Whenever the Joes encountered a tech or computer issue back in the day, they generally relied on their communications specialists. First, it was Breaker (and Sparks in the toon), then later Dial-Tone. Short-Fuze, Clutch and Steeler’s out-of-the-blue design and build of a killer satellite in the MASS Device mini-series doesn’t count, by the way–that ridiculous thing was shot down in
Read moreWhat’s the most ridiculous military specialty you’ve heard of for a Joe team member? How about veterinarian? Maybe it’s not ridiculous for the Joe team. After all, somebody’s gotta be around to give Junkyard, Order, Lamont, Sandstorm, Max and Timber their parvo and heartworm shots. Dr. Link Talbot made his debut in the Valor vs. Venom series, the storyline in
Read morePit Vipers are the stealth, infiltration and evasion specialists of the Cobra forces. They’re trained to be sneaky and persistent, and equipped with highly sophisticated gear that allows them to avoid detection by most security systems. This figure is the second iteration of Cobra’s sneakiest troops. While the initial version of the Pit Viper wasn’t garish, the color scheme didn’t
Read moreA word of advice: if you decide to get into the “new sculpt” era of Joes, be careful. There was so much product released between the years 2002 through 2007, it’ll make your head spin so much, you’ll end up with a loose neckball. Another word of advice, and this isn’t so much a commercial as it is a necessity
Read moreThe 2000’s new sculpt era produced a fair number of re-imaginings of classic core characters. Early in the line, Duke, Cobra Commander, Snake-Eyes, Destro and Storm Shadow received updates that drew some inspiration from their Real American Hero counterparts. Even lesser known figures enjoyed some new molds that differed from the old versions. As the line expanded to its second
Read moreI may be in the collecting minority on this, but I don’t mind repaints. I’m definitely in the minority on this, but I like some of the 2002 t-crotch figures. My favorite of the bunch–Storm Shadow. The first series of the Joe Vs. Cobra series had some dynamic stances molded into the figure. Limited articulation and pre-posed stances are usually
Read moreStep into the kinda-wayback machine with me to the era of Spy Troops. So much has happened in the Joe brand since 2003 that this fairly recent era seems almost a distant memory. Imagine a time in this not too long ago past when Joe product was readily available at retail. And in two packs at that. Neo Viper Commander
Read moreHere’s a character for whom fans demanded a land based version for years. Spy Troops series answered the call in a fashion, although not to most fans’ total satisfaction. That would have to wait until the next year’s Toys R Us exclusive VAMP release. Previous versions of Torpedo depicted him in a wet suit, naturally. After all, he’s a Navy
Read moreI really thought that the 2000’s Joe series was going to take off. Ultimately, I was wrong. But what made me think it would have succeeded? Well, Hasbro had successfully reinvigorated Transformers in the 2000’s for a new generation with new toy lines, why couldn’t they do the same with Joe? The new line had a comic book from Devil’s Due and
Read moreOne thing that I really admire about the Joe line over the years is the fact that Hasbro sometimes goes back to a figure and takes a second stab at it to improve upon what’s come before. It’s been happening since the second series in 1983, and has been part of the evolution of the line’s style. From swivel arms,
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