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…

Hasbro Revolution Comic Crossover Mega-Set SDCC Exclusive

The Revolution Comic Crossover Mega-Set is coming to San Diego Comic Con 2017!

Hasbro IDW Revolution Comic Crossover Mega-Set

Sweet Colton’s Ghost!  Just when you thought that we’d seen and heard all that there was to know about the future of G.I. Joe this year Entertainment Weekly dropped a MOAB of exclusive news.  Debuting this year at San Diego Comic Con and available at both Canda’s Fan Expo and then eventually at HasbroToyShop.com, the IDW Revolution Comic Crossover Mega-Set isn’t just a long name– it’s a $99.00 box of so much epic goodness that this long-time toy fan doesn’t know where to start.  Seriously…

Hasbro IDW Revolution Comic Crossover Mega-Set

Inspired by the debut miniseries of IDW’s Hasbro Shared Universe, this set includes something from EACH of the brands that will comprise the forthcoming Hasbro Cinematic Universe.  That’s right Children of the 80’s, the Revolution Comic Crossover Mega-Set includes all of the following:

Seriously… all of this for a whopping $99!  That’s it!  This is a CRAZY good deal.

I’m not going to lie– as far as this toy collector is concerned there isn’t one single weak spot in the Revolution Comic Crossover Mega-Set.  Seriously.  I’m old enough to remember both ROM and the Micronauts when they were at retail the first time around. I have a real soft spot for Jetfire as both a Transformers and a Robotech fan.  The new incarnation of M.A.S.K. intrigues me.  While I have no nostalgia whatsoever for Visionaries I like the design of Leoric.

Oh yeah, and then there’s RENEGADES FREAKING ROADBLOCK!!!

Seriously– this set is a virtual love letter to the fans of all of Hasbro’s now in-house properties.  I’m not going to lie– between this and the Cobra Missile Command Headquarters reissue I’m going to be wearing out the F5 key when these drop on HasbroToyShop.

Seriously– to all involved at Hasbro, THANK YOU for the Revolution Comic Crossover Mega-Set.  You’ve made this child of the 80’s very happy indeed!

Holiday shopping alert – Larry Hama signed items and cover sketch!

G.I. Joe A Real American Hero 195 cover sketch by Larry HamaAs the holiday season approaches, consumers everywhere are left with the dilemma of what to get for those friends and family members on their respective lists.  Even more perplexing can be the question: “What do you get for the G.I. Joe fan on your holiday list?”  Well, thanks to Joe fan and published author Mark Bellomo, this might have become a lot easier.

As of last night, Mark opened the floodgates and has listed a plethora of Joe-themed goodness up on internet auction site Ebay.  However, what makes a lot of these items truly unique is that they are signed by the “godfather of G.I. Joe Larry Hama”– and many of them come from his private collection!  In corresponding with Mark he’s revealed at even more items are coming– just keep an eye out on  his eBay page for future updates.

Check out the Joe goodness that is listed!

Normally this type of news wouldn’t make the front page here at JBL but for a chance to own something truly unique– a piece signed by Larry Hama himself– well, we’ll make an exception.

Yet, as as they say in the infomercials: “But wait, there’s more!” There is something even cooler on Ebay as well– Larry Hama himself has listed the original cover sketch for IDW Publishing’s G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #195!  With just over a day remaining, here’s a great chance to own a real piece of G.I. Joe history with a piece that features Shockwave, Lady Jaye, and the ever-popular Roadblock!