Tag Archives: JBL

JBL Review: More G.I. Joe reviews coming soon… really!

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Yeah, remember a few weeks ago that whole promise of “one G.I. Joe  review a week”…

Sounded pretty good, didn’t it?  Yet– there is a decided lack of new reviews posted in the past two weeks.  You might even find yourself wondering- “What happened?”

Trust me– more reviews are coming.  Sadly a plumbing issue took place at Casa del JBL… right over the photo setup!  Everything is fine now but the delay cost me some time that I’m working to get back.  Just check out the gallery below to see a few preview images of some of the figures that will be covered in the next two weeks here– including some fan favorites that were long overdue for an update!

After that– I’ll be “hopping around” a bit in terms of new reviews.  This means that we’ll be dipping back into the classic Gen 1 G.I. Joe A Real American Hero line as well as the Gen 3 “Modern Era” figures as well.  The past few years have left me with quite a backlog of product both opened and unopened that needs to be freed from its plastic prisons!  So, if there’s something that you’d like to see JBL cover in a review– shoot me a line or post a reply below and I’ll add it to the queue.  (See, I do take requests!  Just no “My Little Pony” stuff… no Bronies here!)

Anyway, enjoy the preview images and keep your eyes posted on JBL!  There’s more new content coming!

darklonglory
destrocash1
oktoberguardgrouptruck1
sgtmajorglory
shockwaveeye

[Show as slideshow]

 

JBL Review: G.I. Joe Retaliation Trooper

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G.I. Joe Retaliation G.I. Joe Trooper review

What? Another new review at JBL? Isn’t this site supposed to be dead?

Another new review has indeed been posted– and this time it’s the G.I. Joe Retaliation G.I. Joe Trooper!  (This figure might get the award for using the term “G.I. Joe” more than any other in its title.)  Originally released in June in time for the film’s intended release, these figures won’t bee seen again at retail until some time in February.  However, the old adage about “absence makes the heart grow fonder”… especially in the case of this addition to the rank and file of the Joe team.  Besides, doesn’t that helmet look familar? It’s almost “spartan” in its appearance…

So, is this figure worth a purchase when he returns to shelves in February?  Check out the newly built (and currently very empty) G.I. Joe Retaliation Review Index and read the review for yourself!

Also, feel free to sound off as to what you’d like to see covered next?  The SDCC Shockwave HISS Tank?  The 2012 Collector’s Convention Oktober Guard?  More Retaliation figures?  Your feedback is very much wanted as JBL gets back up to speed!

JBL: The site, reviews, and a promise…

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It’s been 4 years since JBL showed real signs of life as an active participant in the fan community.  However, things are changing around here and I thought I’d offer up an explanation of what happened and what the site will be going forward.  (Knock on wood.)

Those of you who’ve known me for a long time know that I’m actually not the most social of individuals.  It’s just one of those things– I tend to keep drama and things to myself rather than dump it other people.  After all, we’ve all got our own problems, right?  As recent as four years ago, JBL bordered on a full-time job for me.  I was compiling the Daily News five nights a week, monitoring the forums, and writing reviews of everything from classic Generation 1 A Real American Hero figures from the 80’s to Generation 3 25th Anniversary figures.   What started as a hobby had developed into a site and from there developed in something that was slowly taking over my waking hours.   It was a labor of love– an outlet for a passion dedicated to a group of characters that inspired me all throughout the 80’s.  That was when “real life” began to intrude.  My energies were split in too many directions and I had things outside of Joe that required more and more of my attention.  Aging parents, changing jobs, and health issues both personal and family-wise… all became more immediate than a site dedicated to “little plastic men.”  As such, the site suffered as I stepped away more and more.

As they say at the beginning of every episode of Supernatural, that was “Then:”… Let’s talk about “Now:”.

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JBL Review: Marauder Gun-Runners Wave 6

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Wow… it’s been nearly 4 years since I’ve been able to say this but I’ve posted a new review as of last night.  Marauder Gun-Runners Series 6 has hit the fandom in recent weeks and it was enough to pull on aging reviewer out of retirement.  Chock-full of modular weapons and a cornucopia of rifle accessories, Joe fans are sure to find SOMETHING in this wave to appeal to collection needs.

However, don’t just take my word for it.  Head on over to JBL’s newly updated Marauder Gun-Runners Review Index and check out the 3 page review of wave 6!

Follow JBL on Twitter for 2011 convention coverage

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Yes, the admin of the site is stuck at home this year but JBL staff will be on site to provide updates from the 2011 Collector’s Convention in Orlando!  CmderinChief (aka “Gary”) is live and one the scene in Florida and between drinking mojitos and chasing Mickey around, he’ll be manning JBL’s Twitter feed!

Follow Gary’s exploits on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/joebattlelines!

JoeBattlelines Top Ten O-Ring Figures

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O-RING FIGURES

Our last Top Ten ended up being all vehicles and playsets, so you asked for another Top Ten focusing only on figures.  You were asked for your Top Ten figures and you responded with quite a few surprises.  There is not one single Snake Eyes, Cobra Commander or Duke in your final Top Ten!  So let’s get right to it then.

#10.  Storm Shadow V2

Released in 1988 this version of Storm Shadow is a fan favorite, it was his first G.I.Joe Team uniform.

#9.  Baroness

Released in 1984, as Scarlett is the first lady of G.I.Joe, Baroness is the first lady of Cobra, and the only female figure to make into the Tope Ten.

LordEd1976 said – Cobra’s number one bad girl.  In black leather.  What?  You need MORE reasons?

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Ouside the Box Custom Contest Winners!

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I  just got the word from the judges! But before I announce the winners, I have to thank some people.

First off, is Richard Woodhouse from the G.I. Joe Design Team. Richard taught a custom class at the JoeCon in Kansas City, and encouraged us to think outside the box. Next I want to thank the judges: Fred (Leonardo T. Dragon), Justin (General Hawk), and John (Alyosha). I also want to thank the sponsers: Broken Arrow Toys, Smalljoes.com, Marauder John, General’s Joes, and Hasbro. Lastly, I want to thank you guys for taking a chance on a contest where you didn’t know what you were going to be customizing.

All of you did a great job, and I hope you will join me again next year when we do this again!

3rd Place – Crystal Ball by Patrica Henry

2nd Place – Cesspool by cerulean_sin

And the winner of The Outside the Box Contest, is Storm Shadow by Yoho Joe.

I need the winners to PM their real names, addresses, and e-mail info so I can pass them on to the people sending you your prizes. I will also contact you on how to get your online prizes.

Thanks again, everyone!