Support the Girls of the Finest 2018 Calendar

The Girls of the Finest return with a brand new 2018 calendar project!

Girls of the Finest

It’s that time of year– when the talented costumers of the Girls of the Finest put their needles, thread, time, and talent toward a project that aims to give back to our men and women in uniform!   Since 2015, these cosplay artists have produced an amazing G.I. Joe-themed calendar showcasing your favorite ARAH-era femme fatales.  From Scarlett, to Zarana, the Baroness to the Cobra PR Officer– supporters have been treated to 12 months of images that inspire the imagination!  However, there’s more to this annual calendar drive than just some terrific wall art.  This is a calendar project that aims to give back to those who need our support.

K9s for WarriorsOnce again, the lovely ladies of Finest are raising funds for K9’s for Warriors, an organization dedicated to providing service dogs for veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and/or military sexual trauma as a result of service post 9/11.  The organization recognizes the healing power of animal therapy and how the emotional bond formed between a veteran and a therapy dog can help these brave warriors overcome the trauma they incurred while in the line of duty.

Seriously– I can’t encourage people enough to support this project.  These talented ladies give up their time and talent to support a project that not only helps the men and women of our armed forces but also helps provide homes for animals in need.  It’s a no-brainer– a one-two punch that truly brings some comfort to those who put themselves on the line for us each and every day.

As of now, the project has 23 days remaining and is 58% funded!  This is an all-or-nothing project which means that calendars won’t go into production and no funds will be send to K9’s for Warriors unless it reaches its goal of $8,500.00.  A simple pledge of $25.00 will secure a copy of the printed calendar, a set of trading cards, and a postcard!  It’s a STEAL of a deal that helps support a great cause!

Support the Girls of the Finest 2018 Calendar Project today!  Plus follow these costumers and track all of their appearances over on the Girls of the Finest Facebook page!

Sam Smith Unveils Spectre Theme Song

James Bond 24 Spectre

British artist Sam Smith has unveiled the theme song to the next James Bond film Spectre.  The track is titled “Writing’s on the Wall.”

Yes, I realize that this has no direct connection to the world of G.I. Joe.  However, one of the privileges of owning your own website is that you get to talk about the topics that you find interesting and I’m a HUGE James Bond fan!

On this morning’s episode of NPR’s Morning Edition, Smith previewed “Writing’s on the Wall” and discussed his inspiration for the theme to the 24th installment in the world’s longest running franchise.

“I tried to put myself in the shoes of Bond,” Smith explains. “My music is a diary and it’s a recap of my life, and I wanted to bring that kind of honesty. In the lyrics — “How do I live, how do I breathe? / When you’re not here I’m suffocating” — I wanted a touch of vulnerability from Bond, where you see into his heart a little bit.”

The theme song came together in a whirlwhind demo session that lasted under thirty minutes.  In fact, the vocals in the final song were recorded during that initial session!  The song itself harkens back to some of the older ballads that have been a hallmark of the series with a powerful brassy intro and a soulful performance

You can preview the track using the embed below:

Spectre opens on October 26, 2015 in the United Kingdom and will debut in theaters worldwide on November 6.  For more information visit 007.com!

Marauder Task Force Valkyries Kickstarter FINAL DAY!

marauder taskforce valkyries kickstarter

This is it– the final day for the Marauder Task Force Valkyries Kickstarter campaign.  The deadline to support this project is 10:31pm CST TONIGHT!

Rather than post a long-winded and meandering article on why you should support the Marauder Task Force Valkyries campaign, I’m going with a simple list of 10 reasons.  Ten simple fact that you simply should consider when debating how to support this project. (Notice I didn’t say “if you should support”…)

Without further hyperbole:

5 Reasons You Should Support the Marauder Task Force Valkyries Kickstarter Project: Continue reading

Happy Birthday MadMac41!

We interrupt this G.I. Joe website for some late-breaking news!  Long-time JBL staffer Scott “Madmac41” McAllister has turned another year older today.  I know that, given his “advanced age” many of you reading this didn’t think that was possible but stranger things have happened!

Madmac41 birthday

Feel free to click on the image above and throw some birthday wishes up on his Facbook page!

For those of you who don’t know Madmac41 he’s a long-time G.I. Joe fan who I’ve known for FAR too long!  When I stepped away from JBL for a time back in 2008 on a self-imposed sabbatical, he kept the fires stoked around this dusty site.  In addition, he’s an amazing customizer with an incredible eye for parts as well as a true friend.

Again, feel free to drop him some birthday wishes in the comments below or head on over to his Facebook wall and fill it with pictures of Outback!

We now return you to your regularly scheduled G.I. Joe website.

Girls of the Finest Calendar Drive Hits 70%

Girls of the Finest

The 2016 Girls of the Finest Calendar drive is now 70% funded with just 12 days to go!

What a project!  As we discussed previously here at JBL, the lovely ladies of the Girls of the Finest calendar from 2015 are back and are once again asking for your help in raising funds to support a worthy cause.  Even better, they’re offering an amazingly high-quality 2016 calendar as an incentive for folks to donate to the project– with the proceeds going to benefit the United Service Organizations.

Continue reading

Happy Birthday America!

Independence Day

Happy Birthday America!

Just a quick note to wish a happy birthday to what is, in my opinion, the greatest nation on planet Earth.  (No bias here.)

You’re still looking pretty good for being 239 years old, USA!

Also, a big thanks to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces whose countless sacrifices ensure that we’re able to celebrate the birth of our nation each year.

Have a happy and safe July 4th.

NECA 1989 Batman Review from The Breaux Show

Neca 1989 Batman

 

The Breaux Show’s video toy reviews are back with the Toys R Us exclusive NECA 1989 Batman!

I was in high school when Tim’s Burton’s 1989 Batman film exploded onto the big screen and took the nation, and the world, by storm!  A marked contrast to the campy 1966 portrayal, the film which starred Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson presented the Dark Knight as just that– a dark brooding figure in a crime-filled world full of despair.  It established Batman as a serious and complex character in the mind of many movie-goers and led to a pop culture renaissance of the character that included the debut of the seminal Batman: The Animated Series.  Like many comic fans, I was hooked and the Keaton Batman became the benchmark by which all other cinematic attempts at Batman were measured.

So, imagine my delight when NECA managed to redeco their video game inspired action figure in a more traditional colo palate and pair it up with an anniversary Blu-Ray copy of the film, exclusive to Toys R Us!

Even better– good friend of JBL, The Breaux Show, managed to get his hands on one of these amazing figures and uploaded a brand new video review!  Either check out the NECA 1989 Batman review on his YouTube Channel or embedded below!

The Cobra CLAW has arrived! For REAL!

1984 Cobra CLAW

Remember the Cobra CLAW?  You know, the then-futuristic powered glider that debuted back in 1984?

Apparently the future is NOW because Swiss aviation enthusiast Yves Rossy has released a spectacular video of his jet-powered glider taking to the skies of Dubai.  Sure, it lacks a dorsally-mounted laser cannon or wing tip missiles but otherwise this is for all intent and  purpose a real life CLAW!

First Howe & Howe Tech create the Ripsaw, a real-life HISS tank that was featured in G.I. Joe Retaliation, and now this?  Someone keep an eye on Microsoft for something resembling a Weather Dominator!  Or maybe Apple IS working on their own Pyramid of Darkness!

Check out the video below and check out more coverage at Jetman.com!

Bond 24 is revealed as SPECTRE!

James Bond 24 Spectre

Disclaimer: This has absolutely nothing to do directly with G.I. Joe.

Today in London, Eon Productions made the official announcement for the 24th installment in the James Bond franchise.  At a star-studded media event, audiences were introduced not only to the cast and the new car but also to the title for this landmark film.

SPECTRE

Just one word and it sends chills up and down the spine of long-time Bond fans everywhere.  Not seen in any real capacity since 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever, this shadowy organization bent on global domination is poised to make its debut in the 21st century!

For those of you who are unaware of SPECTRE, it’s the Special Executive for Crime, Terrorism, Revenge, and Extortion.  It’s the mother of all secret terror organizations– and quite possibly the basis for other fictional organizations like HYDRA or even Cobra.  Led by the shadowy #1 (who was later revealed to be Ernst Stavro Blofeld), SPECTRE was revealed to be the organization behind most of the the Connery Bond’s cinematic foes.  From Dr. No, to Rosa Klebb, to Emilio Largo, SPECTRE provided the resources and the manpower for all manner of plots destined to throw the world into chaos.  It’s the stuff of classic spy thrillers and nobody did global secret organizations better than Bond.

Seriously, as a long time Bond fan, this news is incredible!  It shows that the series is maintain ties to its past while putting a fresh new spin on a cinematic franchise that has endured for over a half century.   November 6, 2015 cannot come soon enough!

You can watch an official video of the cast announcement below.

Guardians of the Galaxy Showings Start TONIGHT!

Guardians of the Galaxy

One of the advantages of owning your own website is you can talk about whatever you want.  So, in taking a break from G.I. Joe for a moment, I’m here to talk about the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Early screenings for the film start tonight and this particular admin cannot wait!  Seriously, 7:00pm CST is so incredibly far away right now!

For those of you who have been living in a cave and haven’t heard of the Guardians of the Galaxy, it’s the latest installment in the insanely awesome Marvel Cinematic Universe.  However, instead of focusing on Earth where the action has been dominated by the Avengers, director James Gunn is taking the audience out into space and is following the actions of Star Lord, a human from earth who has no idea what his place in the universe is.  However, with the help of a talking gun-toting raccoon, a brawling tree with a heart of gold, a maniac bent on revenge, and the deadliest assassin in the galaxy, he’s about to confront his destiny head-on, all while jamming out to some 1970’s AM rock-n-roll. C’mon, what’s NOT to love?  It’s like Farscape with the budget of Star Wars!

The film’s based on the incarnation of the team that formed up in 2008 and promises to be one heck of a ride.  In fact, over at RottenTomatoes.com, the film’s rating (at the time I’m writing this) is holding steady at 91% fresh.  (6 “rotten” reviews out of a total of 67 posted thus far.)

So, if you’re tired of reading about the current state of G.I. Joe and want to “get away from it all”, check out the Guardians of the Galaxy this weekend.  I know I will.  (Possibly multiple times!)

You’re welcome…