Category Archives: Conventions

If JBL has covered or attended a convention, the information will be here.

G.I. Joe Convention 2014 – Ozone Revealed!

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2014 G.I. Joe Convention

The 2014 G.I. Joe Convention is 68 days away and yet it’s time for another reveal from this year’s convention set: The Zombie Initiative!  This time the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has unveiled ECO-Force technician Ozone!

G.I. Joe Convention exclusive Ozone

This year’s convention set has been a series of almost spot-on updates to designs from the latter half of the A Real American Hero run and this is no exception.  Ozone is a terrific update to his 1991 Eco-Warriors version both in terms of color and overall aesthetic.  I strongly suspect the expert hands of the team at Boss Fight Studios in this update which includes the reuse of recent parts like the grenade web gear from the G.I. Joe Retaliation Cobra Trooper!   Otherwise it looks the the Resolute Zartan arms are seeing some use as are the thighs that were most recently used with the Retaliation Kamakura action figure.  Now, if only we could see his bearded head!!!  Also, is it me or is that helmet sitting a bit odd on the shoulders?  Otherwise, solid work from the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club!

ECO-Force Ozone comes complete with everything shown.

That leaves the following as the next preview options:

  • Zombie Hunters: Outback, T’J Bang, Steel Brigade Commander
  • E.C.O. Force: Flint, Ozone, Clean-Sweep
  • Cobra Lab Rat x2, Toxo-Vipers x 3, Toxo-Zombies x 3, and Repulsor with Dawg (NEW K-9).

For more information on the 2014 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention, visit GIJoeCon.com

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G.I. Joe Convention 2014 – Zombie Hunter T’Jbang Revealed!

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2014 G.I. Joe Convention

We’re 71 days away from the 2014 G.I. Joe Convention and it’s time for another preview image from the Zombie Initiative set! This time the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has unveiled Zombie Hunter T’Jbang!

2014 G.I. Joe Convention T'Jbang

Wow!  Talk about being lifted directly from the vintage line!  T’Jbang is spot-on from his original 1992 A Real American Hero version!  I like the reuse of the armor that we’ve seen previously with the Resolute Comic Pack Storm Shadow and the Temple Guardian Snake Eyes!  Plus, the new head really just pops!  Sure, he’s an obnoxiously colored figure from the 90’s– but he’s a COOL-looking obnoxiously colored figure from the 90’s!  Solid work from the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club!

Zombie Hunter T’Jbang comes complete with everything shown.

That leaves the following as the next preview options:

  • Zombie Hunters: Outback, T’J Bang, Steel Brigade Commander
  • E.C.O. Force: Flint, Ozone, Clean-Sweep
  • Cobra Lab Rat x2, Toxo-Vipers x 3, Toxo-Zombies x 3, and Repulsor with Dawg (NEW K-9).

For more information on the 2014 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention, visit GIJoeCon.com

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zombie-initiative-box
eco-force-flint
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2014-joe-con-shirt
ozone-head-shot
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dawg
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G.I. Joe Convention 2014: Eco-Force Flint Revealed!

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2014 G.I. Joe Convention

What’s this– another preview image from the 2014 G.I. Joe Convention Set? The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has unveiled the next figure in the 2014 Zombie Initiative set as the Eco-Force Flint!

G.I. Joe Convention 2014 Eco Force Flint

Well, no one can say that the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club isn’t trying to stay true to the original Eco-Warriors Flint from 1991!  With this bright green and yellow color palate, it’s pretty clear that nostalgia fever will be running high at the con this year.  While I see the giant cannon that was originally released with the wave 1 Retaliation Duke, I also see what appears to be some Resolute accessories (on the left arm) and a brand new helmet!  Plus, that’s a brand new head sculpt!  It is interesting that the figure’s web gear is molded in black– almost in an attempt to add a bit more realism to the character design.

This is one of those times when the GIJCC has to walk a fine line between faithfulness to the original design and keeping the figure marketable.  The 90’s were a neon age that was heavily influenced by toy lines like the TMNT.  The original Eco-Warriors Flint was so bright that he required Joe fans to wear shades just to look at him.  With this update, the original color scheme has been preserved but it’s also been muted some– a change that works very much in this figure’s favor!

The Eco-Force Flint Commander comes complete with everything shown.

That leaves the following as the next preview options:

  • Zombie Hunters: Outback, T’J Bang, Steel Brigade Commander
  • E.C.O. Force: Flint, Ozone, Clean-Sweep
  • Cobra Lab Rat x2, Toxo-Vipers x 3, Toxo-Zombies x 3, and Repulsor with Dawg (NEW K-9).

For more information on the 2014 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention, visit GIJoeCon.com

con14web
cobra-lab-rat
steel-brigade-commander
zombie-initiative-box
eco-force-flint
tjbang
ozone
toxo-viper
2014-joe-con-hat
2014-joe-con-shirt
ozone-head-shot
zombie-hunter-outback
clean-sweep
toxo-zombie
clean-sweep-head
dawg
repulsor
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G.I. Joe Convention 2014 Reveal: Steel Brigade Commander

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G.I. Joe Convention 2014

It’s time for another preview image from the 2014 G.I. Joe Convention Set! Today, “Commander Lane” has unveiled the next figure in the 2014 Zombie Initiative set as the Steel Brigade Commander!

Joe Con 2014 Steel Brigade Commander

 

Interesting.  The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club is definitely dipping into the “vintage well” with this design which seems to be a straight-up recreation of the 1992 Steel Brigade v2 figure.  From the bright blue body to the green vest to the gold helmet this figure is pretty much the ARAH era design brought forth into the generation 3 era.  I’ll be honest– it’s not really knocking the socks off of this particular Joe fan as I’ve never been a huge fan of the original Steel Brigade.  In many ways I wish the Club would have gone back to the color scheme that was used for the Steel Brigade Commander in the MARS Invades set.  I’m picturing this guy in the gray rain camouflage and it’s much more practical image than the Colorforms version I’m seeing here.  He’s just a bit too– “Crayola” for me to take seriously, especially facing off against a zombie invasion. Two previews in and I’m still looking for the “WOW Factor” in this particular set. Of course, that’s just one Joe fan’s opinion.  Vintage purists are probably going to love this!

The Steel Brigade Commander comes complete with

That leaves the following as the next preview options:

  • Zombie Hunters: Outback, T’J Bang, Steel Brigade Commander
  • E.C.O. Force: Flint, Ozone, Clean-Sweep
  • Cobra Lab Rat x2, Toxo-Vipers x 3, Toxo-Zombies x 3, and Repulsor with Dawg (NEW K-9).

For more information on the 2014 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention, visit GIJoeCon.com

con14web
cobra-lab-rat
steel-brigade-commander
zombie-initiative-box
eco-force-flint
tjbang
ozone
toxo-viper
2014-joe-con-hat
2014-joe-con-shirt
ozone-head-shot
zombie-hunter-outback
clean-sweep
toxo-zombie
clean-sweep-head
dawg
repulsor
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G.I. Joe Convention 2014 Unveils Cobra Lab Rat

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G.I. Joe Convention 2014

It’s time again for the annual unveiling of the G.I. Joe Convention figures!  Each year, prior to registration the good folks at the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club launch their marketing blitz and tantalizingly unveil the figures from the year’s convention set.  It’s a slow “dance of the seven veils” with reveals occurring over the course of days if not weeks until the entire 15 figure 1:18 scale set is unveiled in all its plastic glory.

Of course, as a long time Joe fan, you probably already knew that.

So, who’s this year’s first reveal?  It’s none other than the first of several troop builder: the Cobra Lab Rat

Cobra Lab Rat

Hmm… it’s an interesting concept although not quite as strong of a figure as I’d hoped for a debut.  The concept seems pretty simple– take a standard Cobra blue shirt and put him into a lab environment.  A such the figure uses the Retaliation Ultimate Cobra Commander body with the same lab coat that we’ve seen tossed around since the days of “Dr. Rex Lewis” from Rise of Cobra.  He’s topped off with a repaint of the Pursuit of Cobra Dusty extra head.  It’s not a bad look as could have thought of worse ways to make a toxic lab technician.  The use of the Cobra Commander body works for the thicker heavier gloves although personally I might have used a standard Cobra Trooper body underneath just to give it a more rank and file appearance.  However, aside from some personal preferences, it’s not a bad look.

The Cobra Lab Rat comes complete with a Compound Z injector, tablet, briefcase with Compound Z cannisters, and a figure stand.

That leaves the following as the next preview options:

  • Zombie Hunters: Outback, T’J Bang, Steel Brigade Commander
  • E.C.O. Force: Flint, Ozone, Clean-Sweep
  • Cobra Lab Rat x2, Toxo-Vipers x 3, Toxo-Zombies x 3, and Repulsor with Dawg (NEW K-9).

For more information on the 2014 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention, visit GIJoeCon.com

con14web
cobra-lab-rat
steel-brigade-commander
zombie-initiative-box
eco-force-flint
tjbang
ozone
toxo-viper
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2014-joe-con-shirt
ozone-head-shot
zombie-hunter-outback
clean-sweep
toxo-zombie
clean-sweep-head
dawg
repulsor
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G.I. Joe Convention 2014 Joe Colton Will Be Available Carded!

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G.I. Joe Convention 2014

Yesterday’s G.I. Joe Convention 2014 news rocked the online Joe fandom with its announcement of ECO-Warriors vs. Zombies for this year’s 1:18 con set.  However, it was the news that a 1:18 scale Joseph Colton was going to be included in the 1:6 scale set that received most of the discussion I’d read.  Fans were wondering if this figure would be available to those who didn’t purchase the 1:6 set.  Well, according to the official Joe Con Facebook page, it will be:

We are getting questions about the 3 3/4″ Joseph Colton figure:

“I see that there is a 3 3/4” Joseph Colton that comes with the General’s Package (with the club display stand system). I’m a 3 3/4” collector and don’t want to purchase the 12” set just to get this loose figure. Are there any plans to make this figure available to other attendees?”

Yes! We will be carding a number of these same figures (no display stand or backdrop) for our 3 3/4” attendees to have access to this figure.

This was left out of the brochure accidentally. We hope that answers everyone’s questions.

I think that single announcement just made the fandom a lot happier!

G.I. Joe Convention 2014: Zombies vs. Eco-Warriors Theme Announced!

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G.I. Joe Con 2014

 

Zombies are EVERYWHERE these days– from The Walking Dead, to Resident Evil and lastly at the G.I. Joe Convention 2014!

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has released the brochure for the 2014 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention in Dallas, Texas and this year’s theme ties directly into the current craze of “zombie-mania”.  It features the return of the neon-clad Eco Warriors as well as a group referred to as the “Zombie Hunters” vs. Cobra’ s own squad of undead environmental misfits.

Here’s the description for the 1:18 scale set:

COBRA forces have acquired the “Compound Z” formula and have started testing it on their own soldiers. They believe by creating zombie warriors they can rule the World and turn its population into mindless creatures. G.I. JOE headquarters is split on how to handle the zombie affliction: save or eradicate?

GENERAL HAWK has formed two groups to solve this deadly problem. Who will be successful? Will it be the Zombie Hunters whose mission is to eradicate those infected or
will it be the E.C.O. (Emergency Chemical Operations) Force trying to rescue and find an antidote for those afflicted? And, what about the team members who become zombies, are they a casualty of war? If too many are turned, who will be left to complete their mission? Only time will tell and it’s running out!

The 2014 G.I. JOE vs. COBRA convention set contains highly requested teams and some new additions available for the first time in the modern era 25A action figure style. This special edition set includes:

Zombie Hunters: Outback, T’J Bang, Steel Brigade Commander

E.C.O. Force: Flint, Ozone, Clean-Sweep

Cobra Lab-Rats x 2, Toxo-Vipers x 3, Toxo-Zombies x 3, and Repulsor with Dawg (NEW K-9).
Each of these great teams comes with classic weapons, accessories, figure stands and file cards in this exciting fifteen figure boxed set.

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Sgt. Slaughter to Appear at Retro Con 2014

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sgt slaughter

The fan-run convention Retro Con gets better and better with each new announcement. First, the event for 2014 has been extended to two days.  Next Zack Hoffman (the voice of Zartan from the Sunbow animated series) is added to the guest roster.  However, yesterday Retro Con pulled out all the stops– wrestling legend and “real life” G.I. Joe Sgt. Slaughter is now scheduled to appear for both days of the nostalgia event!   You can read the original announcement here.

Autographs or posed photos will be available for $20 with a discount being available for both. So grab your vintage Sgt. Slaughter file cards and make plans to head to Oaks, PA!

Long-known to fans of G.I. Joe from his appearances in the second season of Sunbow’s G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series, Sgt. Slaughter joined WWE (then WWF) in the early 80’s and quickly achieved celebrity status.  Brandishing his signature move “the Cobra Clutch”, he delighted wrestling fans each week with his hard-nosed drill sergeant persona.  Yet it may be his appearance in the animated G.I. Joe: The Movie that permanently endeared him to Joe fans around the world with his leadership of the Renegades and his “itty bitty ditty bag.”

Retro Con 2014 will run from September 27 – 28 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA.  To keep up with the latest on Retro Con 2014, keep your eyes peeled to JBL and follow them online on Twitter at @Retrocons and at www.RetroCons.com.

Code Name Iowa’s Assembled Required 2013 is This Weekend!

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code name iowa assembly required 2013

There are myriad reasons to live in the Midwest: changing seasons, friendly people, good regional food, and more G.I. Joe gatherings than you can shake a stick at!  Earlier this year, Midwestern fans were able to attend Coil Con IV in Kokomo, IN and this weekend they’ll be able to attend Code Name: Iowa’s annual Assembly Required gathering in Des Moines!

In it’s third year this event has grown to such an extent that it requires a brand new location!  Join fans from around the nation in attending panels, checking out dealer tables, and mingling with some very special guests.  It promises to be a fantastic free event that will be fun for collectors of all ages!

Special guests at this year’s event include:

  • Ron Wagner – comic artist from Marvel/IDW
  • Matt Brandenburg – former Hasbro prototype painter
  • Joe:Declassified exhibit – the premiere “behind the scenes” exhibit of rare prototypes, design sketches and more will be on hand featuring G.I. Joe archivists Gary “Goggles” Head and Chris “Topson” Murray

In addition, fantastic door prizes include a set of 20 G.I. Joe Retaliation Night Vipers and a MISB Killer W.H.A.L.E. hovercraft!  That’s right Joe Fans– two lucky individuals are walking away with prizes that will make even the most hardened Cobra loyalist green with envy!   However, as the game show hosts are fond of saying “But wait… there’s more!”

This year marks the debut of the next series of incredible minimalist art prints featuring the 1985 line-up!  Plus, two special minimalist prints will be given away as prizes– Flint and Lady Jaye signed by Bill Ratner and Mary McDonald-Lewis herself!  So, what are you waiting for– a signed invitation for Serpentor himself?!!  Make plans to hit the road this Saturday and join in on the fun! The Code Name Iowa Assembly Required event is THE place to be!

The event is free to the public. For more information visit CodeNameIowa.com or follow them on Facebook at Code Name: Iowa!  (Oh yeah, and tell ’em JBL sent you!)

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Zack Hoffman, the Voice of Zartan, Will Be Attending Retro Con 2014!

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Zack Hoffman voice of Zartan

Retro Con 2014, the annual celebration of all things 80’s, has just announced that Zack Hoffman, the voice of Zartan in the Sunbow animated series G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, will be appearing at the two day event!

We’re happy to announce the addition of Zack Hoffman to our guest list! Zack is best known for giving voice to master of disguise ‘Zartan’ on the original 1980′s GI Joe cartoon created by Marvel Sunbow Productions!

Zack has also recorded hundreds of commercials throughout a career spanning over 30 years in the industry. In addition you may recognize him as the movie director in Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, when Pee Wee reclaims his bike after briefly impersonating a nun!

Most recently Zack has created his own One Man Show call Tuxedo Man, with another entitled The Last DJ coming soon! Check out his website to follow all his works past and present!

Zack will be on hand all weekend to sign autographs free of charge. We only request you limit your items signed to 2 or 3. We thank Zack immensely for agreeing to come out for the show!!

He joins fan-favorite author Mark Bellomo, renowned voice actor Larry Kenney (Lion-O, Thundercats), and internet movie host Mr. Lobo on the guest list.  For its third convention, Retro Con will expand to a full two days to September 27 – 28 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA.  Last year’s guests including Sunbow voice actor Neil Ross and the “godfather of G.I. Joe” Larry Hama!

For more information, visit RetroCons.com or follow them on Twitter at @Retrocons!