One 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,
Read moreThe 25th anniversary series began (with Pilot Scarlett) the modern line’s fascination with homages to vintage foreign release figures. The collectors club picked up the ball and ran with it in 2009’s attendee exclusives. 2011’s con set also offered up some non-US subjects. As a collector who embraces the odd and unusual, I find them to be nice additions. It
Read moreIf you asked me before I started this blog what one Joe figure was my favorite, I’d have thought a bit, then eventually would have gone for the usual; ’85 Snake Eyes, ’84 Storm Shadow or Firefly, etc. Now that I’m looking across the years as part of this crazy blog thing, I’d most likely have a really hard time
Read moreJinx, being one of the handful of female Joe characters, has naturally become a fan favorite. Strong opinions and great expectations seem to follow fan favorites like Monday follows Sunday. A figure like the 1987 Jinx, which was so simple in terms of design (red pajamas) would seem to be a welcome candidate for a redesign. At the very least,
Read moreWho do you think would be the least likely member of Tiger Force, the Joes’ jungle specialist team? How about a guy who drives a huge gantry that launches a space shuttle. Right. Wow, the color scheme rivals something out of Funskool. First he was saddled with a baby blue outfit, and now this. Although when you think about it,
Read moreA Real Missed Opportunity–that should have been the tagline for the 2002-2006 GI Joe era. Most every time I pull out a figure from the period that strikes me as memorable, my thoughts are usually prefaced or end with some kind of disappointment in at least one aspect of the figure. Don’t get me wrong, I still like the era
Read moreWhat kind of strange forgotten items do you come across when you’re a Joe completist randomly rummaging through storage bins? How about a repainted Snake Eyes from a Rhino DVD set. This 1983 Snake Eyes remold (with 1986 Roadblock’s waist) was released umpteen times. Did I really need another–this time in blue with brown pouches? Probably not. But it is
Read moreAccording to his file card, Zandar is a master of camouflage and covert movement. He’s good at hiding and sneaking up on people. I would agree, but if he’s wearing this outfit, he’d stand a better chance at hiding in a Mardi Gras parade. His brother Zartan certainly had a strange look, but at the same time was stylish, mysterious
Read moreI’ve said it before, I’m a sucker for clear and translucent figures. I can’t explain why; the best I can liken it to is the old mountain climber adage: because it’s there. Mirage was the strangest part of the Winter Operations Toys R Us exclusive of 2005. The package art and the file card make no mention of what the
Read moreDespite being a relatively popular character and making frequent comic appearances, Cover Girl only received two figures (23 years apart) in the course of the GI Joe non-movie lines. I’d rather not mention the straight up fugly movie version. Released as part of a fans’ choice comic pack that also included Devil’s Due versions of Spirit and Serpentor clone Hannibal,
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