The Joe line has had many sub-teams scattered throughout the years, some being more popular than others. Tiger Force, Python Patrol and Night Force have seen releases in both the vintage and more modern series. All of them were known for a common paint scheme or style of decoration of uniforms. One of the sub-teams that doesn’t get much play
Read moreThe venerable vintage Tunnel Rat mold has seen release numerous times since its debut in 1987. It’s been Night Force (twice), a Sonic Fighter, Tiger Force (in Europe), a comic pack, and has even had a Funskool repaint. In 2004, it showed up again in a desert themed Toys R Us exclusive multi-pack. Each figure in the set was adorned
Read moreThe Tiger Force sub-team not only featured repainted figures but also had its share of redecorated vehicles. Most of the vehicles didn’t include a driver, and those that did had their original replaced with a different figure. The repaint of the Snow Cat is an exception, as it came with Frostbite, its original driver. Some of the Tiger Force paint
Read moreThe Steel Brigade has had a long history in Joe collecting. It’s been around since the vintage line, and continues as part of the modern line. Hasbro’s original concept of letting kids make up their own character was a hit with imaginative young collectors like me. Although the original version was a hodge podge of ’83 and ’84 parts, it
Read moreWelcome to day two of Nice Pants Week, wherein I continue to work out my issues with some of the crazy drawers of our favorite little plastic men. Today we return to another thought-to-be-cancelled Target exclusive from the movie line. Sandstorm is the driver of the RAM cycle from the Rise of Cobra line. He’s an MP who guards vehicle
Read moreAction Man, the original UK version of GI Joe, made a return to toy aisles as a series of 12 inch figures and accessories in the 90’s. Its revival was an adventure oriented series, and a limited amount of sets were actually release in the US. Instead of military situations and equipment, the new series had more of a James
Read moreThe Joe team’s preeminent ranger was recently released in the first wave of the 30th anniversary series, which is quite fitting as he’s been an integral member of the team since its beginning in 1982. He’s been through several iterations over the years, but he’s always looked his best when the design goes back to his roots. The base body
Read moreSo it’s football season in the US again. What better figure to cover today than Captain Gridiron, the Joes’ football based figure from–wait. This blog can’t cover that guy, too easy. How about another Joe football figure? This is certainly a highly idealized interpretation of Mr. Perry. It’s not unusual however, as Sgt. Slaughter’s original figure was decidedly more cut
Read moreThe GI Joe Collectors Club recently announced that the 2012 exclusive subscription figure will be Footloose, one of the most requested figures to not get a 25th anniversary style figure. Why is he such a fan demanded character? 1985 is regarded by many Joe collectors as the pinnacle of the vintage line. So many iconic characters and designs that continue
Read moreThe Joe team has had a SWAT specialist since the 1988 release of Shockwave. The team has also had a K-9 specialist since the release of Mutt & Junkyard in 1984. Wide Scope combines the two, which I think distinguishes him from both. A well written bio on his file card brings more interest for me as a character. He’s
Read more