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G.I. Joe FSS 5 Darklon & Salvo reviews!

Two more G.I. Joe FSS 5 figures get the review treatment this week: Darklon & Salvo!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Shipment 3 darklon salvo

What is this?  Could it be?  Have the admins publisihed two MORE G.I. Joe FSS 5 reviews this week?  You bet your sweet Evader it’s true!!!  Fred and Chris are back with a look at the two latest figures to arrive from the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Figure Subscription Service: Darklon & Salvo!

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more mis-matched parir of characters from the latter half of the A Real American Hero run than these two.  One is a distant cousin of Destro whose fashion sense could best be described as “thrift store chic as assembled in a darkened room.”  The other is a towering anti-armor trooper whose basic philosophy on firepower is emblazoned on his hand-lettered t-shirt.

So what do our intrepid reviewers think of the G.I. Joe FSS 5 dynamic duo of Darklon and Salvo?  Does Darklon improve upon the original 1989 design or is it another faithful club recreation?  Does this second build of Salvo better satisfy the expectations of fans? (After all, the first Salvo build went over like 2016 Joe Con JUMP pack souvenir sets.)  Heck, does Deadpool return after his glaring omission in the last two reviews?

Head on over to the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Review Index and check out what two long-time Joe fans think of both Darklon and Salvo!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 shipment 3 is inbound!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 subscribers should start checking their mailboxes – shipment 3 is incoming!

G.I. Joe FSS 4 shipment

It’s that time again– when a new G.I. Joe FSS shipment hits the porches and mailboxes of subscribers everywhere!  However, after an error with the warehouse, fans are getting one shipment early.  Shipment 3 has deployed… well ahead of shipment 2 and, thanks to Alyosha of BrokenArrowToys.com, we’ve got an early look at just who is in the box.

For those of you that wish to remain spoiler-free, click no further.  To paraphrase the old pirate maps: “Here there be G.I. Joe FSS spoilers…” Continue reading

G.I. Joe FSS 5 new Salvo build? Let’s hope so!

Let’s be honest– the G.I. Joe FSS 5 Salvo preview went over with the fandom like G.I. Joe Extreme.  The fandom was nearly-unanimous in its condemnation of the sub-bar design and took the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club forums to make their collective voice heard.

Thankfully, it appears that the folks at the Club have listened.  This afternoon, the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club released this updated image and information:

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Salvo update

For Salvo, we tried many different combinations rather than a straight up repaint. After reviewing some of your suggestions, we’ve selected another option to show you a new figure build before we have final feedback on tool availability.

So, keep your fingers crossed!

Let’s be honest– the first Salvo build was, well, awful.  Under-sized and uninspired, it took the concept of “good enough” design to a new low.  For this version, the Club pretty much went with the fandom’s suggestion of a straight repaint of the Retaliation Roadblock build— and it looks MILES better!  Just take a look at a quick side-by-side comparison:

G. I. Joe FSS 5 Salvo comp

Yes, there’s no guarantee that the new build will be approved for use by Hasbro BUT the Club must be pretty confident of the odds if they released this image to an already unhappy fandom.   To this Joe fan’s eyes– there is NO comparison.  The version on the right is the clearly superior build both in terms of size and with regard the lettering found on the t-shirt.

Now, let’s just wait until we have confirmation that this WILL be the official G.I. Joe FSS 5 Salvo build!

To subscribe to the FSS, head on over to GIJoeClub.com and stay tuned to JBL for more G.I. Joe FSS 5  news!

The G.I. Joe FSS 5 Roster:

  • Concealment Specialist – Ambush
  • Flamethrower – Charbroil (Classic deco)
  • Iron Grenadier Courier – Darklon (more modernized version than previous convention version)
  • G.I. Joe Strategic Commander – General Flagg (similar to Battle Corps version)
  • Cobra Battle Corps Cobra Viper – based on Iron Anvils from 2015 Convention version
  • Anti-Armor Trooper – Salvo (more Pursuit of Cobra styled, based on existing tooling)
  • Combat Journalist – Scoop (using the Sky Patrol Airborne head sculpt from this year’s con set)
  • Cobra Falconer – Raptor
  • Advanced Recon – Sneak Peek (based on FSS 4 Tiger Force version)
  • SKAR Infantry Officer – Steel Raven (based on Club magazine comics – FEMALE character)
  • Cobra Shattered Glass Xamot (from the Club Comic Adventure Team storyline with new head sculpt)
  • Z-Force Mechanic Gaucho (pairs with Jammer)

Unhappy with G.I. Joe FSS 5 Salvo? Let the Club know!

Wow… there was quite the reaction to yesterday’s G.I. Joe FSS 5 reveal of Salvo!

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club unveiled their take on the G.I. Joe anti-aircraft specialist on Thursday as part of the G.I. Joe FSS 5 reveals.  Let’s just say that the response was “less than positive.”

G.i. Joe fss 5 salvo comparison

 

From JBL’s own Facebook page, to GeneralsJoes.com, to the G.I. Joe Discussion Group, the fandom united in this displeasure with this particular figure build.  Typically, criticism of the Club’s product is met with disdain by certain pockets in the community but even those factions seemed to agree: the Salvo build was not what it should have been.

G.I. Joe Salvo Marvel Comics #114

However, as constructive as all of that discussion has been there’s only one place on the internet where the Club is guaranteed to pay attention to the reactions of its members and that is over at the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club forums.  If you want the Club to see your comments regarding Salvo then head on over to this discussion thread and make your feelings known:

The best kind of feedback to leave is constructive criticism.  Let the Club know what you do like about the build used for Salvo but also let them know what you would like to see improved.  If you’d prefer to see Specialist Hasle build on a Retaliation Roadblock body (as the NJCC version was) then say so.  Or, if you think a more likely build is the one used for the recent Joe Con 2015 Tiger Force Big Brawler, say so!  The point is that if you want to see this figure changed, now is the time to speak up!

Be advised: the forum is only available to active members of the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club.

Who knows?  Maybe the feedback of its membership can prompt the Club to course correct this time.  After all, it worked once before when people complained about the colors used for FSS 4 Hit & Run and Spearhead.  After all, isn’t the goal of the FSS to produce figures that the subscribers are going to be excited to purchase?

Hopefully, if enough positive criticism comes in, the Club will acknowledge the concerns of the fandom.  He at least deserves as much care and attention as went into producing figures like Tiger Force Big Brawler and FSS 1 Surefire.

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Salvo is a blast from the past

The G.I. Joe FSS 5 previews continue with a look at the anti-armor specialist Salvo!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 Salvo

G.I. JOE ANTI-ARMOR TROOPER: SALVO
(Based on the classic 1990 action figure!)

Includes: removable helmet, rocket launcher with projectile, weapons case, pistol, and figure stand.

NOTE: All images are Photoshop representations, final product, accessories and/or colors may vary!

Hmm… not at all what I was expecting.  Not at all.   When Salvo was first announced I figured that the Club would favor the G.I. Joe Retaliation Roadblock body given the character’s apparent size as well the nature of the gear he toted.  The original 1990 figure was equipped with a MASSIVE missile launcher as was the later DTC Salvo figure.  Instead I’m seeing the legs that were used for the Resolute Duke action figure and, well, an upper torso that seems to lack the muscle mass of ALL of the previous releases.

And then there’s the helmet, which is a reuse of the head protection that was included with the Pursuit of Cobra Sci-Fi.

Again, not at all what I expected and, even though I’ll take a lot of flak for this, not at all in keeping with the character’s previous releases.  Of all of the G.I. Joe FSS 5 reveals thus far I find this one to be the most disappointing in terms of build.  (There are folks out there who will say that I’m nitpicking and that I should just be happy that we’re getting something but I prefer quality over quantity.)

After yesterday’s reveal of Gaucho and now Salvo, I’m not nearly as excited about this roster as I once was.

To subscribe to the FSS, head on over to GIJoeClub.com and JBL for more G.I. Joe FSS 5 reveals and news! Continue reading

G.I. Joe FSS 5 sign-up is LIVE!

This isn’t a preview announcement– G.I. Joe FSS 5 sign-up is now LIVE!

G.I. Joe FSS 5 logo

That’s right– no more waiting.  If you want to be a part of G.I. Joe FSS 5, you can sign-up any time between NOW and September 2, 2016!  Of course, membership in the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club is required for purchase.  This year’s sub will set subscribers back a cool $336.00 + shipping in either one lump payment or three installments of $112.00.   (There is an extra transaction fee for the installment plan, per the Club’s usual policy.)

So, if you’re at all interested in this year’s wave of 12 stated figures plus the mysterious 13th bonus character, head on over and sign-up today!

Here’s the official announcement straight from the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club:

The GIJCC Figure Subscription Service 5.0 is an optional separate purchase if you are an active member of the G.I. Joe Collectors’ Club. You can subscribe now through September 2nd deadline!

The cost of the 12 figure subscription service is $336 (+ shipping for 6 shipments). You can pay all at once or in three installments of $112 (billed to your credit card). When you subscribe and choose pay by Installment, you will be billed for the first two month’s shipments. Then sometime during the second month of shipping you will be billed for the 3rd and 4th months’ shipments and sometime during the 4th month of shipping you will be billed for the final 2 months’ shipments. Upon subscription completion, you will receive a bonus carded 13th mystery figure with the last shipment.

Please note that for the installment payment option, there is a $6 service charge per billing while the pay in full option has one $6 service charge. Please also note that for installment buyers, there is an additional charge each time a billing is attempted if your card is not approved. If your card has been declined and we have to re-bill, we will only be able to retry your billing three (3) times before your subscription is cancelled. Each retry has an additional fee added to your total charge (please see the Terms and Conditions.)

This Figure Subscription Service is a “build to order process” so you can order as many as you like, until the order period closes. At that time, we will not process any additional subscriptions and we may/may not have additional figures in the club store at a higher per figure price.

Please note that these are Photoshop mock-ups and the final product may vary. Also note that the colors are approximate as some may look glossy and everyone’s computer screen has a different look/calibration. Final figures colors/names/accessories may vary from the above descriptions and pictures.

Thanks for posting this on all your boards!  Order now!

Brian

Continue reading

New Jersey Collectors Con figure revealed as G.I. Joe’s Salvo!

Fans of custom figures in the G.I. Joe community are probably familiar with the name “Kevin Watts.”  Know for his imaginative parts use and mind-blowing painting skills, Kevin is the mastermind behind the Canv-HISS project showcased at the 2013 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention.  He’s also the project lead behind last year’s amazing Metal-Head fan figure that was given away at the New Jersey Collector’s Convention.  Well, it would seem that Kevin and his talented crew of customizers are back in action once again– and have revealed this year’s NJCC exclusive giveaway figure.

Salvo!

New Jersey Comic Con Salvo

Right now, I really really HATE Kevin.  I had the same reaction after last year’s Metal-Head figure.  It’s not because it’s a bad figure or anything like that.  It’s due to the simple fact that there is no way I’ll be able to obtain one of these.  The figures are door-prizes– given away to attendees of the NJCC and are not officially sold in any other capacity.  Also, they’re custom figures produced by hand– meaning that the production run is INSANELY low.  I was fortunate to see a “prototype” of this figure at Joe Con this year and I can say that is doesn’t disappoint.

If you’re in the area, here’s information on the NJCC:

New Jersey Collector’s Con

Holiday Inn Cherry Hill – New Jersey
2175 West Marlton Pike (Rt. 70), Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Sunday, April 28th, 2013

NJCC Facebook page.

More information on this figure and the event can be found over at  HissTank.com.

DVD: G.I. Joe Series 2 season 2 hits shelves TOMORROW!

Just a reminder in the midst of all of the pre-SDCC hype that G.I. Joe has a new DVD dropping tomorrow!  Fans of the DiC animated series will soon be able to complete their collection as Shout Factory releases G.I. Joe Series 2, season 2 on July 10, 2012!

G.I. Joe: Series 2, Vol 2

Let’s be honest– when compared to the Sunbow series, the DiC episodes of the 90’s left a lot to be desired.  The plots in season 2 of the second series were– well, let’s just say that “Kindergarten Commandos” sums it all up.  However, this series is also the only time that certain characters and character designs were ever featured in animation.  Characters like Pathfinder, Metalhead, Salvo, Bullhorn, Iron Grenadier Destro, and even the Ninja Force all made their first and only appearances during DiC’s tenure.  Plus, this volume has a short special feature with members of the Hasbro design team discussing their recollections of the series as well as the origin of the Python Patrol!

Check out this promo video for volume 1 and snag your copy at a local retailer tomorrow!  (Just don’t walk around chanting “Brainy Bradley!”  Seriously– not cool.)

Check out these recent reviews of the Season 2 release:

So, what do YOU think of Series 2?  Has it aged well?  Is it good cheesy fun or the abomination some fans claim?  Sound off!