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

Posted on August 16, 2016 by Fred Meyer

The G.I. Joe FSS 5 previews continue anew with a look at Cobra’s very own bird man: 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 4 final shipment is incoming!

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Fred Meyer

The final shipment of G.I. Joe FSS 4 is inbound! That’s right Joe fans, Tiger Force Outback and Sneak Peek are on their way to subscribers as I type this. However, this shipment is also noteworthy for containing the “Mysterious 13th Figure” whose identity remained cloaked under a veil of G.I. Joe Collector’s Club secrecy– until now. Thanks to Alyosha of BrokenArrowToys.com, we have images of this final shipment!

First, let’s take a look at the two figures we knew were coming– Tiger Force Outback and Tiger Force Sneak Peek.

Tiger Force Outback:

I look at Tiger Force Outback and I hear the immortal words of Winston Zedmore from the original Ghostbusters film:

“Man, I have seen $#!% that will turn you WHITE!”

If you’ve been reading the comics in the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club monthly magazines then you’ve likely read the Club’s rationale for why Outback is suddenly a candidate for the position of Grecian Formula spokesman. According to those comics, after the events of the Compound Z incident, Stuart Selkirk found his hair irrevocably changed due to the exposure to the Z+ formula. As cheesy as that might sound, it’s honestly the best explanation for why he went from being a ginger in 1987 to a Santa Claus stand-in in 1990. In addition, he’s sporting a styling new head which looks a bit less like Chuck Norris than the 2009 25th Anniversary version did. Plus he now has hinged wrists!

Tiger Force Sneak Peek:

I feel like I start off every single Tiger Force review or article with the phrase “I’m not a big fan of Tiger Force.” However, I have to say that it’s good to see both Sneak Peek FINALLY see representation in the generation 3 construction style and the color orange being used for Tiger Force. (Chris and I discuss this in the “Peril in Paradise” reviews that I’ve yet to post. I know… the admin sucks…) Much like Outback, Sneak Peek underwent a bit of a color change from his debut in 1987 to his 1991 European Tiger Force release. The Club version is pretty faithful to the European color scheme– and it’s surprisingly solid. (Did I just start to warm up to Tiger Force? Say it ain’t so!) I do like the fact that we got a newly tooled periscope and can only hope that we also see both a standard and a Night Force version of Sneak Peek in the near future! After all, my Joe Con 2013 Nocturnal Fire set isn’t going to complete itself!

And now, the moment that folks have been waiting for– the reveal of the 13th figure. If you don’t want to know… turn back now!

Seriously… Continue reading →

G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Pythona review

Posted on June 14, 2016 by Fred Meyer

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Pythona review is live!

Seriously, I can scarely believe that I’m typing the words “Pythona review.” Since her debut in G.I. Joe: The Movie nearly 30 years ago, this deadly emissary/assassin from the mysterious kindgom of Cobra-La has been on the top of G.I. Joe fans’ wishlists. Thanks to the folks at the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club, this long sought-after femme fatale is finally making her way into the displays of Joe fans everywhere as the 2016 membership renewal figure.

Was she worth the wait? Did the Club deliver the good this time around? Does Deadpool make yet another gratuitous cameo? Do Fred and Chris finally completely agree on a figure? Will I ever stop asking questions and get to the Pythona review?

For the answers to these questions, head on over the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Review Index and check out the long-await Pythona review!

Pythona is arriving!

Posted on June 8, 2016 by Fred Meyer

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Pythona figures are shipping!

Okay, yes, these have been arriving for a few days now. The JBL admin was hoping that his Pythona would have arrived by now so that I could shoot some actual in-hand photos. Sadly, the US Postal Service seems to have other plans. Thankfully, my writing partner-in-crime Chris Chung came through with a couple of photos last night. Plus, the “Legendary” Tom Brooks snapped a few killer photos that he posted on Facebook last night.

Continue reading →

G.I. Joe Poster Returns to IanFell.com

Posted on August 21, 2015 by Fred Meyer

The amazing 1982 – 1987 G.I. Joe posters have returned to IanFell.com!

Some of you may remember a few years ago when JBL reported on an incredible original 11″ x 17″ poster that was being produced by talented artist Ian Fell. Featuring the G.I. Joe roster from 1982 – 1987, this work of art was offered for an incredibly low price of cost + shipping!

Continue reading →

G.I. Joe FSS 4 Law & Order Preview

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Fred Meyer

It’s a new week and a new preview for G.I. Joe FSS 4!

Based on the original 1987 version, feast your eyes on the classic MP duo of Law & Order:

G.I. JOE MILITARY POLICE & K-9: LAW & ORDER

(Based on the 1987 G.I. Joe action figure!)

Includes: removable helmet & vest, submachine gun, nightstick, K-9 with leash, pistol with suppressor, and figure stand.

Not a lot of surprises here… it’s the 30th anniversary Law body and head with the 25th Anniversary Wild Bill vest in the classic color scheme. The helmet bugs me as it’s not a great fit on the head and hasn’t been since the original release.

The sign-up deadline is Tuesday June 9, 2015! So, if you’re interested in G.I. Joe FSS 4.0, just hit the link below and sign-up before it’s too late!