Meet Charbroil in first G.I. Joe FSS 5 preview

Posted on August 9, 2016 by Fred Meyer

The G.I. Joe FSS 5 previews have started with a first-look at Charbroil!

Here’s the details from the Club:

G.I. JOE FLAMETHROWER: CHARBROIL
(Based on the classic 1988 action figure!)

Includes: removable helmet, flamethrower, flamethrower tanks backpack
with connection hose, flame burst attachment, pistol, and figure stand.

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

This one pretty much a no-brainer for the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club to release in G.I. Joe FSS 5. Essentially, Charbroil is the same build as his previous 2013 Nocturnal Fire version, simply rendered in his original 1988 color scheme. The Club took a similar approach with their FSS releases of Repeater, Muskrat, Hit & Run, Spearhead & Max, and Psyche-Out back in FSS 3. Interestingly enough, I could have sworn that it was mentioned that at the 2016 Collector’s Club Roundtable at Joe Con that his helmet would NOT be removable so this is a nice surprise.

There’s still no word on when the sign-up period for G.I. Joe FSS 5 will be begin but now that the floodgates have opened for reveals we have to anticipate it being sooner rather than later.

The G.I. Joe FSS 5 Roster:

Concealment Specialist – Ambush
Flamethrower – Charbroil (Classic deco)
Iron Grenadier Courier – Darklon (more modernized version than previous convention version)
G.I. Joe Strategic Commander – General Flagg (similar to Battle Corps version)
Cobra Battle Corps Cobra Viper – based on Iron Anvils from 2015 Convention version
Anti-Armor Trooper – Salvo (more Pursuit of Cobra styled, based on existing tooling)
Combat Journalist – Scoop (using the Sky Patrol Airborne head sculpt from this year’s con set)
Cobra Falconer – Raptor
Advanced Recon – Sneak Peek (based on FSS 4 Tiger Force version)
SKAR Infantry Officer – Steel Raven (based on Club magazine comics – FEMALE character)
Cobra Shattered Glass Xamot (from the Club Comic Adventure Team storyline with new head sculpt)
Z-Force Mechanic Gaucho (pairs with Jammer)

For more information, keep your eyes peeled to both JBL and GIJoeClub.com!

G.I. Joe FSS 4 Tiger Force Outback, Sneak Peek and Doc

Posted on August 3, 2016 by Fred Meyer

JBL reviews the G.I. Joe FSS 4 Tiger Force Outback, Tiger Force Sneak Peek, and bonus Carla “Doc” Greer!

Just last week subscribers in this wave of the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Figure Subscription Service received the final figures in the series. Tiger Force Outback and Tiger Force Sneak Peek, based on the 1990 European exclusive figures, arrived along with the mysterious “13th bonus figure.” Initially, fans speculated that this figure was going to be Tiger Force Jinx.

The internet speculation was wrong! Instead, fans were treated to an ARAH generation 3 update to Carla “Doc” Greer!

Fred and Chris take on the task of reviewing Tiger Force Outback, Tiger Force Sneak Peek, and Carla “Doc” Greer. As always, our two intrepid reviewer take a look what’s good and would could be improved with these latest Club releases. Were these figures worth the wait? Does Fred finally agree that Tiger Force isn’t so bad? Will Chris like any of these G.I. Joe Collector’s Club figures? Does Deadpool make another cameo?

The answers to these questions can be found over at the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Review Index! Afterwards, feel free to leave your own thoughts on these new figure in the comments below!

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 →

Joe Con 2016 Sky Patrol Skystriker assembly video

Posted on July 11, 2016 by Fred Meyer

Our good friends over at TheBreauxShow have released a video showing the assembly of the Joe Con 2016 Sky Patrol Skystriker!

Much like the JBL staff, our good friends over at TheBreauxShow.com weren’t able to attend Joe Con 2016 in person. However, that didn’t stop intrepid videographer Mike Breaux from snagging an in stock Sky Patrol Skystriker from the Club Store.

This silver-hued beauty arrived late last week and to celebrate the Breaux Show put together a short assembly video of this Joe Con 2016 exclusive item. While the general construction of the jet is familiar to most Joe fans through its multiple releases over the past few years, the time-lapse video really shows off the color scheme and deco of the Sky Patrol Skystriker!

Check out the embedded video below and be sure to check out more videos over on The Breaux Show YouTube Channel!

Carded Pythona and Mike Power now at the Collector’s Club Store

Posted on June 30, 2016 by Fred Meyer

The Carded Pythona figures and the Mike Power – Atomic Man 1:16 renewal figures are now available at the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club store!

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club really hit one out of the park this year with the Pythona membership renewal figure and attendees of Joe Con 2016 were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to by special carded versions while at the event in Loveland, CO a few weeks ago. Now, members who weren’t able to make the trek to Colorado also have the opportunity to snag a carded Pythona of their very own!

I won’t sugar coat it– I love this figure. (As you can tell from the review we posted about three weeks ago.) She’s absolutely worth owning – both as a modern construction figure and as piece of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero history. Considering that this is the first-ever figure of the Cobra-La Emissary/Assassin, this figure probably won’t stick around forever.

However, the Club isn’t just catering to the 1:18 crowd. The latest additions to the Club store also include two options for acquiring the KILLER 1:6 updated Mike Power action figure! The Atomic Man and his accessory set can be purchased individually or bundled together at a moderate savings.

If you’re going shopping, here are some handy direct links. (Good for you, bad for your wallet.) Each item is limited to one per membership.

Carded Collector’s Club exclusive Pythona – $38.00
Club exclusive Mike Power – The Atomic Man (figure only) – $65.00
Club exclusive Mike Power Field Mission Alpha accessory set – $45.00
Club exclusive Mike Power & Field Mission Alpha accessory set bundle – $100.00

Check out these and more exclusive items (Dr. Isotope anyone?) over at the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club store!

[Show as slideshow]

Joe Con 2016: Sky Patrol Skystrikers in Club Store

Posted on June 30, 2016 by Fred Meyer

Joe Con 2016 is now one for the history books but we’ve got one last bit of news. The Sky Patrol Skystrikers are now available online!

That’s right Joe fans– the remaining inventory of the silver finish Joe Con 2016 Sky Patrol Skystrikers are now up for sale to anyone with a Club membership. They’re limited to two per member and each jet will set you back a cool $160.00 but for fans who were debating purchasing one on Ebay this is your chance to get one for retail!

Here’s the official verbiage describing this latest reissue of the G.I. Joe F-14 Tomcat:

LIMITED TO 2 PER MEMBERSHIP.

The Cobra Air Force won’t know what hit them with the Sky Patrol Sky Striker (XP-26) Combat Jet! This fantastic 3 3/4-inch scale aircraft has tons of moving parts and amazing detail. The Limited Edition convention exclusive Sky Patrol Sky Striker features a unique silver color scheme and has wings that sweep in and out, working landing gear and removable missile accessories.

Vehicle and accessories are packed in a silver metallic display box (Figure Not Included)

However, as the informercials say: “But wait, there’s more!” Continue reading →

Joe Con 2016: G.I. Joe Collector’s Club news & FSS 5 lineup

Posted on June 18, 2016 by Fred Meyer

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has completed the Joe Con 2016 Roundtable panel and it was a doozy!

Perhaps the biggest news of Joe Con 2016 concerning the Club came from the Hasbro panel held earlier in the day where it was revealed that Hasbro has decided to continue its relationship with Fun Publications through 2018. Despite rumors and all evidence to the contrary earlier this year, the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has a two-year lease on life! Whatever transpired in the months since the Club announced that all memberships would end on December 31, 2016 it certainly seemed to be beneficial for the folks at Fun Publications. (Did the Save G.I. Joe petition have any impact?)

Next year’s convention will be June 15 – 18, 2017 at Walt Disney World!

However, the most pressing question on the minds of most G.I. Joe fans out there was “What is the line-up for FSS 5?”

Here are the “Quick Notes” from today’s panel…. including this year’s FSS announcement!

Introduction:

Brian Savage, David Lane, Lanny Lathem, and Pete Sinclair take the stage.

Contract for the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has been extended for two more years. The Club, FSS, and convention will continue through 2018.
Membership renewals will turn back on later this week.
If your membership ran out in May & June, go to the store, login, and add it to your cart. It should reapply to your account.
Contract was initially NOT renewed. However, this was changed and Brian thanked the fandom for their support, including the petition from Joe Colton. Derryl DePriest is acknowledged as the person who turned things around for the Club.
The renewal only took place in the last two weeks.

Sky Patrol discussion: Continue reading →

Joe Con 2016: Souvenir items revealed!

Posted on June 16, 2016 by Fred Meyer

Joe Con 2016 souvenir item images have arrived!

Joe Con 2016 registration night has begun and the Golden Ticket holders are picking up their sets. That means the line for the souvenirs at the Club Store is queuing up and we now have our first images of this year’s souvenirs! Thanks to Mike Tinnel of the G.I. Joe Discussion Facebook Group, I’ve mirrored some images below.

G.I. Joe Glider 2-pack featuring Skymate and Cloudburst – $75.00
Heli-Vipers 3-pack – $85.00
Sky Patrol Skysweeper jet – $68.00
Cobra Hydra jet with Aero-Viper – $85.00
Sky Patrol Skystriker – $160.00
Sky Patrol JUMP 6-pack – $55.00
Cobra JUMP 6-pack – $55.00
Parachute drop figure: FREEFALL – $35.00

Bonus Attendee Item: Sky Patrol Air Raid figure

[Show as slideshow]

I have to say– ANOTHER Skystriker?!!! Plus a repaint of the RoC Skysweeper jet (which itself is a repurposed Firebat), a pair of Air Assault gliders, and faction-changed 2003 Skysweeper jet? Fans of the late 1990’s era are going to LOVE this set but the more military-minded folks might just consider saving their pennies.

We’ll have more images from Joe Con 2016 as they become available! Stay tuned for more Joe Con 2016 Armchair Coverage from JBL!

Closer look at G.I. Joe vs. Transformers Ninja Force Scarlett

Posted on June 16, 2016 by Fred Meyer

The June 2016 issue of the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club magazine is hitting member mailboxes and with it comes a better look at the forthcoming G.I. Joe vs. Transformers set Ninja Force Scarlett.

So, how’s Scarlett looking? To the eyes of this Joe fan, pretty good! I see the Renegades Scarlett head and what appears to be the upper torso of the Retaliation Jinx combined with the arms of the SDCC Zarana figure. The upper legs might be from the 25th Anniversary Scarlett and the boots, well, those are a mystery right now. It looks to be a solid parts combination that does a pretty decent job of recreating the original 1993 Ninja Force Scarlett figure while still following the Club’s pattern of primarily reusing existing parts.

Continue reading →

Joe Con 2016: Armchair Coverage Begins!

Posted on June 15, 2016 by Fred Meyer

Joe Con 2016 has officially begun!

Sadly, this year it wasn’t in the cards for the JBL admin to attend what is Fun Publications final year as administrator of the annual G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention. While I’ll miss not being able to catch up with some old friends and getting to see the new product reveals at Saturday’s Hasbro panel, it doesn’t mean that JBL will be going dark throughout the weekend.

Instead, we’ll be doing our best to provide comprehensive coverage of the event, thanks to the efforts of all of the other individuals attending. We’ll provide links to coverage as it goes up on sites from HISSTank.com, to ToyNewsI.com, and even our fellow “at home” correspondants over at GeneralsJoes.com.

Sure, you’ll get some commentary along the way but that’s just part of the experience. Coverage of this year’s event will be archived on the 2016 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention page.

Now, on to the news!

Wednesday Golden Ticket Package Pickup:

Tonight was intended to be the Golden Ticket package pickup in which those individuals who spent the extra $300 to purchase the “Joe Con Speed Pass” get a first crack at their sets and at the bonus attendee exclusive item. However, it was announced by the folks from Fun Publications that their “shipment was delayed at customs and then held up due to a sick driver” and that, hopefully, items will arrive by tomorrow and the Golden Ticket pickup will be at 3pm, with the rest attendee registration beginning at 6pm MST.

The t-shirts and the comics were on hand but were not permitted to be released until the sets arrive.

That’s all we know for now… so stay tuned to JBL for more Joe Con 2016 coverage!