Scope out G.I. Joe FSS 6 Cross Hair

The FSS 6 previews are coming fast and furious this weekend!  Check out this look at Cross Hair!

G.I. Joe FSS 6 Cross Hair

G.I. JOE DESIGNATED MARKSMAN
Code Name: CROSS HAIR

(Inspired by the 2003 action figure!)
Includes: removable boonie hat, goggles, tactical vest, revolver,
knife, buildable sniper rifle with attachments,
sniper rifle case, 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 may vary!

Hmm… where to begin?  How about “anything worth doing is worth doing right.”

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G.I. Joe FSS 3 Alpine Review

G.I. Joe FSS 3 Alpine

The G.I. Joe FSS 3 Alpine review is FINALLY live!

We’re whittling down the backlog of G.I. Joe Collector’s Club figures that’s built up here at JBL over the past few months.  Once again I’m joined by visiting Professor of G.I. Joe Studies Chris Chung of JoeSightings.com as we take a look at the FSS 3 Alpine — a reincarnation of a Valor vs. Venom era repaint.

Was the FSS 3 Alpine worth the wait?  Does the new Boss Fight Studio breathe new life into the character?  What’s the secret to his muscular calves?  Find out the answers to some of these questions as two long-time Joe fans offer up their thoughts on this update to a classic Sunbow-era character.

Check it out by clicking on the picture above or by heading over the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Review Index!

G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Unveils FSS Bombstrike

The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has released a teaser image of Bombstrike from the  Figure Subscription Service 3.0 roster!

FSS3bombstrikeWEB

Normally, I’ve been enjoying these previews but this time I can’t honestly tell what we’re getting.  This is by far the most “digital’ of all of the mock-up right down to a head that might have been lifted directly from a video game!

The original Bombstrike figure was released in Valor vs. Venom wave 7 in a two-pack that also featured the redesigned Croc Master.  That version was clad in a tan t-shirt and camouflage pants.  The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club appears to be basing this version on Renegades version of Scarlett from a few years ago based on the legs and torso.  However, rather than showcase mock-up of the sculpt we get a full-on digital version.  Honestly, I understand that the Club is wanting to release preview images as far out from production as possible but I have very little idea what the final head sculpt will look like based on this.  That might be the Agent Helix hair or that might be something entire new.  I’d also like to know why Bombstrike is looking decidedly evil in that photo.  I guess part of the “surprise” of getting this FSS will be seeing what Bombstrike actually looks like when she arrives.

If you’ve not already subscribed to the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club FSS 3.0, you’ll want to do so before June 30, 2014!

Larry Hama signed G.I. Joe auctions – Round 2!

Larry Hama arashikage

Fan-favorite author, toy expert, and comic archivist Mark Bellomo is back with another round of auction on Ebay featuring a metric ton of pieces all signed by the “godfather of G.I. Joe” — Larry Hama!  Hitting just in time for the holidays it’s a great opportunity to shop for the Joe fan in your life and snag some fantastic pieces by the franchise’s single greatest creative contributor!  These are pieces from Mr. Hama’s personal collection that he is parting with which makes this a very unique opportunity.

Know that your purchase will not only be appreciated but will also go to toward a good cause.

Reminder. The SECOND ROUND of eBay auctions featuring items signed by LH from the Larry Hama Collection are up and running. They end in a day-and-a-half. There’s some 25th anniversary comic packs, vintage stuff, G.I. Joe Convention exclusives, etc.:

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Signed Collection 25th Comic Pack Ace & Wild Weasel MOSC!!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Signed-Collection-25th-Comic-Pack-Ace-Wild-Weasel-MOSC-/350917783093?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b4546e35

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Signed 25th Comic Pack Crimson Guard Scar Face Officer MOSC!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Signed-25th-Comic-Pack-Crimson-Guard-Scar-Face-Officer-MOSC-/350917789203?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b4548613

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Signed 25th Comic Pack Tomax & Xamot C.G. Commanders MOSC!!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Signed-25th-Comic-Pack-Tomax-Xamot-C-G-Commanders-MOSC-/350917791303?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b4548e47 G.I. Joe Larry Hama Signed 25th Comic Pack Dreadnok Torch & Dreadnok Ripper MOSC http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Signed-25th-Comic-Pack-Dreadnok-Torch-Dreadnok-Ripper-MOSC-/350917795395?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b4549e43

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Collection Signed 25th Comic Pack Destro & Breaker MOSC!!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Collection-Signed-25th-Comic-Pack-Destro-Breaker-MOSC-/350917799626?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b454aeca

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Collection Signed 25th Snake Eyes & Storm Shadow MOSC!!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Collection-Signed-25th-Snake-Eyes-Storm-Shadow-MOSC-/350917813955?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b454e6c3

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Signed Comic Book 3-pack Steeler Flagg Cobra Officer MOSC!!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Signed-Comic-Book-3-pack-Steeler-Flagg-Cobra-Officer-MOSC-/350917925435?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b4569a3b

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Signed Comic Book 3-pack Zap Grunt Snake Eyes rare MOSC!!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Signed-Comic-Book-3-pack-Zap-Grunt-Snake-Eyes-rare-MOSC-/350917927202?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b456a122

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Signed Comic Book 3-pack Scarlett Snake Eyes Kwinn MOSC!!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Signed-Comic-Book-3-pack-Scarlett-Snake-Eyes-Kwinn-MOSC-/350917932105?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b456b449

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Signed 3-pack Baroness Cobra Commander Cobra Trooper MOSC!!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Signed-3-pack-Baroness-Cobra-Commander-Cobra-Trooper-MOSC-/350917933830?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b456bb06

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Collection Signed 25th Comic Pack Scarlett & Hawk MOSC!!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Collection-Signed-25th-Comic-Pack-Scarlett-Hawk-MOSC-/350917936121?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b456c3f9

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Signed VvV two-pack Cobra B.A.T. II v 3.2 & BAT v 4 MOSC!!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Signed-VvV-two-pack-Cobra-B-A-T-II-v-3-2-BAT-v-4-MOSC-/350917940558?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b456d54e

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Collection Signed VvV two-pack Snake Eyes Storm Shadow MOSC!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Collection-Signed-VvV-two-pack-Snake-Eyes-Storm-Shadow-MOSC-/350917943471?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b456e0af

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Collection Signed VvV two-pack Duke & Venomous Maximus MOSC!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Collection-Signed-VvV-two-pack-Duke-Venomous-Maximus-MOSC-/350917945081?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b456e6f9

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Collection Signed VvV two-pack Gung-Ho & Wild Weasel MOSC!!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Collection-Signed-VvV-two-pack-Gung-Ho-Wild-Weasel-MOSC-/350917946701?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b456ed4d

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Collection Signed VvV two-pack Kamakura & Storm Shadow MOSC!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Collection-Signed-VvV-two-pack-Kamakura-Storm-Shadow-MOSC-/350917948510?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b456f45e

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Signed VvV two-pack Dr. Link Talbot & Night Creeper MOSC!!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Signed-VvV-two-pack-Dr-Link-Talbot-Night-Creeper-MOSC-/350917949321?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b456f789

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Signed VvV two-pack Sand Scorpion & Razor Trooper MOSC!!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Signed-VvV-two-pack-Sand-Scorpion-Razor-Trooper-MOSC-/350917952558?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b457042e

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Signed Spy Troops two-pack Kamakura & Night Creeper MOSC!!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Signed-Spy-Troops-two-pack-Kamakura-Night-Creeper-MOSC-/350917956554?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b45713ca

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Signed Valor vs. Venom Barrel Roll w/ Air Assault MOSC!!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Signed-Valor-vs-Venom-Barrel-Roll-w-Air-Assault-MOSC-/350917967774?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b4573f9e

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Collection Signed Valor vs. Venom Dart & Gun Station MOSC!!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Collection-Signed-Valor-vs-Venom-Dart-Gun-Station-MOSC-/350917970071?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b4574897

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Signed Valor vs. Venom Snake Eyes & Ninja Lightning MOSC!!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Signed-Valor-vs-Venom-Snake-Eyes-Ninja-Lightning-MOSC-/350917972086?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b4575076

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Signed Valor vs. Venom Storm Shadow & Ninja Lightning MOSC!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Signed-Valor-vs-Venom-Storm-Shadow-Ninja-Lightning-MOSC-/350917973480?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b45755e8

G.I. Joe vs. Cobra Larry Hama Signed Sgt. Stalker vs. Neo-Viper Commander MOSC!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-vs-Cobra-Larry-Hama-Signed-Sgt-Stalker-vs-Neo-Viper-Commander-MOSC-/350917977346?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b4576502

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Signed Collection 1993 Battle Corps Cobra Commander MOSC !!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Signed-Collection-1993-Battle-Corps-Cobra-Commander-MOSC-/350917984696?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b45781b8

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Signed Collection vintage 1989 Snake Eyes v3 MOC MOSC !!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Signed-Collection-vintage-1989-Snake-Eyes-v3-MOC-MOSC-/350917986507?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b45788cb

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Signed Collection vintage 1992 Ninja Force Storm Shadow MOC!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Signed-Collection-vintage-1992-Ninja-Force-Storm-Shadow-MOC-/350917987818?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b4578dea

G.I. Joe Larry Hama Signed Collection vintage 1993 Ninja Force Snake Eyes MOC!!!http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-I-Joe-Larry-Hama-Signed-Collection-vintage-1993-Ninja-Force-Snake-Eyes-MOC-/350917989016?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51b4579298

G.I. Joe Convention Exclusive Larry Hama Signed 2008 Hotwire B.A.T. Mechanic !!!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/350919695594?ssPageName=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

G.I. Joe Convention Exclu. Larry Hama Signed 2008 Low-Light Long Arm Shockblast!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/350919708348?ssPageName=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Barrel Roll revealed and a web URL for the “Club Sub” at GIJoeClub.com!

Somehow this one slipped by me yesterday but the Collector’s Club has unveiled yet another figure in the forthcoming Collector’s Club subscription service– Valor. vs. Venom pilot/sniper Barrel Roll!

The Club seems to be borrowing heavily from his second deco in this figure design and it works.  The inclusion of the G.I. Joe Resolute jet pack works well enough as Barrel Roll has frequently been seen with such contrivances.  While I wish that we’d actually see some sort of new jet pack/glider being used for both Grunt and BR, the choices so far are still superior to the Air Assault glider that rears its ungainly head more often than it should.

The other big news is that the Collector’s Club has now launched a page for the Figure Subscription Service!  Collecting all of the previously released images, the announcement on the Club’s Facebook page promises that final details of the subscription will be revealed on the web page soon.

Zed takes on “The Many Faces of Firefly” in a mega-review

The Many Faces of Firefly

The Many Faces of Firely @ ZedsJoeSite.com

It’s been forever since I’ve written a review for JBL.  However, that hasn’t stopped me from still reading reviews of Joe products both old and new.   As such, I’ve been LOVING the “Many Faces Of…” series that Zed has been posting over at ZedsJoeSite.com.  Sure, I may not always agree with his ratings but I still enjoy seeing such a comprehensive look at the many versions of a single character that Hasbro has inundated fans and collectors since the relaunch of G.I. Joe back in 2000.

It seemed a no-brainer that both Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow would be featured given the fact that they seem to have a new version released every third Thursday of the month.  However, I was extremely pleased to see that Zed takes on Cobra’s premiere saboteur in his latest installment!

Check out The Many Faces of Firefly over at Zed’s site!

RAHC Guide ordering information!!!

If you missed this year’s Collector’s Convention, you missed out on the opportunity to pick up a copy “in hand.”  However, James has come through with the promised information on how to order you very own copy and have it delivered to your door!

Hi gang, the moment is finally here!  I’m not going to set up a fancy lil e-mail, just type out the bare basics so please visit www.rahcguide.com to catch up on all the fan reviews of the R.A.H.C. Guide on your favorite message boards!!  With that being said, the cost of the book is $40 with $5 shipping and handling.  Payment can be paypalled via kuukuuson@hotmail.com.  You may send the payment as a gift but if you choose not to, please allow paypal to adjust your payment to accomodate paypal fees.  Orders will be held until total payment is made and you will be notified of any additional costs.  When you send your paypal payment, please include your address and any specific information for your order in the paypal notification as that is how I will be keeping track of your order.  I will copy and paste the address so please make sure it’s correct.  I will gladly entertain international orders so please contact me here (rahc.guide@gmail.com) so I can look into how much shipping is to your location.  
I am very excited to provide this book for you and can’t wait to hear your response!  Please remember that not only is this guide self published in limited quantities, it is being processed and shipped by myself and might take some time.  Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding!
Sincerely,
James “KuuKuuSon” Kavanaugh Jr.
Seriously– what are you waiting for?  Order your copy TODAY!  (I know I have.)

RAHC Guide: The first update!

I cannot stress enough how excited I am about KuuKuuSon’s upcoming RAHC Guide.  It was the GIJoe vs. Cobra era that allowed me as a collector to build up the collection that I’d always wanted.  Many of my favorite characters were modernized with updated sculpts and many of my favorite troop builders were reissued in affordable multi-packs.  Better still, the entire era was still compatible with the classic A Real American Hero era that hooked many Joe fans in the first place!  James’ book is easily in my most-anticipated books list– right up there with this month’s release of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero Classics v10 from IDW.

Check out James’ first update which includes links to all of the discussion threads throughout the online Joe community!

Press-Release-Update_#1

Discuss this item in the JBL forums!

Coming soon – RAHC Guide covering 1997 – 2007!

Long-time JBL member James Kavanaugh dropped this very juicy tidbit in my inbox on Monday.  Now, one of my favorite eras of G.I. Joe will have the guidebook it deserves!

Coming soon, the adventure continued in 1997 and is now completely documented in the R.A.H.C. Guide!

After a brief hiatus in 1994, G.I. Joe:  A Real American Hero gained a resurgence in pop culture causing a re-release of some favorite characters in their classic molds.  This revival eventually induced some experimenting with these classic characters in bold and exciting new directions.  Not only did fans get to revisit some of their most cherished icons within the G.I. Joe mythos, they were introduced to new characters that are now known and loved.

This full color, 172 page compendium fully explores all six series that were produced within the second generation O-ring torso era (1997-2007) including the Built to Rule line and the Collectors Club special releases.  This guide beautifully illustrates the era’s 689 action Figures, 135 vehicles and play sets and 1,349 accessories 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.  The accessories are then culminated in a separate section clearly displayed and organized by category.  Each action figure has been carefully examined between its initial run and further re-releases to ensure that an accurate sample is clearly and concisely presented for the collector who is identifying individual action figures or sorting through unorganized lots.  Subscribe to the R.A.H.C. Guide’s e-mail list at rahc.guide@gmail.com to stay in tune with all the latest updates!

I’ve made no bones about the fact that, while the “no-ring” Joes have some great sculpting I still prefer my Joes with that antiquated little construction element.  When James first showed me proof pages for this book several years ago, I was blown away by the sheer amount of detail that he was putting into it.  It’s a true labor of love from one of THE most passionate fans that I know and it’s an honor and a privilege to be able to post the announcement for this project.  However, don’t take my word for it– look at the gallery of images below which offer a preview of the Joe-goodness that will be contained within.  Seriously– it’s going to be THAT good!