Assembly Required 2013
We interrupt our regular Sigma Saturday post to bring you special coverage of Assembly Required 2013. This is the third year for regional event hosted by Codename: Iowa, and the group pulled out all the stops to put together an event that was impressive all-around.
With a great new venue, the presence of well known Joe fan groups like Joe Declassified, JoeCustoms.com, and even a few panels, it had all professionalism of a JoeCon, but also maintained its own distinct, accessible feel. There were even activities for the kids, who could complete a Top Secret misison and receive their own GI Joe “resupply rations.” It was great to see little ones having fun at a Joe event.
The associated ephemera of the show has impressed me since the first series of minimalist poster images hit online. This year the posters continued with another set based on the 1985 figures. The event program, guest name tag stickers and even a special kids’ scavenger hunt pamphlet exhibit the same kind of creativity that pays homage to vintage printed materials while bringing their own new stylized flair. The three event posters available are also strikingly cool.
Enough of my yakkin’, check out a gallery of pics below. Great job, guys! I’ll definitely be making the trip again next year.
Thanks for the report and awesome pics. Man, I am seeing some real gems in there! That woodburning and project set looks ’82-ish but features the Wolverine with a different driver. Maybe it was slated for the first year instead? And there’s Shrinky Dinks, a View-Master, Presto Magix, Ben Cooper masks, that cool vinyl carrying case with the box art, excellent original art from the current Hama comic, a beautiful Muskrat concept piece, Team ’85 bedsheets, the works.
It’s comforting to know that while the line might be in limbo, the fans still keep things exciting through these various gatherings. Sure wish I’d been there!
This was a great show. Well worth a 3-hour day trip. The Sky Hawk poster was excellent. One has to see it in person–it’s done in multiple built-up layers for a nice 3D effect. And it was great to meet you up there Rob. Love your site.
Thanks, it was great meeting up with so many cool Joe fans!
I’ll get to one of these conventions…..one day
Lots of great stuff there, is that an armourtech Shipwreck?
Good to see all that awesome stuff
Looks like a great time! The licensed merchandise is something I like to see, I would have never guessed there was a wood burning kit.
Is that “Jogunwarrior’s” Crimson Guard customs? Big Boa looks cool in there.
So, CVN-99 caps, is someone making and selling for those of us trapped in internet land?
Cool art!
Wow, What a plethora of cool stuff! I absolutely LOVE to see customs and rare Joe memorabilia. A woodworking set?? Did that really exist? and that Firefly Backpack-is that a vintage piece? Anyways, I really wish I couldv’e been there. Looked like a lot of fun.
Rob, you didn’t even say “Hi”. I had a great time this year, just as the previous two. Looking very forward to next year.
Sorry, I spaced on checking to see who might be going. Only way to recognize me at the show was by my nametag. I need to print up a JAD t-shirt. By the way, would anybody be interested in Joe A Day shirts? 🙂
I would not only be interested in one, I would be willing to share some table space next year for selling them! BTW, I was the customs table to the right when you first entered the vendor area.
Awesome event! Had a blast!
Thanks for posting this Rob!
I now feel a desperate need to own a GI Joe Viewmaster set.
I’m gonna have to get one of those Killer WHALE posters!
Was great meeting you!! Glad you could make it out!!!!
Same here! It was a great show all around, and the Declassified panel and exhibit was excellent!
I would love those event posters, where can I get my hands on them?
The 2013 posters are not posted there yet, but the store with other material is here: http://www.goodsmiths.com/codename-iowa
Right now you can get them as part of a Kickstarter campaign:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/403052518/awesome-by-design-print-series-troymckiecom
Or after the first of the year they will be available again from http://troymckie.com via the contact page.