by generalsjoes | Apr 9, 2010 | Comics and Cartoons, G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe Comics, IDW
I know the last time I talked about the G.I. Joe: Origins 2-parter that introduced the IDW universe’s version of Ripcord, it sparked some debate, mostly because I supported IDW’s decision to try and mesh their universe with the film version of Ripcord, who, for Marvel fans, is a pretty critical character in the G.I. Joe mythos.
However, I still stand by my stance that for a current crop of G.I. Joe fans doesn’t necessarily understand or appreciate Ripcord’s place in history (for better or worse). So to me, it only makes some sense that a movie that earned 300 million dollars internationally at the box office and probably influenced a lot of people has some bearing on the “fringe” continuities. I mean, after all, even G.I. Joe: Resolute featured an African American version of Ripcord, and IDW ties in to all of it.
But what really matters to me here is the story, and this was a great conclusion to the story. Ripcord trapped in the jungle for two weeks, surviving off of bugs and reptiles, still manages to accomplish his mission just in time to be evac’ed by General Hawk and Scarlett, and then gets his introduction to the G.I. Joe team.
But the most important thing here, I think, is the way Beatty is able to write this Ripcord character to kind of cover all bases. There is a hint of the humorous tone that Marlon Wayans carried in the film, but it’s not as overbearing as it was there. This version of Ripcord cracks some jokes, and yes, he even casually hits on Scarlett, but the most important component of the two-part story is Ripcord’s ability as a special ops soldier and his resilience in the jungle. All in all, it was an enjoyable story, and this new Ripcord is able to walk that line between the Rise of Cobra universe, the Resolute universe, and this new IDW storyline. I’ve mirrored some images below, but the panels do pull from all parts of the story, so beware of minor spoilers.
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by generalsjoes | Apr 8, 2010 | G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe Collectors Club, G.I. Joe Toys
So as I was working through my last post about Action Force and Palitoy, tkprime over at the MS Gulf Coast Collectors’ Club jumped on my Facebook page and reminded me of some very cool diorama projects they have going on using some of the parts and pieces from some old Palitoy playsets.
Using the templates from the Palitoy Death Star and the Action Force headquarters, he has done up some very cool G.I. Joe themed designs for a custom Terror Drome and Adventure Team Headquarters! Designed to be printed on foamcore, or some other rigid material, these can be printed out and built according to included instructions, and the surface scans are VERY high resolution for amazing detail.
These are absolutely insane. A great resource for diorama fans, or even fans of some of those old school 80’s playsets.
I have mirrored a selection of low res images below, just because my gallery can handle all those high-resolution images, but you should absolutely hit the MS Gulf Coast Collectors’ Club forums at the links below to download the original high resolution images! These do not look all that complicated, and they look like they could provide some great display space. Just imagine your newly acquired Collectors’ Club Adventure Team figures hanging out in a brand spanking new Adventure Team Headquarters! Check out the links below, with some mirrored images as well.
Custom Terror Drome
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Custom Adventure Team Headquarters
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by generalsjoes | Apr 8, 2010 | G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary, G.I. Joe Collectors Club
It’s been a quiet year for G.I. Joe, that much is for sure, especially compared to the furer that was 2009. With no movie, no Resolute animation, and pretty much no new toys, what can G.I. Joe fans do to keep their interest sparked and remain invested in the brand?
I strongly suggest taking some time out of your busy day to check out Blood for the Baron. Anyone who loves G.I. Joe, will find a LOT to love about that site. Built and run by fans of the UK version of G.I. Joe, “Action Force”, Blood for the Baron has a metric ton of G.I. Joe related content that is sure to excite the Joe fan in all of us. Not only are there figures that we never saw first hand, but there is a whole, rich history that was written strictly for the Palitoy brand that simply never existed on US soil. The whole Red Shadows, Black Major, Baron Ironblood mythology is so awesome.
Sure, it doesn’t really fit in with the American mythology, but fans with open minds can still really appreciate the story that they crafted overseas, especially considering these were toys designed for kids, and that licensed comics back then were mostly just phoned in. And don’t think for a second that the fact these were written for kids means they’re not captivating. I’ve been re-reading a lot of the Battle Action Force comics in recent weeks, and even at 36, these books are an absolute BLAST.
I took some time to talk to Jamar Miller and James Marshall (who owns and runs Blood for the Baron), and got some recommendations from them on key points to check out at the site:
- Action Force Data Files – A quick comic with data files on a number of key Action Force and Red Shadows characters. Not very thorough, but a really nice “quick peek” at some names that you might recognize, but not really know a whole lot about.
- Battle Action Force Comics – This is the goods right here. A full archive of all of the Battle Action Force comics released through Palitoy. But this is a massive collection that can be somewhat overwhelming.
- The BFTB Colouring Project – These are formerly black and white comics that the Blood for the Baron team has painstakingly colored, and this might break things up into some more manageable chunks for public consumption.
Of course, all of this has been sparked by the fantastic looking Vacation in the Shadows convention set that the G.I. Joe Collectors’ Club is releasing this year. Looking at these updated versions of the Red Shadows characters, and the rich, fantastic history of the brand overseas really gives Joe fans a lot to absorb, even when nothing new is on the screen or on the shelves. Take advantage of this dead time!
by generalsjoes | Apr 8, 2010 | Exclusives, G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary, G.I. Joe Reviews
Vintage o-ring figures are become tough to come by these days, so I like to take whatever chance I can to get my hands on them. Well, all you need right now is to be a member of the Tri-State Vipers regional message board. Designed as a community forum for folks in the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut), the boards have formed a great group of guys and girls who get together on a regular basis and enjoy the world of G.I. Joe.
Well, as a treat to members of the forum, as well as a way to earn some cash for board and site improvements, the folks at Tri-State also teamed up with NomadCustoms to produce a special exclusive figure, the Tri-State Viper! I was lucky enough to get my hands on a pair of these, thanks to the guys over there, and I’ve reviewed the figure right here!
But what you really want to know… how do you get one? Check out the forum here, and also take a look at the guidelines below:
Please read the following rules and conditions:
* A donation of $20 is necessary in order to have a figure put aside for you. All proceeds go directly back into the board for future endeavors.
* A figure is not guaranteed until payment is sent!
* The figure is limited to one per member, while supplies last!
* You will not be guaranteed a figure until we receive your donation.
* From now until April 12th, ONLY members who have been a part of the board prior to 2010 will be able to pre-order. Starting on April 12th, the pre-orders will be open to everyone who’s a member of the board.
* To purchase your figure please send a pm to crimsonguardvet76. You MUST include in the pm whether you intend to pic up the figure at the G.I. Joe convention in Rhode Island or if you would prefer it mailed to you.
* Crimsonguardvet76 will then reply with payment information and the PayPal address.
* The figures will be making their premiere at the G.I. Joe convention in Rhode Island! Members who wish to pick up the figure at the con must have first pre-ordered the figure. Payments will not be accepted at the con!
Anyone who cannot make the con will have their figures mailed out to them after the con has concluded. Shipping will be via Priority Mail (approx. $5–international rates will apply), so that shipping cost will have to be tacked onto the $20 figure fee.
by generalsjoes | Apr 7, 2010 | G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe Toys, G.I. Joe: The Movie
In celebration of the long awaited arrival of Dr. Venom to plastic form, GeneralsJoes.com is proud to offer the readers a chance to Take Back the Pit! Next week, from April 12th – 16th, clues will be posted, leading GeneralsJoes readers through the site.
Finally, after almost three decades, the immortal Cobra villain Dr. Venom is being produced in an action figure only available from the G.I. Joe Collectors’ Club! But Joe fans didn’t know what they had coming… Dr. Venom has arrived, but now he’s captured the G.I. Joe Pit Mobile Headquarters!
Only the most clever and wily GeneralsJoes readers will be able to help recapture the G.I. Joe headquarters, and the winner of the contest will get The Pit playset in their mailbox for free. Contest rules are as follows:
- Once per day, Monday through Friday, a chapter in a short (and hokey) Dr. Venom story will be posted. Along with that short story snippet, a clue will be revealed.
- Based on that clue, find the page hidden on GeneralsJoes.com with a piece of the final puzzle. The clues may lead to a review of a particular action figure or a news story.
- On Friday, once all of the clues have been revealed, the first person to send me all 5 hidden images via email to justin@generalsjoesreborn.com (either in pieces, or pieced together) will WIN.
This contest is open to anyone and everyone, though please keep in mind if someone in another country wins the prize, we may have to share shipping costs, depending on price. The Pit is the first newly tooled G.I. Joe playset to be produced in several years…don’t miss your chance to win one for free!
A huge thanks to Hasbro and Hunter PR for sponsoring this contest. Good luck!
