The Breaux Show: New live weekly radio show

The Breaux Show goes live with a weekly "radio" show!

There are a metric ton of good toy-related podcasts and “geek shows” out there and now you can add one more to the list: The Breaux Show Live Radio Show!

Each Sunday evening at 9:30pm EST, video toy review and web series host Michael Breaux takes to the virtual airwaves via Google Hangout to broadcast a live 30 minute show that runs down the week’s “geek news” and current events.  This week topics ranged from the 2013 Super Bowl to the recently-revealed 2013 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention set: Nocturnal Fire!  He even featured a “hack site admin” from a “familiar Joe site” who discussed his thoughts on this year’s surprising set reveals.

In all seriousness, I’ve know the host for many years now and always find his video shows entertaining.  He’s got a lot of enthusiasm for  action figures and toys in general and it shows!

You can watch the YouTube version of the episode below and check out the rest of his work over at TheBreauxShow.com!

G.I. Joe Con 2013: Final four Noctural Fire Night Force members revealed!

Registration for the 2013 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention will go LIVE next week but the Club has given fans one final preview to whet their appetites.  The final FOUR members of Night Force have been revealed!

NIGHT FORCE: MACHINE GUNNER – REPEATER

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure
– Based on TRU Exclusive Action Figure from 1989
– NEW Head with Molded Army Ranger Hat,
– Includes G.I. Joe Logo Stand, Backpack with Steadi-Cam
Attached Machine Gun, Ammo Strip with Ammo Box,
Removable Combat Vest and Knife

 

NIGHT FORCE: LIGHT INFANTRYMAN – HIT & RUN

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure
– Based on Unreleased Action Figure Concept
– NEW Head with NEW Removable Helmet and
Goggles, NEW Tactical Harness with Backpack
– Includes G.I. Joe Logo Stand, Assault Rifle,
Grappling Hook, Duffel Bag with Carry Strap,
Explosvive Mines, Pistols, and Knife

 

NIGHT FORCE: POINT MAN – SPEARHEAD

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure
– Based on TRU Exclusive Action Figure from 1989
– Removable Helmet/Goggles, and Combat Vest
– Includes G.I. Joe Logo Stand, Assault Rifle,
Machine Gun with Bi-pod, Ammo Strip,

 

NIGHT FORCE: BOBCAT – MAX

– NEW Bobcat [Included with SPEARHEAD]

 

With these final reveals, the last of the boxed set figures have been revealed.  Honestly, it’s a SOLID group with Repeater taking top honors in this Joe fan’s eyes.  I can’t tell what torso is being used bot those feet seem to be from the new “Battle Kata” Roadblock figure that drops in Wave 2 of the G.I. Joe Retaliation line.  This is yet another instance of movie tooling making its way into this year’s convention set.  The vest appears to come from a Roadblock of a different era– the incredibly awesome Resolute figure!  Plus, it’s Repeater!!  Sure, he’s got the 30th Iron Grenadier’s weapon with the “ginormous ammunition box” but it still looks good.  Sadly, no steadi-cam mount, however.

Hit & Run is an interesting figure.  Many fans were hoping that he would be the vault figure design showcased at last year’s Joe Con.  Instead, he seems to borrow elements from that design.  I’ll have to look and see what parts are used to bring him to life but I might be seeing some parts from the 30th Lifeline figure that has been heavily reused of late.  (I have a confession to make– my 30th Lifeline is still carded until I can get around to writing a review of him.  Sad, I know…)  One thing I do miss is the signature camouflage paint on his face.  For a Night Force set I’d have thought some black tiger-striped face paint would have been a sure thing.

Spearhead looks to be a solid homage to the original figure– right down to the ammo belt that crosses his chest.  I’ll be curious to see if it’s just glued together in the final product as this appears to be the same belt that has come with most of the line’s recent heavy machine gunner figures.  I’m thinking he’s built on the 30th Anniversary Shock Viper/Viper frame with the same vest that came with the Comic Pack Firefly from back in the 25th Anniversary line.

Max— well, he’s Max!  He’s a brand new sculpted bobcat that will hopefully join the ranks of my G.I. Joe animal brigade in the near future.  (P.E.T.S. anyone?)  After all, someone has to keep Timber, Junkyard, and Order in line and it sure isn’t Polly.  (Freedom finds himself above such petty duties.)

So, all-in-all, Noctural Fire is shaping up to be a solid set from the Collector’s Club.  There are some clear winners (PSYCHE-OUT!!!), some “interesting” choices (LETAL), and some classic troop builders and new faces.  I find that overall I’m putting this set on par with the excellent Mission Brazil set from a few years ago.  Now I’ve just got to make certain that my schedule is free and that I can hit the Con this year.  (It’s right around someone’s birthday…)

 

G.I. Joe Con 2013: Crimson Asp and Saw-Vipers revealed!

Tonight’s reveal from the 2013 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention set Nocturnal Fire came a bit later than previous nights but once again the Club has unveiled TWO new figures!

COBRA SABOTEUR: CRIMSON ASP

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure
– NEW Head on NEW Female Cobra Character
– Includes Cobra Logo Stand, Grenade Launcher,
Assault Rifle, Explosive Charges, Flamethrower,
Connection Hose and Backpack

COBRA MACHINE GUNNERS: S.A.W.-VIPERS

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure
– Troop Builder THREE Action Figures in Box Set
– Modern Update Based on Action Figure from 1990
– Includes Cobra Logo Stand, Removable Helmet,
Squad Automatic Weapon (S.A.W.) Machine Gun
with Removable Ammo Box, Backpack,
Tactical Vest with Radio and Removable Knives

Okay, I’ve got to say that this is an interesting pair.  Crimson Asp has some nice details, using the Resolute Baroness body to good effect.  Her head sculpt reminds me of the one-eyed Russian spy from the animated series Venture Brothers and her overall color scheme seems better suited to a Marvel Comics HYDRA agent than a Cobra saboteur.  She most definitely did NOT come from the Firefly school of Saboteur Chic.

On the other hand, the Cobra SAW-Vipers are a near perfect update of the original ARAH era figure.  The body is covered with the same tac vest as the Iron Grenadiers from the 30th Anniversary line with the Retaliation G.I. Joe Trooper’s dual knife sheaths taking the place of the steady-cam gun mount.  It’s an interesting use of parts and one that shows a great deal of innovation on the part of the GIJCC.  The arms may look familiar– they were last seen on the 2012 Joe Con Oktober Guard Stormavik figure!

So tonight’s reveal is one solid win and one that I’m not entirely sure about yet.  Still, Nocturnal Fire is shaping up to be a very promising set indeed!

G.I. Joe Con 2013: Muskrat & Psyche-Out revealed!

Another night and two more reveals by the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club from the 2013 Joe Con set!   Tonight’s unveiling? Muskrat & Psyche-Out!

NIGHT FORCE: SWAMP FIGHTER – MUSKRAT

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure
– Based on TRU Exclusive Action Figure from 1989
– NEW Head with a NEW Removable Boonie Hat,
Combat Vest is also Removable
– Includes G.I. Joe Logo Stand, Tactical Shotgun,
Machete, Pistol with Suppressor, and Knife

 

NIGHT FORCE: PSY OPS OFFICER – PSYCHE-OUT

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure
– Based on TRU Exclusive Action Figure from 1988
– NEW Head with NEW Removable Sonic Emitters,
[Attachments fit on Arms and Sonic Generator]
– Includes G.I. Joe Logo Stand, Assault Rifle, Pistol,
Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) Backpack,
Sonic Generator Device and Sonic Emitter Cones

I never thought I’d say this but of the two figure Psyche-Out is the CLEAR winner! From the headsculpt to the reuse of the 30th Duke body, he’s head and shoulders above most updates to classic designs. Muskrat is solid but the blue is throwing me off somewhat. However, as it has been pointed out to me the blue vest is removable. Otherwise, the club continues to hit a home run in terms of successful updates to classic characters.

Bring on Hit & Run and Repeater!

G.I. Joe Con 2013: Charbroil is HOT!!!

Last night, the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club updated the 2013 Joe Con page with the latest preview image from this year’s Night Force set.  Charbroil has been revealed!

NIGHT FORCE: FLAMETHROWER – CHARBROIL

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure
– Based on TRU Exclusive Action Figure from 1989
– NEW Re-tooled Classic Helmet that is Removable
– NEW Re-tooled Flamethrower Tanks Backpack
– Includes G.I. Joe Logo Stand, Flamethrower,
Backpack with Connection Hose, Flame Burst
attachment, and Pistol

Okay, let me just say this now: WOW!  I’ve never been a huge Charbroil fan and when the Club announced that he was part of the set I just assumed that this would be a repaint of the Toys R Us exclusive version that debuted in the Rise of Cobra line a few years ago.  I couldn’t have been more wrong– as this figure uses the body of the brand spanking new Retaliation G.I. Joe  Trooper!  That means that this figure is going to have some pretty fantastic poseability!  Even better– he’ll be sporting a brand new removable helmet!

Okay Collector’s Club– you’ve made this set incredibly hard to resist and we’re only four figures in!   I can’t wait to see what the next reveal has in store for us!

G.I. Joe Con 2013: First three figures from Nocturnal Fire previewed!

With registration for the 2013  G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention imminent, the folks at the GIJCC have posted previews of the first three figures from this year’s Night Force set!  First up are Cobra Mortal, Cobra Letal, and Cobra Frag-Vipers!

WARLORD: COBRA MORTAL

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure
– Based on “White” Variant Action Figure from Venezuela
– Includes Cobra Logo Stand, Crossbow, Knife,
Sword, Sub-Machine Gun, and Satchel

COBRA GRENADIERS: FRAG-VIPERS

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure
– Troop Builder THREE Action Figures in Box Set
– NEW Head Based on Action Figure from 1989
– Includes Cobra Logo Stand, Grenade Thrower,
Backpack with Connection Hose, Grenades,
Sub-Machine Gun, Pistol, and Knife

FRAG-VIPER COMMANDER: COBRA LETAL

– 25th Anniversary Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure
– Based on Variant “Green” Action Figure from Brazil
– NEW Head Shared with the Frag-Viper Troopers
– Includes Cobra Logo Stand, Bazooka Launcher,
Backpack with Removable Shells, Pistol, Knife,
and Sub-Machine Gun

So far, I’m liking what I’m seeing.  Some nice use of new tooling for the accessories of the Frag-Vipers and for the head gear on both them and Letal as well as a solid reuse of existing parts for the rest of the figures.  Cobra Mortal looks decidedly evil and you’ll never lose Letal in the dark with that day-glo speed skating suit of his!  Typically with these previews, the Club starts with the least-anticipated figures and works their way up to the ones that will make fans cry with joy– so I can anticipate some Night Force figures being revealed in the coming days.    I must say that I’m more excited about these troop builders than I was the Iron Grenadiers from last year so with only three figures in the GIJCC has my FULL attention.

Check out the pics mirrored below and visit GIJoeCon.com for more information.

G.I. Joe Con 2013 brochure is ONLINE!

G.I. Joe Collector's Convention 2013

The 2013 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention is happening in just over two months in Indianapolis!  So far, all that had been revealed about the 1:18 offerings for the con was some Night Force themed artwork hinting that “G.I. Joe was giving Cobra a reason to be afraid of the dark.

All of that changed this weekend (technically Friday afternoon) when the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club unveiled the 2013 convention brochure!  Along the requisite price increase (now $360.00 for this year’s set), some interesting details were revealed in this paragraph:

Nocturnal Fire

G.I. JOE: Night Force is a covert unit specializing in nighttime surveillance and defensive operations. Each team member has been selected for their enhanced skills, sophisticated hardware and advanced technology to surprise and vanquish any enemy!

This fan favorite and highly requested team contains several of the classic Night Force members and some new additions
available for the first time in the modern era 25A style. Our special edition Nocturnal Fire squad includes: Charbroil, Hit & Run, Muskrat, Psyche-Out, Repeater and Spearhead with Max (NEW Bobcat).

The Cobra Demolitions Team is ready to take on any obstacle that gets in their path of destruction. Led by the mysterious Cobra Mortal, he employs Cobra Letal and the deadly saboteur Crimson Asp (NEW female character). Their specialized troopers include: Cobra Frag-Vipers x 3, Cobra S.A.W.-Vipers x 3.

Each of these great teams comes with their classic weapons, accessories, figure stands and file cards in this exciting fifteen figure boxed set.

So, classic Night Force members Charbroil, Muskrat, Psyche-Out, Repeater, and Spearhead & Max are seeing release in the 25A construction with Hit & Run joining the team.  That leaves Lightfoot, Crazylegs, and Sneak Peek as the only classic members to not have an update.  Could there be an attendee 3 pack in the works?

Plus, on the Cobra side, Cobra Mortal sees his second release from the Club and his first new construction figure, the Frag-Vipers receive a new paint scheme both as troopers and as Letal, and a new female figure is introduced into the mix.  Plus, the first Generation 3 release of a SAW-Viper!  Could a Night Boomer from the new mold Skystriker be far behind?

I have to admit that I’m LOVING this set concept.  First off, I NEVER thought that Psyche-Out would ever see a Generation 3 update!  Plus, Muskrat has long been one of those characters that I’ve wanted to see more of.  For Charbroil, we have only to look at the Toys R Us exclusive Rise of Cobra version for inspiration but a brand-new Repeater in his Night Force colors is pure AWESOME! Seriously, the heavy gunner’s design has always appealed to me and I found the TRU exclusive version from a few years ago to be lacking.  Plus, a NEW Cobra female!  Seriously– that is what I love to see in the line– NEW CHARACTERS!  Yeah, this is one of those sets that I’ll have to pony up the cash for– even if it is more than my monthly car payments.

For more information, check out GIJoecon.com!

 

G.I. Joe Con 2013: Indianapolis Indiana!!

Sometimes an image speaks for itself– the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has announced the location of the 2013 Collector’s Convention.  (Some of us are happy that it is only a 4 hour drive!)

G.I. Joe Collector's Convention 2013

The Club has posted the official 2013 Joe Con page with a link for reservations.  Go now!!  It’s just one week after the much delayed premiere of G.I. Joe Retaliation!  Plus it looks like we’re dealing with a Night Force theme.  Could a repaint of the 30th Crazylegs be in the works?

Here’s the official press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

G.I.JoeCon 2013 Coming to Indianapolis, Indiana April 4th – April 7th!

Fort Worth, TX – December 4th, 2012 – Fun Publications, Inc., licensee for Hasbro’s official G.I.Joe Collectors’ Convention, G.I.JoeCon, announced today that next year’s convention will take place at the JW Marriott from April 4th thru April 7th in the great city of Indianapolis. You can make your hotel reservations now at GIJoeCon.com.

In the coming weeks, Pop Culture enthusiasts from around the world will be able to register for G.I.JoeCon 2013 through the GIJoeCon.com online registration system. Fans and Collectors’ who register for G.I.JoeCon as a General OR American Hero package holder will receive either the 12-inch Secret Mission to Dragon Island or 3 3/4-inch Nocturnal Fire convention set, admission to the Friday private sales room experience, priority seating at all panels and seminars throughout the weekend and admittance to the Saturday Night Casino Night Dinner event.  Finally, General and American Hero package attendees will also receive a special bonus to go along with their convention box set. General Admission for non-registered guests will be available on Saturday and Sunday only.

For more information on G.I.JoeCon and all activities and the exclusive figure offerings, please visit GIJoeCon.com.
About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company’s world class brand portfolio.  From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, video games and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its customers through the strategic leveraging of well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY.  The Hub, Hasbro’s multi-platform joint venture with Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) launched on October 10, 2010. The online home of The Hub is www.hubworld.com. The Hub logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.

About Fun Publications, Inc.
For nearly 20 years, Fun Publications, Inc. has been a Hasbro licensee offering fans and collectors of pop culture memorabilia news, exclusive product and family events through different print offerings, websites, collector clubs and brand specific conventions such as GIJoeCon and BotCon.  Located in Fort Worth Texas, Fun Publications reaches a large audience, serving the United States and many other countries such as Japan, Great Britain, Brazil, Australia and Canada. For more information visit TransformersClub.comGIJoeClub.comGIJoeCon.com, and BotCon.com.  BotCon is a registered trademark of Fun Publications, Inc. (C) 2012 Fun Publications, Inc.  All rights reserved.