For a short while we were getting monthly updates to a new animated G.I. Joe short-format “web series” that takes place in the Rise of Cobra universe, called “Operation: HISS”. Initially designed to bridge the story between Rise of Cobra and Pursuit of Cobra, but is obviously something that was not necessarily created with the highest standard in mind.
Regardless, it’s been a couple of months since we saw anything new from the Operation: HISS series, and some folks (probably not many) were wondering what the heck happened. No idea. But I do know at least, that Hasbro posted a short Scarlett Spotlight on their video page, and the MS G.I. Joe Collectors’ Club posted a very nice high def encode up on their Facebook page.
I’ve encoded it below.
I know this is pretty hokey, but I was at least hoping to see someone like Helix show up somewhere along the way…
Yeah, looks like someone at MonkeyBarTV got a little tipsy the night before work last Friday… what was being advertised as Episode 2 of Operation: HISS was likely Episode 3, and has now been pulled. However, the real Episode 2 is now online, featuring some arctic action. We see Timber, a little cameo from Snow Job, and hear some thick Scottish juice straight from Destro.
Check out the episode here, and some gratuitous screenshots below.
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If it wasn’t already obvious enough, looking at this one, it’s pretty clear that Hasbro is taking full advantage of the 3d models from the video game. I mean, these designs look nearly identical…
With a big thanks to MSGiJoe Collectors’ Club Facebook page and The Terror Drome for informing us that Webisode Two for Operation: H.I.S.S. has been posted! It can be seen on MonkeybarTV right here. Taking queues from the Pursuit of Cobra concept, it’s obviously based in the Rise of Cobra universe, this episode features the debut of Recondo and mention of a Cobra Terror Drome.
Now, we all know it’s no great shakes, but this episode wasn’t quite as cheesy as the last one. It was still far from perfect, but it’s not terrible. Compared to something like Resolute…well… we don’t need to go there.
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Along with Webisode Two, there’s also a feature focusing on Operation: HISS Duke, with some nice Accelerator Suit action. Check that 56 second feature right here. Yeah, this stuff even makes the Rise of Cobra film look like oscar material… bring on the IDW Operation: HISS comic! That’s the post-Rise of Cobra storyline I’m sticking with.
Heh…in the last post I mentioned a month was a long time to wait for a follow up to a 5 minute webisode. Turns out, the action itself only took just over 3 minutes. Overall impression? About what you’d expect for a direct-to-website feature catered to kids. It’s done in CGI animation, purely computer models, and they looked like they were pulled from the cut scenes of the console game (which isn’t necessarily a good thing). Some choppy animation, some stilted voice acting, and nothing that will really make the long time fans go crazy. Definitely not G.I. Joe’s best side.
I still kinda dig seeing the movie universe further explored (especially since it would appear it’s vanishing entirely from store shelves with this G.I. Joe “reboot” this fall), but the end result did not blow my skirt up, which is really saying something when coming from this fanboy. Regardless, I’ll be waiting the first Friday of every month just to see what’s next.
On the positive side, we did get some cool intel when the credits rolled! I’ve mirrored some screen shots below, including a shot of the voice credits, which indicate that some other characters will be appearing in the series like Recondo, Helix, and Snow Job! I’ll check out further installments just for that.
A fun way to spend a few minutes, but don’t expect Beast Wars or Starship Troopers… the gallery is below.
Big thanks to The Terror Drome for breaking the news that the rumored web-based animated series “G.I. Joe: Operation H.I.S.S.” has hit the airwaves on the eve of Toy Fair, 2010. Broken up into what appears to be five minute episodes, apparently new installments will appear on the first Friday of each month. Man…a full month between five minute episodes? Interesting.
Haven’t even checked it out yet, but will be doing so shortly. Take a peek yourself right here.
