So, let me get this straight. Mike Costa and Christos Gage have actually introduced and used the characters Croc Master, Golobulus, Serpentor, and Venomous Maximus before Storm Shadow even makes an appearance in the IDW universe?
It’s hilarious…it’s awesome…and it’s a testament to the quality of these writers because they make it work.
To avoid spoilers, click the “Read the rest of this entry” link below for the full review.
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One of the coolest things about the vintage G.I. Joe line was not only the great action figures, but also the presentation. The toys were complimented by fantastic artwork, and it is awesome to see some great art out there for SK Omega. Granted, this isn’t production art, a lot of it is just used in the design process, but regardless, there is some really cool looking artwork showing up on DeviantArt promoting this upcoming toy line. If the toys themselves are even close to as cool as these pieces of artwork then we could be in for a real treat when these toys hit.
Along with these images, over on HissTank.com Gyre-Viper revealed some information from the folks behind the scenes at SK Omega as well.
“Since a lot of you have been inquiring about the status of the line… and pleading for news (and images) regarding prototypes etc… I’ve been asked by the SK Omega guys to fill you in on a couple things (not much; be patient) that should at least answer some questions (concerns?).
First of all, … the line is moving forward, and quite wonderfully. Control art is complete for most of the vehicles (i.e. the helicopter) and the HIVE play set is actually pretty much done. They’re keeping a lid on a lot of what’s going on for obvious reasons but you can expect to see some 3D reveals in the near future (although for some of you that’s not soon enough heheheh).
Basically, this line is going to happen.
On a personal note:
I know it’s hard to reserve judgment on a product ‘skeletoned’ on a decades-old, basically extinct format.. but these guys grew up with GI JOE the same way you did. They’ve got Ron Rudat and Guy Cassaday and a chunk of other super talented artists in their arsenal… and they’re living the ultimate fan/collector dream. They’re just doing what they love and they hope others will enjoy the results.
Anyways… I’ll fill you in on more, whence permitted.”
Check out some of the mirrored images below… they have been culled from various DeviantArt pages linked below:
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It’s Tuesday, which means new comic day is tomorrow, and we’ve got a 5-page preview for the latest installment of the fantastic G.I. Joe: Cobra book that hits comic shops. If you told me that a comic which placed a focus on characters like Croc Master and Venomous Maximus (!!11!!??) would do sell with such intense conviction, I would have thought you were nuts. But Mike Costa and Christos Gage seem to be doing the impossible. The next character on their slate is Skullbuster as we take what is sure to be a fascinating look at what it takes to become a Cobra Range-Viper.
To wet your appetite, here are the first five pages of the 8th issue.
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With kudos to The Terror Drome for picking this up, eBay seller viperkingdom has posted an auction for an early prototype of the upcoming HISS v.5, this time done up in black as it should have been originally.
I’ve mirrored the image below. Usually I don’t post much about these auctions, but when it’s something we haven’t seen before, I think the fans should definitely check it out!
While the shipping date is listed as the end of September, HTS has listings posted for the majority of the second run of PoC items including figures and both vehicle assortments (Alpha and Bravo). Sure many of these figures are at retail already, but for $6 apiece it might be worth checking out.
Check the link below to grab em before they’re gone!
http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/new-to-hasbrotoyshop-gi-joe
Thanks to The Terror Drome for the intel!
Finally getting my hands on Pursuit of Cobra Wave 2 means I can start getting those reviews out there. As cool as Wave 1 is, Wave 2 certainly looks to match it nearly every step of the way, and this figure is a perfect example why.
Dusty is fantastic. Check out the Pursuit of Cobra review page, or just check out the review itself right here.
Hi – Here is a quick update from http://www.bigbadtoystore.com about more
great new arrivals, our latest sale, and some awesome new preorders!
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15% OFF SALE
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From now until Monday – save 15% on everything we carry except ‘New’ and
‘Preorder / Backorder’ items! We’ve just removed the new designation
from at least 1000 items. Save on vintage, graphic novels, t-shirts,
statues, busts, action figures, role play, games and more. Browse
through your favorite menus on the site and score some sale items.
Please note that sale orders may require a bit of extra time for shipping.
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The VAMP was reviewed yesterday, and now the Cobra Fury has been added to the Pursuit of Cobra Review Page. Using the Rage as a base with some retooling scattered throughout, the Fury is a Cobra Urban Operations armored vehicle that suits the Alley-Vipers perfectly.
Check out the review right here!
Just off the Hub media event yesterday, ToyFare #159 hit comic shops and featured a very cool and in depth interview with Hasbro Studios president Steven Davis, who spent some time talking about G.I. Joe: Renegades and Transformers: Prime.
Featured in the article is also some of the character art we’ve seen before, but in some better quality. There are some interesting topics brought up, though not much in the way of revolutionary information. Some of the quotes I found most intriguing were:
“We really look at what the DNA of the characters are, that allowed them to become what we now know as “the Joes”. So it’s very much a hero’s journey, very much about teamwork. It’s a very accessible show; there’s a lot in there for kids, for adults like myself who grew up with it, for fanboys.”
This focus on characters is great, I think. While I’m right in line with the other older fans who loved Resolute, you can’t argue that the character depth was shallow to be kind, and at least with Renegades, some thought and effort is being put into what really makes these characters tick. Without the characters, these are just guys in fatigues shooting at each other.
“…we introduced a number of new characters to the Joe team, which allows us to explore lots of different personalities [and] motivations. And the idea is that this is a group of heroes who have been wrongly accused of something, they’re on the run from Cobra, but they’re trying to expose the wrongs of Cobra while at the same time clearing their name.”
I’ve heard so many complaints about the parallels with the “A-Team” but personally, I’m willing to give the cartoon a shot before just casting it off. Throughout the three decade history of G.I. Joe, they’ve been on the run from the law a number of times, I can see it happening, and I think it makes for great entertainment, and a good re-introduction to the G.I. Joe mythos.
“I think that you will find there are a number of surprises, both in terms of characters and the storylines, as well as what actually propels them forward. And we’ve really tried to keep it exciting and interesting and on the edge of your seat. And we’ve planted some pretty cool plot twists. And although each of the stories are closed in, there is a continuing B-story throughout the series which allows us to offer up some pretty cool twists and turns…”
So, yes. The character designs are not hard-edged military as many of us 30-something fans would like to see. Yes, this “origin” story is a pretty different backstory than what we’re used to. But it already appears to me that they’re putting a strong focus on quality storytelling, which to me, is far more important than what the character is wearing and whether they are seven-and-a-half heads tall like they’re supposed to be. I can forgive bullets for lasers if the character depth and story keeps me captivated. I’m keeping an open mind, and I cannot wait to see what happens.
Big thanks to Jeff Bohn for directing me to this information, and if you want to read more, pickup ToyFare #159 on store shelves today!
The newest waves of Transformers: Hunt for the Decepticons, Transformers: Generations and GI Joe Pursuit of Cobra have arrived!
For fans of comic book related action figures we have the newest waves of Iron Man 2, Marvel Universe, Blackest Night Wave 5 (includes Black Lantern Batman, Black Lantern Deadman, Black Lantern Hawkman, and Black Lantern Nekron), and DC Super Heroes Retro Action Figure: Batman and Aquaman.
Gentle Giant collectors will be happy to know that the Hoth Luke Skywalker and Hoth Han Solo have arrived.
As for PreOrders, we now have listed the DC Direct Brightest Day action figures. If you are a fan of the Darkest Night series I think you will find these of interest, as well. Also as PreOrders, for all you Matty fans we have the new Egon Spengler Ghost Buster Action Figure along with Chief Carnivus and Gygor for you Masters of the Universe Classics collectors. We added several new Sideshow Statues ranging from Star Wars to a Terminator T-800! Finally, if you are a fan of Captain America then you will want to check out the new Bowen Designs bust! If history repeats itself this will be a hard-to-find item in no time!