Okay, in all the combing through the internet, I found a few sources of information for stuff that was discussed at the Hasbro IDW panel, but unfortunately none of it ended up really being of any consequence.
The first intel came from YoJoe, who had a representative in the panel, and the recap can be found right here, though honestly not much was revealed.
Essentially most of the panel seemed to focus on Cobra and how they got in the position they’re in now, which is pretty fascinating to consider. Cobra’s whole history back in the day was pretty odd, considering how much force and technology they amassed without it really being discussed just how they did it, where the money came from (beyond a “pyramid scheme”) or how they built their empire. The IDW universe is playing into that a LOT more, and it’s pretty neat.
One of the more interesting notes was the fact that an upcoming issue of G.I. Joe, the first appearance of Storm Shadow proclaims itself as the end of “Season 1” of G.I. Joe. I’m not entirely sure how they break up the “seasons” or if they simply mean the book is moving in another direction from that point on.
The most comprehensive coverage of the IDW panel was posted on The Terror Drome (with some props as well to iFanboy) and their run down is as follows:
After 3-part Zartan story in Origins, Croc Master “origins” story in issue #18.
Hama returns to Origins for one more story with G.I. Joe: Origins #19 which will be another “silent issue” featuring Snake Eyes.
Then G.I. Joe: Origins 20-23 will focus on Cobra organization.
G.I. Joe: Cobra Special #2, available last week of September, featuring the trial of Erika le Tene.
Chuckles story concludes in G.I. Joe: Cobra #10-13
In the main ongoing G.I. Joe title, critical mass device #23-27, Storm Shadow first appearance in IDW verse.
G.I. Joe: RAH will pick up from Marvel’s run with Cobra presenting itself as a “Blackwater” type organization.
Both G.I. Joe: Renegades and Transformers Prime will have books debuting in October”
So, in all honesty, not a whole lot of juicy new intel was released…but we’ll take what we can get. Thanks to everyone for chipping in links and coverage so we could get this all together. Big thanks to Wild Weasel of The Terror Drome as well, for finally getting some comprehensive details of the panel.
Now that we know just a little bit more about G.I. Joe: Renegades, we know that in this new series, Cobra starts off as a legitimate (or supposedly legitimate) pharmaceutical corporation called Cobra Industries.
Well, on the West Coast, apparently recruiting has started! HissTank reports that Cobra Industries propaganda has started appearing throughout Comic-con and has some great images hosted on their site, which I have mirrored below. I love this sort of stuff…here’s hoping we get more of it leading up to the animated series this fall.
Thanks to the glorious wonders of YouTube and sneaky convention attendees. Woop!
From what we can see, pretty neat stuff. Sure, mostly gun fire and Snake Eyes beating crap up, but the animation is fluid…the action is crisp and well choreographed. Looking forward to seeing more!
Well, not holy crap because of his name, because it’s pretty likely you’ve never heard of him before. I know I hadn’t. But if you’re a self-respecting geek, you’ve no doubt seen some of his work. His name is Henry Gilroy, and the guys at the Terror Drome confirmed at SDCC that he is one of the lead writers for G.I. Joe: Renegades.
So why is this important? Why is it a “Holy Crap” moment? Check out his resume:
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Animated Series (Writer)
The Secret Saturdays
Transformers: Animated (The Sound and the Fury)
Bionicle
The Tick
The Adventures of Batman and Robin
Batman: The Animated Series
Uhhh yeah. I think Renegades is in pretty good hands. As I’ve already covered in this post, we’ve got some very experienced veterans involved here, and experienced veterans with a great background. Some of the folks who worked on some of the greatest animated series in the past 15 years now have their hands in G.I. Joe, and I think that can only be a good thing. I can understand how some of the art and character designs might be a turn off to the adult Joe fan, but I still think we need to give the actual content a try before we prepare to write it off.
Information was absolutely flying around the ‘net today with the Renegades panel, and I’m endeavoring to gather it all into one sensible location. Been a bit challenging so far! I’ve been following the Cover It Live stream over at HissTank, and also following the fantastic coverage at Toy News International… the tweets coming in from Action Figure Insider have also been terrific.
This is what I’ve gathered together so far:
As discussed at JoeCon, Renegades is a “Year One” event. See things as they began.
Cobra is a large, mostly benevolent Pharmaceutical Company
“The Joes” start off as grunts mostly, on the run from the law for a crime they did not commit (no word on whether or not they drive a black van or are afraid of flying).
The Joes may not even start off with code names.
Current cast of characters: Duke, Scarlett, Tunnel Rat, Roadblock, Snake Eyes, Ripcord
Yes, ROAD-FREAKING BLOCK. And no, he is not a “rapping chef”.
For the style, they did not want to compete with Resolute, so went back to a more 50’s like “artistic” style.
Cobra tech is futuristic, but a familiar “15 minutes into the future” type of style.
We will learn about characters as they learn about themselves. See the evolutions of characters like Zartan, the Dreadnoks, Cobra Commander, etc…
They’ve worked with Joe fans in the industry trying to make sure the spirit and the mythology are alive.
Yes, voice actors for Scarlett and Duke will be in the series, but not AS Scarlett or Duke
Characters will have a slightly different look and take, but the spirit of the character is intact.
Obviously the cartoon will not be as violent as Resolute, but it will also NOT be dumbed down. Expect a similar level of action and violence as Batman: The Animated Series (I just squealed).
Epic stories that have ramifications throughout future episodes
Stories will be very character driven, sometimes focusing on one or two characters at a time
Speaking of two characters, expect to see Tomax and Xamot down the line
No concrete timeline for toys, but expect some news at Toy Fair, 2011 (I most certainly WILL BE THERE).
Renegades will focus on the small core team, but lots of fringe characters will come and go. Nobody is off limits!
Heavy Duty will make an appearance in the show as well.
A good balance between fantasy and reality. There will be some fantasy elements, but they will be grounded in the real world.
Lifeline and/or Doc will likely make an appearance
I think that about covers it. There was a video clip shown, but recording was not allowed. 🙁
Apparently a few folks still had vid cams rolling, so it may show up on YouTube eventually. Perhaps we’ll get lucky and Hasbro will get it out there somewhere as well. Apparently the video clip showed Snake Eyes “kicking ass”, Scarlett in a helicopter and various other action shots. Dying to see it.
Here are some links of interest:
As of about 4:00pm Eastern (50 minutes from now) the Hasbro and Renegades panel should be kicking off in San Diego, and GeneralsJoes is ready!
I’ve got full computer and online access, and I’ll be streaming live coverage from folks who are there, and will be posting updates as they happen through my Twitter and Facebook pages. Of course I will also gather all relevant information and have it for you right here on GeneralsJoes.com.
Normally I am not envious of the people dealing with the SDCC madness, but I’m so keyed up about Renegades that I wish I was there to soak it all in in person. I have a feeling it will make a lot of folks happy eventually, even if it doesn’t right off the bat.
Here we go… Yo Joe!
