Hasbro’s #1 G.I. Joe Fan,” James DeSimone, to Host “Action Figure & Toy Show,” May 5, Burbank, CA

The cover of James DeSimone’s first GIjOE guide has almost become as iconic as its subject matter. While not 100% accurate, it’s nonetheless quite handy and widely respected among collectors for what it DOES provide: a quick visual reference to GIjOE figures, equipment sets and vehicles produced between 1964 and 1978. Self-published by DeSimone back in 1994, the guide originally sold for $75. Copies can still be purchased from Cotswold Collectibles for $20. (Photo: James DeSimone)

GIjOE fan, collector and show organizer, James DeSimone of Glenoaks, CA. (Photo: James DeSimone)

James DeSimone, undeniably one of the most famous (and active) names in the world of GIjOE collecting, is hosting yet another of his famous GIjOE “Action Figure and Toy Shows” on May 5th in Burbank, CA.

Over the last couple of decades, DeSimone has proven himself to be one of GIjOE’s most vocal and effective advocates. Today, “GIjOE’s #1 Fan” (as Hasbro called him) still acts as a leader for fans out on the west coast, and is highly regarded by fans around the world for his multitude of past accomplishments.

As far back as 1985, DeSimone formed the first fan-operated, “GIjOE Collector’s Club,” eventually achieving a total membership of over 500 members. Later, he would produce and host various GIjOE conventions, thereby convincing Hasbro to produce convention exclusives. Permission for official licensing soon followed, and with that, the manufacture of a line of highly popular reproduction vehicles, uniforms, parts and accessories.

The base of a trophy presented to DeSimone by executives at Hasbro bears this unique “#1 GIjOE Fan” designation. (Photo: James DeSimone)

A total of three DeSimone GIjOE identification guides would ultimately be published, and while each has both fans and detractors, the guides have undeniably been of great assistance to many collectors. And… despite all the time, trouble and expense of hosting GIjOE shows, DeSimone still seems to enjoy being “in on the action.” According to the official press release about next month’s event:

“I want to thank you all for wanting me to do another show. Our next one will be on Sunday May 5, 2013, at the Ramada Inn Hotel at 2900 San Fernando in Burbank, CA. Dealer set up will begin at 6AM and the show is from 9AM to 4PM. Admission is $5 and dealer table spaces are $40 each (limit 2). If you’d like, you can pre-pay with PayPal to: batcar1@hotmail.com, or mail a check to James DeSimone 150 s. Glenoaks Blvd, Burbank CA, 91510. For event or dealer information, you can email us at batcar1@hotmail.com. Please help make the show a success. Tell (and bring) some friends. Parking is free!”

GIjOE fans agree that one of James DeSimone’s greatest triumphs was this superb reproduction of the beloved 1960s Irwin Panther Jet. Simply OUTSTANDING! (Photo: Cotswold Collectibles)

Bottom Line: DeSimone is clearly a “Man of Action.” While others may “talk the talk” year in and year out, this is one GIjOE fan who’s proven he knows how to get things done. James’ shows are still some of the best opportunities for fans in the West to gather together and talk, sell and swap GIjOEs. If you can, we highly recommend you attend this upcoming event in Burbank. Go, James! And… Go, JOE!

Goldenrod LSO Prototype Uniform Purchased From Official “Hasbro Seconds Store” in 1960s

This closeup of the unproduced Hasbro prototype “goldenrod” LSO suit, reveals it came with red striping only. This early sample was rejected in favor of a more elaborate tan suit with day-glo orange and pink striping, more closely matching actual jumpsuits worn by LSO crewmen during the Korean War and early ’60s. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Ever been to a “Day-Old Bread Store?”

They’re small, “no-frills” bread stores that sell off unsold loaves of “day-old” bread, damaged pastries and any other “defective” baked-goods considered unsellable at full retail (box of broken bear claws, anyone?). Bakeries typically operate one or more of these shops in poorer neighborhoods of nearby cities and towns, offering such “day-old” baked goods at steeply discounted prices. (I’ve tried them out. It’s actually a great deal. Taste-wise, you can’t tell the difference!)

In a similar manner, during the 1960s and ’70s, long before there was a GIjOE Collector’s Club Store or an online “buy-direct” HasbroToyShop website, fans of “America’s Movable Fighting Man” could go into a small store in Pawtucket, RI, that sold authentic factory “seconds,” direct to the public. The store was a convenient and practical outlet for a growing toy company trying to recoup some of its pre-production and prototyping expenses (i.e.”up-front” costs typically incurred when designing and testing new toys). What it couldn’t sell out of its seconds store would sadly, simply end up in a landfill somewhere. In a recent interview with The Joe Report, longtime GIjOE dealer, George Gray, provided additional insight into this little-known chapter of GIjOE history…

GIjOE Collector and Dealer, George Gray, a high school teacher from Dover, TN, holds up his authentic Hasbro goldenrod prototype LSO suit at JoeCon 2013. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

“About 12 to 15 years ago, I bought a large lot of miscellaneous vintage stuff off ebay. Right away, I could tell there was something different about the items. They were all authentic Hasbro all right, but they didn’t look ‘correct’ in many ways.

I asked the seller for more information, and she turned out to be an old lady from Rhode Island. Apparently, back in the 1960s, she would go into what she called a Hasbro ‘seconds’ store in Pawtucket and pick up ‘seconds’ and discounted Hasbro toys.

Originally, I had a lot more uniforms, boots and things, but I’ve sold or traded most of it away over the years. I wish I had kept it all together, because it would have been interesting for fans if I had photographed and recorded all of the so-called defects and differences between the ‘rejects’ and final production pieces.”

This closeup of the back of the unusual LSO suit reveals the perfect fit and finish of an intricately formed , factory-produced garment. Clearly, this is the REAL DEAL! (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Intrigued by his find, George decided to seek the counsel and second opinion of a renowned GIjOE expert, Dan McKee from Southern California. McKee studied Gray’s prototype LSO suit quite extensively, comparing its materials and construction with his own vintage pieces. Ultimately, McKee concurred with the ebay seller’s assertion that it was indeed a vintage GIjOE jumpsuit and that it had undeniably been manufactured by Hasbro. When asked whether he felt it was a real “prototype” test uniform, McKee emphatically declared:

“Absolutely, it’s real!”

But That’s Not All…

The “clincher” in this story really occurred with the revelation of one more piece of corroborating information. According to the old woman in Rhode Island, all of the Hasbro “seconds” in the store were marked in a specific way so as to indicate that they were NEVER to be sold at retail. The “mark,” she said, was a “scarlet slash” made though the GIjOE logo with a permanent (red) laundry pen. Wha…?

A closeup of the tag in the LSO jumpsuit reveals a faded red marker “slash” through the logo, confirming it as a vintage Hasbro “second,” most likely a rejected color-test prototype. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

A closeup of an actual 1:1 scale LSO uniform reveals that neither version by Hasbro was 100% correct. (Photo: Charles Bury)

Fascinated by her revelation, Gray quickly tugged at the collar tag of the old jumpsuit and discovered to his delight, that sure enough, it DID bear such a red mark! Combined with all the other indicators, there seems to be little doubt that this piece is an authentic Hasbro product, most likely produced as a color-test prototype. Once rejected, it was apparently marked and tossed into the company’s outgoing “seconds” bin to be sold from their store as such. Thankfully, Gray’s research and identification have rescued it from obscurity and provided fans with yet another intriguing glimpse into GIjOE’s history.

Bottom Line: Our sincerest thanks to all of the generous contributors to this article, including: George Gray, Dan McKee, Charles Bury, Nick Bowyer and that “little old lady from Pawtucket,” Go, JOE!

Final production version of the LSO set. (Photo: Nick Bowyer)

“UltraCon” 2013 Set for March 23-24, Hialeah, FL

Official poster for the 2013 UltraCon in Hialeah, FL. (Graphic: Mike Rio)

Ramada Inn, Hialeah, FL, site of 2013′s “UltraCon” toy show. (Photo: Ramada Inn)

Sandwiched right in between Joelanta and the national JoeCon 2013 in Indianapolis, is Florida’s largest toy, comic and anime show known unabashedly as “UltraCon.” According to UltraCon’s head organizer and longtime GIjOE fan, Irving Santiago, this year’s event will have something for everyone. Just look at what Santiago reveals in this press release:

“Ultra Con will feature collectors and dealers from all over the State of Florida, selling their collectible vintage tin toys & modern toys, Hot Wheels, vintage sports cards, comic books, vintage GIjOEs, and hundreds of 3 3/4″ GIjOE vehicles & figures. There will also be UK Action Man figures from The 1960′s& 1970′s, Star Wars (old & new), Monsters (old & new), Godzilla, Transformers, Dragonball Z, Power Rangers, Marvel Legends, Marvel Universe, Toy Biz, and DC. Several dealers will be selling off entire Star Trek & Star Wars collections from The 1980s!“

Irving Santiago during the Lobby Swap at Joelanta 2012. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Wow! Sounds like an amazing opportunity for toy fans and collectors of all ages and interests. But that’s not all. Santiago went on to describe even MORE attractions at this year’s show:

“There will also be two “Ultimate Fighter” special guests at the Con; UFC’s Mike ‘The Wolverine’ Rio and MMA’s Luis Baboon Palomino. Both will be there to sign autographs and take pictures with fans. Creature Entertainment Comics will have a team there and we’ll also have a “Comic Book Alley” set up for local comic book artists to display and sell their artwork. Members of a My Little Pony club will attend. There’s also a cosplay costume contest with a $100 prize!”

Bottom Line: If you’ve got the time (and the money), it’s obvious where you should be on March 23 and 24th. The Ramada Inn is across from Westland Mall in Hialeah, FL at 1950 West 49th Street. Adults are $5, kids under 12 are free. Dealers can set up Friday afternoon from 6pm until 11pm. Showtime is 9AM to 5PM on both Saturday and Sunday. Parking is free. For vendor info, call Irving at 786-285-3738. Sorry, but sinkholes, alligators and anacondas will not be allowed to attend. HA!

“Good Stuff To Go” Owners Comfirm Rumor That Popular Online Business Is Ceasing Operations

Good Stuff to Go’s owner-operator, Ken Smolinsky, shown here at a past GIjOE show, has confirmed recent rumors that his business will soon cease operations. (Photo: mastercollector.com)

“After 15-plus years…it’s time to move on.”

Since 1997, Ken Smolinsky and Gail Zemble, of the popular online business “Good Stuff to Go,” (GSTG), have provided just about every 1:6 scale product imaginable, direct from the manufacturers to thousands of loyal and eager customers worldwide. For over 15 years, their business earned a well-deserved reputation among collectors for quick, fair dealing, and superb customer service.

Eager fans crowd into the GSTG booth at a recent GIjOE show. (Photo: mastercollector.com)

But soon, all of it is coming to an end. Ken and Gail recently announced their intent to CEASE operations as GSTG, and in an official press release said…

“The rumors of our upcoming closure are in fact, true. After 15 plus years, Gail and I have decided to move on to other pursuits, including traveling. We have met, if only through email, many great people and loyal customers. We will miss these contacts. But, doing this fulltime means there are lots of other things we cannot do. Now is the time to do those other things.

We have not decided the exact timeframe for closing down, but have already been putting many items on sale. These are great deals with prices below cost. Supplies are limited and no more will be available when items run out (which occurs everyday). Keep checking the website for deals and special offers.

Our goal is to honor all outstanding preorders or find a dealer who will honor them at the prices we have listed. But we will not list any more items for preorder, due to the lack of accurate knowledge as to when items will arrive. Thanks for supporting our business!”

Response from fans and collectors of 1:6 scale has been immediate and mournful. Taken aback by the volume of customer comments, Ken added these words…

“Gail and I have been overwhelmed by the responses to our announcement of our closing. All the kind words and best wishes have truly been appreciated. As we close down this era of our lives and enter the next phase, your support means a lot to us and will help remind us of all of the great times we have had over the last 15 years. We wish everyone the best of luck and happy collecting!”

Right now, GSTG is clearing out their inventory at fire sale prices. If you’ve got your eye on anything, THIS IS THE TIME to hurry over to their website and place an order. Soon, it’ll all be gone! Here’s a direct link to their website.

We want to wish Ken and Gail all the best in their future pursuits and our sincerest appreciation for all the wonderful products they’ve provided to fans and collectors over the years. You and GSTG will be sorely missed!

New “Dr. Evil” Comic Shop Posters Generate Interest Among Captain Action Collectors

Big, colorful, Dr. Evil poster by Round 2. (Photo: Ed Catto)

Round 2′s spokesman, Ed Catto, just released a brief statement on the Captain Action fan forum along with a couple of tantalizing “teaser” photos revealing freshly printed copies of a new, full color, limited-edition poster promoting the company’s upcoming Dr. Evil action figure. In the first photo, a beautiful blonde model is shown posing next to the poster to help provide a better sense of scale. (Thanks, Ed!)

Unfortunately, according to Catto’s statement, plans for the poster are currently limited to comic shop distribution only, with no extra copies available for public sale. But the poster’s graphics are so cool, collectors such as Scott Brooks immediately responded with encouraging statements such as:

“I smell collectible! That’s a great poster, Ed—bold, eye-catching, and packed with info—and your model is absolutely stunning!”

Ed’s second “teaser” photo showed many of the new dealer-only posters spread out on a table. (Photo: Ed Catto)

Other fans quickly wrote in to declare their equally undying love (for the poster), requesting instructions on how they too, might be able to acquire a copy. Catto (probably surprised by the strident fan response) didn’t immediately commit to anything, but in a short reply, he left the door open to the possibility of a future re-release of the poster for fans, saying…

“The original plan was to just make them for retailers, but if a lot of guys on the (Captain Action Fan) list like them, we can make more.”

So there is a chance. Keep your fingers crossed! If you’d like to encourage Ed and the guys at Round 2 to reprint the Dr. Evil poster for fans to purchase, please leave a comment here on The Joe Report. And then…Let justice be done!

Dedicated Artisans Recreating Vintage ’50s and ’60s MARX Playset “Packages of the Past”

Phil Rosner (l) and Alan Lortz (r) of “Nostalgia Toy Box” during the Joelanta 2012 Show in Atlanta, GA. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Phil Rosner and Alan Lortz of Nostalgia Toy Box, stood behind their dealer’s table at Joelanta 2012 recently, nearly swallowed up by a massive display of ’50s and ’60s MARX reproduction playset boxes. They smiled as I approached, clearly anticipating my appreciation for their wares.

To an unsuspecting toy collector, the merchandise looked like it had just come off the shelf of an old SEARS Roebuck or 5 & Dime toy store. Others probably felt their heart skip a beat or two, thinking they had suddenly stumbled upon a “holy grail” of NOS (New, Old-Stock) merchandise.

But upon closer examination, the truth was quickly revealed. Phil and Alan weren’t selling old toys; they were selling brand-new recreations of the BOXES. For a MARX collector with a battered, stained or missing box, these recreations are a godsend. And for those who don’t own any of the playsets, the repro boxes are cool enough by themselves that they stand alone as desirable collectibles.

Before speaking, I stood in silent awe for a few minutes, just studying all the beautiful vintage artwork on each box. The Rifleman. Jesse James. Rex Mars Planet Patrol. What a selection!

Once I began to interview the two men, I learned that each box is constructed of bright white, corrugated cardboard, measures 24″ x 14″ x 4″ in size and is illustrated on the top and all four sides. The original eye-popping graphics have all been carefully restored by professional graphics wiz, Ron Lazority, and look simply stunning.

I admitted to them that I knew little of this area of toy collecting, but was pleased to also learn that a man named Ron Barzso of Barzso Playsets offers recreations of some of the complete sets. So, it appears that collector interest in these old plastic toys is on the upswing!

As to the boxes of Nostalgia Toy Box, Phil admitted they make very little profit from each sale, and operate their business more for the love of these old toys and their vintage packaging.

“We all loved these playsets as kids, and we loved the boxes they came in as well. Just looking at all the old artwork brings back so many great memories. A lot of people didn’t remember that there were so many different versions. We now produce over 100 different titles! By tracking down all the original sets and recreating their boxes, we hope to keep the memory of these unique toys alive for future generations to collect and enjoy.”

This closeup reveals just a few of the over 100 reproduction packages currently being produced by the amazing guys at Nostalgia Toy Box. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Before I left their table, I told Phil and Alan that, if I could, I’d buy ALL of their amazing boxes! We all smiled together and nodded knowingly at one another, sharing our mutual love and fondness for old toys and the unique packaging produced during those bygone years. To visit Nostagia Toy Box, go to their website HERE.

“Super-Collector” Irving Santiago Awarded “GIjOE Special Forces” Ring by Hasbro Exec

Irving Santiago during the Lobby Swap at Joelanta 2012. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

A closeup of one of the racks of merchandise Irving had for sale. Each vintage box had the correct vintage figure inside. It was a dream come true!
(Photo: Mark Otnes)

I recently met Irving Santiago at the 2012 Joelanta GIjOE Show in Atlanta, Georgia. It was the unofficial “Lobby Swap” and he was presiding over a large rack of vintage 12″ GIjOEs, many in their original boxes. I asked him if he had a Bulletman for sale and he quickly replied, “Oh, sure. I’ve got two of those.” Hoo-yeah. Paydirt!

After chatting a while, I learned that Irving is in sales in Miami, and has been a die-hard GIjOE fan and collector for over 35 years. You might even call him a “Super Collector,” because during that long period, he’d gathered together what is now surely, one of the world’s largest GIjOE collections ever assembled by one individual. A huge fan of all sizes and incarnations of GIjOE, Irving told me…

“At the height of my collecting, I had over 14,000 of the smaller figures and over 3,000 vehicles. I even owned TWELVE of the giant USS Flagg Aircraft Carriers. Whether it was big or small, vintage or new, if it was GIjOE-related—I wanted it, collected it and owned it!”

A closeup of Irving’s unique “GIjOE Special Forces” ring, awarded to him by Hasbro exec, Kirk Bozigian. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Over those years, Irving’s collection grew so large that eventually, Hasbro’s Vice-President of Boys Toys Marketing, Kirk Bozigian heard about it and rewarded Irving for his fanatical customer loyalty by giving him a unique class ring with the words “GIjOE Special Forces” engraved in a circle around a blue jewel. Irving proudly wears that ring to this day.

Irving’s dealer area ran “wall-to-wall” at this year’s Joelanta. It was an amazing opportunity for Joe fans looking for vintage figures. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Somewhat stunned by the huge numbers in his collection, I snapped a few more photos, thanked him politely for his time and continued on my way. The next day, I saw Irving again. This time, he had set up the LARGEST dealer area at Joelanta. I call it an “area” because his merchandise racks literally lined up “wall-to-wall” in the main dealer’s room. He had hundreds and hundreds of GIjOEs for sale.

Sadly, I couldn’t afford Irving’s Bulletman this year, so I just watched helplessly while other fans approached his astounding “Joe Bazaar.” We all stood there, mouths agape, literally overwhelmed by the sheer number of vintage 12″ boxed figures in front of us. It was quite a breathtaking display. Congratulations on your special ring, Irving. And best wishes, my fellow fanatic! (Hopefully, Bulletman played it smart and kept his head down so I can snag him next time. HA!)

Captain Action “Rocketeer” Uniform Sets Confirmed and Offered by Online Retailers

The Rocketeer is an iconic action/adventure character and Round 2's new uniform set creates a wide variety of 1930s and '40s-based diorama possibilities for 1:6 scale collectors.
(Illustrataion: Belldandies, ADIS)

Amok Time Toys was one of the first online dealers to offer this set for pre-order. (Photo: Amok Time)

This set’s a GO-GO-GO!

Collectors and fans of 1:6 scale action figures were thrilled to learn today that a new Rocketeer uniform and figure combo set has been confirmed and is already available for pre-order online at stores such as Amok Time Toys HERE for $64.99. In related news, the uniform set itself will also be available SEPARATELY at a pre-order price of $37.79 HERE or from Cotswold HERE (price TBA). No word yet regarding Toys ‘R Us.

Medicom's Rocketeer figure originally sold for $165. (Photo: Medicom)

If we’re any judge of what constitutes a “really good idea” in this hobby, this is it! We have a strong feeling that there’s going to be a lonnnnnnnng line of collector’s waiting to buy R2′s Rocketeer set. Previously, the only options available to fans were of couple of VERY expensive stand alone figures which listed for hundreds of dollars each; either Medicom’s version (see photo at left) for $165 or Sideshow’s stratospherically-priced “premium figure” which listed at a whopping $329!

Sideshow's "Premium" Rocketeer listed at a staggering $329.
(Photo: Sideshow)

It will be VERY interesting to see how close Round 2 can get “quality-wise” to those two expensive versions. If they’re able to produce a well-made, properly detailed outfit, rocket pack and iconic helmet, all eyes may begin to turn to Round 2 as a very serious contender for quality uniforms and accessories. Think about it…At their price point of approximately $35 per set, it’s now much easier to purchase multiples and create your own SQUAD of Rocketeers!

2 upcoming Captain Action Uniform Sets Confirmed, plus definitive Hawkeye News

The Red Skull has been confirmed as an upcoming Dr. Evil uniform set.

Talk about “burying the lead!” In a casual reply left to a reader comment here on The Joe Report, CA Enterprises guru, Joe Ahearn confirmed two more upcoming Captain Action (CA) uniform sets for their growing lineup—Iron Man and The Red Skull—plus definitive news about completing the entire Hawkeye set.

We’ve learned to be cautious about possible internet gossip here on The Joe Report, as often it can all just be pie-in-the-sky predictions by hopeful fans. But the following statements came directly from the mouth of the CA head honcho himself.

In the initial reader comment, CaptainActionFan47 asked these questions of Ahearn:

“Hey Joe. I noticed on the back of the CA box, it showed a classic Iron Man illustration by Gene Colan. One of my all time favorite artists for this character! Will the costume be designed to reflect Gene’s work like you did with Kirby/Cap and Romita/Spiderman? And if I may ask, is there a tentative release date for Iron Man?

Iron Man as depicted by Gene Colan during the 1960s.

FYI…The early buzz coming from the premiere of the Avengers suggests it is incredible. So I have to believe Captain Action will benefit greatly from this film. Keep up the great work!!! I’m lovin’ it.”

Hawkeye prepares to unleash another deadly arrow in this image from Marvel Comics.

Then, in a candid and revealing response, Joe Ahearn replied…

“Yes! The costume will be designed to reflect the silver/bronze age Iron Man! Of course we’ll have some nice Gene Colan images on there and also possibly some Bob Layton as well! Iron Man, Red Skull and another CA figure will be released hopefully at the end of this year. If you’re buying the Deluxe versions, you’ll also have the complete Hawkeye set once these are released!”

These are exciting confirmations for fans and collectors of Captain Action. Special thanks to Joe Ahearn for this information. Remember, Joe, eager CA fans are hanging onto your every word!

The Resurrection of Geyperman Action Figures

The new Geyperman lineup reveals 4 fantastic figures, uniforms and packaging. (Photo: Hobbycrash)

Factory setup showing vac-u-forms, flocking machines and more. (Photo: Hobbycrash)

Brand-new figures produced from original Hasbro molds!

The time was 1975. The Vietnam War was ending and GIjOEs were disappearing from toy store shelves across America. As they did however, they began to reappear across the Atlantic—in Spain. An all-new line of GIjOEs, renamed “Geyperman” (pronounced “Hyperman”) was being created under official license from Hasbro using a variety of its original molds and equipment.

All of the original Geyperman molds and flocking equipment, stored for over 30 years. (Photo: Hobbycrash)

Manufactured by Geyper, the Spanish-made GIjOEs were essentially identical to their U.S. painted hair and fuzzhead predecessors. And following the same “razors and blades” concept of Joe’s original creators, Geyper went on to produce thousands of new figures, unique uniform sets and exciting vehicles. Quality control remained excellent throughout Geyperman’s production run, and the products were superb.

This closeup of a new Geyperman figure reveals its perfect flocking, head sculpt, etc. Stunning! (Photo: Capnslog)

Of course, nothing lasts forever, and in 1982, after a few years of sluggish sales, the Geyperman line was discontinued. Unsold clothes and accessories were boxed up. The factory’s machines and molds were carefully stored and put away. For over 30 years, all of it would remain idle and untouched. (It’s a miracle it wasn’t all destroyed or sold off long ago.)

These new figures are perfect! Even down to the Geyper stamp on the back. (Photo: Capsnlog)

During Geyperman’s brief 7-year existence, a large European fanbase for the line had been created. Today, the Spanish-made action figures are, once again, highly-prized by collectors, and original versions can fetch hundreds of dollars on ebay. Interest in the line remains strong in Spain and other European nations, and has begun to grow steadily in the U.S., Mexico and South America as well.

Fortunately, after 30 years, Geyperman is starting to make a big comeback. In December, 2011, Aneses over on the Sideshow Collectors Forum quietly announced a very exciting discovery…

Fresh off the assembly line. One of the four new Geyperman figures. (Photo: Hobbycrash)

“I remember enjoying Geyperman so much when I was a child. As you may know, it wasn’t easy to get American toys in Spain during the 1970′s when there was no internet. Now we have good news here in Spain. Thanks to Juanma De Castro, a great Geyperman collector, we’ll be able to buy these figures once again.

Juanma bought the original molds and machines and has started to make them all again! In these photos, you’ll see the first run of figures they’ve already made. Just 4 characters as a limited-edition of 300 each.

And…the clothes are also original from the 1970′s. Somebody was keeping them when the Geyper factory closed! If this run is sucessful, they will consider making some more characters. I’m quite excited about this. I’ll have my new Geyperman in barely one week. Can’t wait to have it!”

Tubs of newly-made Geyperman bodies awaiting heads. (Photo: Hobbycrash)

Wow. GIjOE, Action Man and Geyperman fans all over the world have a right to be excited. These are brand-new, vintage-era figures being made from Hasbro’s ORIGINAL molds. That’s amazing! The company making all this possible is called Hobbycrash. Over on their website (SEE NOW), you’ll find out how you can order the four initial figures they’ve created. Translation may be tricky, but it’s manageable and fairly straightforward. Prices are in Euros, but all credit cards will make the conversions for you. Each figure is dressed in authentic 1970s clothing, in new box with manuals, etc. It’s like taking a time tunnel trip back to 1975!

A lineup of original 1970's Geyperman figures showing some of the uniform sets that were offered during that period. (Photo: Jaume)

Of course, what most fans want to know now is “How are they? and “What’s the quality like?” Fortunately, reports of the new figures have been VERY positive. Over on UK’s Vintage Action Man Enthusiasts (VAME) forum, Capnslog declares…

“Some of you will know that Juanma is producing a re-issue of some of the original Geyperman figures. He has bought all the original tools, molds, flocking machines that allow him to do this. He has started to sell the first batch of these figures and I bought one of the Adventurers (see actual figure in red below).

One of the 4 new figures, dressed in original 1970s clothing. Can you believe it? Amazing.
(Photo: Capnslog)

The quality of the figure is superb, no problem with his hip balls, can pose him, nice tight arms and of course gripping hands. The flocking is excellent and I can see it lasting a lot longer than some of the 40th AM.

Clothes and equipment are also great quality. the only criticism I have is with the boots. They are very thin plastic and to me are more akin to knock off boots. The 40th AM were made from more of a rubber feeling thicker plastic and to me are a better quality.

Having said that, it doesn’t put me off buying any more of these figures. Well done to Juanma for producing this. I’m so impressed, that if he were to sell just the figures without clothes or equipment, I would replace my entire 40th range of figures with his.“

30 years ago, Geyperman had been officially declared dead. The factory where he was made was shuttered. The molds that made his bodies were packed away. But now, thanks to the efforts of one man, the venerated toy line has been resurrected.

In the photos at the beginning of this article, you can see what the molds and equipment look like that Juanma has purchased. We can only imagine all the materials and production steps that are also required to manufacture new figures. It’s obviously quite an undertaking and we heartily applaud Juanma for taking on such a challenge.