Category Archives: News

The latest news regarding the G.I. Joe brand is found here.

Free Marauder Task Force figures with $35 order!

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Place an order of $35 or greater and receive a highly articulated Marauder Task Force figure absolutely free!

Marauder Task Force

We make no bones about it here at JBL– we love Marauder Gun-Runners!  Not only are their figure accessories and customer service simply amazing but their Marauder Task Force 1:18 scale figures are some of the best on the market, period.  However, don’t just take our word for it!

marauder task force free promo

From now until 11:59pm on July 17, Marauder Gun-Runners is giving fans the opportunity to receive one FREE Marauder Task Force figure for every $35.00 spent in their online store.  That’s right– spend $35.00 and choose one of four different specific styles of Marauder Task Force figures to receive absolutely FREE!

I’ll be blunt– this is a heck of a deal.  Fans can stock up some killer Marauder armaments and accessories and bolster their troops at the same time.

  • Want to add to your desert forces?  Snag a free brown Terra-Ops figure!
  • Find that your Cobra Hazard Vipers need some backup? Grab an orange Hazard-Ops!
  • Miss the bright-colored days of the Alley Viper v2?  Choose a yellow Shock-Ops!
  • Looking for some more tactically-colored troops?  The Tech-Ops figures are waiting!

I’ve mirrored the full promotion below but, in all honesty, this is a great opportunity to either try out the amazing Marauder Task Force figures or bolster your existing barracks with some new recruits.  Remember, the promo ends this Sunday night at 11:59pm EST! Continue reading →

Toys R Us SDCC G.I. Joe exclusives from the Loyal Subjects

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Toys R Us has revealed their SDCC exclusives including two new G.I. Joe Loyal Subjects vinyl figures!

Yesterday, ToyNewsI.com broke the news of the highly-anticipated Toys R Us SDCC exclusive list.  Many of the usual suspects were represented– Transformers, My Little Pony, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, etc.  However, in spite of the fact that this is a “quiet year” for G.I. Joe, one item on the list caught my attention:

G.I. JOE TIGER FORCE WRECKAGE AND BEACH HEAD 2-Pack from The Loyal Subjects

That’s right– Toys R Us will be offering a SDCC exclusive G.I. Joe Loyal Subjects vinyl two-pack featuring Tiger Force Wreckage and Beach Head.

SDCC Toys R Us Loyal Subjects G.I. Joe exclusives

Featuring the likeness of WRECKAGE and BEACH HEAD from G.I. JOE’S TIGER FORCE™ unit, these 3.2-inch tall vinyl figures feature 14 points of articulation, several accessories to help bring the action of this special subteam to life and come complete in a window box for display. Available only at the Comic Convention and online at Toysrus.com/ComicConvention.

Interesting… I’ll give props to both Toys R Us and the Loyal Subjects for their selection of some out-of-the-normal decos for these characters.  I’m especially excited to see a new spin on the Joe Con 2004 Tiger Force Beach Head who, in spite of his garish color scheme, manages to look AWESOME!  This figures will be available online at ToysRUs.com from July 21 – July 24 in limited quantities.

Continue reading →

Carded Pythona and Mike Power now at the Collector’s Club Store

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The Carded Pythona figures and the Mike Power – Atomic Man 1:16 renewal figures are now available at the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club store!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club Pythona carded

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club really hit one out of the park this year with the Pythona membership renewal figure and attendees of Joe Con 2016 were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to by special carded versions while at the event in Loveland, CO a few weeks ago.  Now, members who weren’t able to make the trek to Colorado also have the opportunity to snag a carded Pythona of their very own!

I won’t sugar coat it– I love this figure.  (As you can tell from the review we posted about three weeks ago.)  She’s absolutely worth owning – both as a modern construction figure and as piece of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero history.  Considering that this is the first-ever figure of the Cobra-La Emissary/Assassin, this figure probably won’t stick around forever.

However, the Club isn’t just catering to the 1:18 crowd.  The latest additions to the Club store also include two options for acquiring the KILLER 1:6 updated Mike Power action figure!  The Atomic Man and his accessory set can be purchased individually or bundled together at a moderate savings.

If you’re going shopping, here are some handy direct links.  (Good for you, bad for your wallet.)  Each item is limited to one per membership.

Check out these and more exclusive items (Dr. Isotope anyone?) over at the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club store!

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Joe Con 2016: Sky Patrol Skystrikers in Club Store

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Joe Con 2016 is now one for the history books but we’ve got one last bit of news.  The Sky Patrol Skystrikers are now available online!

Joe Con 2016 Sky Patrol Skystriker

That’s right Joe fans– the remaining inventory of the silver finish Joe Con 2016 Sky Patrol Skystrikers are now up for sale to anyone with a Club membership.    They’re limited to two per member and each jet will set you back a cool $160.00 but for fans who were debating purchasing one on Ebay this is your chance to get one for retail!

Here’s the official verbiage describing this latest reissue of the G.I. Joe F-14 Tomcat:

LIMITED TO 2 PER MEMBERSHIP.

The Cobra Air Force won’t know what hit them with the Sky Patrol Sky Striker (XP-26) Combat Jet! This fantastic 3 3/4-inch scale aircraft has tons of moving parts and amazing detail. The Limited Edition convention exclusive Sky Patrol Sky Striker features a unique silver color scheme and has wings that sweep in and out, working landing gear and removable missile accessories.

Vehicle and accessories are packed in a silver metallic display box (Figure Not Included)

However, as the informercials say: “But wait, there’s more!” Continue reading →

Newsarama talks IDW Transformers vs G.I. Joe Conclusion

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IDW Publishing’s Transformers vs G.I. Joe series is drawing to a close and Newsarama sits down with Tom Scioli to discuss the “end of days.”

IDW G.I. Joe vs Transformers #13

If nothing else, IDW’s Transformers vs. G.I. Joe series has certainly sparked a great deal of discussion both within the respective fandoms and without.  Terms like “non-traditional”, “Kirby-esque”, and “whacked out” have all been used to describe the over-the-top exploits of two of Hasbro’s most successful in-house properties in a series that focused more on the visuals rather than on the depth of the story.

Writer/artist Tom Scioli sat down with Newsarama to discuss the series’ swan-song issue which drops on shelves this week.  He also discusses the possibility of another potential follow-up story hitting shelves next year.  It’s an interesting discussion that covers topics from story influences to evolving casts to the creative process.   Even if you’re not a fan of his particular take on this shared universe, it’s still worth a read if for nothing more than to understand the creative influences on the book.

Check out the interview over at Newsarama.com!

G.I. Joe vs. Transformers #13 hits shelves this week.

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12 Days for Animal Warriors of the Kingdom Kickstarter

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There are 12 days remaining to support the Animal Warriors of the Kingdom Kickstarter project!

Animal Warriors of the Kingdom Kickstarter

We’ve talked about it once before and as part of our Armchair Coverage of Joe Con 2016 but it’s time to sound the rallying cry once more!  The Animal Warriors of the Kingdom can use your support!  Time is running out!

Yes, I realize that there are plenty of high-quality toy lines vying for the attention of collectors these days.  From the Marauder Task Force to the amazing Vitruvian HACKS to the forthcoming Legends of the West, collectors are finding themselves faced with a veritable cornucopia of high quality products to choose from.  From modern military to Greek mythology to the Old West, there seems to be something for everyone.  So what makes the Animal Warriors of the Kingdom unique?  What reason could I possibly give to persuade action figure collectors to support this project in its final two weeks?

I won’t give you one.  I’ll give you:

Five Reasons to Support Animal Warriors of the Kingdom.

Continue reading →

SDCC 2016: Micronauts return in exclusive set!

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As we get closer to the full launch of the Hasbro Cinematic Universe, we’re hearing more and more mentions of the properties involved.  Case in point: the Micronauts are returning to SDCC 2016!

SDCC 2016 MICRONAUTS CLASSIC COLLECTION Set

As first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, this year’s Hasbro San Diego Comic Con exclusives will include a special reissue set consisting of three classic figures from the original 1976 – 1980 toyline that was released in the US by Mego.  The original Micronauts line itself was based on the Takara Microman line that was sold in Japan beginning in 1974.

The Micronauts set will be available at the Hasbro booth at SDCC 2016 from July 21 – 24 and with limited stock available after the show at HasbroToyShop.com.  They’ll also be making an appearance at Fan Expo Canada from Sept. 1-4 at the Metro Toronto Convention Center.

The SDCC 2016 Micronauts set includes modern reissues of three original line characters including:

While I would never considered myself a life-long Micronauts fan I’m just old enough to have had a few figures from the line as a kid– including Pharoid.  Granted, I was probably too young to truly appreciate him (which explains why he’s missing ALL of his accessories now) but seeing him included in the set tugs on the nostaligic heartstrings in such a way that I’m going to do my darndest to try and acquire one of these SDCC 2016 Micronauts sets when they drop on HTS post-show.  I still have enough vague memories of the old Micronauts commercials from TV to get excited about their inclusion in the Hasbro Cinematic Universe!

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G.I. Joe 2016 Official Press Images

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This past weekend, Hasbro unveiled the G.I. Joe 2016 roster that was initially teased in the crossword puzzle.  Attendees of Joe Con 2016 were able to get an up close look at the figures at the Hasbro booth.

Today, Hasbro released hi-res press images for the rest of us!

G.I. Joe 2016 lineup

 

As a reminder, here’s the roster of characters that we’ll be seeing this year across the forthcoming G.I. Joe 2016 “Versus two-packs” and squad three-packs.

G.I. Joe 2016 Versus two-packs

G.I. Joe 2016 Squad three-packs

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These figures will be available November 2016 at Toys R Us and EntertainmentEarth.com.

WOO HOO!!!  New Joes are coming!!!!  Even though this a “quiet year” for the brand, the G.I. Joe 2016 lineup offers, to borrow a phrase, “something old, something new.”  The hard-to-find Zombie Vipers are a nice boon to collectors– especially since they will be packed two to a case.  In addition, new characters like Stiletto and Tombstone counter-balance the inclusion of Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes.  Plus, as it was pointed out by Chris John on the JBL Facebook page, the female Cobra Officer looks a bit familiar.

"Careful Destro, she'll cost you your ancestral home!"

“Careful Destro, she’ll cost you your ancestral home!”

What do you think of the G.I. Joe 2016 line-up?  Will be be adding any of these to your collection?  Let us know in the comments below, over on the JBL forums, or on the JBL Facebook page!

Joe Con 2016: Legends of the West

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Joe Con 2016 concludes today but we’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about Legends of the West.

Legends of the West control art

Earlier in the Armchair Coverage of Joe Con 2016, there was mention of the Broken Arrow Toys booth and how there were several lines being displayed there.  JBL’s already highlighted Spero Studios Animal Warriors of the Kingdom but now it’s time to acknowledge another more classic-themed line: Chicken Fried Toys’ Legends of the West!

Imagine if you will a brand-new 1:18 scale series of Western-themed figures.  Now, take those figures and add in incredible sculpting detail.  Sound pretty good?  Let’s take it a step further and give them modern-level articulation!  Now, if that doesn’t make you want to saddle up and support the line I don’t know what will!

According to the images shown at the Broken Arrow Toys booth, the line will consist of the following figures:

  • The Head Honcho
  • The Gunfighter
  • Trail Drover
  • Masked Lawman
  • The Marshall
  • The Sheriff
  • Territories Lawman
  • The Shopkeeper
  • The Trail Boss
  • The Ranch Hand

There’s also the possibility of two others who, according to the initial artwork, seem to be a combination of parts from the other figures.  Each figure also appears to include at least two accessories (firearms) as well as a unique Chicked Fried Toys display base.

But wait, there’s more!!! Continue reading →

Joe Con 2016: G.I. Joe Collector’s Club news & FSS 5 lineup

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The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has completed the Joe Con 2016 Roundtable panel and it was a doozy!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club logo

Perhaps the biggest news of Joe Con 2016 concerning the Club came from the Hasbro panel held earlier in the day where it was revealed that Hasbro has decided to continue its relationship with Fun Publications through 2018.  Despite rumors and all evidence to the contrary earlier this year, the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has a two-year lease on life! Whatever transpired in the months since the Club announced that all memberships would end on December 31, 2016 it certainly seemed to be beneficial for the folks at Fun Publications.  (Did the Save G.I. Joe petition have any impact?)

Next year’s convention will be June 15 – 18, 2017 at Walt Disney World!

Hasbro announcement

However, the most pressing question on the minds of most G.I. Joe fans out there was “What is the line-up for FSS 5?”

Here are the “Quick Notes” from today’s panel…. including this year’s FSS announcement!

Introduction:

Brian Savage, David Lane, Lanny Lathem, and Pete Sinclair take the stage.

  • Contract for the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has been extended for two more years. The Club, FSS, and convention will continue through 2018.
  • Membership renewals will turn back on later this week.
  • If your membership ran out in May & June, go to the store, login, and add it to your cart. It should reapply to your account.
  • Contract was initially NOT renewed. However, this was changed and Brian thanked the fandom for their support, including the petition from Joe Colton.  Derryl DePriest is acknowledged as the person who turned things around for the Club.
  • The renewal only took place in the last two weeks.

Sky Patrol discussion: Continue reading →