G.I. Joe Collector’s Club releases Final Twelve figure images

All good things must come to an end.  Or, as is the case with the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club, all licenses must come to a conclusion.  Either way, the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has released the last image of their “Final 12” roster of figures which will be going up for pre-order shortly. 

Since JBL has apparently been slacking off lately with individual reveals, here’s a look at each of the “two-packs” as well as some thoughts on the roster as a whole. 

The Final 12 – composite courtesy of the Surveillance Port

Just a quick note: it was announced at the last Joe Con that these figures would be sold in pairs.  If you want one– you have to get its pack-mate as well.  Without further adieu, let’s start the breakdowns…

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Meet Sgt Slaughter and BJ Ward at Retro Con 2018

Are you going to Retro Con 2018 on October 13 – 14, 2018 in Oaks, PA?  Well, here are two more reasons you should consider going: Sgt. Slaughter & BJ Ward!

What is Retro Con?

Simply put: Retro Con is a celebration of all things 80’s and 90’s!  It’s a celebration of nostalgia of the greatest era of popular culture.  From television and films to cartoons and video games, Retro Con is THE family-friendly con for anyone who grew up in the last 30 years!

This year, however, Retro Con holds a special significance to G.I. Joe fans!  Two legendary performers from the classic G.I. Joe cartoon series produced by Marvel Productions and Sunbow will be on hand!  (Yes, one of them was also present in the DiC era but, let’s be honest, we don’t really like to talk about that series.)  Hold on to your hats as both Sgt. Slaughter and veteran voice actress BJ Ward (Scarlett, Princess Alura, Wonder Woman) are coming to this amazing two day event!

While Melendy Britt (She-Ra) is no longer able to attend the organizers of the event have stepped in a big way with Ms. Ward as the latest added guest!

Even better– these two legends of G.I. Joe animation history will be joining Greg Berger (Spirit, Grimlock, Odie) and Garry Chalk (Optimus Primal, Man-at-Arms, Metal-Head) in greeting guests, signing autographs, and being onsite for an amazing weekend.  Plus, if you’re looking to get a further Sunbow fix, Samantha Newark (Jem, Ariel) will be on site as well.  Plus, Larry Kenney (Lion-O) is also going to be there! It’s a chance to meet the voices and personas that dominated your cartoon viewing time as a kid!  (And, if you’re like me, as an adult today!)

If that’s not enough, there’s even a special concert by the famed Cybertronic Spree on Saturday night!

So, what are you waiting for?  If you’re looking for a great weekend to bask in the warm nostalgic glow of simpler times, head on over to RetroCons.com and snag your tickets for this awesome event!

Introducing G.I. Joe Basic Training – a new series on YouTube

Looking to catch up on some G.I. Joe knowledge?  Check out G.I. Joe Basic Training!

g.i. joe basic trainingLet’s be honest– the G.I. Joe brand isn’t exactly a simple property for new fans to dive into.  In terms of A Real American Hero continuity you’ve got the original Marvel Comics series, followed by Devil’s Due Publishing (which was retconned away), and then IDW’s current titles.  In terms of animation there’s the classic Sunbow series, the DiC follow-up, Sgt. Savage, G.I. Joe: Extreme, Sigma 6, Resolute, and Renegades.  Let’s not forget the films in which Paramount pictures concocted a stew based on ingredients from many of the previous properties blended together with a healthy dose of creative license. All of this is just scratching the surface!

To new eyes, it can be a confusing mess of alternate versions of Ripcord and Snake Eyes, Baroness/Duke/Destro love triangles (thanks for that Rise of Cobra), and conflicting origins.  What’s a fan to do?

Enter “MacDowin”.  Long-time G.I. Joe fan and former YoJoe.com staffer, he’s taken on the task of producing short topical videos that shed some light on our favorite brand of “Real American Heroes.”  Focusing initially on the ARAH-side of things, the “G.I. Joe: Basic Training” series tackles a single aspect of the brand in a weekly video.

You can check out Episode 1: Continuity below!

I won’t lie– when MacDowin and I talked about this we discussed what a herculean undertaking this would be.  Where do you start?  Where do you end?  Does Ice Cream Soldier eventually get his own episode?

Thankfully, MacDowin was up to the task!  In fact, he’s current THREE episodes in with a fourth dropping soon. So, if you’re looking to catch up on your G.I. Joe facts or just want some Joe-related content in your YouTube feed, check out G.I. Joe: Basic Training!  If you like the episodes, hit the “subscribe” button so that you’ll never miss out on an single installment!

And now you know…

G.I. Joe Collector’s Club FSS 8 Captain Grid-Iron takes the field

We have our first preview from the final G.I. Joe Collector’s Club FSS 8 – the DiC era field commander Captain Grid-Iron!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club FSS 8 Captain Grid-Iron

G.I. JOE INFANTRY OFFICER
Code Name: CAPTAIN GRID-IRON

(Inspired by the 1990 action figure.)
Features NEW helmet & re-tooled officer’s pistol!
Includes: removable helmet, armored vest, holster with pistol,
officer’s suppressor pistol, football “grenade” 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!

“Got to get tough– Yo Joe!  Got to get rough– Yo Joe!!!”

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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.

G.I. Joe FSS 5 drops the scoop on Scoop!

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club drops another G.I. Joe FSS 5 preview today and it’s Scoop!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Scoop

G.I. JOE COMBAT JOURNALIST: SCOOP
(Based on the classic 1989 action figure!)

Includes: removable vest, radio, broadcast camera, microphone, assault rifle, knife, pistol, and figure stand.

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

Back in 1989, the minds behind G.I. Joe introduced the concept of an embedded reporter to America’s daring highly-trained special mission force.  Based on NBC reporter Mike Leonard, the 1989 release of Scoop was distinctive for both his bright yellow jumpsuit (a fashion trend later co-opted by April O’Neil?) and his giant TV camera.

For the G.I. Joe FSS 5 version, we’re seeing the familiar Resolute Duke web gear placed over the top of what appears to be the Retaliation Firefly torso with PoC Lifeline body parts combination and topped off with the 2016 Joe Con Sky Patrol Airborne head.  Toss in the 25th DVD pack #5 TV camera and you’ve got the makings for good ole Scoop!

I’m hoping that the colors are just off on this preview as Scoop’s jumpsuit looks WAY more orange than yellow.  As these are just photoshop mock-ups that is likely to be the case.  Otherwise, this would appear to be an attempt at a Tiger Force take on the team’s reporter.  While I miss the removable helmet of the original figure, this one is pretty decent.

It’s still a better looking build than yesterday’s Salvo reveal!

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 shipment 4 is inbound!

G.I. Joe FSS 4 Shipment 4 has shipped!

G.I. Joe FSS 4 shipment

In the words of Pavel Chekhov from Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country:

“Guess who’s coming to dinner!”

It’s been three weeks since the last shipment from G.I. Joe FSS 4 and the Collector’s Club is staying pretty true to their word about the frequency of shipping.  A few subscribers have already started to receive the latest shipment and, thanks to the ever-generous Alyosha of BrokenArrowToys.com, we’ve got images of the latest arrivals.

For those of you who prefer to be surprised, turn away now as were going to reveal who’s in the G.I. Joe FSS 4 box after the jump! Continue reading

G.I Joe FSS 4 Review: Jammer & Pathfinder

G.I. Joe FSS 4 Review Jammer & Pathfinder

It’s time for another G.I. Joe FSS 4 Review!

One’s a DiC era Jungle Warfare specialist with a penchant for heavy machine guns and landscaping equipment!  The other’s UK Z-Force communication specialist that bears a striking resemblance to the G.I. Joe team‘s original Ranger from Detroit.  Together, they keep the world safe for freedom!  That’s right Joe fans– this month’s G.I. Joe FSS 4 Review odd couple is none other than Pathfinder and Jammer!

It’s been nearly two weeks since the last G.I. Joe Collector’s Club FSS 4 boxes arrived in the mailboxes of subscribers.  Chris and Fred took these figures and once again put them under the G.I. Joe FSS 4 review lens– and this time they even brought along a special consultant on one of the figures!

Are these two worth picking up? Do Chris and Fred find anything to agree on?  Does Deadpool continue his string of gratuitous cameo appearances?  These questions will indeed be answered in the latest G.I. Joe FSS 4 Review installments.  Check out both Jammer & Pathfinder over on the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Review Index!

 

DiC G.i. Joe Series on Clearance

G.I. Joe: Series 2, Vol 2

The DiC G.I. Joe animated series is now 70% off!

In my haste this morning to post the links to the complete Sunbow series sale I missed another bit of G.I. Joe animation that is on an ever deeper clearance– the DiC G.I. Joe series is also getting the close-out treatment.  With low stock remaining, the two volumes of the second G.I. Joe animated series are 70% off. Continue reading

G.I. Joe Retaliation meets DiC in this video mash-up!

g.i. joe retaliation flag

I make no bones about the fact that I loved G.I. Joe Retaliation.  The film dropped in theatres a few days before my “milestone” birthday and complete washed away the bad taste that was left by G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.  This was how a G.I. Joe SHOULD have been done and it succeeded in spite of the fact that it had to acknowledge the missteps of its predecessor.  Months later, my review of Retaliation still stands and I cannot wait to  snag the film when it hits Blu-Ray and DVD later this month.

I’ve also made it known that when it comes to G.I. Joe animation I’m a fan of Sunbow over DiC.  (As is MOST of the fandom.)  However, sometimes in life you stumble across a combination that is so different that it just works.  Much like the whole “you got your peanut butter on my chocolate…” ads from years ago, I saw this on Facebook earlier today and thought “Hey, you got your DiC on my Retaliation!”  Yet, the combination really really works.   So, while you’re waiting for Retaliation end up legally in your video collection in just 18 days, check out this awesome video mash-up!

G.I. Joe Retaliation hits stores on July 30, 2013!