by generalsjoes | Jan 6, 2012 | 30th Anniversary, G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary, G.I. Joe Toys, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, Pursuit of COBRA
This has been kicking around in my head for a long time…probably ever since the announcement of the death of the o-ring format. Certainly many fans hold that treasured construction close to their heart, but I am literally stunned at how fast and furiously the movement has been to the new “modern era” style. Even five years ago, if the figure wasn’t an “o-ring” it was immediately cast aside as inferior, and now here we are in 2010, and the fandom at large as moved far away from the o-ring format, and has happily embraced something totally different.
With the (albeit remote) possibility out there that G.I. Joe: Retaliation may re-invent the wheel yet again, I really got thinking…over the past 28 years, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero has undergone a number of format changes and face lifts. Which were the best or most impactful?
Now for this list, I’m not counting the o-ring. That was a standard from day one. I’m specifically talking about enhancements. A change or progression that moved the toyline along and continued to revolutionize the industry. So, let’s get to it.
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by generalsjoes | Jan 3, 2012 | 30th Anniversary, Comics and Cartoons, Film, G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe 2, G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation, G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary, G.I. Joe Collectors Club, G.I. Joe Comics, G.I. Joe Toys, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, G.I. Joe: Cobra Strikes, G.I. Joe: Renegades, G.I. Joe: The Movie, IDW, Pursuit of COBRA
I figure there are lots of folks probably doing the whole “Best of” lists for 2011 (myself included eventually!) so I figured I’d take a somewhat different approach. Rather than considering only the “best” or “worst” I figured I’d take a look at significance. And because I’m wishy washy, I couldn’t narrow it down to just 10, I had to sneak an 11th in there just for discussion purposes.
Click the “Read the Rest of this Story” link below for the full article.
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by generalsjoes | Jan 1, 2012 | G.I. Joe, Web Stuff
Well, it’s officially 2012 here on the East Coast and officially “G.I. Joe: Retaliation year”!
That’s right, from here on out, I can say “when G.I. Joe: Retaliation hits theaters this year”… I know, I’m a freaking geek.
As I look over where the site was at the beginning of 2011 and where things are now, I can’t help but extend a warm and gracious “thank you” to everyone who finds time in their busy schedules to read my prattling about little plastic men. I receive emails, Tweets, comments, and messages from folks who are often way kinder than I deserve, and I sincerely thank you.
2011 has been great…it’s been a wild ride, but something tells me we’re in for even better times over the next 12 months. I look forward to sitting in the roller coaster next to you all. Bring on G.I. Joe: Retaliation!

by generalsjoes | Feb 18, 2011 | Comics and Cartoons, G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe Comics, Sigma 6 (8" Scale)
Well, they’re not posted on CartoonPaperwork.com themselves, but admin of the site David Thornton has passed along some great links to some cool artwork that’s floating around out there. First of all, an unused cover to the Marvel Series has appeared on Comic Art Fans. At one point a cover to issue #79, it was apparently not used for one reason or another, but here it is for your viewing pleasure.

Also, David passes along word of a very cool auction over on Yahoo Japan which features what appears to be some production art for the Sigma 6 animated series. I know there isn’t much love lost for that particular G.I. Joe themed media, but I still love checking out this behind the scenes stuff! Take a peek right here.
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by generalsjoes | Feb 17, 2011 | G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary
Anyone who has been around the online fandom has heard of the name Bill Merklein by now. Back in the 80’s he was a big part of the design process for the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero line, and his own two hands sculpted many of our favorite figures.
Gyre-Viper and Roshan had the privilege of being able to sit down and talk with him one-on-one quite a bit over the past year or more, and one of the things that came from this conversation was the fact that many fans really don’t know what goes into sculpting, designing, and producing a toy. Well, Mr. Merklein agreed to film a very detailed sculpting tutorial focusing mainly on the head sculpting techniques he has used over the years.
Keep in mind, while he’s working at a 1:1 scale in the videos, all of these skills and techniques can be utilized at a 1:18 scale as well. And remember while watching these that this is the guy who sculpted Zartan, Recondo, Mutt & Junkyard, and plenty of other 80’s figures from your youth…I would estimate most of your favorites. Check out the videos below, and give a huge thanks to Gyre-Viper, Roshan, and video editor jaimanstone for getting this all together. This really is a rare opportunity and a very insightful series.
Click on the “Read the Rest of this Story” link below to check out all of the videos in their entirety.
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