Tag Archives: 1987

G.I. Joe FSS 8 Payload is out of this world!

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The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has unveiled the preview of their upcoming FSS 8 Payload!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club FSS 8 Payload

G.I. JOE DEFIANT SHUTTLE PILOT
Code Name: PAYLOAD
(Inspired by the 1987 action figure.)
Includes: removable helmet, MMU backpack,
control arms x 2, and figure stand.

Be honest– did you ever think we’d have a modern update to the G.I. Joe shuttle pilot?

Of all of the figures on the FSS 8 roster, Payload was likely to be the hardest to pull off.  Simply put– there aren’t a lot of parts out there that can emulate the original 1987 Payload very easily.  The shuttle astronaut featured a fairly unique build with a lot of specialized parts. Continue reading →

G.I. Joe Collector’s Club FSS 8 Fast-Draw blasts into view!

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We have our second preview from the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club FSS 8 roster and it’s Fast-Draw!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club FSS 8 Fast Draw

G.I. JOE MOBILE MISSILE SPECIALIST
Code Name: FAST DRAW
(Inspired by the 1987 action figure.)
Includes: removable helmet, face mask, revolver pistol,
backpack missile system with 8 projectiles, remote controls x 2,
connection hoses x 2, and figure stand.

NOTE: These modern era club exclusive action figures will not be exact replicas of their vintage counterparts. All images are Photoshop mock-up representations, final product, accessories and/or colors will vary!

Man… I was anticipating Fast-Draw’s reveal but I never expected it to be the second one posted! Continue reading →

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

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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 →

G.I. Joe FSS 6 WORMS Officer may make you squirm

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We’re nearing the end of the G.I. Joe FSS 6 previews with a look at the Cobra WORMS Officer!

G.I. Joe FSS 6 Cobra WORMS Officer

COBRA ARTILLERY COMMANDER
Code Name: COBRA W.O.R.M.S. OFFICER
(Inspired by the 1987 Cobra vehicle driver!)
Features NEW cloth ascot & re-tooled classic helmet.
Includes: removable helmet, jacket, ascot,
pistol, computer pad, explosive projectile,
and figure stand.

He’s an officer and a gentleman!  Or is he? Continue reading →

FSS 6 Hardtop blasts into view!

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The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club is going full-bore with the FSS 6 previews including today’s reveal: Hardtop!

G.I. Joe FSS 6 Hardtop

G.I. JOE SPACE VEHICLE LAUNCH OPERATOR
Code Name: HARDTOP
(Inspired by the 1987 action figure!)
Includes: removable harness, pistol, wrench, tool case,
and figure stand.

Like so many of the FSS 6 reveals thus far, Hardtop contains few surprises.  Ever since the Club released FSS 2 Tollbooth I’ve been wondering when they’d get around to re-purposing that head for the Defiant launch vehicle operator.  This is the Club, after all, and they have a penchant for finding ways to reuse parts they’ve produced.

Continue reading →

G.I. Joe FSS 5 General Flagg & Sneak Peek Reviews

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The G.I. Joe FSS 5 General Flagg & Sneak Peek reviews are LIVE!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 General Flagg Sneak Peek shipment 4

The best laid plans of mice and men…

After FAR too long of a delay, Chris and I take a look at the fourth shipment of the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Figure Subscription service 5.0.  This set of figures was sent to subscribers back in March and contained General Flagg and the classic 1987 deco of Sneak Peek.  Unfortunately, that pesky “real life” got in the way for both of the reviewers and so these reviews were delayed until now.  (I’ll be adding additional photos to Flagg over the weekend. Pesky day jobs really sucked away some quality “hobby time” during the past month.)

General Flagg (the younger one) is rocking his 1994 deco while Sneak Peek is back for his second GIJCC release in his classic original colors.  This marks one more addition to the update rosters for both 1994 and 1987.  Now only Fast Draw is missing from the original ’87 single carded G.I. Joe team members.

Were these two figures worth the wait?  Are they a bargain at the FSS price?  Do either of the reviewers acknowledge Deadpool’s conspicuous absence this month?

The answers to these burning questions and more are found in the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Review Index!

Joe Con 2017: Battle Force 2000 Blocker revealed

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A new week and a new Joe Con 2017 preview.  Meet Battle Force 2000 Eliminator driver Blocker!

G.I. Joe Con 2017 Battle Force 2000 Blocker

G.I. JOE BF 2000 TEAM:
David “Blocker” McCarthy

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure.
– 1st Modern Era Release of Character based on 1987 design.
– NEW Head Sculpt and includes removable Vest,
Tactical Shotgun, original XL-13 Laser weapon,
with G.I. Joe Logo Stand.

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

Just like that we’ve now seen every member of the Joe Con 2017 iteration of Battle Force 2000.

Blocker’s not bad… It looks like we’ve got another Club use of the Retaliation G.I. Joe Trooper web gear to recreate the original 1987 Blocker torso.  I see my least favorite Pursuit of Cobra Snake Eyes lower legs as well.  We do get a brand new head sculpt for the figure– but it appears to be missing the visor found on the original figure.  Really?  That’s kind of big omission but the Club seems to be going with head sculpts that require ZERO additional attachments these days– most likely to keep costs down.  Thank goodness that cost savings was passed on to the Joe Con 2017 attendees.  Oh wait…

Overall, it’s a decent approximation of the original vintage figure.  Plus, there’s the recreated 1987 sidearm that the Club has tooled up for each member of the team.

With this preview we’re down to the preview of the new BAT v1.8 — of which there will be eight included in the set.  (Let’s hope it’s good.)

In case you’re keeping score, here’s the roster and all of the previews shown thus far:

Battle Force 2000:

Cobra:

According to the convention brochure, this year’s Joe Con 2017 boxed set will retail for $410.00.  Also, there’s no word on souvenir pricing at this time although it’s a safe bet that prices will remain at or around levels seen in both 2015 and 2016.  With so many vehicle drivers in the mix it’s a sure bet that the souvenirs this year will be mostly vehicles.  The question remains– which vehicle molds will be repainted and reused?

For more information on this year’s event at Walt Disney World, visit GIJoeCon.com!

Joe Con 2017: Battle Force 2000 Avalanche preview

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The Joe Con 2017 previews continue with a look at Battle Force 2000 Avalanche!

Joe Con 2017 Battle Force 2000 Avalanche

G.I. JOE BF 2000 TEAM:
Ian “Avalanche” Costello

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure.
– 1st Modern Era Release of Character based on 1987 design.
– NEW Head Sculpt and includes removable Bandolier, Knife,
Assault Rifle, Re-tool of iconic P-460 Sub-Zero Stun Gun,
with G.I. Joe Logo Stand.

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

Holy Photoshop, Batman! The preview of Battle Force 2000’s Avalanche is more digital than real!

According to the description, we’re getting a new head for this figure, which is a good thing.  However, given the fact that the helmet is non-removable and the design deviates somewhat from the original 1987 design, it’s a good bet that we’ll be seeing this head reused in the next FSS as we did with Airborne into Scoop.  (I’m thinking maybe Windmill?  That’s just some idle speculation on my part.) There’s also the fact that last year’s Static Line head bore more than a passing resemblance to Persuader driver Backstop.  Hmm…

Additionally, we’re seeing another original Battle Force 2000 weapon retooled for this figure.  This begs the question: are THAT many fans really enamored with BF2K’s vintage weapons?

As far as the rest, I think I’m seeing the Retaliation Firefly torso, and maybe Wraith’s lower legs?  (I can’t be certain the last point– it’s been a long time since I looked at my Wraith figure.)

With four Joe Con 2017 figures previewed, we’re at the halfway point for the character designs in this year’s set.  As such, that leaves just four more previews before the entire set is revealed.

Here’s the roster, just in case:

Battle Force 2000:

Cobra:

According to the convention brochure, this year’s Joe Con 2017 boxed set will retail for $410.00.  Also, there’s no word on souvenir pricing at this time although it’s a safe bet that prices will remain at or around levels seen in both 2015 and 2016.  Regardless, it will be interesting to see how the Club intends to replicate the signature vehicles of this DARPA-inspired team.  Could another RHINO re-release be in the works?

For more information on this year’s event at Walt Disney World, visit GIJoeCon.com!

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Joe Con 2017: Battle Force 2000 Knockdown unveiled

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As the Joe Con 2017 reveals continue, feast your eyes on Battle Force 2000 Knockdown!

Joe Con 2017 Battle Force 2000 Knockdown

G.I. JOE BF 2000 TEAM:
KNOCKDOWN

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure.
– 1st Modern Era Release of Character based on 1987 design.
– Includes removable Helmet and Vest, Tactical Rifle, Re-tool
of iconic Ground to Air Pistol, and G.I. Joe Logo Stand.

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

The Battle Force 2000 Sky Sweeper driver Knockdown is back– even if this image is pretty Photoshop heavy.  Right off, I’ll admit that I didn’t see the reuse of the 2013 Retaliation Lift Ticket helmet coming but it works!  The PoC Techno-Viper lower legs are a decent approximation of the original 1987 Knockdown design— or at least as well as could be done with existing parts.  I can also appreciate the newly-tooled vintage weapon recreation– even if I’d much rather have a new head sculpt for the character.

As far as the Joe Con 2017 previews go, he’s not bad.  He’s not the strongest of the three, but he’s not bad.  Definitely a decent approximation of the original design.

So far, we’ve had the following characters from this year’s set revealed:

G.I. Joe Battle Force 2000:

  • Avalanche, Blaster, Blocker, Dodger, Knockdown, Maverick

Cobra: BATs:

Without a greater description of this set, we’re still left wondering just who exactly is coming on the Cobra side of this year’s Battle Force 2000 vs Cobra BATs set.  Could Overkill be in the works?

For more information of this year’s event, visit GIJoeCon.com.

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G.I. Joe FSS 5 sneak peek of Sneak Peek

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The G.I. Joe FSS 5 previews continue with a sneak peek of Sneak Peek!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Sneak Peek

 

G.I. JOE ADVANCED RECON: SNEAK PEEK
(Based on the classic 1987 action figure!)

Includes: removable helmet & vest, assault rifle, binoculars, field radio,
modern era design periscope, and figure stand.

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

It’s a foregone conclusion when the Club releases a sub-team version of a new character that the standard release will follow before too long.  Case in point: Tiger Force Sneak Peek is now returning as standard version Sneak Peek.  However, rather than a straight repaint, the  Club opted to make some changes.  The figure’s web gear has been changed and, to my eyes, it’s actually less of a match for the original 1987 design than the vest used in the recent Tiger Force release.  I’m not entirely certain what the reason was for the change but it is what it is.  (It looks a bit short in the picture.)  Otherwise, it’s a decent update albeit one that once again reuses the 25th Anniversary Airborne head. #Twinning indeed!

Plus, it’s STILL better than 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 →