I’ve been pumping it up on Twitter, but now the results are in, and G.I. Joe fans should have a smile on their face. In an online survey, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis reveals the #1 childhood toy, and the winner (of course) is G.I. Joe!
For those of us who have been involved in the brand this comes as no surprise, but I think it is a further statement of the indelible mark G.I. Joe as a property has left on the American consciousness.
You’re talking about a toyline that hasn’t had a successful mass market event in over 25 years, and is likely not considered by retailers as one of the focus toy brands that they carry. Yet in spite of a lack of mass media focus or attention, G.I. Joe remains in the public eye and strikes a chord with the American people.
Kudos to Joe fans who stepped it up and voted, and awesome to hear the results!
In what has been a relatively barren month or two for G.I. Joe: Retaliation news, Celebuzz spoke to actor Byung-Hun Lee, who of course plays Storm Shadow about his upcoming film Masquerade. Among the discussion points, the G.I. Joe: Retaliation topic came up and Lee explained that he was pulled from shooting Masquerade to come back to the states and film more scenes for G.I. Joe: Retaliation.
This does fit alongside previously revealed details explaining that not only was the film being post-converted to 3D, but that Paramount was actually filming some additional scenes to make the 3D all that much better.
Throughout the conversation, the Korean actor also expressed a deep respect for director Jon Chu.
It’s a very interesting interview that also reveals some of the difficulties Byung-Hun Lee had in filming The Rise of Cobra, especially considering he could not speak English at the time. Check it out over on Celebuzz.com and thanks to Skywarp for the info.
It took over a week, but I’m finally getting caught up with Mysterious Stranger’s excellent guest reviews, and I’m finishing with a good one… the 12″ Zartan! I am continuously battling myself with this figure… not sure if I’ll be able to resist forever, and these reviews certainly aren’t helping!
Hi – Here is a quick update about our Autumn Sale, the latest new preorders and what has just arrived at our warehouse.
Autumn Sale
We’ve got Transformers, Star Wars, Marvel, DC & more on sale as we feel the seasons change from Summer to Autumn. There are over 4,000 items on sale with discounts ranging from 20% to 90%.
MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE CASTLE GRAYSKULL STATUE This new piece by Icon Heroes is their take on Castle Grayskull. It stands 9.75″ tall by 9″ wide and 11″ deep and has been completely detailed for all 360 degrees around. We have it listed at $114.99, $10 off the MSRP.
PORTAL 2 APERTURE SCIENCE HANDHELD PORTAL REPLICA – CUSTOMIZABLE DEVICE KIT This new version of the popular game replica comes with decals, magnetic stripes, alternate color LED effects and in-game sound effects so you can customize it into whichever version you want. We have it listed at $99.99, $20 off the MSRP.
TRANSFORMERS STATUES BY CALIBRE – OPTIMUS PRIME, BUMBLEBEE Calibre is releasing two new statues of Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, done in the Michael bay movie style and each limited to 500 pieces worldwide. Optimus stands 20″ tall, comes with LED-lit eyes, rubber tires, electroplated parts, and changeable hands that hold an energy sword and a battle axe, and is listed at $1399.99, $300 off the MSRP. Bumblebee stands 14″ tall, comes with LED-lit eyes, rubber tires, electroplated parts, and changeable hands with a cannon; he is listed at $119.99, $200 off the MSRP>
MARVEL VS. CAPCOM 1/4 SCALE STATUES – AKUMA VS. DOCTOR DOOM Hollywood Collectibles has announced the first in a new line of statue sets. Akuma vs. Doctor Doom is the first pair that will be released, and they are sculpted ready for battle. Each comes on a display stand, and we have Akuma listed singly at $349.99, or the two statues as a set at $649.99.
NEW WETA LORD OF THE RINGS ITEMS WETA has announced a few new items from the Lord of the Rings series. Barad-Dur, the Fortress of Sauron stands more than 20″ tall and weighs 22 pounds; we have this detailed environment listed at $698.99. We also have the One Ring in gold-plated tungsten carbide in sizes 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, and it is listed at $98.99. Finally we have a Sterling Silver Chain of Frodo Baggins, which is also listed at $98.99.
BAYONETTA 1/7 SCALE PVC FIGURE Phat Company will be releasing a new figure of Bayonetta. She is seen with pistols in both hands readying for a kick, sleeves flowing as she turns. This piece is listed at $199.99.
ASSASSIN’S CREED III CONNOR 8″ VINYL FIGURE Syco Collectibles’ latest vinyl figure is Connor, the protagonist from Assassin’s Creed III. He is shown crouching atop tree branches, aiming his bow at his latest target. We have this piece listed at $39.99.
DJANGO UNCHAINED 8″ FIGURES Quentin Tarantino’s upcoming film “Django Unchained” is spawning a new line of figures, and we have them up for pre-order. The case assortment includes two each of Django, Dr. King Schultz, Calvin Candie and Stephen along with one each of Broomhilda von Shaft and Butch pooch, and is listed at $224.99, $75 off the MSRP. We also have the set of 6 which includes one of each character and is listed at $159.99, $20 off the MSRP. Finally, there are also singles available of Django, Dr. King Schultz, Calvin Candie and Stephen, priced at $24.99 each, saving you $5 apiece off the MSRP.
DISNEY PRINCESSES Mattel is doing a new line of Disney princess dolls, fashions, playsets and more. We have listings for items like Ballerina Princesses Three-Packs, a Royal Party Palace, a Royal Carriage, a Holiday Cinderella doll, Dancing Duet Dolls, Doll and Horse Sets and much more. You can take a peek at all of the new listings at the link.
TANGLED DOLLS AND MORE Mattel is also releasing new dolls and more in the “Tangles” line. We have the Princess Rapunzel Case of 6 at $59.99, the Tower Treasures Rapunzel at $12.99, Rapunzel’s Magical Tower at $38.99, Rapunzel’s Boat Ride at $18.99, the Tangled Gift Pack at $25.99 and bath Magic Rapunzel at $16.99.
MLB SPORTSPICKS SERIES 31 – CASE, SINGLES MacFarlane Toys’ newest assortment of MLB Sportspicks includes two of Andrew McCutchen and one each of Derek Jeter, Dustin Pedroia, Stephen Strasburg, Matt Kemp and Ryan Braun, along with a Chase or Collector Level figure, and is listed at $89.99. We also have each named figure listed singly, and they are priced at $11.99 apiece.
NEW BEAST SAGA FIGURES A third wave of Beast Saga items is listed now. We have a new BS21 Starter Set at $24.99, BS22 Random Booster Figures at $7.99 each or as a case of 24 at $179.99, BS23 Panikusu (Rabbit?) and BS24 Kanigaru (Kangaroo) at $7.99 each, and Magic Rod Boosters C and D at $5.99 each.
NEW IMPORT EXCLUSIVE LISTINGS We have a number of new exclusives ready for pre-orders. These include two new S.H. Figuarts from “Kamen Rider Fourze the Movie”, a limited edition version of Tekken Bishoujo Asuka Kazuma, Persona 4 Aegis Ultimate Version Figma, Wild Tiger Top MaG version S.H. Figuarts, Angel Beats Tenshi 1/8 scale figure, two new Cyborg 009 Real Action Heroes figures and more – check out all of the great items at the link.
GAME OF THRONES POP! TELEVISION FIGURES Funko is producing a new line of POP! Television figures based on the Game of Thrones series. The first wave includes Daenerys Targaryen, Khal Drogo, Ned Stark, Tyrion Lannister, the Hound and a White Walker, and each is listed at $10.99.
RETRO 8″ MAD MONSTERS, CASTLE These figures of Dracula, Frankenstein, the Wolfman and the Mummy harken back to the Mego days of the 70’s and come with cloth outfits. We have the set of 4 figures listed at $69.99, $10 off the MSRP, and also a replica of the 1974 Mad Monster Castle Playset from Mego, which is listed at $$15 off the MSRP.
MARS ATTACKS MARTIAN 14.5″ STATUE Quarantine Studios is releasing a 14.5″ statue of a Martian from “Mars Attacks!” with jetpack and gun in hand. He stands atop a base of the destroyed remains of the Liberty Bell, a human body and various other debris, and is listed at $219.99, $10 below the MSRP.
MASTER GRADE 1/100 SCALE NU GUNDAM VERSION KA Amuro’s final gundam from Char’s Counterattack is the latest Version Ka Master Grade Kit to be announced. It will come with its fin funnels and should be loaded with detail and articulation; we have it listed at $99.99.
INFLATABLE DALEKS We have pre-orders up from Underground Toys for a number of Inflatable Daleks. In the 30″ we have Red, Yellow, Blue or White, each listed at $59.99. We also have the Large Red 47″ Dalek listed, priced at $94.99.
EXPANDABLE TARDIS TENT When closed, this item appears to be the Police Box version of the TARDIS, measuring 35″ x 35″ x 61″. However, it can be opened to display the interior of the current TARDIS, and makes a perfect playset for young and old fans alike. This item is listed at $119.99, $20 off the MSRP.
NEW MATTEL WWE CASES Mattel has announced two new cases (or case and set) each from the Basic Figure, Basic Figure Two-Packs and Elite Figures lines. Elite has figures like Jerry Lawler, Rey Mysterio, Undertaker and Sin Cara, while Basic has John Cena, Sheamus and Drew McIntyre and Basic Two-Packs have Epico & Primo, Daniel Bryan Vs. Big Show and John Cena Vs. Kane. The cases run from #125.99 to $143.99, and the Basic Two-Pack Set of 2 is listed at $41.99.
TOKUMEI SENTAI GOBUSTERS – BUSTER MACHINE DX BUSTER HERCULES SET This set includes the SJ-05 Stag Beetle and the BC-04 Buster Beetle, who can merge into Buster Hercules or with other Ranger Buster Machine to form Great GoBuster, DX GoBusterOh and more. We have the set of two listed at $119.99.
THE AVENGERS 3.75″ FIGURE SERIES 04 – CASE, SET, SINGLES This newest assortment of Avengers movie figures includes two each of Shatterblaster Iron Man Mark VII, Nick Fury, Cosmic Axe Chitauri, Hawkeye and Gamma Smash Hulk, along with one each of Fusion Armor Iron Man and Black Widow; this case is listed at $119.99. We also have Shatterblaster Iron Man Mark VII, Nick Fury and Cosmic Axe Chitauri as a Set of three, priced at $49.99, and singles are available of the other items in the case, priced at $6.90 – $14.99 each.
REAL ACTION HEROES 1/6 SCALE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN This latest figure from Medicom comes from the recent Spider-Man movie. He comes with loads of extra hands for a variety of looks, and is listed at $244.99.
BEAST SAGA – DECK SETS/BOOSTER/CASE/SINGLES We’ve got a bunch of new Beast Saga figures including both Starter Kingdoms of Land Gloria and Sea Death Heart deck sets. The deck sets are $24.99 each. Also now in-stock are the figures and random booster packs, both listed at $7.99 each.
TRANSFORMERS ARMS MICRON VOLUME 02 – CASE, BAG This new assortment includes Bulkhead, Arcee, Megatron and a turtle that makes a shield and comes in two different colors. The Bag of 10 will include at least one each of the four shapes and may include both turtle colors; we have this listed at $29.99. We also have a Case of 300 listed, priced at $849.99.
DIE-CAST VOLTRON GIFT SET RESTOCK Trendmasters ever-popular Voltron Gift Set has been restocked. This die-cast set includes all the lions plus their weapons, and is listed at $139.99.
AM-17 AUTOBOT SWERVE RESTOCK We have also received a second shipment of the red Autobot redeco of Breakdown. He comes with his own Arms Micron and is listed at $59.99.
TFCC EXCLUSIVE G2 RAMJET We have managed to get a few of this popular item back into stock. He is done in his turquoise, black and purple color scheme and is listed at $94.99.
BATMAN DIE-CAST HOT WHEELS 1:50 SCALE SERIES 06 – CASE, SET, SINGLES This new assortment comes with two each of the 80’s Batmobile, the “Batman & Robin” Batmobile, the Bat-Pod and the Bat from “Dark Knight Rises”. We have the Case of eight (two of each) listed at $58.99 and the Set of four (one of each) at $31.99. Singles are also available currently of all but the Bat, and are priced at $9.99 each.
STARCRAFT PREMIUM FIGURE SERIES 02 – SET, SINGLES We have restocked this popular assortment. Kerrigan, Queen of Blades is listed at $29.99, with Tychus Findlay at $31.99, while the Set of two is listed at $57.99.
During the 90’s, Hasbro not only devoted their resources to G.I. Joe, but also acquired the Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat licenses and managed to integrate them into their G.I. Joe toyline. The result was somewhat mixed.
Fans of the video games ended up a bit disappointed no doubt that the G.I. Joe figures were not very accurate to the source material, meanwhile ardent fans of G.I. Joe were wondering what the hell these video games were doing in their army toys. One figure in particular stood out. While many figures simply re-used G.I. Joe parts, Goro stood out. A completely newly tooled figure (four arms and all!) Goro was the shining star of the Mortal Kombat theme.
Over at JoeDeClassified they’ve posted a terrific “Tales from the Vault” featuring Goro in various incarnations, including test shot images and concept art. It’s an awesome read and there are some great tidbits in there. Check it out over at JoeDeClassified.com.
Anyone who has been going through What’s on Joe Mind withdrawls should have their appetite satisfied this morning with TWO new installments uploaded to our Podbean page! Gary, Mike, and WOJM stalwart Greg all pitched in to bring us a live episode straight from the site of Coil Con itself.
But wait, that’s not all… we also get whirlwind guest appearances by Fred Doss, Director of and Beachhead from G.I. Joe: Initiate, Robert Atkins, artist from IDW, Todd from Kokomo Toys and Jay Hunger from CardedHeroes.com! Check out the embedded players below, and Show Notes are after the jump.
Coil Con is over and Gary has some editing time again, so here is episode 66 of What’s on Joe Mind, the foremost G.I. Joe podcast on the ‘net! The guys give a little run down of what’s been going on in our pesky “real lives” to delay episode releases, and we also have the immense pleasure to speak with Hasbro designers Andrew and Trina about the work they’ve done for Hasbro in general and on the G.I. Joe brand specifically. Some awesome insight about the modern Joes design philosophy and the infamous Dollar Store figures! Hit up our Podbean page or check out the Embedded players below. Show notes as always are after the jump.
I know I missed a couple of days last week, but we’re picking right up today with more guest reviews from Mysterious Stranger! This time around, we’re catching up a bit with two fantastic new members of the G.I. Joe team.
In another great customer service move from a company that specializes in good customer service, Marauder “Gun Runners” has posted via their Facebook page that they are soliciting advice from their customers in planning Series 7 of their now famous weapons system.
Check out the full text of Marauder’s Facebook post after the jump, and then hit up their Facebook page to let them know what you’re looking for.
I for one have been pestering all of my buddies at Coil Con for some info about G.I. Joe: Initiate, which was shown there for the first time earlier today, but nobody was biting. Well, now Episode 1 can be seen by all. Action packed and in High Definition, I strongly recommend you find a way to view this on the big screen.
YouTube apps are available for Playstation 3, X-Box 360, Apple TV, etc… and I think watching this on a television screen only made it even cooler.
With Beachhead, Chuckles, and Major Bludd taking up most of the screen time of this first six minute episode, I find my mouth watering to see some more action. Looks like Episode Two will make me VERY happy.
Check out the first episode embedded below, I think you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. This is GREAT stuff. Again, check it out on your TV screen if you can. It’s worth it. Great work by everyone involved. As always, stay up to date on future episodes at GIJoeInitiate.com and on Facebook. I suspect they’ll be getting a lot of traffic starting now!
