NJCC giveaway Mirage revealed! Limited availability on August 18, 2013!

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Fred Meyer

The New Jersey Collector’s (NJCC) returns to Cherry Hill this Sunday and they’ve got a full slate of giveaways/door prizes including another awesome fan-produced figure: Mega-Marine Mirage!

The figure you’re looking at is completely fan-produced– courtesy of the talents of guys like Kevin Watts, raginspoon,CobraStickers.com, and the casting master, nova. An update to the original 1993 Mega-Marine figure, Mirage takes a 20 year old figure design and brings it firmly forward into the 21st century with style!

Here’s the word from the convention organizers, quoted from HissTank.com:

We are now just a few days away from the August 18th Summer NJCC, here is full gallery 40+ images of NJCC Mirage!

Mirage was introduced in 1993 as part of the Mega Marines subline of G.I. Joe A Real American Hero! Make sure to check back to see the full figure with card art and sticker sheet.

New Jersey Collectors Con Summer Show Date August 18th 2013!

Holiday Inn Cherry Hill – New Jersey
2175 West Marlton Pike (Rt. 70), Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Sunday, August 18th, 2013

The door prize announcements will start at 9AM and conclude at 3:30PM with our last door prize announcement.

9AM TRANSFORMERS CONSTRUCT-A-BOTS BUNDLE
10AM MARVEL LEGENDS SDCC 2013 THUNDERBOLTS SET
10AM SDCC GOLD PIMP DADDY DESTRO
11AM G.I. JOE vs TRANSFORMERS SDCC 2013 BOX SET
12AM MY LITTLE PONY SDCC EXCLUSIVE DJ PON-3
1PM BLACK SERIES BOBA FETT & HAN SOLO IN CARBONITE SDCC 2013 BOX SET
2PM MARVEL UNIVERSE DEADPOOL CORPS SDCC 2013 SET
3PM FORTRESS MAXIMUS ENCORE 23
3PM SDCC GOLD PIMP DADDY DESTRO
3:30PM TRANFORMERS SDCC 2013 METROPLEX BOX SET
3:30PM PX-01 GENESIS

I’ll be honest here– this figure is a knock-out in my opinion. It’s a modern update of a classic design that is still immediately recognizable as Mirage! The overall parts combo works to produce a figure that shows that fan-produced customs can meet if not exceed the quality of Hasbro-produced pieces at times. My only regret with this figure is that I have no way to attend the con this weekend and therefore won’t be able to snag one. For those of you who are lucky enough to do so, appreciate him for the 1:18 piece of plastic awesome that he is!

This is just proof that when the “A-Team” of nova, raginspoon, cobrastickers, and Kevin Watts come together on a project good things will happen.

Check out some pics of this amazing figure below:

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SDCC 2013: G.I. Joe vs. Transformers set revealed!

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Fred Meyer

The 2013 San Diego Comic Con exclusive G.I. Joe vs. Transformers set has been announced via USA Today and trust me, this SDCC set is a doozy!

Listing at only $99 and available at the HasbroToyShop.com booth, this year’s set includes the following:

Jetfire (modified Skystriker)
Hound (modified 25th Anniversary VAMP)
Snake Eyes
Baroness (new head sculpt!)
Ravage (with leash)
Blaster (with 3 cassettes)
Bludgeon (based on the forthcoming Budo body!)

Just looking at this list it’s easy to see that Hasbro is going for broke with what is billed as the “epic conclusion” to their series of G.I. Joe vs. Transformers exclusives. With two larger vehicles, three figures, and a slew of new accessories it’s easily the most impressive piece in the series. (Last year’s Shockwave HISS w/ Destro and Constructi-BAT was no slouch, however.) For the cost, this set is a STEAL!

For me, one of the high points of the entire set is the Baroness and Ravage which hearkens back to the cancelled statue that was based on early artwork from Dreamwave’s G.I. Joe vs. Transformers crossover comic series. The new Baroness head is awesome and, well, Ravage has been one of my favorite Transformers since G1 debuted! Plus, the VAMP has been and always will be my favorite G.I. Joe vehicle– throwing in Jetfire just makes this set PURE WIN to me. The use of the forthcoming Budo body to produce Bludgeon is just the icing on the cake. (Nice work by John Warden and the guys in Pawtucket on this one!)

Check out Brian Truitt’s article on USAToday.com for some great quotes from both John and Derryl DePriest about this set and start making plans now to snag this one– I have the feeling that Hasbro could never produce enough to meet the demand this time!

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G.I. Joe FSS 2.0: Keel-Haul and Big Bear revealed!

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Fred Meyer

With the deadline to sign-up for the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Figure Subscription Service 2.0 approaching in 12 days, the final two mock-ups have been revealed!

Big Bear:

First, there was the Joe Con 2012 Operation Bear Trap set. Next, came the reveal of Dragonsky as part of the FSS 2.0 service. Finally, the latest member of the Oktober Guard has been unveiled! Big Bear has never been a huge presence in my mind when it comes to the Oktober Guard and yet I’m happy to see his inclusion in this round of the FSS. After all, you can never have too many people fighting “For the peace-loving people of the Warsaw Pact Nations!” It’s also nice to see elements of the body of the cancelled Alpine Mech Pilot seeing some use. Plus, this head would make for a great Marko Ramius from “The Hunt for Red October.”

Keel-Haul:

I don’t know why but I’ve always had a soft-spot for the character of Keel-Haul. (Or “The Admiral” as I referred to him.) With his aviator jacket, cocked cap, and Burt Reynolds moustache he was a bit of a retired bad-@$$ in my Joeverse. After reading his filecard, the Admiral was one of the Joes that saw field action rather than spending his days resigned to the wheelhouse on the USS Flagg. When it comes to his FSS version, I’m liking what I’m seeing– although the inclusion of the flag is a bit puzzling. However, I’ll say this– there’s never a bad reason for a Joe to hold up the Stars and Stripes respectfully– or in this case the flag of the Flagg itself!

Check out all of the other released mock-ups below. If you’re inclined to sign-up, check out the FSS 2.0 page at GIJoeClub.com and place your order before the deadline!

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G.I. Joe FSS 2: Cesspool & Bombardier mock-ups unveiled!

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Fred Meyer

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club is pulling out all of the stops during this Figure Subscription Service sign-up period– with two more mock-up being unveiled today! The deadline to sign-up is May 22, 2013 and only two more mock-ups remain a mystery.

Bombardier:

Maybe I’m a “bad” G.I. Joe collector but I’ve never been very interested in collecting international figures– until now. The GIJCC took the “blonde Flash” from a few years ago and brought him firmly forward into the Generation 3 era of G.I. Joe. This new version is faithful to his Palitoy origins in terms of initial gear and parts construction. However, he goes completely over the top into “cool” with the inclusion of the Rise of Cobra missile drone accessory. Now if only the Club will give him the name of “Dave Tree” in honor of the Joe detective who shed light on the mysterious origins of this figure!

Cesspool:

Cesspool is one of those figures that I discovered later in life. I was out of actively collecting G.I. Joe when he was released in 1991 and it wasn’t until I wrote the 1991 Cesspool ARAH Review for JBL that I discovered just how amazingly interesting the character was. From his twisted backstory as a cost-cutting CEO to his disfiguring scarred countenance, the character of Vincent D’Alleva really appealed to me. His inclusion in FSS 2.0 was one of the swaying factors in this particular Joe fan’s decision to sign-up. While the Club’s mock-up is mostly digital, I’m happy with the parts combination and am looking forward to seeing a more tangible prototype in the future. This guy is almost the Joker of the G.I. Joe world– what’s NOT to love?!

If this hasn’t convinced you to sign up for FSS 2.0, maybe the final two releases will!

G.I. Joe FSS 2.0: Desert Scorpion and Widescope unveiled!

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Fred Meyer

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club isn’t content to let me post one update today for the FSS 2.0! Nope, they’ve got to unveil TWO more characters in the second round of the Figure Subscription Service: Desert Scorpion and Widescope!

Desert Scorpion:

Fans have been clamoring for the Desert Scorpion ever since the second wave of Mechs was cancelled. (Both Alpine and Desert Scorpion were to be released as mech pilots.) Honestly, he’s not a bad “Franken-Joe” at all and, if my eyes don’t deceive me, that’s the Valor vs. Venom Desert Scorpion insect accessory seeing some new life. Not too shabby at all!

Widescope (and Lamont!):

I’m a sucker for new characters and the GvC era of G.I. Joe was chock-full of them. Sure, we have Shockwave (sorry… SHOCKBLAST) in the Generation 3 era already but who’s to say that the Joes can have only one SWAT specialist? Plus, Widescope comes complete with Lamont– his trust canine partner! With Mutt & Junkyard, Law & Order, and now Widescope & Lamont the Joes are going to have a pretty full kennel! (No, I didn’t forget about Timber– but he walks alone.)

Remember, the deadline to sign-up is May 22, 2013! Check out the Figure Subscription Service 2.0 page at GIJoeClub.com for more details!

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Tollbooth and Tiger Force Shipwreck are latest G.I. Joe FSS reveals!

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Fred Meyer

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club unveiled two more mock-ups of figures that will be included in Figure Subscription Service 2.0 late last week! (However, the admin of JBL had that day off and was away from the internet for most of the day. Something about “wanting a three day weekend” or some such nonsense.)

As was posted previously, sign-up for FSS Round 2 is in full swing so the reveals are trickling out. For the latest two mock-up unveilings, the GIJCC pulled out a classic repaint and a new-to-Generation-3 update of an ARAH vehicle driver.

Tollbooth:

I’ve always had a soft spot for the driver of the Bridge Layer. Maybe it was because I received the original vehicle back in the 80’s as completely unexpected Christmas present or maybe it’s the fact that the driver carried a sledgehammer but something about the character made a strong impression upon this Joe fan. The GIJCC chose well both in terms of parts and accessories– two of the construction cones that previously came with the 30th Techno-Viper are a perfect inclusion! Plus, this is the first LOGICAL use of the mattock that was included with the Resolute Roadblock! As Thomas O’ Mahoney suggested on JBL’s Facebook page, toss in a shovel from the G.I. Joe Retaliation Trooper and he’s ready to get to work on some battlefield fortifications!

Tiger Force Shipwreck:

When it comes to sub-teams, I prefer Night Force over Tiger Force. (I’m still impatiently waiting for my 2013 Homefront Heroes Joe Con set to arrive!!!) So, this figure isn’t exactly one that is high up on my personal Want List. In fact, it’s pretty low on that totem pole. It’s not that this is a bad figure design– the Club has done a really decent job of replicating the color scheme of the ARAH original. It’s just that most of the Tiger Force color schemes were goofy in the 80’s and they’ve not aged particularly well. Plus, this figure uses the 25th Anniversary 5 pack Shipwreck head which has never looked like Hector X. Delgado to me. He’ll most likely end up on shelf behind my Tiger Force Flint and Tiger Force Duke figures.

Sign-up for FSS 2.0 runs through May 22, 2013! After that, it’s secondary market prices which tend to skew higher.

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G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Figure Subscription Service 2 is now LIVE!

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Fred Meyer

With a whirlwind of updates in the past 24 hours, the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has announced that sign-up for the Figure Subscription Service 2.0 is now LIVE!!! You can subscribe for the next 13 figures from now through May 22, 2013!

It all started with this image that was posted on the GIJCC Facebook page yesterday afternoon:

This image confirmed the line-up that was revealed at the 2013 GIJCC Roundtable at Joe Con this year. To recap, this was the roster that was revealed:

Widescope
Dragonsky
Night Force Falcon (with new equipment)
Bombadier (UK)
Tiger Force Tripwire (Brazil)
Tiger Force Shipwreck (Brazil)
Admiral Keel Haul
Tool Booth
Cesspool
Skullbuster
Cobra Desert Scorpion
Big Bear

At that meeting just a few mock-up images were shown as Lanny confirmed he’d only just been able to put them together before leaving for Indy. Now, the Club has unveiled FOUR preview images: Skullbuster, Night Force Falcon, Dragonsky, and Tiger Force Airtight!

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Here’s the official word on FSS 2.0 directly from the Club’s website:
[blockquote]

After the fantastic success of FSS 1.0, the G.I. Joe Collectors’ Club now brings you version 2.0! The FSS is only available to active club members. This service is an optional feature and is not included in the cost of your annual GIJCC membership.The FSS 2.0 subscription set will consist of twelve different carded 3 3/4″ figures. You will receive six shipments starting in approximately September/October of two figures each month. Figures will be shipped in a surprise sequence (figure pairs will be the same for everyone each month). It will be a surprise each month as to which figure pair you receive! Your last shipment (6th shipment) will include your FREE mystery carded 13th figure! The limited edition GIJCC Figure Subscription Service contains a variety of fan requested characters from all eras of the 3 3/4-inch G.I. Joe A Real American Hero collection. The assortment includes 25th Anniversary style figures of characters from the classic 80’s, 90’s, new-sculpt, foreign editions, and unreleased 25th Anniversary characters as well.

[/blockquote]

So there you have it! The roster, a few teaser images, and the link to sign-up for FSS 2.0! I have to admit, the first one made a believer out of me. Yes, I’m not happy about the price of the figures or the subscription at all but then again, like a lot of Joe fans, I’m a man of limited means. However, for the most part the quality and character selection of the first series has been very good and it’s now to the point that I eagerly anticipate the arrival of the brown cardboard box from the GIJCC each month. So it’s a safe bet to say that this particular Joe addict is in for his next 13 figures from the GIJCC– even if my credit card cries a little.

For those of you on the fence, you’ve got until the 22nd. Plus, JBL will begin reviewing all of the figures from FSS round 1 starting NEXT WEEK!

Marvel Universe Nick Fury at HasbroToyShop.com for $14.99

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Fred Meyer

This is almost entirely un-related to G.I. Joe in every way but it’s too good of a deal not to share. HasbroToyShop.com recently has been dumping a lot of the Marvel Comics Online exclusive Universe figures lately at $14.99 a piece– which is a far cry from what you’d end up paying for them on the secondary market. Today, they dropped one of my all-time favorite characters at the bargain price!

That’s right– the ORIGINAL Nick Fury in 1:18 scale form is available for a FRACTION of what I ended up paying for him about 2 years ago. Originally the only way to get Colonel Fury was to subscribe to Marvel Comics Online, pay the $66, fill out a form and mail it in. Trust me, this is MUCH simpler!

Now, I’ll throw out the disclaimer– he’s not as detailed as some of the recent 30th Anniversary G.I. Joe offerings but this is Nick Fury we’re talking about here. Cigar-chomping Hydra-smashing Director of SHIELD Nick Fury! He gets a pass on things like that! Plus he comes with the insanely cool rifle that he wielded during the end of the Civil War crossover and a jet pack.

C’mon– you know you want to snag him! Quit gold-brickin’ and get on it!

Marvel Universe Nick Fury @ HasbroToyShop.com

If you need more incentive, here are a few promo images of the figure!

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New Jersey Collectors Con figure revealed as G.I. Joe’s Salvo!

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Fred Meyer

Fans of custom figures in the G.I. Joe community are probably familiar with the name “Kevin Watts.” Know for his imaginative parts use and mind-blowing painting skills, Kevin is the mastermind behind the Canv-HISS project showcased at the 2013 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention. He’s also the project lead behind last year’s amazing Metal-Head fan figure that was given away at the New Jersey Collector’s Convention. Well, it would seem that Kevin and his talented crew of customizers are back in action once again– and have revealed this year’s NJCC exclusive giveaway figure.

Salvo!

Right now, I really really HATE Kevin. I had the same reaction after last year’s Metal-Head figure. It’s not because it’s a bad figure or anything like that. It’s due to the simple fact that there is no way I’ll be able to obtain one of these. The figures are door-prizes– given away to attendees of the NJCC and are not officially sold in any other capacity. Also, they’re custom figures produced by hand– meaning that the production run is INSANELY low. I was fortunate to see a “prototype” of this figure at Joe Con this year and I can say that is doesn’t disappoint.

If you’re in the area, here’s information on the NJCC:

New Jersey Collector’s Con

Holiday Inn Cherry Hill – New Jersey
2175 West Marlton Pike (Rt. 70), Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Sunday, April 28th, 2013

NJCC Facebook page.

More information on this figure and the event can be found over at HissTank.com.

2013 JoeCon: Hasbro panel detail summary

Posted on April 6, 2013 by Fred Meyer

If you’ve been you’ve been following the JoeCon coverage here at JBL over the past few days– thank you! It’s been several years since I’ve been both at a con and an active part of the Joe community and there was some personal apprehension about coming back to this event after being away for nearly 4 years. However, I can honestly say that it’s good to be back in action again.

Earlier today, I posted live coverage of the Hasbro panel on Twitter. What follows here is a more detailed summary of the information that was presented earlier.

Hasbro had a very small presence at JoeCon this year. Consisting solely of Derryl DePriest and John Warden and a single display case, fan weren’t quite sure what to expect. In fact, the Dynamic Duo from Pawtucket opened their presentation by saying that they were showing the same slide show that was used at Toy Fair and that nothing new would be presented. However, some good information came out of their discussion.

In terms of G.I. Joe Retaliation, the highly anticipated wave 3 will be available later this year– and it’s looking like late July/early August. The order has been sent to the factories in China and production has begun. Figures like Kwinn, Data Viper, Ultimate Duke, Ultimate Roadblock, and Ultimate Flint will be hitting stores with a great deal of fan and retailer anticipation. During this part of the discussion, John Warden broke down some interesting facts for the wave.

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G.I. Joe news, action figure reviews, and discussion

Tag Archives: 1:18 scale

NJCC giveaway Mirage revealed! Limited availability on August 18, 2013!

SDCC 2013: G.I. Joe vs. Transformers set revealed!

G.I. Joe FSS 2.0: Keel-Haul and Big Bear revealed!

G.I. Joe FSS 2: Cesspool & Bombardier mock-ups unveiled!

G.I. Joe FSS 2.0: Desert Scorpion and Widescope unveiled!

Tollbooth and Tiger Force Shipwreck are latest G.I. Joe FSS reveals!

G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Figure Subscription Service 2 is now LIVE!

Marvel Universe Nick Fury at HasbroToyShop.com for $14.99

New Jersey Collectors Con figure revealed as G.I. Joe’s Salvo!

2013 JoeCon: Hasbro panel detail summary

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