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G.I. Joe news, action figure reviews, and discussion

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GIJoeCon 2018: Final Twelve and other Club offerings

GIJoeCon 2018 is one for the history books.  The last official Joe Con is over with the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club conducting one last Club Roundtable panel on Sunday June 24, 2018.  However, the Club didn’t go out with a whimper but instead surprised fans not only with some retrospective slide shows and musings about what the past 22 years of conventions have meant to them and the community but also with a final slate of exclusive products set to drop in the coming weeks.

Note: we have no information on pricing, release date, or even overall availability.  However, if the sellout of the Dreadnok 4WD with Heartwrencher was any indication, it’s best to pre-order these as soon as possible after the orders go live.

Let’s start with the one item we knew was coming.

Cobra Night Stalkers 3-pack

GIJoeCon 2018 night stalkers 3-pack

The long-awaited updated to the 2007 Night Stalkers is coming soon! Based on the build of the the female Cobra Troopers released in 2017, this 3-pack of figures compliments the FSS 6 Night Stalker Commander.  Each three pack will include three different skin tone variations including the first African-American female Cobra trooper!  (I’m also really digging the back mounted knife sheath!) Continue reading

G.I. Joe FSS 7 Tiger Force Jinx shows her stripes!

With the forthcoming holiday, the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club dropped the latest FSS 7 preview early: Tiger Force Jinx!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club FSS 7 Tiger Force Jinx

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.

At long last– it’s Tiger Force Jinx!

This figure has been a bit of a no-brainer for some time now.  She’s been teased in the Club comics and she’s an easy build to boot.  Essentially, this is the SDCC exclusive Jinx with the deco of the 2003 Tiger Force six-pack version. It’s a simple build and yet amazingly effective– even if it does make her look like Cringer/Battle Cat from Masters of the Universe! 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!

G.I. Joe Convention Exclusive Reviews Coming Soon!

G.I. Joe convention exclusive reviews are coming!

Gi joe convention exclusive reviews

You’d never know it by looking at the front page but it’s actually been a busy few weeks here at JBL.  There’s been a lot of behind-the-scenes work as JBL migrated from our existing (and failing) server to a brand new virtual location.  Now it’s time to get back to work and that means add more new reviews to the site!

Chris and I’ve been frantically writing away these past few weeks and we’ve got a slew of new reviews coming.  We’ll be looking at both the G.I. Joe Convention 2015 “Peril in Paradise” (Tiger Force vs. Iron Grenadiers) and the 2016 “Operation Downfall” (Sky Patrol) sets.  In addition, thanks to a hassle-free sale at HasbroToyShop.com there’s also this year’s G.I. Joe vs. Transformers set to cover! (Hello new Scarlett figure that’s still available!)

The order of publication is still up in the air but it’s about time that we got back on track here at JBL.  No excuses… while this is a hobby site and not a full-time job, it’s about time that the admin got off his butt and got back to work.

Do you have a preference on the order?  Are you more excited about Powerglide than Tiger Force Big Brawler?  Does Flying Scorpion rate higher on your priority list than another Zartan release? Let JBL know in the comments below or over on the JBL Facebook page.

 

G.I. Joe FSS 4 Tiger Force Outback, Sneak Peek and Doc

JBL reviews the G.I. Joe FSS 4 Tiger Force Outback, Tiger Force Sneak Peek, and bonus Carla “Doc” Greer!

G.I. Joe FSS 4 Tiger Force Sneak Peek Tiger Force Outback Doc

Just last week subscribers in this wave of the  G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Figure Subscription Service received the final figures in the series.  Tiger Force Outback and Tiger Force Sneak Peek, based on the 1990 European exclusive figures, arrived along with the mysterious “13th bonus figure.”  Initially, fans speculated that this figure was going to be Tiger Force Jinx.

The internet speculation was wrong!  Instead, fans were treated to an ARAH generation 3 update to Carla “Doc” Greer!

Fred and Chris take on the task of reviewing Tiger Force Outback, Tiger Force Sneak Peek, and Carla “Doc” Greer.  As always, our two intrepid reviewer take a look what’s good and would could be improved with these latest Club releases. Were these figures worth the wait?  Does Fred finally agree that Tiger Force isn’t so bad? Will Chris like any of these G.I. Joe Collector’s Club figures? Does Deadpool make another cameo?

The answers to these questions can be found over at the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Review Index!  Afterwards, feel free to leave your own thoughts on these new figure in the comments below!

G.I. Joe FSS 4 final shipment is incoming!

The final shipment of G.I. Joe FSS 4 is inbound!  That’s right Joe fans, Tiger Force Outback and Sneak Peek are on their way to subscribers as I type this.  However, this shipment is also noteworthy for containing the “Mysterious 13th Figure” whose identity remained cloaked under a veil of G.I. Joe Collector’s Club secrecy– until now.  Thanks to Alyosha of BrokenArrowToys.com, we have images of this final shipment!

G.I. Joe Collector's Club Figure Subscription Service logo

First, let’s take a look at the two figures we knew were coming– Tiger Force Outback and Tiger Force Sneak Peek.

Tiger Force Outback:

G.I. Joe FSS 4 Tiger Force Outback

I look at Tiger Force Outback and I hear the immortal words of Winston Zedmore from the original Ghostbusters film:

“Man, I have seen $#!% that will turn you WHITE!”

If you’ve been reading the comics in the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club monthly magazines then you’ve likely read the Club’s rationale for why Outback is suddenly a candidate for the position of Grecian Formula spokesman.  According to those comics, after the events of the Compound Z incident, Stuart Selkirk found his hair irrevocably changed due to the exposure to the Z+ formula.  As cheesy as that might sound, it’s honestly the best explanation for why he went from being a ginger in 1987 to a Santa Claus stand-in in 1990.  In addition, he’s sporting a styling new head which looks a bit less like Chuck Norris than the 2009 25th Anniversary version did.  Plus he now has hinged wrists!

Tiger Force Sneak Peek:

G.I. Joe FSS 4 Tiger Force Sneak Peek

I feel like I start off every single Tiger Force review or article with the phrase “I’m not a big fan of Tiger Force.”  However, I have to say that it’s good to see both Sneak Peek FINALLY see representation in the generation 3 construction style and the color orange being used for Tiger Force.  (Chris and I discuss this in the “Peril in Paradise” reviews that I’ve yet to post.  I know… the admin sucks…)  Much like Outback, Sneak Peek underwent a bit of a color change from his debut in 1987 to his 1991 European Tiger Force release.  The Club version is pretty faithful to the European color scheme– and it’s surprisingly solid.  (Did I just start to warm up to Tiger Force?  Say it ain’t so!)  I do like the fact that we got a newly tooled periscope and can only hope that we also see both a standard and a Night Force version of Sneak Peek in the near future!  After all, my Joe Con 2013 Nocturnal Fire set isn’t going to complete itself!

And now, the moment that folks have been waiting for– the reveal of the 13th figure.  If you don’t want to know… turn back now!

Seriously… Continue reading

Toys R Us SDCC G.I. Joe exclusives from the Loyal Subjects

Toys R Us has revealed their SDCC exclusives including two new G.I. Joe Loyal Subjects vinyl figures!

Yesterday, ToyNewsI.com broke the news of the highly-anticipated Toys R Us SDCC exclusive list.  Many of the usual suspects were represented– Transformers, My Little Pony, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, etc.  However, in spite of the fact that this is a “quiet year” for G.I. Joe, one item on the list caught my attention:

G.I. JOE TIGER FORCE WRECKAGE AND BEACH HEAD 2-Pack from The Loyal Subjects

That’s right– Toys R Us will be offering a SDCC exclusive G.I. Joe Loyal Subjects vinyl two-pack featuring Tiger Force Wreckage and Beach Head.

SDCC Toys R Us Loyal Subjects G.I. Joe exclusives

Featuring the likeness of WRECKAGE and BEACH HEAD from G.I. JOE’S TIGER FORCE™ unit, these 3.2-inch tall vinyl figures feature 14 points of articulation, several accessories to help bring the action of this special subteam to life and come complete in a window box for display. Available only at the Comic Convention and online at Toysrus.com/ComicConvention.

Interesting… I’ll give props to both Toys R Us and the Loyal Subjects for their selection of some out-of-the-normal decos for these characters.  I’m especially excited to see a new spin on the Joe Con 2004 Tiger Force Beach Head who, in spite of his garish color scheme, manages to look AWESOME!  This figures will be available online at ToysRUs.com from July 21 – July 24 in limited quantities.

Continue reading

G.I. Joe vs Transformers and more on sale at GIJoeClub.com

Gi Joe Club Store

The G.I. Joe vs Transformers exclusive sets are now on sale at GIJoeClub.com!

I might have missed an email about this but a quick review of GIJoeClub.com’s store revealed some sale prices on a few recent G.I. Joe exclusives:

In addition to those pieces, several previous FSS figures have seen a price drop from $38.00 to $29.00 including: Continue reading

G.I. Joe FSS 4 Sign-Up Ends Today

G.I. Joe FSS 4 sign-up ends today at Midnight CST!

G.I. Joe FSS 4 roster

This is it– the last day to sign-up for the entire series of G.I. Joe FSS 4.  This year’s figure subscription service is mix of DiC era characters and international repaints with a long-requested figure of Cobra Commander’s son thrown in for flavor.  It’s the usual mix of repurposed parts with a few new accessories and two new heads from Boss Fight Studio

The Club already released two sets of new teaser images to help drive up enthusiasm for G.I. Joe FSS 4 sign-ups.  The first is a look at the prototype sculpts for Billy, Outback, and Sneak Peek’s periscope.  (This is being sculpted in lieu of a third new head.)

The second set of images has been added to main gallery below.  It’s a series of mock-ups of the backside of each character in the roster.  (There’s a pun in there somewhere.)

Also, for the first time the Club has offered a “hint” of the “13th Mystery Figure” included in this year’s set.  I say “hint” in quotes because the clue presents very little opportunity to discern the character’s identity.

– It will be a Female Figure!
– Features a NEW head sculpt!

Yep– that’s the ENTIRE hint.  Well, that narrows it down to the Baroness, Lady Jaye, Cover Girl, Scarlett, Jinx, Zarana, Pythona, G.I. Jane, Dr. Knox, Munitia, Mistress Armada, Candy Appel, Pale Peony, Shooter, and pretty much every non-male character to ever appear in G.I. Joe.  Let the speculation begin…

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FSS 4 Tiger Force Sneak Peek Revealed!

Dare I say it!  Check out this “sneak peek” of FSS 4 Tiger Force Sneak Peek!

FSS 4 Sneak Peek

TIGER FORCE ADVANCED RECON: SNEAK PEEK

(Based on the European exclusive Tiger Force action figure!)

Includes: removable helmet & vest, assault rifle, binoculars, field radio, NEW periscope, and figure stand.

The reveals from FSS 4 are coming fast and furious these days!  With the July 15th signup deadline fast approaching the Club seems driven to finish all of the previews this week!  After Tiger Force Sneak Peek, only two more reveals remain!

Continue reading