FSS 7 General Hawk soars into view!

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club reveals another preview from FSS 7.  Look up– it’s General Hawk!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club FSS 7 General Hawk

G.I. JOE COMMANDER
Code Name: GENERAL HAWK

(Inspired by the 1991 action figure.)
Includes: removable helmet, harness with holster,
pistol, rifle, glider backpack with pop-out wings,
detachable rockets x 2, and figure stand.

Holy cow – it’s the DiC era 1991 General Hawk and he’s looking pretty good!

I like the reuse of the helmet and the backpack from the 2011 Pursuit of Cobra Skydive.  Aside from the 2016 Sky Patrol convention set, these parts haven’t seen an excessive number of reuses.  The Retaliation Cobra Trooper web gear is a pretty decent match for the original 1991 tooling and the colors look pretty spot-on.  During last week’s Just Another G.I. Joe Show, I had pegged this figure as a “maybe”, depending on how the preview turned out.  As of now, he’s just shot up to a “Yes, please!”

Now, the real question is: whose head is underneath that helmet?  Hopefully the Club will use the 25th General Hawk noggin to keep the character’s appearance consistent. Otherwise, I could see the Resolute boxed set Duke head as a viable alternative.

Either way– I’m digging this build!

For those who are keeping score, here’s the roster of FSS 7:

  • Arctic Cobra Commander – based on the cancelled two-pack version
  • Budo – G.I. Joe Samurai
  • Crystal Ball – Cobra Hypnotist
  • Dreadnok Salvage Crew – Code name: Dreadnok Kaos
  • Dusty & Sandstorm (v3) – DiC era Desert Trooper and coyote
  • General Hawk (1991) – DiC era jet pack version
  • Ice Viper Officer – based on the Club’s Flaming Moth version
  • Kangor – International repaint of Big Boa
  • Stalker (Tundra Ranger) – DiC era cold weather version with kayak
  • Treadmark (aka Skidmark) – the Desert Fox driver returns
  • Tiger Force Kim “Jinx” Arashikage – based on the 2003 six-pack version
  • Tomax – inspired by the Shattered Glass/Sunbow look

The FSS 7 page is LIVE now!  The cost of the thirteen figure set (including the bonus piece) is $375.00 plus shipping. Place your order prior to December 4, 2017  and keep your eyes peeled to GIJoeClub.com for more previews.

Feast your eyes on FSS 7 Dusty & Sandstorm

The first FSS 7 preview has dropped and it’s Dusty & Sandstorm!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club FSS 7 Dusty & Sandstorm

G.I. JOE DESERT TROOPER & COYOTE
Code Name: DUSTY & SANDSTORM

(Inspired by the 1991 action figure.)
Includes: removable beret, harness with large knife,
assault rifle, sub machine gun, coyote, knife,
pistol with suppressor, and figure stand.

Hmm… so this is the FSS 7 homage to the 1991 Dusty v3 action figure.

This build, like the original design, is pretty simple.  Pursuit of Cobra Snake Eyes legs and what might be the Retaliation Cobra Trooper torso.  The head appears to be from the Slaughter’s Marauders version of Falcon. It’s simple but then again so was the original. However, I do wonder what happened to the camouflage pattern on his pants? It would help him stand out a bit from some previous figures like FSS 1 Desert Grunt.

Ole Sandstorm has been given a bit of an upgrade– morphing from a coyote to a re-release of Timber from the Paris Pursuit Snake Eyes.  You know… because wolves and coyotes all look the same.  (That’s species discrimination!)

For those who are keeping score, here’s the roster of FSS 7:

  • Arctic Cobra Commander – based on the cancelled two-pack version
  • Budo – G.I. Joe Samurai
  • Crystal Ball – Cobra Hypnotist
  • Dreadnok Salvage Crew – Code name: Dreadnok Kaos
  • Dusty & Sandstorm (v3) – DiC era Desert Trooper and coyote
  • General Hawk (1991) – DiC era jet pack version
  • Ice Viper Officer – based on the Club’s Flaming Moth version
  • Kangor – International repaint of Big Boa
  • Stalker (Tundra Ranger) – DiC era cold weather version with kayak
  • Treadmark (aka Skidmark) – the Desert Fox driver returns
  • Tiger Force Kim “Jinx” Arashikage – based on the 2003 six-pack version
  • Tomax – inspired by the Shattered Glass/Sunbow look

The FSS 7 page is LIVE now!  Head on over to place your order and keep your eyes peeled to GIJoeClub.com for more previews.

 

Joe Con 2017: Meet the Cobra BAT Squad Leader

The Joe Con 2017 previews continue with a look at the Cobra BAT Squad Leader!

Joe Con 2017 Cobra BAT squad leader

COBRA B.A.T. SQUAD LEADER

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure.
– Modern Era Character Update with NEW Head Sculpt!
– Includes removable Hands with Weapon attachments x 3,
Rocket Launcher with projectile, and Cobra Logo Stand.

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

Hmmm… do I see a 1991 BAT v2 design in this Joe Con 2017 preview?  I believe I do!

There’s not a lot of surprises in this reveal as the BAT v2 design is a classic that has yet to have a good update in the generation 3 era.  With a set that is going to be chock-full of mechanical Cobra troops, I was going to be surprised if we DIDN’T see this design presented.  However, I like the new head sculpt with is a very faithful recreation of the original.  (This design hasn’t been used since 2003’s BAT troop builder packs!)  Plus, with the title of “Squad Leader” there’s only going to be one of this mechanical menace in the set.

Hmm… now that just begs the question: what will the other Cobra BAT’s look like?

With the reveal of Battle Force 2000 Maverick, this makes two reveals down– more to come!

For more information on the Joe Con 2017 event, visit GIJoeCon.com!

G.I. Joe FSS 4 final shipment is incoming!

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!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club Figure Subscription Service logo

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:

G.I. Joe FSS 4 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:

G.I. Joe FSS 4 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 FSS 4 Billy Arboc & Cobra Interrogator reviews

G.I. Joe FSS 4 shipment 5

The G.I. Joe FSS 4 Billy Arboc & Cobra Interrogator figures have been reviewed!

Of all of the shipments in G.I. Joe FSS 4, this one was the most anticipated for many subscribers.  With the first ever figure of Cobra Commander’s son Billy and the long-awaited debut of the Cobra Interrogator in generation 3 form, there was little in the roster that could top it.  Finally, after weeks of waiting, the figures have dropped!

Did they live up to decades of anticipation?  Was Billy Arboc worth the wait?  Did the Cobra Interrogator live up to the hype.  Do Chris and Fred agree on anything in these reviews?  More importantly, does Deadpool make yet another in a series of gratuitous cameo appearances?

Head on over the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Review Index and find out the answer to these questions and more!

Also, if you’re so inclined, you can check out the Facebook LIVE “initial reactions” video below!

Joe Con 2016: Altitude & Night Vulture revealed

When it comes to Joe Con 2016 the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club isn’t letting any grass grow under their feet!  Another day and two more image previews from the 1:18 Sky Patrol set have been revealed.  Tonight, feast your eyes on Altitude and the Night Vulture.

Altitude:

Joe Con 2016 Sky Patrol Altitude

SKY PATROL RECON SCOUT:
JOHN-EDWARD “ALTITUDE” JONES

– 25th Anniversary Modern Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure
– Highly Requested Character from 1990’s Sky Patrol Team
– Includes removable Helmet and Visor, Assault Rifle, Knife,
Parachute-style backpack, and G.I. Joe Logo Stand.

Continue reading

Joe Con 2016: Meet Skydive and Sky Creeper

The Joe Con 2016 previews have begun!!!

I’ll admit it– I’m behind on this.  Last week the Joe Con 2016 brochure was published online and revealed the theme for the 1:18 scale set– Sky Patrol!!!  The 1990’s Toys R Us exclusive aerial team is finally getting a Generation 3 update and will be available as part of this year’s Joe Con event.

Yesterday, the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club pulled back the curtain even further

Skydive:

Joe Con 2016 SkyDive

SKY PATROL SQUAD LEADER: SKYDIVE

– 25th Anniversary Modern Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure
– Highly Requested Character from 1990’s Sky Patrol Team
– Includes removable Helmet and Goggles, Assault Rifles x 2,
Glider backpack with moveable wings, G.I. Joe Logo Stand.

Continue reading

G.I. Joe FSS 4 Interrogator Preview

Wow… it’s been a while since we’ve posted one of these!  Check out this preview of the G.I. Joe FSS 4 Interrogator!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club FSS 4 Interrogator

COBRA INFORMATION EXTRACTOR: INTERROGATOR

(Based on the 1991 Cobra action figure!)

Includes: removable helmet & vest, knife sheath with removable knife, pistol with silencer, handcuffs, shock batons, snake dagger, and figure stand.

Hmmm… I’ve been wondering when these would start up again.  Apparently the Friday before the July 4th holiday is the “perfect” time to do so.

Continue reading

G.I. Joe FSS 3 Crimson Guard Immortal Review

FSS 3 Crimson Guard Immortal

The FSS 3 Crimson Guard Immortal has been reviewed!

Whew!  With that, the FSS 3 reviews are done!  As part of the final shipment, the Crimson Guard Immortal was one of the most anticipated figures in the entire FSS.  Originally shown at the 2012 Joe Con as part of the imfamous first “Concept Case reveals”, this figure has been on the fandom’s radar for some time.  When it was announced in 2014 as part of the FSS 3, fans were both surprised and excited for the opportunity to finally get their hands on this “elite of the elite” trooper.

Was the Crimson Guard Immortal worth the wait?  Did Fred and Chris agree on this one?  Is the review full of bad Highlander puns?  Will I stop with the questions and just get to the point already?

Check out the review either by clicking on the picture above or jumping over to the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Review Index.  Afterwards, leave your own thoughts about this figure in the comments below.

G.I. Joe FSS 3 Big Ben Review

G.I. Joe FSS 3 Big Ben

Oy! It’s the G.I. Joe FSS 3 Big Ben Review!

JBL continues to plow through the enormous pile of yet-to-be-reviewed G.I. Joe Collector’s Club figures with a review of the FSS 3 Big Ben!  An update to a DiC era character, Specialist David Bennet makes his debut in the generation 3 construction style with a brand new head from Boss Fight Studio!

So, what did two long-time Joe fans think of this particular figure?  Did Fred like it while Chris found it wanting?  Or, did we enter a strange parallel universe where the opposite occured?  Could something even more improbable have happened?

Click on the picture above or head on over to the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Review Index to find out!