The final G.I. Joe Collector’s Club pre-orders are LIVE

It’s last call, Joe fans.  Yesterday, the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club opened up pre-orders for the final slate of new products that were unveiled in The Last Joe Con panel in Chattanooga earlier this year.  However, hold on to your wallets– this is going to hurt.  Hard.

GI Joe Collector's Club Final Twelve group shot
Final Twelve composite courtesy of the Surveillance Port

Before I go any further, I’m going to provide links to the products and provide the cost per each item.  That’s the objective part of this piece.  After that, the filter will be removed. 

Here are links to the Final Twelve, Zartan and the Cold Slither Cycle, and the Night Stalkers.

For those of you wanting to purchase one of everything, you’re looking at a cool $694.00 before shipping with payment due immediately at the time of order.  The items are slated to ship in January.

Wow…  Just wow…

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Rank & File Vol 4 – Now Available!

Volume 4, the latest volume in the incredible Rank & File series of G.I. Joe guide books is now available from James Kavanaugh!

Look, anyone who’s been following JBL for any length of time knows that this site LOVES the Rank & File Guide series. (Yes, each word is a link to a different post!)  They’re some of the most detailed modern G.I. Joe reference works available and have a proud place on my reference shelf next to books by Mark Bellomo, Dan Klingensmith, and 3DJoes.com

Volume 4 made a “special edition” debut at The Last Joe Con this year from Fun Publications with a special cover and insert pages.  However, that was just a sample– a taste of what the full-fledged volume would contain.  Now, G.I. Joe fans and toy collectors can order their own copy of this exciting volume that delves into the world of “the exclusives”…

However, don’t take our word for it… check out the press release from “Noted Author” James Kavanaugh himself!

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GIJoeCon 2018: Boxed set and souvenir first look videos

GIJoeCon 2018 has come and gone and I’m still playing catch-up posting the convention coverage.  The JBL staff (IE Fred) drove to the con this year and apparently making the solo 8.5 hour drive back in 9.5 hours wasn’t the best idea in the world.  Maybe it’s true what Indiana Jones said:

It’s not the years… it’s the mileage…

Regardless, I managed to post a few LIVE videos over on JBL’s Facebook page with a quick look at the various souvenir items.  I’ve archived them below for easy viewing.  In reverse order, these videos cover the following:

Python Peril: Marauders to the Rescue 2018 boxed set

including:

Slaughter’s Marauders:

  • Footloose
  • Mutt & Junkyard
  • Spirit & Freedom
  • Hardball
  • Sgt. Smasher

Python Patrol 2.0:

  • Major Bludd
  • Laser Viper
  • HEAT Viper
  • Lampreys

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GIJoeCon 2018: Final Twelve and other Club offerings

GIJoeCon 2018 is one for the history books.  The last official Joe Con is over with the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club conducting one last Club Roundtable panel on Sunday June 24, 2018.  However, the Club didn’t go out with a whimper but instead surprised fans not only with some retrospective slide shows and musings about what the past 22 years of conventions have meant to them and the community but also with a final slate of exclusive products set to drop in the coming weeks.

Note: we have no information on pricing, release date, or even overall availability.  However, if the sellout of the Dreadnok 4WD with Heartwrencher was any indication, it’s best to pre-order these as soon as possible after the orders go live.

Let’s start with the one item we knew was coming.

Cobra Night Stalkers 3-pack

GIJoeCon 2018 night stalkers 3-pack

The long-awaited updated to the 2007 Night Stalkers is coming soon! Based on the build of the the female Cobra Troopers released in 2017, this 3-pack of figures compliments the FSS 6 Night Stalker Commander.  Each three pack will include three different skin tone variations including the first African-American female Cobra trooper!  (I’m also really digging the back mounted knife sheath!) Continue reading

GIJoeCon 2018: The Mystery of Major Bludd’s Missing Moustache

It looks like some GIJoeCon 2018 figures have some unplanned battle scars…

GIJoeCon 2018 missing paint apps

At last night’s Golden Ticket package pickup, Brian Savage had to make an announcement regarding a quality control issue that was discovered in the sets that arrived in Chattanooga.  It would appear that the paint app for Major Bludd’s moustache was omitted during production.  It was present on the Club’s samples but lacking in the final product. However, there’s more…

It would seem that some of the Laser Viper’s are also missing the paint apps on one of their eyes.  (Maybe they looked into the laser when they shouldn’t have?)  The figure I examined last night appeared to be fine but this is a pretty widespread issue.

Fear not: the Club is going to make this right for those who purchased a convention set.  At some point in the future, new heads will be sent out for both Major Bludd and the Laser Vipers to those who purchased them directly through the Club.  For those of you who are purchasing the figures on eBay or through a third party, be aware that this issue exists and ask your seller if they’re willing to also provide you with the replacement heads.

Now if only they’d fix that stupid right arm on Major Bludd…

Lastly, until I can get my set in hand tonight, here’s a few quick pics I shot on the con floor last night.

And now you know…

GIJoeCon 2018 Comic reveals souvenir list

GIJoeCon 2018 is almost officially here but last night was the Golden Ticket package pickup!  This means that Golden Ticket Holders were able to not only acquire their convention sets one night early (more on this later) but they were also able to pick up their 2018 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention comic books– which included the following souvenir list:

GIJoeCon 2018 souvenir items

That’s right– these are the Club’s extra offerings for GIJoeCon 2018. Continue reading

Rank & File vol 4 to debut at GI Joe Con 2018

Rank & File vol 4, the latest in a series of amazing reference guides from “Noted Author” James Kavanaugh, will make its debut at this year’s final GIJoeCon!

Rank & File vol 4 GIJoeCon exclusive coverHere’s the latest from the author himself:

The adventure continues to evolve in Rank & File — A Guide to Third-Generation 4” G.I. Joe Action Figures!  This time with a alternate convention exclusive cover!

After a brief hiatus in 2006 that allowed G.I. Joe to flourish in other areas, G.I. Joe:  A Real American Hero went in a new stylistic direction that is still predominately used today!  Not only did fans get to revisit some of their most cherished icons within the G.I. Joe mythos, they were also introduced to new characters that are now known and loved.

The Rank & File guide volume 4 is the first in a two-part series displaying every G.I. Joe action figure produced as a convention exclusive and for the G.I. Joe Collectors’’ Club, complete with every accessory and variation produced.   Not only are the accessories shown, they were carefully cataloged in an upcoming volume that will guarantee the proper shade of accessory goes to the appropriate action figure. To top it off, every vehicle and playset released in the 4″ era is documented in the Rank & File series and every easily removable piece is shown individually photographed —ensuring collector completion.

This full color, fifty-two page resource manual beautifully illustrates supplemental avenues’ 166 action figures, twenty-eight vehicles, and every accessory, including all known variations. Not only is every accessory present and accounted for, they have each been assigned a unique number and identified throughout the resource guide.  Each action figure was carefully examined between its initial run and any further re-releases to ensure accurate samples are clearly and concisely presented, perfect for the collector who is identifying individual action figures or sorting through unorganized lots.

Whether you are a seasoned or rejuvenated collector, enthusiast, or toy vendor, the Rank & File series is the decisive compilation for G.I. Joe action figures, vehicles, and playsets produced from 2007 to today.    Let the Rank & File guides serve as a reference for completion or a scrapbook to the next big turning point of G.I. Joe:  A Real American Hero.

***Bonus***

Rank & File’s volume 4 will debut at 2018 International G.I. Joe Collectors’ Convention in an exclusive format!  This resource guide will include an exclusive convention-themed G.I. Joe YEARBOOK cover, three pages sharing memories of past conventions, three blank pages for attendees write parting goodbyes with their exclusive Rank & File custom sharpie.  These exclusive features will be a limited format and not included in the standard forty-eight page volume 4 release.  Don’t miss out!!  See you at Joe Con!!!

Basic Information

The MSRP for The Rank & File guide Volume 4 convention exclusive is $30 and available at the 2018 International G.I. Joe Collectors’ Convention.  Any remaining stock will be available on the website, www.rahcguide.com, and buyer will pay all additional shipping and handling costs.  If you have purchased the R.A.H.C. guides before, the process will be very similar.   This guide was self-published and produced in quantities reflecting previous sales so do not hesitate in ordering if owning a guide is a priority.  The standard release will be made available in the summer 2018.  Keep checking the website for updates!

You may join the mailing list at: rahc.guide@gmail.com and like on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/RAHCGuide to get the latest updates between press releases.

I can’t say it enough — I LOVE these books!  Seriously- mad, crazy, obsessive love for each and every volume in this series.  The reason is simple: James does such an incredible job of detailing each and every figure right down to the baton, microphone, or single bullet accessory!  I was already down for vol 4 when he first discussed it on an episode of Just Another G.I. Joe Show but the reveal of this exclusive “yearbook” version just pushed my need to own it right over the top.

The homage to G.I. Joe : A Real American Hero, vol 1 #26 is inspired and the inclusion of yearbook-style signature pages for attendees at this year’s final GIJoeCon makes it all the more essential. It’s not just a reference guide– it’s a love letter to an event that has brought so many fans together over the past 21 years.

Run, don’t walk to the RAHC Guide table at GIJoeCon this year and snag a copy of Rank & File vol 4 in person.  Or, if you’re not attending, keep your eyes peeled to the social media channels and website mentioned above to snag your own copy when they go up for order.

Bravo, James!  Bravo!

 

G.I. Joe FSS 8 Munitia is the mercenary of your dreams!

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has unveiled the design for the FSS 8 Cobra Mercenary Munitia!

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

COBRA MERCENARY
Code Name: MUNITIA
(Inspired by the 2008 DTC: GIJCC action figure.)
Features NEW head sculpt!
Includes: bladed pistol, assault rifle, radio, and figure stand.

Ah… Munitia… I’ve been waiting for this reveal ever since the Club announced her as part of FSS 8.

There are some characters that fans just find appealing, regardless of how little media presence that character may receive.  Such is the case with this mysterious mercenary femme fatale.  Munitia was initially slated to be released as part of the DTC Wave 4, a series of G.I. Joe that was exclusive to both HasbroToyShop.com and Toys R Us at the end of the o-ring era.  Sadly, that wave was cancelled along with the rest of the Direct-to-Consumer line and G.I. Joe went into a hiatus period at retail.  (Sound familiar?  The pendulum swings…) Continue reading

G.I. Joe FSS 8 Bushido is a warrior with honor!

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has released the preview of G.I. Joe Ninja Commando Bushido!

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

G.I. JOE NINJA COMMANDO
Code Name: BUSHIDO
(Inspired by the 1993 action figure.)
Features NEW samurai face mask!
Includes: removable samurai helmet with face mask,
tactical harness, double sheath with swords x 2,
Kusarigama weapon, and figure stand.

Talk about a career change!  Bushido went from being a “Snow Ninja” to a “Ninja Commando”.  I wonder if Snake Eyes will feel threatened now… Continue reading

G.I. Joe FSS 8 Recoil will whip it good!

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has unveiled the preview for the upcoming member of Devo… uh.. LRRP Trooper Recoil!

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

G.I. JOE L.R.R.P. TROOPER
Code Name: RECOIL
(Inspired by the 1989 action figure.)
Features re-tooled mine case & dual weapon!
Includes: removable helmet, tactical harness, pistol,
assault rifle, mine case, dual tactical weapon,
backpack, combat knife, radio, and figure stand.

Recoil occupies an interesting space in G.I. Joe to me. He was released not long after I stopped actively buying figures so I have zero nostalgia attached to him.  He was also pictured on the package of the Battle Force 2000 Pulverizer as the driver without actually being a member of that ill-fated team.  (Dodged a bullet there, didn’t he?)  I discovered the character as an adult during the “hiatus period” post DTC but pre 25th Anniversary and found his design to be interesting.  Sure, there’s the whole Devo helmet and the baby blue weapons but aside from that his figure design and file card made him an interesting character to this Joe fan.

So, how does the FSS 8 version compare to the vintage 1989 Recoil? Continue reading