Tag Archives: Exclusive

Joe Con 2017: Battle Force 2000 Avalanche preview

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The Joe Con 2017 previews continue with a look at Battle Force 2000 Avalanche!

Joe Con 2017 Battle Force 2000 Avalanche

G.I. JOE BF 2000 TEAM:
Ian “Avalanche” Costello

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure.
– 1st Modern Era Release of Character based on 1987 design.
– NEW Head Sculpt and includes removable Bandolier, Knife,
Assault Rifle, Re-tool of iconic P-460 Sub-Zero Stun Gun,
with G.I. Joe Logo Stand.

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

Holy Photoshop, Batman! The preview of Battle Force 2000’s Avalanche is more digital than real!

According to the description, we’re getting a new head for this figure, which is a good thing.  However, given the fact that the helmet is non-removable and the design deviates somewhat from the original 1987 design, it’s a good bet that we’ll be seeing this head reused in the next FSS as we did with Airborne into Scoop.  (I’m thinking maybe Windmill?  That’s just some idle speculation on my part.) There’s also the fact that last year’s Static Line head bore more than a passing resemblance to Persuader driver Backstop.  Hmm…

Additionally, we’re seeing another original Battle Force 2000 weapon retooled for this figure.  This begs the question: are THAT many fans really enamored with BF2K’s vintage weapons?

As far as the rest, I think I’m seeing the Retaliation Firefly torso, and maybe Wraith’s lower legs?  (I can’t be certain the last point– it’s been a long time since I looked at my Wraith figure.)

With four Joe Con 2017 figures previewed, we’re at the halfway point for the character designs in this year’s set.  As such, that leaves just four more previews before the entire set is revealed.

Here’s the roster, just in case:

Battle Force 2000:

Cobra:

According to the convention brochure, this year’s Joe Con 2017 boxed set will retail for $410.00.  Also, there’s no word on souvenir pricing at this time although it’s a safe bet that prices will remain at or around levels seen in both 2015 and 2016.  Regardless, it will be interesting to see how the Club intends to replicate the signature vehicles of this DARPA-inspired team.  Could another RHINO re-release be in the works?

For more information on this year’s event at Walt Disney World, visit GIJoeCon.com!

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Joe Con 2017: Brochure now online and pricing revealed

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As Joe Con 2017 grows closer, the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club is releasing more details about this year’s event in Walt Disney World.  Yesterday, the convention brochure was released— containing details on this year’s sets as well as the pricing.

Gi joe con 2017 logo

You can view the entire Joe Con 2017 brochure HERE but here are a few of the highlights:

Battle Force 2000 vs. Cobra BATs:

We’re celebrating the 30th anniversary of the G.I. JOE Battle Force 2000 team with this untold tale of the original team members from a recently declassified special mission.

 

The G.I. JOE BF 2000 team is the walking, breathing proving grounds for tomorrow’s battlefield technology today! These highly trained specialists are entrusted with one-of-a-kind, state-of-theart prototype weapons. Their mission is to field-test experimental equipment under battlefield conditions.

 

COBRA has developed a new laser weapon system so dangerous that it threatens the safety of the entire planet! The G.I. JOE BF 2000 team is called into action and must travel through the Pacific Northwest into British Columbia to dismantle the operation. What they don’t know is that COBRA is ready for them with a battalion of their upgraded B.A.T. (Battle Android Troopers) guarding their base. This G.I. JOE team will be fighting against insurmountable odds, and must pull their individual specialties together to battle these deadly threats. Will the cold and calculated programming of the COBRA B.A.T. SQUAD LEADER be the end of this G.I. JOE team?

 

Our 2017 exclusive 3 3/4-inch convention set contains a highly requested G.I. JOE team and some new additions to your COBRA army that are available for the first time in the modern era 25A action figure style. This special edition 15 action-figure set includes:

 

Six G.I. JOE team members: Ian “Avalanche” Costello, Brian “Blaster” Davis, David “Blocker” McCarthy, Thomas “Maverick” Kiley, Knockdown, and Dodger.

 

Nine enemy combatants: COBRA B.A.T. SQUAD LEADER, and COBRA B.A.T. V1.8 (troop builder x 8). Each of these great teams comes with their classic weapons, accessories, figure stands and file cards!

We now have the roster for this year’s set: 6 members of Battle Force 2000 vs. 1 Cobra BAT Squad leader and 8 Cobra BATs.  This means that the Club will be utilizing a total of 8 unique figure designs this year to produce the boxed set. Continue reading →

Joe Con 2017: Battle Force 2000 Knockdown unveiled

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As the Joe Con 2017 reveals continue, feast your eyes on Battle Force 2000 Knockdown!

Joe Con 2017 Battle Force 2000 Knockdown

G.I. JOE BF 2000 TEAM:
KNOCKDOWN

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure.
– 1st Modern Era Release of Character based on 1987 design.
– Includes removable Helmet and Vest, Tactical Rifle, Re-tool
of iconic Ground to Air Pistol, and G.I. Joe Logo Stand.

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

The Battle Force 2000 Sky Sweeper driver Knockdown is back– even if this image is pretty Photoshop heavy.  Right off, I’ll admit that I didn’t see the reuse of the 2013 Retaliation Lift Ticket helmet coming but it works!  The PoC Techno-Viper lower legs are a decent approximation of the original 1987 Knockdown design— or at least as well as could be done with existing parts.  I can also appreciate the newly-tooled vintage weapon recreation– even if I’d much rather have a new head sculpt for the character.

As far as the Joe Con 2017 previews go, he’s not bad.  He’s not the strongest of the three, but he’s not bad.  Definitely a decent approximation of the original design.

So far, we’ve had the following characters from this year’s set revealed:

G.I. Joe Battle Force 2000:

  • Avalanche, Blaster, Blocker, Dodger, Knockdown, Maverick

Cobra: BATs:

Without a greater description of this set, we’re still left wondering just who exactly is coming on the Cobra side of this year’s Battle Force 2000 vs Cobra BATs set.  Could Overkill be in the works?

For more information of this year’s event, visit GIJoeCon.com.

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Joe Con 2017: Meet the Cobra BAT Squad Leader

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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!

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G.I. Joe FSS 5 Shipment 1 is inbound!

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The first shipment from G.I. Joe FSS 5 is heading to subscribers!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 logoIt’s that time again– when subscribers to the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Figure Subscription Service eagerly start checking their mailboxes and front porches on a daily basis.  That’s right Joe fans, G.I. Joe FSS 5 shipment 1 is on its way and, thanks to Alyosha of both Broken Arrow Toys and the newly-formed Chicken Fried Toys, we’ve got images of this first shipment!

For those of you who wish to remain “unspoiled” in this age of information overload, turn back now.  We’re going to highlight just exactly who is in this first shipment.

G.I. Joe FSS 4 shipment

Continue reading →

50th Anniversary Heavy Conflict and Mission Accepted reviews

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The Heavy Conflict and Mission Accepted G.I. Joe two-pack reviews are LIVE!

G.I. Joe Heavy Conflict Mission Accepted reviews

It’s been a while since we’ve had any new reviews here at JBL.  The holidays, a lost family pet, and some crazy workloads led to a crazy few weeks here at JBL HQ.  However, we’re getting back on track and that means not one but TWO brand-new reviews from the G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Collection, year 3!

Check out what Fred and Chris have to say about the four figures from the Heavy Conflict and the Mission Accepted two-packs!  It’s a brand new take on Heavy Duty and Duke and the debut of Fan’s Choice figure Stiletto and Tombstone!

There’s some good.  There’s some bad.  There’s a few rants by Chris and some snark from Fred.  There may even be a Deadpool cameo or three.  However, there’s something that almost everyone can find to love in both the Heavy Conflict and the Mission Accepted two-packs.  After all, what’s not to love about the return of two familiar faces as well as the debut of two brand-new characters?  Well… if I told you then you wouldn’t have to read the reviews!  (Unless you just want to look at the pretty pictures.  That’s okay too.  Really.  This way you don’t have to deal with another “Chris rant.”)

You can check out all four reviews over at the G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Review Index!

 

G.I. Joe Collector’s Club reveals female Cobra Troopers!

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G.I. Joe Collector's Club logo

The latest issue of the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club magazine reveals the upcoming female Cobra Trooper figures!

During Joe Con 2016, the Club announced that a brand-new three pack would be coming.  Designed to work alongside the Toys R Us exclusive (and somewhat elusive) Cobra Legions three-pack Cobra Officer, female Cobra Troopers would be available for order some time in 2016/2017.  Thanks to HissTank.com forum user Bluemax, we have our first look at these upcoming additions to the ranks of Cobra.

G.I. Joe Collector's Club female Cobra Troopers

Okay, the details on the female Cobra Troopers:

  • Preorder is “coming soon”
  • Figures will be polybagged
  • each figure includes a rifle, pistol, knife, stand, and removable helmet
  • Three different hair colors will be included

At first glance, these look pretty good.  The helmet seems to be a straight re-release of the 2007 Night Stalker from the Tanks for the Memories set.  The upper torso seems to be another reuse from the 2016 Pythona figure.  For the arms, lower torso and legs the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club opted to use parts from the Rise of Cobra Agent Helix figure. I do miss the painted knee-pads of the classic Cobra Trooper design and I’m not certain why the sleeves are sculpted rolled up but that’s more of a design aesthetic preference.  I do wonder why the face masks are red instead of “Sunbow black.” Continue reading →

G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Black Friday Sale has begun!

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The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club annual Black Friday Sale is already underway!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club Black Friday SaleIt’s that time of year again– when the folks at the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club take a look at their warehouse and decide that it’s time to lighten the inventory.  Old items need to go to make way for future product and so the sales begin!

This year there are a few items of note on the sale list including Joe Con exclusives and some of the G.I. Joe vs. Transformers items.  A few highlights include:

The full list of sale items can be found at the link below.  Quantities on sale items are limited so if you see something that you’re interested in, you might just want to go for it!

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Big Lob is the 2017 Collector’s Club Incentive figure!

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The cover of the latest issue of the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club magazine has revealed the next membership incentive figure: BIG LOB!

G.I. Joe Collector's CLub Big Lob

Big Lob Revealed – Image courtesy of Michael Taylor

I’ll admit it– I’m both surprised and pleased by this! Who’d have imagined Big Lob as this next year’s figure?

For those of you who don’t remember, Big Lob was one of the Rawhides, a group of new recruits introduced in the Sunbow-produced 1987 film G.I. Joe: The Movie.  Along with Jinx, Tunnel Rat, Chuckles, and Law & Order, Big Lob was part of the next generation of Joes who were put through their paces and evaluated by Beach Head.  (Spoiler alert: they all passed– much to Beach Head’s chagrin!)  Despite this introduction, Big Lob never saw release as an action figure until 2010 when the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club released an o-ring version as the annual membership incentive figure.

G.I. Joe Collector's Club Big Lob

G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Magazine reveal of Big Lob – courtesy of Doug Monroe

Now, after seven years history repeats itself again and the Rawhides are on their way once more to being complete– this time in generation 3 construction.  I’m seeing a lot of the first build of Roadblock from G.I. Joe Retaliation in this figure which gives Big Lob the height he needs, although more bulk than I’d have expected.  However, the new head is MILES AHEAD of the previously released version. Rather than a reused Mercer sculpt, he gets his own unique noggin!  (I’m digging the lopsided haircut!)

As always, to receive your Big Lob figure you’ll have to be a member in good standing of the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club by March 2016.  To learn more about the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club and to ensure your chance to own this sports-themed Joe, visit GIJoeClub.com!

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New G.I. Joe vs. Transformers set up for pre-order

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Remember that new G.I. Joe vs. Transformers set featuring Dr. Biggles-Jones and Ninja Force Scarlett?

G.I. joe vs transformers 5-pack

If you’re on the edge of your seat waiting for this new G.I. Joe vs. Transformers set to see release wait no longer!  The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has listed pre-orders for the next three exclusives in their ongoing Joe vs TF series.  However, be forewarned– the pricing on this set isn’t for the faint of heart.  In order to snag the big set, fans will have to shell out a cool $129.00!

Here’s what’s included:

Also up for pre-order are the two “Almost Human” figures– the synthoid body versions of Rodimus Prime and Arcee.  These tie in nicely with the Old Snake and Stealth BATs set released last year.  All three sets have an expected delivery date of “December 2016.”

Go get ’em while they’re hot!

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