Tag Archives: 1:18 scale

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Salvo is a blast from the past

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The G.I. Joe FSS 5 previews continue with a look at the anti-armor specialist Salvo!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Salvo

G.I. JOE ANTI-ARMOR TROOPER: SALVO
(Based on the classic 1990 action figure!)

Includes: removable helmet, rocket launcher with projectile, weapons case, pistol, and figure stand.

NOTE: All images are Photoshop representations, final product, accessories and/or colors may vary!

Hmm… not at all what I was expecting.  Not at all.   When Salvo was first announced I figured that the Club would favor the G.I. Joe Retaliation Roadblock body given the character’s apparent size as well the nature of the gear he toted.  The original 1990 figure was equipped with a MASSIVE missile launcher as was the later DTC Salvo figure.  Instead I’m seeing the legs that were used for the Resolute Duke action figure and, well, an upper torso that seems to lack the muscle mass of ALL of the previous releases.

And then there’s the helmet, which is a reuse of the head protection that was included with the Pursuit of Cobra Sci-Fi.

Again, not at all what I expected and, even though I’ll take a lot of flak for this, not at all in keeping with the character’s previous releases.  Of all of the G.I. Joe FSS 5 reveals thus far I find this one to be the most disappointing in terms of build.  (There are folks out there who will say that I’m nitpicking and that I should just be happy that we’re getting something but I prefer quality over quantity.)

After yesterday’s reveal of Gaucho and now Salvo, I’m not nearly as excited about this roster as I once was.

To subscribe to the FSS, head on over to GIJoeClub.com and JBL for more G.I. Joe FSS 5 reveals and news! Continue reading →

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Gaucho steps into view!

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Another G.I. Joe FSS 5 preview has been released – Z-Force Gaucho!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Gaucho

Z FORCE MECHANIC: RICO “GAUCHO” GONZALLES
(Based on the European exclusive Command Centre action figure!)

Includes: removable vest, grenade launcher, wrench, tool satchel, boot knife, pistol, and figure stand.

NOTE: All images are Photoshop representations, final product, accessories and/or colors may vary!

To quote the 1980’s Saturday Night Live character the Church Lady: “Well isn’t that special…”

It’s no secret that I’m a HUGE fan of the 2015 Gung-Ho action figure which I regard with the same reverence that some folks reserve for their favorite sports teams.  It is an AMAZING figure that fixed ALL of the issues I had with the abominable 25th Anniversary release and then some.  Seriously– it’s one of the best pieces that Hasbro has released in years and nothing will ever persuade me otherwise.

Gaucho, from his very origins, was a repaint of Gung-Ho and so, it seems logical that the Club would take the path of least creative resistance and merely re-release Gung-Ho in a different color scheme.  I should be fine with this… except that I’m not for the simple reason that this figure looks like a lazy repaint to me.  When Gaucho was released as part of the 2010 convention set, his skin tone was changed to reflect his ethnic background and it really helped to set the character apart from Gung-Ho who is, in my opinion, one of the more visually distinctive members of the G.I. Joe team.  As such, I was expected the G.I. Joe FSS 5 version to be similarly produced.  Call me crazy, but this just feels lazy to me.  Even the FSS 4 Jammer wasn’t just a straight repaint of the 25th Anniversary Stalker.

Sorry Gaucho fans, but you deserve better than this figure.

To subscribe to the FSS, head on over to GIJoeClub.com and JBL for more G.I. Joe FSS 5 reveals and news! Continue reading →

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Raptor swoops into view!

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The G.I. Joe FSS 5 previews continue anew with a look at Cobra’s very own bird man: Raptor!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Raptor

COBRA FALCONER: RAPTOR
(Based on the classic 1987 action figure!)

Includes: removable falcon headpiece, harness, whistle, winged backpack,
revolver pistol, bird staff, falcon with removable hood, and figure stand.

NOTE: All images are Photoshop representations, final product, accessories and/or colors may vary!

I can’t help it– I LOVE the character that is Raptor.  He’s an accountant who dresses up in what is essentially a giant bird suit so that he can better relate to his flock of trained falcons.  Seriously– what’s NOT to love about this guy?   Given his rather unique look I was a bit worried as to how the Club would pull off a build that essentially requires so many non-standard parts.

I have to say– I’m pleasantly surprised!  There’s the repurposed ghillie suit of the PoC Jungle Viper, the clawed feet of the comic pack Resolute Destro, and much of the gear of the “desert nomad” PoC Zartan.  However, there’s also a new head cowl that really replicated the original 1987 design.  Not bad, GIJCC.  Not bad at all…

Now, bring on Scoop and Salvo!!!

To subscribe to the FSS, head on over to GIJoeClub.com and JBL for more G.I. Joe FSS 5 reveals and news! Continue reading →

G.I. Joe FSS 5 sign-up is LIVE!

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This isn’t a preview announcement– G.I. Joe FSS 5 sign-up is now LIVE!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 logo

That’s right– no more waiting.  If you want to be a part of G.I. Joe FSS 5, you can sign-up any time between NOW and September 2, 2016!  Of course, membership in the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club is required for purchase.  This year’s sub will set subscribers back a cool $336.00 + shipping in either one lump payment or three installments of $112.00.   (There is an extra transaction fee for the installment plan, per the Club’s usual policy.)

So, if you’re at all interested in this year’s wave of 12 stated figures plus the mysterious 13th bonus character, head on over and sign-up today!

Here’s the official announcement straight from the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club:

The GIJCC Figure Subscription Service 5.0 is an optional separate purchase if you are an active member of the G.I. Joe Collectors’ Club. You can subscribe now through September 2nd deadline!

The cost of the 12 figure subscription service is $336 (+ shipping for 6 shipments). You can pay all at once or in three installments of $112 (billed to your credit card). When you subscribe and choose pay by Installment, you will be billed for the first two month’s shipments. Then sometime during the second month of shipping you will be billed for the 3rd and 4th months’ shipments and sometime during the 4th month of shipping you will be billed for the final 2 months’ shipments. Upon subscription completion, you will receive a bonus carded 13th mystery figure with the last shipment.

Please note that for the installment payment option, there is a $6 service charge per billing while the pay in full option has one $6 service charge. Please also note that for installment buyers, there is an additional charge each time a billing is attempted if your card is not approved. If your card has been declined and we have to re-bill, we will only be able to retry your billing three (3) times before your subscription is cancelled. Each retry has an additional fee added to your total charge (please see the Terms and Conditions.)

This Figure Subscription Service is a “build to order process” so you can order as many as you like, until the order period closes. At that time, we will not process any additional subscriptions and we may/may not have additional figures in the club store at a higher per figure price.

Please note that these are Photoshop mock-ups and the final product may vary. Also note that the colors are approximate as some may look glossy and everyone’s computer screen has a different look/calibration. Final figures colors/names/accessories may vary from the above descriptions and pictures.

Thanks for posting this on all your boards!  Order now!

Brian

Continue reading →

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Battle Corps Cobra Viper preview!

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The G.I. Joe FSS 5 previews continue today with a look at the mock-up for the Battle Corps Cobra Viper!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Battle Corps Cobra Viper

COBRA BATTLE CORPS: COBRA VIPER
(Based on the 1994 Battle Corps action figure!)

Includes: assault rifle, grenade launcher, backpack dagger, pistol, and figure stand.

NOTE: All images are Photoshop representations, final product, accessories and/or colors may vary!

I’m not going to lie — I’m not really a fan of the 1994 Cobra Viper design.  Yes, Hasbro tried something new in that final year and I’ll applaud them for taking some design risks but it just wasn’t my cup of Joe.  (Pun so obviously intended.)  I’m not saying that I don’t like the design aesthetics as I think they were so elegantly repurposed years later as the 2005 Iron Anvil paratroopers.  Instead it’s just that this design doesn’t scream “Cobra Viper!” to me.

Now that my own preferences are safely out of the way, I have to say that this isn’t a bad update at all. I had expected the 2015 “Peril in Paradise” Iron Anvil trooper in a 1994 color scheme.  Instead, this appears to be a Pursuit of Cobra Jungle Viper with what appear to be Retalition Cobra Trooper arms.  This works “well enough” for G.I. Joe FSS 5 because it keeps tooling dollars down and still makes what is essentially an end-of-the-line design available for those who want it.  Fans of the later-era figures are going to be pleased, even if troop-building this figure is going to prove to be a financially challenging scenario.

Five days, five figure previews.  We’ve pretty much knocked off the first five figures revealed at Joe Con 2016.  Does this mean that Salvo is up for Monday? Continue reading →

G.I. Joe FSS 5 General Flagg demands your attention!

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The G.I. Joe FSS 5 previews are coming fast and furious with General Flagg!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 General Flagg

G.I. JOE STRATEGIC COMMANDER: GENERAL FLAGG
(Based on the 1993 Battle Corps action figure!)Includes: removable hat, sub machine gun, top secret files briefcase, pistol, and figure stand.NOTE: All images are Photoshop representations, final product, accessories and/or colors may vary!

Hmm… this is an interesting take on the original 1993 General Flagg.   The jacket is from the 2013 Retaliation masked Firefly— which is “okay” but doesn’t really seem to this Joe fan like something that a general would wear.  (Maybe it’s a bit too biker in feel?) The legs are from 2011 Pursuit of Cobra Duke which are nice and functional and offer a decent range of motion.  The head choice also just seems a bit young to my eyes.  (More Airborne clones!  I don’t know how well the 2012 Brekhov hat is going to stay on that head.)  So, it’s a visually interesting update but one that seems just a bit off in terms of faithfulness to the vintage design.

We’re now four figures in on the previews.  Anyone else thinking that the sign-up is coming in two weeks? Continue reading →

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Darklon preview is live!

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Another day, another G.I. Joe FSS 5 preview featuring Darklon!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Darklon

IRON GRENADIER COURIER: DARKLON
(Based on the classic 1989 action figure!)

Includes: removable harness, scabbard belt with sword, re-tooled projectile rifle, auto pistol, courier case, pistol, and figure stand.

NOTE: All images are Photoshop representations, final product, accessories and/or colors may vary!

Holy 1989 homage, Destro! This Darklon is straight up an homage to the original version of the character from the A Real American Hero line.  Right off the bat, I’m seeing a reuse of the convention exclusive Darklon from 2012 head sculpt– which makes perfect sense to me.  I’m also seeing the legs of the 25th Anniversary Iron Grenadiers Destro which adds a nice bit of MARS cohesion.  As far as the rest of the build, it’s hard to tell with this heavily photo-shopped mock-up.  Still, it’s a decent look for the G.I. Joe FSS 5 build of Darklon.

With three reveals in three days, is the sign-up coming soon?

The G.I. Joe FSS 5 Roster:

  • Concealment Specialist – Ambush
  • Flamethrower – Charbroil (Classic deco)
  • Iron Grenadier Courier – Darklon (more modernized version than previous convention version)
  • G.I. Joe Strategic Commander – General Flagg (similar to Battle Corps version)
  • Cobra Battle Corps Cobra Viper – based on Iron Anvils from 2015 Convention version
  • Anti-Armor Trooper – Salvo (more Pursuit of Cobra styled, based on existing tooling)
  • Combat Journalist – Scoop (using the Sky Patrol Airborne head sculpt from this year’s con set)
  • Cobra Falconer – Raptor
  • Advanced Recon – Sneak Peek (based on FSS 4 Tiger Force version)
  • SKAR Infantry Officer – Steel Raven (based on Club magazine comics – FEMALE character)
  • Cobra Shattered Glass Xamot (from the Club Comic Adventure Team storyline with new head sculpt)
  • Z-Force Mechanic Gaucho (pairs with Jammer)

Keep your eyes peeled to GIJoeClub.com and JBL for more G.I. Joe FSS 5 reveals!

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Meet G.I. Joe FSS 5 Ambush!

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Another G.I. Joe FSS 5 preview from the Collector’s Club – Concealment Specialist Ambush!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Ambush

G.I. JOE CONCEALMENT SPECIALIST: AMBUSH
(Based on the classic 1990 action figure!)

Includes: removable helmet, camouflage cape, grenade bandolier, assault rifle,
sub machine gun, camouflage net, and figure stand.

NOTE: All images are Photoshop representations, final product, accessories and/or colors may vary!

Is it me or is that the General Mayhem head from the Peril in Paradise Tiger Force Convention set?  It totally looks like it is and, since there’s no mention of a new head sculpt in the Club’s description that would appear to be the case.  So, Ambush will have a twin over in MARS.

Otherwise, Ambush looks decent– very evocative of his 1990 action figure debut. I’m seeing what appears to be the net from Shadow Tracker which is an “okay” substitute for the original Ambush’s build-a-blind feature.  Overall, he looks “good but not great” without any real new tooling to give him a more unique look.

The G.I. Joe FSS 5 Roster:

  • Concealment Specialist – Ambush
  • Flamethrower – Charbroil (Classic deco)
  • Iron Grenadier Courier – Darklon (more modernized version than previous convention version)
  • G.I. Joe Strategic Commander – General Flagg (similar to Battle Corps version)
  • Cobra Battle Corps Cobra Viper – based on Iron Anvils from 2015 Convention version
  • Anti-Armor Trooper – Salvo (more Pursuit of Cobra styled, based on existing tooling)
  • Combat Journalist – Scoop (using the Sky Patrol Airborne head sculpt from this year’s con set)
  • Cobra Falconer – Raptor
  • Advanced Recon – Sneak Peek (based on FSS 4 Tiger Force version)
  • SKAR Infantry Officer – Steel Raven (based on Club magazine comics – FEMALE character)
  • Cobra Shattered Glass Xamot (from the Club Comic Adventure Team storyline with new head sculpt)
  • Z-Force Mechanic Gaucho (pairs with Jammer)

Keep your eyes peeled to GIJoeClub.com and JBL for more G.I. Joe FSS 5 reveals!

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Today is SDCC exclusive day at HasbroToyShop!

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Today is the day that the SDCC exclusive items will be listed at HasbroToyShop!

SDCC 2016 Hasbro exclusives

That’s right– today’s the day in which toy collector’s across the globe hit HasbroToyShop.com, constantly refreshing their connections in the hopes that the links will become active.  It’s the day when F5 keys everywhere cry out in anguish…

Or maybe not!

Here’s a list of some of the most relevant items on today’s list:

NOTE: Product is LIVE NOW!

2016 SDCC exclusive Hasbro items:

Here’s a link to the full list of SDCC exclusive Hasbro items at HasbroToyShop.

So, good luck today in obtaining the SDCC exclusive items you’re after!  In previous years, they’ve gone live around 11:00am CST on HasbroToyShop.com but that’s just pure speculation.

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Meet Charbroil in first G.I. Joe FSS 5 preview

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The G.I. Joe FSS 5 previews have started with a first-look at Charbroil!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Charbroil preview

Here’s the details from the Club:

G.I. JOE FLAMETHROWER: CHARBROIL
(Based on the classic 1988 action figure!)

Includes: removable helmet, flamethrower, flamethrower tanks backpack
with connection hose, flame burst attachment, pistol, and figure stand.

NOTE: All images are Photoshop representations, final product, accessories and/or colors may vary!

This one pretty much a no-brainer for the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club to release in G.I. Joe FSS 5.  Essentially, Charbroil is the same build as his previous 2013 Nocturnal Fire version, simply rendered in his original 1988 color scheme.  The Club took a similar approach with their FSS releases of Repeater, Muskrat, Hit & Run, Spearhead & Max, and Psyche-Out back in FSS 3.  Interestingly enough, I could have sworn that it was mentioned that at the 2016 Collector’s Club Roundtable at Joe Con that his helmet would NOT be removable so this is a nice surprise.

There’s still no word on when the sign-up period for G.I. Joe FSS 5 will be begin but now that the floodgates have opened for reveals we have to anticipate it being sooner rather than later.

The G.I. Joe FSS 5 Roster:

  • Concealment Specialist – Ambush
  • Flamethrower – Charbroil (Classic deco)
  • Iron Grenadier Courier – Darklon (more modernized version than previous convention version)
  • G.I. Joe Strategic Commander – General Flagg (similar to Battle Corps version)
  • Cobra Battle Corps Cobra Viper – based on Iron Anvils from 2015 Convention version
  • Anti-Armor Trooper – Salvo (more Pursuit of Cobra styled, based on existing tooling)
  • Combat Journalist – Scoop (using the Sky Patrol Airborne head sculpt from this year’s con set)
  • Cobra Falconer – Raptor
  • Advanced Recon – Sneak Peek (based on FSS 4 Tiger Force version)
  • SKAR Infantry Officer – Steel Raven (based on Club magazine comics – FEMALE character)
  • Cobra Shattered Glass Xamot (from the Club Comic Adventure Team storyline with new head sculpt)
  • Z-Force Mechanic Gaucho (pairs with Jammer)

For more information, keep your eyes peeled to both JBL and GIJoeClub.com!