Rank & File Vol 4 – Now Available!

Volume 4, the latest volume in the incredible Rank & File series of G.I. Joe guide books is now available from James Kavanaugh!

Look, anyone who’s been following JBL for any length of time knows that this site LOVES the Rank & File Guide series. (Yes, each word is a link to a different post!)  They’re some of the most detailed modern G.I. Joe reference works available and have a proud place on my reference shelf next to books by Mark Bellomo, Dan Klingensmith, and 3DJoes.com

Volume 4 made a “special edition” debut at The Last Joe Con this year from Fun Publications with a special cover and insert pages.  However, that was just a sample– a taste of what the full-fledged volume would contain.  Now, G.I. Joe fans and toy collectors can order their own copy of this exciting volume that delves into the world of “the exclusives”…

However, don’t take our word for it… check out the press release from “Noted Author” James Kavanaugh himself!

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Rank & File vol 4 to debut at GI Joe Con 2018

Rank & File vol 4, the latest in a series of amazing reference guides from “Noted Author” James Kavanaugh, will make its debut at this year’s final GIJoeCon!

Rank & File vol 4 GIJoeCon exclusive coverHere’s the latest from the author himself:

The adventure continues to evolve in Rank & File — A Guide to Third-Generation 4” G.I. Joe Action Figures!  This time with a alternate convention exclusive cover!

After a brief hiatus in 2006 that allowed G.I. Joe to flourish in other areas, G.I. Joe:  A Real American Hero went in a new stylistic direction that is still predominately used today!  Not only did fans get to revisit some of their most cherished icons within the G.I. Joe mythos, they were also introduced to new characters that are now known and loved.

The Rank & File guide volume 4 is the first in a two-part series displaying every G.I. Joe action figure produced as a convention exclusive and for the G.I. Joe Collectors’’ Club, complete with every accessory and variation produced.   Not only are the accessories shown, they were carefully cataloged in an upcoming volume that will guarantee the proper shade of accessory goes to the appropriate action figure. To top it off, every vehicle and playset released in the 4″ era is documented in the Rank & File series and every easily removable piece is shown individually photographed —ensuring collector completion.

This full color, fifty-two page resource manual beautifully illustrates supplemental avenues’ 166 action figures, twenty-eight vehicles, and every accessory, including all known variations. Not only is every accessory present and accounted for, they have each been assigned a unique number and identified throughout the resource guide.  Each action figure was carefully examined between its initial run and any further re-releases to ensure accurate samples are clearly and concisely presented, perfect for the collector who is identifying individual action figures or sorting through unorganized lots.

Whether you are a seasoned or rejuvenated collector, enthusiast, or toy vendor, the Rank & File series is the decisive compilation for G.I. Joe action figures, vehicles, and playsets produced from 2007 to today.    Let the Rank & File guides serve as a reference for completion or a scrapbook to the next big turning point of G.I. Joe:  A Real American Hero.

***Bonus***

Rank & File’s volume 4 will debut at 2018 International G.I. Joe Collectors’ Convention in an exclusive format!  This resource guide will include an exclusive convention-themed G.I. Joe YEARBOOK cover, three pages sharing memories of past conventions, three blank pages for attendees write parting goodbyes with their exclusive Rank & File custom sharpie.  These exclusive features will be a limited format and not included in the standard forty-eight page volume 4 release.  Don’t miss out!!  See you at Joe Con!!!

Basic Information

The MSRP for The Rank & File guide Volume 4 convention exclusive is $30 and available at the 2018 International G.I. Joe Collectors’ Convention.  Any remaining stock will be available on the website, www.rahcguide.com, and buyer will pay all additional shipping and handling costs.  If you have purchased the R.A.H.C. guides before, the process will be very similar.   This guide was self-published and produced in quantities reflecting previous sales so do not hesitate in ordering if owning a guide is a priority.  The standard release will be made available in the summer 2018.  Keep checking the website for updates!

You may join the mailing list at: rahc.guide@gmail.com and like on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/RAHCGuide to get the latest updates between press releases.

I can’t say it enough — I LOVE these books!  Seriously- mad, crazy, obsessive love for each and every volume in this series.  The reason is simple: James does such an incredible job of detailing each and every figure right down to the baton, microphone, or single bullet accessory!  I was already down for vol 4 when he first discussed it on an episode of Just Another G.I. Joe Show but the reveal of this exclusive “yearbook” version just pushed my need to own it right over the top.

The homage to G.I. Joe : A Real American Hero, vol 1 #26 is inspired and the inclusion of yearbook-style signature pages for attendees at this year’s final GIJoeCon makes it all the more essential. It’s not just a reference guide– it’s a love letter to an event that has brought so many fans together over the past 21 years.

Run, don’t walk to the RAHC Guide table at GIJoeCon this year and snag a copy of Rank & File vol 4 in person.  Or, if you’re not attending, keep your eyes peeled to the social media channels and website mentioned above to snag your own copy when they go up for order.

Bravo, James!  Bravo!

 

Rank & File volume 2 & 3 Reprint Kickstarter almost funded!

With EIGHT days to go, the Rank & File volume 2 & 3 reprint Kickstarter has nearly reached its goal!

Rank & File vol 3 reprintA good reference book is an invaluable resource when managing a collection. In fact, you might even say that it’s ESSENTIAL, especially when the collection involves multiple variations of characters and a seemingly endless supply of tiny accessories.  The internet and hobby dedicated websites are an invaluable resource but nothing beats a good tangible book filled with high quality photos showcasing every knife, pistol, helmet, and accessory.  Plus, a good book is always there whether or not you have a WiFi connection available.

Enter the Rank & File book series from “noted author” (and long-time friend of JBL) James Kavanaugh!

We’ve talked about these books before.  Rank & File volumes 1, 2, and 3 have proven to be so popular with fans that the original print runs of all three have sold out, with volume 1 receiving a second printing!  Now, supplies of volumes 2 & 3 are almost gone and newly-revised and updated second printings are seeking funding on Kickstarter!  With just eight days remaining, this project could use your support to reach its goal and see this books available once more!

The current campaign ends Saturday March 17, 2018 at 7:10pm CST.

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Rank & File vol 3 is coming soon from James Kavanaugh!

Rank & File vol 3, the next installment in the ultimate modern G.I. Joe reference series, is coming soon!

G.I. Joe Rank & File vol 3At JBL we’re very exciting to report that noted author James Kavanaugh’s next exciting reference volume is coming very soon!  Volume 1 and Volume 2 proved to be amazing and this next installment looks to be James’ best work yet!  (That’s saying something as RAHC Guide was pretty AMAZING.)

Check out the official release: Continue reading

Rank & File vol 2 is now available!

Rank & File vol 2, your guide to the G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra and Pursuit of Cobra action figure lines is now available online!

G.I. Joe Rank & File vol 2 cover

If you purchased Rank & File vol 1 or the RAHC Guide then you’re already familiar with the care and quality that “Noted Author” James Kavanaugh puts into his guides.  For that reason I’m excited that Rank & File vol 2 is NOW AVAILABLE online at RAHCGuide.com.  This second volume focuses solely on the “movie era” G.I. Joe and offers a comprehensive look at the figures and vehicles from both the Rise of Cobra and Pursuit of Cobra lines.  Even better– a copy will only set US Joe fans back $26.50!

In fact, here’s a sample of what fans can expect to find inside:

Rank & File vol 2 Ashiko preview

I’ve known author James Kavanaugh for a long time now and I can personally attest to the fact that these guide books are a personal passion of his.  From his initial layout mock-ups that he debuted back in New Orleans in 2006 to the final product, there is a real love of the product that shines through on each and every page.  As I’ve been pulling various parts of my RAHC and 25th anniversary collection figures out of storage, his guides have become essential in helping this Joe fan re-equip so many figures that were lumped together in the same storage bin.  All bias aside, this is THE book to use if you don’t want to go online to look up a part or figure!

However, don’t take my word for it! Check out some additional preview images below and then peruse through the official press release.  Trust me, you’ll want to snag your own copy of Rank & File vol 2 ASAP!

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Rank & File v1 is now available online!

Rank & File cover

A few weeks back JBL reported that “noted author” James Kavanaugh was releasing a new reference book entitled Rank & File centered on the “no-ring” era of G.I. Joe figures.  Now, we’re happy to report that Rank & File is now available online!

That’s right, the first volume of this amazing guide series to the “modern era” of G.I. Joe is available for just $20 + shipping.  (US & International)

Trust me, Rank & File lives up the high standard set by the RAHC Guide that covered 1997 – 2007.  I was fortunate enough to pick up a copy at Joe Con 2015 from “the man himself” and have been pouring through it ever since.  (Expect a review in the near future!  Really!) From the detailed photography to the intuitive layout, this book is sure to become a “much used tome” on your G.I. Joe reference shelf!

So run, don’t walk, over to RAHCGuide.com and snag your copy of Rank & File v1 now!  Quantities are limited and you won’t want to miss out on this terrific companion to your ARAH Generation 3 G.I. Joe collection!

Rank & File: More info from author James Kavanaugh!

Rank & File cover

No sooner did we post the press release info for the forthcoming Rank & File guide to ARAH generation 3 Joes than “Noted Author” James Kavanaugh Jr reached out and provided some addition information on the all of the volumes in this new and exciting series:

Basic Information

The MSRP for The Rank & File Guide Volume 1 is $20.  Volume 1 will be first available at Joe Con in Springfield, IL and available to purchase online after the show at www.rahcguide.com.  Buyer will pay all additional shipping and handling costs.  If you have purchased the R.A.H.C. Guide, the process will be very similar.   This guide was self published and produced in quantities reflecting the R.A.H.C. Guide’s sales so do not hesitate in ordering if owning a guide is a priority. You can join the mailing list at: rahc.guide@gmail.com and like on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/RAHCGuide to get the latest updates between press releases.

 

In order to get content to the fans as quickly as possible, the decision was made to divide the series up into, as of this announcement, up to six volumes.  They working divisions are as follows:

 

Volume 1:  Introduction, 25th Anniversary, Resolute

Volume 2:  The Rise of Cobra, Pursuit of Cobra

Volume 3: Celebrating 30 Years of A Real American Hero / Renegades, Retaliation, Basic G.I. Joe Asst., 50 (should include 2015 figures and possibly beyond).

Volume 4:  Convention Exclusives, G.I. Joe Collector’s Club (up to at least 2015)

Volume 5:  Complete and organized Accessories section comprised of Volumes 1 through 4

*** Depending on sales and other factors*** Volume 6:  Complete Sealed Packages comprised of Volumes 1 through 4.

James was also good enough to share a custom image from the book with JBL that showcases the quality of the work contained within!  Check out this look at two of the admin’s favorite figures from the G.I. Joe Resolute line! Continue reading

Rank & File – new guide to debut at Joe Con 2015

Rank & File cover

Rank & File is coming!

Long-time friend of JBL and noted author James Kavanaugh Jr returns to the published world with his second G.I. Joe reference guide!  (His first book, the RAHC Guide, is an essential tome here at JBL HQ!)  Not only that, but the book will make its fandom debut at Joe Con 2015 with online sales to begin shortly thereafter!

Check out the press release that dropped in the G.I. Joe Discussion Facebook Group over the weekend: Continue reading

Coil Con 2012: Dodger announced as second exclusive!

G.I. Joe fans are an enterprising and industrious lot.  If there’s not a convention anywhere near them, then they’ll start they’re own.  More importantly, if they want an exclusive G.I. Joe figure for that event– they’ll make their own!   Take, for instance, the 2012 Coil Con Dodger:

 Dodger Coil Con 2012 Exclusive

“A simple and elegant reuse of existing tooling” would be my first comments on this figure.  It uses the AWESOME 30th Anniversary version of Duke for the body and the open mask head of the G.I. Joe Renegades Cobra Trooper to give it identity.  It’s an inspired parts choice that really evokes the original 1989 BF2K Dodger figure.   Coil resident designer/fabricator/”figure guy” Jay Hunger really knocked one out of the park with this one.  It really makes me wish I didn’t have a family-related conflict that weekend as I’d snatch these up like a second Renegades Storm Shadow at retail!

Coil Con will be held on September 8, 2012, at Kokomo Toys and features specials guests including:

For more information, visit http://www.coilcon.com

 

Coil Con 2012: Meet Zilant – Coil Guerilla Fighter

You’ve got to love the ingenuity of the G.I. Joe fandom.  Not merely content to attend the annual G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention and purchase the “official” exclusives at both JoeCon and the San Diego Comic Con, this fandom started producing its own exclusive figures.  For three years now a group of die-hard Joe fans based out of Indianapolis have run their own “Coil Con“– with exhibitors, special guests, and even an exclusive figure.

Held on September 8, 2012, Coil Con features specials guests including James Kavanaugh (author- RAHC Guide), Robert Atkins (artist – G.I. Joe, Snake Eyes), Gary “Gyre-Viper” Head (archivist, podcaster – Joe SpecOps podcast), and Gary Godsoe (podcaster – What’s On Joe Mind).  However, since you can’t take any of them home with you– let’s talk about who you CAN bring back.

Meet Zilant— the Coil Guerilla Fighter!

coil con 2012 zilant

Coil Con 2012 exclusive: Zilant, Cobra Guerilla Fighter

Here’s the official description:

A legendary creature from Russian and Tatar myth, the zilant is a fearsome winged snake. Sometimes helpful, sometimes destructive, they are known for fiercely protecting their homes from incursion.

Zilant was born in a small town in the Eastern European nation of Tatahkstan where he grew up sharing his father’s passion for building and flying ultralight aircraft. After Tatahkstan chose to remain independent following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Zilant joined his nation’s fledgling armed forces, committing himself to keeping his land free from occupying forces. When Tatahkstan was later ravaged by heavy fighting between G.I. Joe and Cobra, Zilant was able to escape the carnage in one of his father’s aircraft. Driven by a desire to rid his homeland of outside oppression, he joined the COIL and used their resources to raise a homegrown force to repel both foreign armies. He combined it with his knowledge of light aircraft to become an authority in the development and use of ultralight aircraft, gliders and windsuits as a method of covertly inserting special ops troops.

Recently, there’s been a new force intent on invading his homeland, so Zilant is taking action once again. He thought that he had faced and defeated his enemies, but is this new man his ultimate enemy?

In one fell swoop we’ve got a background for both the name and the character!  Hand-crafted by customizer (and now figure designer) extraordinaire Jay Hunger, these figures are sure to appeal to Joe fans seeking to add more “flavor” to their collections.    The only place to snag this figure is at Coil Con 2012 so mark your calendars for September 8, 2012 and head to Coil Con to snag your Zilant while supplies last!

For more information, check out: http://www.coilcon.com