2016 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention in Loveland CO

joe con 2016 g.i. joe collector's convention

NOTE: This page will be updated periodically while the 2016 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention is occuring in Loveland, CO.  Stay tuned for updates!

The 2016 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention (aka “Joe Con”) was held in Loveland, CO at the Embassy Suites from June 16 – June 19, 2016.

Joe Con 2016 would prove to be one for the history books, as people say.  It was the second-most westerly location chosen for the convention (with San Francisco 2002 being the furthest west) and it would, ultimately prove to be Fun Publications’ final year as the administrator of the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club.

It was the second item of news that would ultimately prove the most shocking to fans.  With Fun Publications out of the picture, what would happen to the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club?  What would fans of the annual event do for their annual Joe gathering?  Was Hasbro giving up on the brand entirely?  Some fans even started a “Save G.I. Joe” petition on Change.org that was designed to ultimately promote the idea of a standalone G.I. Joe convention.  In nearly 4 months the petition managed to collect 2,500 signatures.

There was even some speculation that Hasbro would be starting it’s own multi-brand “Hasbro convention” as part of it’s announced “Hasbro Cinematic Universe”.

The set reveals went as planned with the entire 15 figure Sky Patrol themed set including several DiC-era 1990’s characters.  However, the incredible price increases from the 2015 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention and the “extraordinary circumstances” in shipping were now the norm as the Club told attendees to “bring about what you brought last year” for souvenirs.

Wednesday:

Everything seemed to be going smoothly although the first night’s Golden Ticket package pick-up got off to a rough start.  Apparently the convention sets were held up in customs and then the Club’s driver became sick.

Thursday:

Package pickup for the Golden Ticket holders and the registered attendees occured in the same evening.  It was around 4pm MST when the first images of the souvenir items began to trickle out– heavily influenced by the 1990’s DiC era theme for Joe Con 2016.   The list of souvenirs included:

  • G.I. Joe Glider 2-pack featuring Skymate and Cloudburst – $75.00
  • Heli-Vipers 3-pack – $85.00
  • Sky Patrol Skysweeper jet – $68.00
  • Cobra Hydra jet with Aero-Viper – $85.00
  • Sky Patrol Skystriker – $160.00
  • Sky Patrol JUMP 6-pack – $55.00
  • Cobra JUMP 6-pack – $55.00
  • Parachute drop figure: FREEFALL – $35.00

Bonus Attendee Item: Sky Patrol Air Raid figure

In addition there were carded Freefall and Pythona figures available.  However, it was reported that Pythona sold out before 8pm MST meaning that many attendees were  unable to acquire one.  Overall, reaction to this year’s souvenirs seemed mixed– many attendees seemed pleased but, online the reception was more lukewarm.  Many fans on various forums and Facebook groups questioned the need for “yet another Skystriker” release after having already seen a mass retail version, two SDCC G.I. Joe vs. Transformers versions, a Night Force Joe Con release, and finally an SDCC and Toys R Us release in 2015.

Saturday:

If anyone were to chronicle the history of the annual G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention each and every year they would argue that today was one for the history books.

First off, there were some great “non Joe” reveals from two different companies who were also showing at Joe Con 2016.  Marauder Gun-Runners unveiled new male accessories and premiered concept art for two 2017 releases: exo-suits and articulated military K-9 units!

Secondly, Spero Studios unveiled the “Big Apes” from the second series of the Animal Warriors of the Kingdom line that is currently funding on Kickstarter.

However at 11:00am MST the fun really began as Mark Weber and Derryl DePriest took to the main hall for the annual Hasbro product panel.  It was during this event that Hasbro announced the roster for the 2016 G.I. Joe line that will be exclusive to Entertainment Earth and Toys R Us.  This year the focus was solely on figures as Mark and Derryl unveiled the answers to the G.I. Joe 2016 Crossword that had vexed fans for several weeks.  The news included the reissue of several previously hard-to-acquire figures from the Pursuit of Cobra line as well as the first ever female Cobra Officer figure!  Look for these items to hit stores in November 2016.

 

Check out a video of the entire panel:

Items were placed in the display case shortly thereafter. (Images courtesy of YoJoe.com)

 

However, the biggest news of the day came at the very end of the panel in which Hasbro announced that Fun Publications’ license for the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club, the Figure Subscription Service, and the annual G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention had been extended through 2018!

The next big set of news came from the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club roundtable.  Previously, it had been stated that Fun Publications would be ending their relationship with Hasbro and, according to Brian Savage, that was the case until about two weeks ago.  Thanks to the efforts of Derryl DePriest, the license was extended for another two years.  Next year, Joe Con will be held in Orlando Florida from June 15 – 18, 2017 at the Dolphin Resort at Walt Disney World!

The Club also revealed the entire roster for FSS 5.0 including long-requested characters like Raptor, Ambush and Scoop!  In addition, a 3-pack of female Cobra Troopers will be coming to compliment the announced female Cobra Officer!

It was also revealed that Boss Fight Studio is no longer providing sculpting services for the Club.  Instead, the Club has enlisted the services of long-time Mattel assets The Four Horsemen, renowed for their work on the Masters of the Universe Classics line.

 

Check out the video below:

Joe con 2016 armchair coverage featured