G.I. Joe FSS 5 Scoop & Ambush reviews!

No, you’re not seeing things: JBL has finally posted the FSS 5 Scoop & Ambush reviews!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Scoop & AmbushChris and Fred have been whittling down the tremendous backlog of FSS reviews that has build up here at JBL over the past few months.  Long since photographed and written, our two interpid reviews finally take a look at two DiC-era Joes: Scoop and Ambush.  (Or, as Fred likes to refer to them: “Giraffe Boy & the Tangerine Dream“…)

They’re two Joes from the second-era of G.I. Joe animation that have been both been long overdue from an update.  However, was it worth the wait?  Do our intrepid reviews find this DiC duo to be worthwhile purchases?  Does Deadpool rear his scarred head once more in another gratuitous cameo?

Check out the reviews of the FSS Ambush and Scoop in the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club FSS Review Index and check back as we tackle more FSS 5 & FSS 6 reviews next week!

GIJoeCon 2018: Python Patrol HEAT Viper lights it up!

The GIJoeCon 2018 previews are coming fast and furious! Today’s reveal: the Python Patrol HEAT Viper!

GIJoeCon 2018 Python HEAT Viper

PYTHON PATROL
HIGH EXPLOSIVE ANTI-TANK TROOPER:
H.E.A.T. VIPER

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure.
– Modern Era Update of Character based on 2003 design.
– THREE Army Builder action figures in this exclusive set.
– Includes removable harness, bazooka shells x 6, bazooka,
connection tube, backpack, and Cobra Logo Stand.

Hmm… not quite as “hot” as I was hoping for…

The recipe for the Python Patrol HEAT Viper is pretty simple.  Take the 2014 50th Anniversary HEAT Viper and apply an approximation of the 2003 Python Patrol HEAT Viper color scheme.  I say “approximation” because this one is close but there’s something off about it. Continue reading

GIJoeCon 2018: Slaughter’s Marauders Mutt revealed!

Another day and another reveal from the GIJoeCon 2018 set.  Today: Slaughter’s Marauder’s Mutt & Junkyard!

GIJoeCon 2018 Slaughter's Marauders Mutt

SLAUGHTER’S MARAUDERS
MILITARY POLICE & K-9: MUTT & JUNKYARD

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure.
– Modern Era Release of Character based on 1989 SM design.
– Includes removable helmet, muzzle, vest, submachine gun,
baton, knife, dog leash, and G.I. Joe Logo Stand.

Say what you want about the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club but they certainly stick close to the vintage designs. In this case, the recipe for the convention exclusive figure is simple: take the 25th Anniversary Mutt build and apply the 1989 Slaughter’s Marauders version color scheme.  Some might criticize this as not being different enough from the 25th release in terms of parts but it is in keeping with the spirit of this set so far.  After all, Footloose was a repaint of his previous Club release in the team deco. Continue reading

GIJoeCon 2018: Python Patrol Lamprey preview!

GIJoeCon 2018 is 139 days away and we’ve got our second figure preview– the Python Patrol Lamprey!

GIJoeCon 2018 Python Lamprey

PYTHON PATROL AMPHIBIOUS TROOPER:
PYTHON LAMPREY

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure.
– Modern Era Update of Character based on 2003 design.
– THREE Army Builder action figures in this exclusive set.
– Includes removable face mask, vest, submachine gun,
pistol, swim fins, backpack, and Cobra Logo Stand.

Hmm… not entirely what I expected in terms of build.

Let’s be honest– this could have been an easy repaint for the Club.  Take the 2009 Defense of Cobra Island Cobra Lamprey, slap on the color deco from the 2003 Python Patrol Lamprey and call it a night.  Instead, the build is different– I’m possibly seeing some Paris Pursuit Snake Eyes legs.  They’re baggier than I would have presumed practical but they still look pretty solid. Continue reading

GIJoeCon 2018: Meet Slaughter’s Marauders Footloose

GIJoeCon 2018 is a few months away and the reveals have begun!  First out of the gate is Slaughter’s Marauders Footloose!

GIJoe Con 2018 Slaughter's Marauders Footloose

SLAUGHTER’S MARAUDERS
INFANTRY TROOPER: FOOTLOOSE

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure.
– Modern Era Release of Character based on 1989 SM design.
– Includes removable helmet, harness, assault rifle, rocket launcher,
knife, pistol, flashlight, backpack, and G.I. Joe Logo Stand.

(Note: Photo depicts action figure mock-up and final product may slightly differ.)

Hmm… this is interesting. Very interesting indeed…

It’s no secret that, when faced with between the decision to either adhere to vintage aesthetics or modernize a character design, the Club always chooses vintage.  Such is the case with Slaughter’s Marauders Footloose who is sporting a near-identical color scheme to the 1989 vintage figure.  The parts build should come as a surprise to no one as it is the same as was used for the 2012 Club membership incentive Footloose but the color scheme was a bit of a wild card.   Continue reading

GIJoeCon 2018 brochure is now online!

The suspense is over… the GIJoeCon 2018 brochure is now ONLINE!

GIJoeCon 2018 logo

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?  Continue reading

G.I. Joe Club Female Cobra Troopers 3-pack review

G.I. Joe Collector's Club Female Cobra TroopersNo, you’re not seeing things.  A new review HAS been posted at JBL.  Really.  This is not an illusion, hoax, or #fakenews.  It’s the first of many to come as the admin works to update and reorganize the existing review indexes on the site!

In 2017, the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club released a three pack of figure that many fans feel is LONG overdue: the female Cobra Troopers!  There’s been a precedent for female troopers set in both cartoon and comic format and yet for years the ranks of the Cobra blue shirts were dominated by men.  However, in an age where the role of women in combat has evolved it seemed only natural that Cobra would keep pace.

Is this three pack worth getting?  Do these troops hold up to previous releases?  Does Deadpool make any sort of a cameo?  Find out in the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Female Cobra Trooper 3-pack review over at the revised G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Review Index!

While you’re at it– be sure to check out the updated G.I. Joe Collector’s Club FSS Review Index.  With the volume of figures released by the Club in the FSS it only seemed proper to split that series off into its own page.  We’ll have updated reviews there soon including: Ambush, Scoop, Raptor, Gaucho, Shattered Glass Tomax, Steel Raven, G.I. Jane, Captain Skip, Dojo, Crosshair, Payload, Night Stalker Commander, and Rampart!

Dreadnok Ground Assault 4WD and Heartwrencher revealed!

Christmas may have come and gone but the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has one more present for members: the reveal of the Dreadnok Ground Assault 4WD and Heartwrencher!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club Heartwrencher Dreadnok Ground Assault

Wow… just wow… this one came out of nowhere!  Ever since it was announced at the Collector’s Club roundtable back in 2015, fans have speculated about the fate of the club exclusive Dreadnok Ground Assault 4WD with Heartwrencher figure.  Now, thanks to the our friend “Shattered Glass Jazz” we have a look at the preview of this upcoming set.  (Rick always gets his newsletters before anyone else.  I’m thinking he has “mob ties.”)

Let’s start with the driver Heartwrencher…   Continue reading

Merry Christmas from your friends at JBL!

Merry Christmas from  your friends here at JBL!

JBL christmas 2015

Today is Christmas Day!  Whether or not you celebrate it for its religious significance, today is day in which much of the western world seems to set aside differences and grievances and instead focuses on a spirit of giving and compassion.  For children, it’s a day in which brightly wrapped packages appear under a decorated tree– each promising hours of excitement to come.  For parents, it’s a day to watch over their children or even grandchildren as they embrace Christmas with open arms.

For all of you who read this, I’d like to express my wamest wishes for a safe and happy holiday to your and your families.  While our favorte brand of adventurers, soldiers, and Real American Heroes are no longer in stores, we can still enjoy the spirit of the season and look back fondly on the days when boxes of familar Hasbro products were unwrapped and new adventures with G.I. Joe were ahead.  G.I. Joe will return– and whether or not it is in a form familiar or in a brand new aspect, we all hope that name “G.I. Joe” will continue to foster the imagination of future generations.

Or rather, as the “Great Snake” himself once put it so succinctly:

 

G.I. Joe FSS 7 Crystal Ball mesmerizes your mind!

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club dropped the final FSS 7 preview today: Crystal Ball!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club FSS 7 Crystal Ball

COBRA HYPNOTIST
Code Name: CRYSTAL BALL

(Inspired by the 1987 action figure.)
Features NEW head sculpt!
Includes: removable vest, pistol, knife,
Re-tooled Hypno-shield, and figure stand.

Finally!  My reason for subscribing to FSS 7 has been revealed!

Let’s start off and see how this mock-up stands up to the original 1987 Crystal Ball.

I’m seeing the legs of the 25th Anniversary Iron Grenadiers Destro. The vest appears to be from the 30th Anniversary Gnawgahyde while the hypno-shield looks to be brand new.  (Please, let that be a lenticular decal.  Seriously– that’s non-negotiable.)  However, that’s not the real selling point of the figure. Continue reading