’s a celebration of nostalgia of the greatest era of popular culture.  From television and films to cartoons and video games, Retro Con is THE family-friendly con for anyone who grew up in the last 30 years!

This year, however, Retro Con holds a special significance to G.I. Joe fans!  Two legendary performers from the classic G.I. Joe cartoon series produced by Marvel Productions and Sunbow will be on hand!  (Yes, one of them was also present in the DiC era but, let’s be honest, we don’t really like to talk about that series.)  Hold on to your hats as both Sgt. Slaughter and veteran voice actress BJ Ward (Scarlett, Princess Alura, Wonder Woman) are coming to this amazing two day event!

While Melendy Britt (She-Ra) is no longer able to attend the organizers of the event have stepped in a big way with Ms. Ward as the latest added guest!

Even better– these two legends of G.I. Joe animation history will be joining Greg Berger (Spirit, Grimlock, Odie) and Garry Chalk (Optimus Primal, Man-at-Arms, Metal-Head) in greeting guests, signing autographs, and being onsite for an amazing weekend.  Plus, if you’re looking to get a further Sunbow fix, Samantha Newark (Jem, Ariel) will be on site as well.  Plus, Larry Kenney (Lion-O) is also going to be there! It’s a chance to meet the voices and personas that dominated your cartoon viewing time as a kid!  (And, if you’re like me, as an adult today!)

If that’s not enough, there’s even a special concert by the famed Cybertronic Spree on Saturday night!

So, what are you waiting for?  If you’re looking for a great weekend to bask in the warm nostalgic glow of simpler times, head on over to RetroCons.com and snag your tickets for this awesome event!

Vitruvian HACKS Atelis Warrior Photo Contest Winners!

It’s time to announce the Vitruvian HACKS Atelis Warrior photo contest winners!

Kokomo Toys Virtruvian HACKS Atelis warrior

(I know… JBL is late on this but what else is new, right?  I need to find a way to make this my full-time gig!)

Thanks to friend of JBL Kokomo Toys, we had three of their killer exclusive Vitruvian HACKS Atelis Warrior Armored Amazon figures to give away.  Two were going to be awarded to a Facebook entrant and one to an Instagram participant.

Sadly, we had no entries on Instagram which just means that we’re giving away TWO prizes on Facebook instead!  The first place winner gets a pair of these awesome serpentine Atelis Warrior figures while the runner-up is the recipient of a single Atelis Warrior to add to his or her collection. The decision-making process wasn’t easy and but in the end the winners were chosen based on photo composition as well as their descriptions.  So, without further adieu…

Continue reading

Vitruvian HACKS Atelis Warrior Altered Amazon Figure Giveaway!

Want to win a Kokomo Toys exclusive Vitruvian HACK Atelis Warrior Altered Amazon figure?  Read on and find out how you could one or two of your very own!

Kokomo Toys Virtruvian HACKS Atelis warrior

It’s no secret that the Boss Fight Studio Vitruvian HACKS line has taken the 1:18 action figure community by storm.  It’s also no secret that Kokomo Toys is one of THE best sources for quality vintage and modern action figures out there.  When these two giants partnered together to produce the Atelis Warrior Altered Amazon figure– the result was PURE WIN!

Thanks to Kokomo Toys, JBL has THREE of these deadly warriors to give away!  However, we’re not going to give them away all at once!  Here’s how to win one or two of your very own starting on Saturday, August 17th:  All you need to do is snap an original image and post it on one of the social media channels listed below!  The catch?  It’s an image that would be improved by the inclusion of an Atelis Warrior!

Facebook Giveaway: Two sealed Atelis Warriors

Facebook is currently the world’s largest social media platform so we’re giving away not one but TWO of the Atelis Warriors over the JBL Facebook page!  Simply find the contest announcement post and reply with an original action figure image that you think NEEDS to include two Atelis Warriors.  In your entry, tell us if you’re using another figure as a stand-in and describe how you’d use the Atelis Warrior to improve the shot!  Entries need not be limited to a Greek setting!  Feel free to let your creativity run wild be it with Indiana Jones, Marauder Task Force, Jurassic Park, etc.  The image just has to be posted from your profile in the contest post discussion before the deadline listed at the bottom of this article!

Instagram Giveaway: One sealed Atelis Warrior

Instagram is a perfect place to show off your amazing action figure photos!  Now just imagine how much more awesome those photos would be with an Atelis Warrior showcased front and center!  To be eligible to win one of these figures, simply shoot and post a photo on Instagram that would be made that much more exciting if it included an altered Amazon warrior!  Post your pic, tell us how the Atelis Warrior would make the shot better (and which figure is standing in for the serpentine warrior),  and tag @joebattlelines in the description as well as use the hashtag #JBLHacks.  That’s it!

Kokomo Toys Vitruvian HACKS Atelis Warrior action figure

The deadline to submit your entries on BOTH platforms is 11:59pm CST on August 25, 2018!  JBL staff will peruse through the entries following the deadline.  We’ll announce the winners of each giveaway both here and on our social media channels on Tuesday August 28, 2018.  So, fire up your cameras, grab some action figures, and snap some amazing photos for your chance to win one or two of these amazing figures!

While you’re at it, learn more about the Atelis Warriors at the Vitruvian Facts Wiki!  Or if you want to snag even more Atelis Warriors for your armies, snag ’em via the Kokomo Toys eBay store!

Kokomo Toys Vitruvian HACKS Atelis Warrior

Official Rules:

  • All images must be posted between 12:01 AM CST Saturday August 17, 2018 and 11:59pm CST on August 26, 2018.
  • Only photos posted in the discussion thread on the JBL Facebook page or using the appropriate tag (@joebattlelines) and hashtag #JBLHacks) on Instagram will be considered.
  • All images must be original.  Don’t reuse someone else’s photo as your own.
  • All entries must be posted from an active social media profile that can be used to contact the entrant if they win.
  • All entries need to include a description of how the Atelis Warrior would make the photo better.  This includes calling out which figure or figures are standing in for the Atelis.
  • No purchase is necessary to enter or to win if your image is chosen.  All prizes will be mailed out to the winners free of charge.
  • Winners will be chosen by JBL staff based the images and the descriptions alone.
  • JBL staff and family members are not eligible to participate.

 

 

GIJoeCon 2018: Boxed set and souvenir first look videos

GIJoeCon 2018 has come and gone and I’m still playing catch-up posting the convention coverage.  The JBL staff (IE Fred) drove to the con this year and apparently making the solo 8.5 hour drive back in 9.5 hours wasn’t the best idea in the world.  Maybe it’s true what Indiana Jones said:

It’s not the years… it’s the mileage…

Regardless, I managed to post a few LIVE videos over on JBL’s Facebook page with a quick look at the various souvenir items.  I’ve archived them below for easy viewing.  In reverse order, these videos cover the following:

Python Peril: Marauders to the Rescue 2018 boxed set

including:

Slaughter’s Marauders:

  • Footloose
  • Mutt & Junkyard
  • Spirit & Freedom
  • Hardball
  • Sgt. Smasher

Python Patrol 2.0:

  • Major Bludd
  • Laser Viper
  • HEAT Viper
  • Lampreys

Continue reading

GIJoeCon 2018: Final Twelve and other Club offerings

GIJoeCon 2018 is one for the history books.  The last official Joe Con is over with the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club conducting one last Club Roundtable panel on Sunday June 24, 2018.  However, the Club didn’t go out with a whimper but instead surprised fans not only with some retrospective slide shows and musings about what the past 22 years of conventions have meant to them and the community but also with a final slate of exclusive products set to drop in the coming weeks.

Note: we have no information on pricing, release date, or even overall availability.  However, if the sellout of the Dreadnok 4WD with Heartwrencher was any indication, it’s best to pre-order these as soon as possible after the orders go live.

Let’s start with the one item we knew was coming.

Cobra Night Stalkers 3-pack

GIJoeCon 2018 night stalkers 3-pack

The long-awaited updated to the 2007 Night Stalkers is coming soon! Based on the build of the the female Cobra Troopers released in 2017, this 3-pack of figures compliments the FSS 6 Night Stalker Commander.  Each three pack will include three different skin tone variations including the first African-American female Cobra trooper!  (I’m also really digging the back mounted knife sheath!) Continue reading

GIJoeCon 2018: The Mystery of Major Bludd’s Missing Moustache

It looks like some GIJoeCon 2018 figures have some unplanned battle scars…

GIJoeCon 2018 missing paint apps

At last night’s Golden Ticket package pickup, Brian Savage had to make an announcement regarding a quality control issue that was discovered in the sets that arrived in Chattanooga.  It would appear that the paint app for Major Bludd’s moustache was omitted during production.  It was present on the Club’s samples but lacking in the final product. However, there’s more…

It would seem that some of the Laser Viper’s are also missing the paint apps on one of their eyes.  (Maybe they looked into the laser when they shouldn’t have?)  The figure I examined last night appeared to be fine but this is a pretty widespread issue.

Fear not: the Club is going to make this right for those who purchased a convention set.  At some point in the future, new heads will be sent out for both Major Bludd and the Laser Vipers to those who purchased them directly through the Club.  For those of you who are purchasing the figures on eBay or through a third party, be aware that this issue exists and ask your seller if they’re willing to also provide you with the replacement heads.

Now if only they’d fix that stupid right arm on Major Bludd…

Lastly, until I can get my set in hand tonight, here’s a few quick pics I shot on the con floor last night.

And now you know…

GIJoeCon 2018 Comic reveals souvenir list

GIJoeCon 2018 is almost officially here but last night was the Golden Ticket package pickup!  This means that Golden Ticket Holders were able to not only acquire their convention sets one night early (more on this later) but they were also able to pick up their 2018 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention comic books– which included the following souvenir list:

GIJoeCon 2018 souvenir items

That’s right– these are the Club’s extra offerings for GIJoeCon 2018. Continue reading

Rank & File vol 4 to debut at GI Joe Con 2018

Rank & File vol 4, the latest in a series of amazing reference guides from “Noted Author” James Kavanaugh, will make its debut at this year’s final GIJoeCon!

Rank & File vol 4 GIJoeCon exclusive coverHere’s the latest from the author himself:

The adventure continues to evolve in Rank & File — A Guide to Third-Generation 4” G.I. Joe Action Figures!  This time with a alternate convention exclusive cover!

After a brief hiatus in 2006 that allowed G.I. Joe to flourish in other areas, G.I. Joe:  A Real American Hero went in a new stylistic direction that is still predominately used today!  Not only did fans get to revisit some of their most cherished icons within the G.I. Joe mythos, they were also introduced to new characters that are now known and loved.

The Rank & File guide volume 4 is the first in a two-part series displaying every G.I. Joe action figure produced as a convention exclusive and for the G.I. Joe Collectors’’ Club, complete with every accessory and variation produced.   Not only are the accessories shown, they were carefully cataloged in an upcoming volume that will guarantee the proper shade of accessory goes to the appropriate action figure. To top it off, every vehicle and playset released in the 4″ era is documented in the Rank & File series and every easily removable piece is shown individually photographed —ensuring collector completion.

This full color, fifty-two page resource manual beautifully illustrates supplemental avenues’ 166 action figures, twenty-eight vehicles, and every accessory, including all known variations. Not only is every accessory present and accounted for, they have each been assigned a unique number and identified throughout the resource guide.  Each action figure was carefully examined between its initial run and any further re-releases to ensure accurate samples are clearly and concisely presented, perfect for the collector who is identifying individual action figures or sorting through unorganized lots.

Whether you are a seasoned or rejuvenated collector, enthusiast, or toy vendor, the Rank & File series is the decisive compilation for G.I. Joe action figures, vehicles, and playsets produced from 2007 to today.    Let the Rank & File guides serve as a reference for completion or a scrapbook to the next big turning point of G.I. Joe:  A Real American Hero.

***Bonus***

Rank & File’s volume 4 will debut at 2018 International G.I. Joe Collectors’ Convention in an exclusive format!  This resource guide will include an exclusive convention-themed G.I. Joe YEARBOOK cover, three pages sharing memories of past conventions, three blank pages for attendees write parting goodbyes with their exclusive Rank & File custom sharpie.  These exclusive features will be a limited format and not included in the standard forty-eight page volume 4 release.  Don’t miss out!!  See you at Joe Con!!!

Basic Information

The MSRP for The Rank & File guide Volume 4 convention exclusive is $30 and available at the 2018 International G.I. Joe Collectors’ Convention.  Any remaining stock will be available on the website, www.rahcguide.com, and buyer will pay all additional shipping and handling costs.  If you have purchased the R.A.H.C. guides before, the process will be very similar.   This guide was self-published and produced in quantities reflecting previous sales so do not hesitate in ordering if owning a guide is a priority.  The standard release will be made available in the summer 2018.  Keep checking the website for updates!

You may join the mailing list at: rahc.guide@gmail.com and like on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/RAHCGuide to get the latest updates between press releases.

I can’t say it enough — I LOVE these books!  Seriously- mad, crazy, obsessive love for each and every volume in this series.  The reason is simple: James does such an incredible job of detailing each and every figure right down to the baton, microphone, or single bullet accessory!  I was already down for vol 4 when he first discussed it on an episode of Just Another G.I. Joe Show but the reveal of this exclusive “yearbook” version just pushed my need to own it right over the top.

The homage to G.I. Joe : A Real American Hero, vol 1 #26 is inspired and the inclusion of yearbook-style signature pages for attendees at this year’s final GIJoeCon makes it all the more essential. It’s not just a reference guide– it’s a love letter to an event that has brought so many fans together over the past 21 years.

Run, don’t walk to the RAHC Guide table at GIJoeCon this year and snag a copy of Rank & File vol 4 in person.  Or, if you’re not attending, keep your eyes peeled to the social media channels and website mentioned above to snag your own copy when they go up for order.

Bravo, James!  Bravo!

 

Introducing G.I. Joe Basic Training – a new series on YouTube

Looking to catch up on some G.I. Joe knowledge?  Check out G.I. Joe Basic Training!

g.i. joe basic trainingLet’s be honest– the G.I. Joe brand isn’t exactly a simple property for new fans to dive into.  In terms of A Real American Hero continuity you’ve got the original Marvel Comics series, followed by Devil’s Due Publishing (which was retconned away), and then IDW’s current titles.  In terms of animation there’s the classic Sunbow series, the DiC follow-up, Sgt. Savage, G.I. Joe: Extreme, Sigma 6, Resolute, and Renegades.  Let’s not forget the films in which Paramount pictures concocted a stew based on ingredients from many of the previous properties blended together with a healthy dose of creative license. All of this is just scratching the surface!

To new eyes, it can be a confusing mess of alternate versions of Ripcord and Snake Eyes, Baroness/Duke/Destro love triangles (thanks for that Rise of Cobra), and conflicting origins.  What’s a fan to do?

Enter “MacDowin”.  Long-time G.I. Joe fan and former YoJoe.com staffer, he’s taken on the task of producing short topical videos that shed some light on our favorite brand of “Real American Heroes.”  Focusing initially on the ARAH-side of things, the “G.I. Joe: Basic Training” series tackles a single aspect of the brand in a weekly video.

You can check out Episode 1: Continuity below!

I won’t lie– when MacDowin and I talked about this we discussed what a herculean undertaking this would be.  Where do you start?  Where do you end?  Does Ice Cream Soldier eventually get his own episode?

Thankfully, MacDowin was up to the task!  In fact, he’s current THREE episodes in with a fourth dropping soon. So, if you’re looking to catch up on your G.I. Joe facts or just want some Joe-related content in your YouTube feed, check out G.I. Joe: Basic Training!  If you like the episodes, hit the “subscribe” button so that you’ll never miss out on an single installment!

And now you know…