Support G.I. Joe Flashback on Kickstarter

G.I. Joe Flashback, an independent film about a key era in the lives of several future Joes, is now funding with under 30 days to go!

We all know the stories– the tale first recounted in Marvel Comics G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #26— of a Vietnam LLRP team consisting of the men who would go on to become Stalker, Storm Shadow, and Snake Eyes.  However, do we know the stories that came before those events in which Tommy dropped everything to rescue his friend, cementing the bond between them?

Thanks to G.I. Joe Flashback we just might have the chance to learn more about the entire team– including Wade Collins, Ramon Escobedo, and Dickie Saperstein.

This is going to be more than just a “fan film”.  The folks behind G.I. Joe Flashback are bringing in some real talent to not just tell this story but to tell it right. The film is produced by cosplayer extrordinaire “Skinny“, and features a talented and passionate group of fans helping to bring it to light.  Names like Bill Nedrow and Paul Panfalone are no strangers to the fan community.  Every detail from the story to the score is being supervised with a true reverence to the source material. 

If you need any more encouragement, just check out Skinny’s recent interview on Just Another GI Joe Show below:

The deadline to show your support is Friday, November 16, 2018 at 5:18am CST.  Consider backing G.I. Joe: Flashback on Kickstarter today!

G.I. Joe FSS 7 Tundra Ranger Stalker preview is awesome!

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club FSS 7 previews continue with a look at the mock-up for Tundra Ranger Stalker!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club FSS 7 Tundra Ranger Stalker

G.I. JOE TUNDRA RANGER
Code Name: SGT. STALKER

(Inspired by the 1989 action figure.)
Includes: removable tactical vest, NEW hat, rifle,
knife, kayak with stabilizer, machine gun mount,
double-ended paddle, and figure stand.

“That guy’s AWESOME!”

That was the reaction by Scoop in the DiC mini-series Operation: Dragonfire the very first time Stalker deployed his Tundra Ranger kayak.

That statement might just hold true today with the reveal of the FSS 7 update to this classic 1989 Stalker design.  Sure, the Club is reusing some existing parts but that’s to be expected.  The Retaliation G.I. Joe Trooper legs are back– as is the head that was most recently used for the Tiger Force Stalker and the FSS Jammer figures.  However, the accessories are clearly the focus here– including a reproduction of the original cold weather outrigger kayak!  Continue reading

G.I. Joe FSS 7 roster announced!

It’s time– the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has announced the roster for FSS 7!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club FSS 7Here it is kids– the moment we’ve been waiting for.  The roster for G.I. Joe FSS 7– a virtual love letter to the 1990’s with multiple figures from the DiC era of the brand.  In addition, we’ve got another International figure as well as another member of the stripey-est sub-team ever: Tiger Force!  (My Just Another G.I. Joe Show co-host is loving life right now.)

Here’s the announcement from the Club:

The cost of the twelve-figure subscription service is $375.00 (+ shipping for 6 shipments). You can pay all at once or in three installments of $125.00 (billed to your credit card). When you subscribe and choose to pay by Installment, you will be billed for the first two month’s shipments. Then sometime during the second month of shipping (estimated to be June, 2018), you will be billed for the 3rd and 4th months’ shipments and sometime during the 4th month of shipping (estimated to be August 2018) you will be billed for the final two 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 more subscriptions and we may/may not have additional figures in the club store at a higher per figure price.

Please note that the figure previews are Photoshop mock-ups and the final product may vary. Also, the colors are approximate as some may look more glossy or metallic on your monitor screen and everyone’s computer has a different color calibration.

Final figures colors/names/accessories will vary from the descriptions and preview pictures.

We are very excited to offer the seventh limited edition GIJCC Figure Subscription Service. This assortment contains a variety of fan requested characters from all eras of the 3 3/4-inch G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series. It includes classic 80’s, 90’s, 2000’s, international, and many never previously released characters to add to your modern era action figure collection. Upon successful completion, you will also receive a BONUS mystery 13th carded action figure with the last shipment.

Each single carded action figure features the highly articulated modern era sculpts with weapons and accessories for them to accomplish any mission!

Previews and subscription period will start October 31st, 2017.
G.I. JOE DESERT TROOPER & COYOTE
Code Name: DUSTY & SANDSTORM
(Inspired by the 1991 action figure.)
Includes: removable beret, harness with large knife,
assault rifle, sub machine gun, coyote, knife,
pistol with suppressor, and figure stand.

 

COBRA SUPREME LEADER
Code Name: COBRA COMMANDER
(Inspired by the unreleased “arctic” action figure.)
Includes: removable helmet, holster with pistol,
advanced combat rifle, cobra staff, and figure stand.

 

G.I. JOE COMMANDER
Code Name: GENERAL HAWK
(Inspired by the 1991 action figure.)
Includes: removable helmet, harness with holster,
pistol, rifle, glider backpack with pop-out wings,
detachable rockets x 2, and figure stand.

 

DREADNOK SALVAGE CREW
Code Name: DREADNOK KAOS
(Inspired by the unreleased “concept case” action figure.)
Includes: removable harness, pistol, bolo,
wrist crossbow, machete, and figure stand.

 

G.I. JOE ASSAULT VEHICLE DRIVER
Code Name: TREADMARK (aka “SKIDMARK”)
(Inspired by the 1988 action figure.)
Includes: removable vest, assault rifle, pistol,
combat knife, and figure stand.
 
EXTENSIVE ENTERPRISES CEO
Code Name: TOMAX
(Inspired by the Sunbow cartoon design.)
Features NEW head sculpt!
Includes: aerial platform with sky hook, auto pistol,
briefcase with warheads x 4, and figure stand.

 

G.I. JOE TIGER FORCE NINJA
Code Name: KIM “JINX” ARASHIKAGE
(Inspired by the 2003 action figure.)
Features NEW head sculpt!
Includes: masked/unmasked heads, swords x 2,
dual sword sheath backpack, Naginata, and figure stand.

 

COBRA ARCTIC TRANSPORT OFFICER
Code Name: ICE VIPER OFFICER
(Inspired by the 2007 action figure.)
Includes: removable helmet, goggles, harness,
radio, rifle, sais x 2, boot cleats, and figure stand.

 

G.I. JOE SAMURAI WARRIOR
Code Name: BUDO
(Inspired by the 1988 action figure.)
Features NEW head sculpt!
Includes: Samurai helmet, removable chest armor,
belt, sais x 2, swords x 2, and figure stand.

 

COBRA SAVAGE FIGHTER
Code Name: KANGOR
(Inspired by the Brazilian exclusive action figure.)
Includes: removable harness, boxing gloves/hands,
dumbbell weights x 2, kangaroo, and figure stand.

 

G.I. JOE TUNDRA RANGER
Code Name: SGT. STALKER
(Inspired by the 1989 action figure.)
Includes: removable tactical vest, NEW hat, rifle,
knife, kayak with stabilizer, machine gun mount,
double-ended paddle, and figure stand.

 

COBRA HYPNOTIST
Code Name: CRYSTAL BALL
(Inspired by the 1987 action figure.)
Features NEW head sculpt!
Includes: removable vest, pistol, knife,
shield, and figure stand.

 

NOTE: These modern era club exclusive action figures will not be exact replicas of their vintage counterparts. All images are Photoshop mock-up representations, final product, accessories and/or colors will vary!

The previews start some time today so we’ll have more news as it is available!

Update on G.I. Joe FSS & Joe Con 2015 Reviews

FSS Crimson Guard Immortal

Sigh… I hate this kind of post.  I really do.

Joe Con 2015 and G.I. Joe FSS reviews are coming.  Really.  I had photos shot for these reviews for weeks now and even have the web page built.  Joe Con 2015, Joe Con 2013, and the FSS reviews for Hit & Run, Alpine, Crimson Guard Immortal, Big Ben, and Frostbite are about 85% ready to go!

So, you might find yourself asking, what’s the holdup?

Between my current real-life job and some family obligations, I’ve just not had the time to sit down and really finish the writing.  Knock on wood I can sequester myself away this weekend for a bit and finalize my portion of the text.

However, I don’t want to leave folks hanging.  Below is a preview gallery of images from many of the G.I. Joe FSS and Joe Con 2015 reviews that will be hitting here soon.  Consider it a bit of a “mea culpa” for being so tardy.

 

Joe Con 2015: Tiger Force Sgt. Stalker Preview

The reveals for the Joe Con 2015 Tiger Force vs. Iron Grenadiers set continue with at the Joe team’s first Ranger: Sgt. Stalker!

Joe Con 2015 Tiger Force Stalker

– 25th Anniversary Modern Style/Fully Poseable Action Figure
– NEW HEAD SCULPT with removable Beret and Tactical Vest
– Based on 2003 Design in traditional theme Tiger Force deco
– Includes G.I. Joe Logo Stand, Assault Rifle, Pistol,
M-2 Machine gun*, Backpack/Frame/Antenna & Phone
(*disassembles into 4- parts that attach to backpack frame!)

Once again, the Joe Con 2015 set is going back to the  2003 Toys R Us exclusive Tiger Force set for inspiration.  Lonzo R. Wilkinson gets an update that’s based on the o-ring Sgt Stalker v3 only without the vibrant blue paint apps of the original.

Continue reading

Joe Con 2015: Tiger Force vs. Iron Grenadiers theme!

 

Joe Con 2015 banner

The brochure for Joe Con 2015 is live and with it comes this year’s 1:18 theme: “Springfield Island: Peril in Paradise.”
That’s right kids– it’s the Tiger Force vs. the Iron Grenadiers, who were last seen in 2012’s Operation Bear Trap set.  Here’s the official description from the Club:

G.I. JOE intelligence reports that DESTRO has sent a regiment of his elite IRON GRENADIERS, led by GENERAL MAYHEM and executed a hostile takeover of a billionaire Montgomery Springfield, III’s tropical island in the South Pacific. The island’s private security force was no match for the blitzkrieg style attack by sea and air.

While the IRON GRENADIER leader’s exact plans are unknown, it is expected that this will become another primary location for them to stockpile munitions and test experimental M.A.R.S. technology. A G.I. JOE: TIGER FORCE unit, led by SGT. STALKER, is called in for this perilous mission to re-capture the island paradise and expel the IRON GRENADIERS at all costs. Getting onto the island will be extremely dangerous, but when the enemy sees the colors yellow and black, they will know that the TIGER FORCE team is hungry to fight and ready to attack!

The 2015 3 3/4-inch convention set contains highly requested teams and some new additions available for the first time in the modern era 25A action figure style.

This special edition set includes:

Tiger Force (six figures): Sgt. Stalker, Dial-Tone, Big Brawler, Wreckage, Recondo, Edwin “Lifeline” Steen.

Iron Grenadiers (nine figures): General Mayhem, Metal-Head, Undertow Officer, Iron Anvils x 3, Undertow x 3.

Okay… that’s totally not the direction that I would have predicted for this year’s set, aside from the Tiger Force inclusion.  The Iron Grenadiers were featured heavily just three years ago so their return seems a bit soon.  Ironically enough, this will also mark Dial-Tone’s THIRD release from the Club as he was both the renewal figure and part of Mission Brazil II in 2011.  Also, another member of the 1982 “Original 13” makes an appearance as Stalker is given the convention treatment.

There’s also the matter of everyone’s favorite “Not Outback” – Big Brawler, who is named after a long-time Club staff member.  However, to counter this, there’s also METAL-HEAD!  BANG!  BANG!!!

So far only Wreckage has been revealed so the Club has plenty of previews to tease in the coming weeks.

The entire brochure is up for your viewing pleasure at GIJoeCon.com!

What do you think of this roster?  Sound off in the comments below!

SDCC 2014: Gentle Giant G.I. Joe Debuts in December

Gentle Giant Jumbo Rock N Roll

Gentle Giant Ltd, a company known for their realistic scanning technology and upscaling of classic vintage figures, surprised G.I. Joe fans everywhere with a new line of up-scaled 1:18 Joes based on the original 1982 Joes.  That’s right– Gentle Giant G.I. Joe figures are coming!

According to the intrepid reporters over at ToyNewsI.com, the line debuts this Holiday season with the release of the 12″ Grunt in a special footlocker package.  Subsequent releases will continue in 2015 and will be available on “authentic” G.I. Joe cardbacks.

Figures shown at SDCC thus far include:

  • Grunt
  • Zap
  • Stalker
  • Snake Eyes
  • Rock n Roll

Honestly, I don’t know how I feel about Gentle Giant G.I. Joe figures– especially up-sized version of the o-ring figures.  After all, it’s the 50th Anniversary of the original 1964 Joes– not the 1982 figures.  While I’m sure that there is a market for these and that the initial offerings will no doubt sell decently, I have the feeling that this will only appeal to a very small segment of an already fragmented fandom and will most likely end before more of the later fan-favorite characters can be produced.  I’d love to be wrong about this but my gut, uh, o-ring tells me otherwise.

You can view the original article, as well as a ton of great SDCC coverage, over at ToyNewsI.com!