Chances are, if you’ve perused the internet looking for toy reviews, you’ve come across OAFE, or Online Action Figure Entertainment. They’ve been reviewing action figures online for over a decade, and in fact, I’ve drawn some comparisons between my personal style and theirs (something I consider a high compliment).
The guys over at OAFE don’t just toss a ton of images on a page and consider it a review, they compliment those images with intelligent, thought-provoking text. I certainly don’t agree with all of their opinions, but I cannot dispute their passion, knowledge, and expertise.
And, of course, who can argue their expertise when they label G.I. Joe: The Pursuit of Cobra as the best toyline of the year for 2010? I’ve often thought ever since the 90s, G.I. Joe has received the short end of the stick from the collector crowd. Often seen as “kids stuff” or catering to the lowest common denominator, the Pursuit of Cobra really changed things. No longer trying to sell down the G.I. Joe concept, Hasbro is instead ramping up detail, sculpt, accessories, and theme, and have really brought it all to the table. The Pursuit of Cobra is a once in a lifetime toyline, in my opinion, and has successfully met pretty much any desire I’ve ever had when it comes to a modern science fiction military line. It’s taken the best from Metal Gear and Call of Duty, thrown in some classic 80’s homages and has delivered in nearly every assortment.
Wave 4 is currently on the way to my home, and I literally cannot wait to tear into those packages, as every single figure in that assortment looks like it could blow me away.
I’m thrilled to see other collectors feeling the same way.
Kudos to the G.I. Joe design team for hitting a grand slam with this line, and kudos to OAFE (and other adult collectors) for finally realizing what we’ve known for a while. G.I. Joe rocks!
Yep, when the only real complaint you can throw at a toyline is that there isn’t enough of it, things are going pretty well. More product, less Snake Eyes, Storm Shadow, Destro and Dukes and things will keep rocking in 2011.
Heck, even the one toy everyone whined about (the HISS) they changed after release to make us happy.
Add to that the wave repacks that include lots of the three army builders released so far and we are getting some serious fan service these days.
I don’t like every single figure, but that wasn’t even the case back when I was a wee little kid and GIJoe was in its glory days.
We’ve also been getting fringe interest figures and sets released as exclusives instead of stuff everybody wants therefore keeping costs down for the average fan.
Everything looks like we’re set for another stellar year of toys. Let’s hope they keep it up!
What is Shadow Tracker’s skull face suppose to be an homage to? I know his mask/dreads is Predator. But his face.. I don’t know.
I think 2011 will be a lot more figures. But that means more repaints/retools. Wave 4 Destro is an indication of what’s coming. I bet we’ll see a techno viper homage from CS Firefly parts, with a new head and new lower arms or something.
We’re gonna get more figures in 2011. Even wave 2 snake eyes is selling.
Just checked out toys’r us and it led me to this link of a Hasbro promotion. Spend $20 or more and get a hasbro toy free. here is the link to PDF http://trus.imageg.net/graphics/corp/SuperChargeRedemptionForm_FINAL.PDF
Twink, I really, really wish I hadn’t clicked on your name.
NSFW, everyone.