Da! “Comrade of Action” Club Exclusive Figure and Uniform Accessory Set Due Spring of 2013

The “Comrade of Action” uniform and accessory set, a Spring 2013 GIjOE Collector’s Club exclusive. This would look great on ANY 12″ figure! (Photo: GIJCC)

The new “Nicholai” COA figure (with headsculpt and 2-piece long underwear, as shown above) will be sent to club members who have specified a 12″ preference. The uniform and accessory set is sold separately. (Photo: GIJCC)

Just when 12″ fans thought there was nothing new to look forward to, along comes the  GIjOE Collector’s Club (GIJCC) and their new membership exclusive dubbed the “Comrade of Action” (COA). Sneak preview pics recently released by the club show the base COA figure will include a foreign headsculpt “fuzzhead” Joe with Kung-Fu Grip and a nifty set of OD long underwear. But the REAL fun begins when you outfit this new figure in his exclusive uniform accessory set (sold separately, as it should be).

Fully outfitted, this prototype of the club’s upcoming “Comrade of Action” stands ready for action! (Photo: GIJCC) Click to enlarge.

We really like this set’s new dark blue Russian longcoat, complete with 10 brass button “snaps,” and two fold-up leg flaps. Its unique styling gives the figure a definite “foreign” look. There’s also a cool “double-rig” holster for carrying the COA’s twin pistols, a pair of matching pants, brown short boots and a matching blue version of the famous fuzzy Russian winter hat. It’s easy to imagine adding additional accessories such as a Kalishnakov or AK-47 sub-machinegun, maybe some hand grenades, etc. ROCK ON, Nicholai!

Bottom line: This new club exclusive arrives at a time when little else is being offered for collectors and fans of 12″ GIjOEs. As Hasbro continues moving away from its iconic 1:6 scale action figure, fans will surely appreciate this admirable effort by the club.

JoeCon 2013 Exclusive Figure Sets Announced

Logo art for the “Secret Mission to Dragon Island” JoeCon 2013 12″ exclusive. (Graphic: GIJCC)

If you wanted to know more about the upcoming JoeCon 2013 before deciding whether or not to attend, a recent club press release detailing the convention’s entire schedule of activities, special guests and exclusive figure sets is now available in one convenient PDF file that you can download from their website.

Of course, the big news we’ve been waiting for is information on the new club exclusives! Fortunately, as with all of its previous conventions, the national GIjOE Collector’s Club hopes to accommodate the interests of all fans by releasing two different sets simultaneously. For fans of full-sized, 12″ GIjOEs, there is a new Adventure Team set dubbed “Secret Mission to Dragon Island.” (Joe loves those islands!). And for fans of the 3.75″ RAH “Little Joes,” there will be a new set called “Night Force: Nocturnal Fire.” Photos of the two sets have yet to be released, but details about their contents are also listed in the PDF file. In brief, here’s what each set contains:

Secret Mission to Dragon Island

Included in this 12” two figure set: Super Articulated G.I. Joe; Stealth Jumpsuit, Jump Helmet; Jump Goggles; Jump Boots; Parachute and Pack; Tuxedo Jacket, Tuxedo Pants; Dress Shirt; Bow Tie and Cumberbund; Dress Shoes; Disguise; Chemical Vial and Pistol.

Super Articulated Villain; Nehru Jacket; Dress Pants; Nehru Shirt; Dress Shoes; Chemical Suit; Belt; Chemical Boots, 2 Chemical Suit Hoods; 2 Pairs of Chemical Gloves; and Laser Rifle.

Logo art for the upcoming “Night Force: Nocturnal Fire” JoeCon 2013 exclusive figure set. (Graphic: GIJCC)

WOW! This sounds like a KILLER set! A Nehru Jacket? Chemical Suit Hoods? A Tuxedo? Holy, Jame Bond! Just imagine what the box art must look like. We can’t wait to see some pics of this one!

Night Force:
Nocturnal Fire

Includes: Charbroil, Hit & Run, Muskrat, Psyche-Out, Repeater and Spearhead with Max (NEW Bobcat). The Cobra Demolitions Team is ready to take on any obstacle that gets in their path of destruction. Led by the mysterious Cobra Mortal, he employs Cobra Letal and the deadly saboteur Crimson Asp (NEW female character). Their specialized troopers include: Cobra Frag-Vipers x 3, Cobra S.A.W.-Vipers x 3. Each of these great teams comes with their classic weapons, accessories, figure stands and file cards in this exciting fifteen figure boxed set.

Whoa! 15 FIGURES? This set is bound to become a HOT collectible among fans of the RAH figures. Whichever GIjOE-size you prefer (and many fans collect BOTH), these convention exclusives sound like they’ll make AWESOME new additions to your Joe Room. For complete information on convention activities and attendee packages, go to THIS PAGE, then click on the “Information” button and download (or preview) the free PDF file. Go, JOE!

FLASH! G.I. Joe Collector’s Club Slashes Price of “Operation Pegasus Bridge” 2-Figure Set to $110

Superb Larry Selman artwork on the Operation Pegasus Bridge 3-figure boxed set. (Photo: GIJCC)

Rear view of the German figure. (Photo: GIJCC)

“Good things come to those who wait.”

Despite a lengthy Google search, I was unable to find who, if anyone, is responsible for that ancient truism. However, I do know who to thank for the recent price reduction on the famous Operation Pegasus Bridge convention premium set—Brian Savage. Thank you, Brian! According to a recent club e-mail from Brian…

“Hello all you Club Members! Joe items now on CLEARANCE include:

2001 GIJoeCon Operation Pegasus Bridge Convention Set(1 pc) $110.00+shipping

2000 12″ GIJoeCon Exclusive Inchon Marine Figure (1 pc) $29.99+shipping

2012 3 3/4 Single Carded Figures (Snake Eyes, Firefly, Hazard Viper) 3 pcs $18.99 +shipping

2012 3 3/4 Single Carded Figures Wave 2 (Duke, Snake Eyes, Cobra Commander, Firefly, Cobra Viper, Hazard Viper, Cobra Trooper, Iron Grenadier) 8 pcs $49.99 +shipping

Front view of the British figure.
(Photo: GIJCC)

12″ Ultimate Paratrooper Figure (1 pc) $19.99 +shipping

2006 3 3/4 GiJoeCon Cobra’s Most Wanted Mercenaries Convention set (1 pc) $130+shipping. Thanks for your support! Brian”

The other stuff on that list is cool too, but the real standout value is the Pegasus Bridge set. Yes, members of the national club go back and forth on whether or not it’s worth it to pay the club’s annual dues, but when offers like this one come up, all is quickly forgiven.

Bottom Line: For $110 you’ll get 2 great vintage-style Joes with TONS of cool gear (LOVE that Brit anti-tank weapon). All great stuff. Quantities are limited, so if you’re interested, we recommend you go HERE.

Unique anti-tank weapon included with this set. (Photo: GIJCC)

Customer’s “Sneak Pics” Prove Captain Action’s Loki, Thor & Dr. Evil Sets in Toys’R Us Stores NOW!

Great sneak pic of the new toys in the store. Check out Dr. Evil! (Photo: dive909)

Just a quick heads up to all of the Captain Action fans out there…

Ace undercover photographer, “Jim,” over on the Captain Action Fan Forum, recently released these hot new pics revealing that the long-awaited Captain Action Loki, Dr. Evil and Thor sets are showing up in his local Toys ‘R Us store. We knew they were becoming available online, but this is the first time we’ve heard of them appearing on shelves. According to Jim…

“Even though I had most of the costumes and sets as a child, I only remember going to the store once to purchase a Captain Action item.Being able to walk in the store yesterday and have a choice of 2 figures and 4 costumes was a special treat.I wanted to say thank you to Joe, Ed, Round 2 and everyone else behind the  scenes for making this possible!”

Okay…looks like these are on the BOTTOM shelf, everyone. Now you know where to look!
(Photo: dive909)

We heartily second your sentiments, Jim. And thanks for sharing your great “sneak pics” of the toys over on the forum. Keep up the great work, Ed and Joe! Let Justice Be Done!

Round 2 Secures DC License; Superman & Joker Sets for Captain Action To Debut Summer, 2013

A set for Superman is already being planned as this intriguing prototype package attests. Up, up, and AWAY! (Photo: Toygodd)

In a stunning announcement made today, Captain Action’s (CA) manufacturer, Round 2 (R2), revealed that the company had recently secured the licensing rights to characters created and controlled by DC Comics. Already producing products from the Marvel Comics universe, this exciting development opens up a whole new roster of comic book characters for the growing, increasingly popular CA line. In an exclamation point-riddled declaration over in Yahoo’s CA fan forum, R2′s head-honcho, Ed Catto enthusiastically declared…

“We thought you guys might enjoy the little DC announcement! Summer 2013, First 2 releases– Superman and The Joker! This year’s build a figure (in 2 waves) — AQUAMAN! Nuff’ Said!”

In this closeup of a package mock-up for an upcoming CA Batman set, assorted DC Direct parts and simple cardboard cutouts are used to indicate the amount of uniform and equipment planned. (Photo: Toygodd)

Each set contains bits and pieces to complete additional sets including Hawkeye and Aquaman. Cool! (Photo: Toygodd)

Captain Action devotees are already chomping at the bit for their own favorite DC characters. CA Fan, Al Hartman, was quick to voice his support, but also to remind fans that they’re just looking at sample or “concept” packages…

“Great news! But don’t expect the final product to look like what they  are showing at NYCC. Those are obviously mockups using pictures of the DC Direct 13″ figures, because it’s WAY too early for them to have any real prototypes to show. I hope we see variations like Curt Swan Superman, Byrne Superman, Carmine Infantino Batman, etc… I’m hoping to see a licensed official George Reeves set, and an Adam West set someday…One can always hope!”

Indeed. And it appears our hopes are actually becoming reality. R2 continues to ride the crest of a creative wave, providing nostalgic fans and collectors with EXACTLY the sort of “retro-toys” they crave. In fact, fans of comic books, GIjOEs, Captain Action and superhero-based 1:6 scale action figures will ALL be paying close attention to this developing situation. Stay tuned for additional information as it becomes available!

The new Dr. Evil figure will be in stores soon. Dig that silver suit!
(Photo: Toygodd)

Thor’s evil brother, Loki, is due to “brood” in toy stores soon. (Photo: Toygodd)

YES! More SUPERB Jack “King” Kirby artwork! Thor looks ready to FLY off of toy store shelves! (Photo: Toygodd)

A package mock-up for a Wolverine set reminds fans there’s many more exciting Marvel sets to come. ARRRRRR! (Photo: Toygodd)

A mock-up package for one of the most highly anticipated CA sets ever…IRON MAN! It will be interesting to see how R2 handles all of his armor. To be done right, this set would require many separate plastic pieces. (Photo: Toygodd)

“Rocketeer” Uniform Set Grounded———Until 2013!

According to a statement made by R2′s Joe Ahern, production of the highly anticipated “Rocketeer” uniform set for Captain Action has been postponed, at least until 2013. (Photo: Disney)

The Rocketeer set as shown in previous “teaser” photos from R2. (Photo: Round 2)

Fans of 1:6 scale action figures (and Captain Action especially) were saddened to read a recent statement made by one of Round 2′s head honchos, Joe Ahern, in which he flatly declared that production of the company’s highly anticipated Rocketeer uniform set has been postponed—at least until 2013. In a post left June 11th on a CA fan forum, Ahern revealed the following…

“Here s the deal. Unfortunately, we needed to put the Rocketeer uniform set on hold in order to focus on a special Holiday release for Toys ‘R Us. We still very much want to do it (the Rocketeer set) and will be revisiting the notion in 2013.

After the special holiday releases, our next scheduled ‘wave’ includes Iron Man, the Red Skull and a TBA CA figure which will be out approximately March 2013, followed by Summer and Fall releases.”

Sigh…They say “Good things come to those who wait.” I guess we can all continue to wait a little longer. Especially for something as cool as this new Rocketeer set. Whoooosh!

GIjOE Collector’s Club Reveals New Pics of “Last Man Standing” Convention Set

The 2012 convention exclusive set dubbed “The Last Man Standing” pits a desert Adventurer against a MARS henchman. (Photo: GIjOE Collector’s Club)

The “Trooper” head features oddly bright green eyes. Almost “glowing.” Maybe he’s been standing too close to their “Atomic Pile” reactor. HA (Photo: GIjOE Collector’s Club)

It’s been quite a long time coming, but the national GIjOE Collector’s Club has finally released enough photos to reveal its 12″ exclusive 2-figure set for the upcoming 2012 convention. As we already knew, the set features an SA-bodied fuzzhead Adventurer figure dressed in a sharp-looking desert tan uniform, tan cap and tall brown boots. It comes with a variety of weapons, one of which appears to be a machine gun set on a rack which is likely intended to fit onto last year’s convention vehicle. I really LOVE this figure. He looks tough and quite able to take care of himself. I’d buy this figure in a “New York minute.” He’s one tough-looking hombre! (See photo above, left)

Now, as to the”bad guy” figure…It’s a vintage-bodied fuzzhead figure with the greenest eyes you’ve ever seen, Kung-Fu grip hands, jumpsuit, helmet, belt, sidearm, backpack and tommy gun. Apparently, he’s supposed to belong to some evil organization they’re calling “MARS.” Uh…okay.

Now, there are undoubtedly quite a few collectors out there who will have no clue what MARS is supposed to be (myself included). We’ll assume it’s supposed to be a terrorist group like 007′s SPECTRE. I don’t know, and it really doesn’t matter. When someone else tries to pre-determine “back stories” for new GIjOEs, I quickly lose interest.

Now THIS is intriguing. It’s a “Mummy Suit” for your henchman figure. How does it stay on? Velcro? Snaps? (Photo: GijOE Collector’s Club)

The set also comes with a very interesting mummy costume, an AT weapons crate and various small items. What are they all for? I’m sure somebody at the club wrote a story explaining it all. But I’ll never read it. What? Am I supposed to memorize all that? HA (Stepping off soapbox now).

Mr. MARS reminds me of the mindless henchman in the those old Bond movies, running around in their jumpsuits while their volcano headquarters collapses around them. He also looks like he could be in COBRA. Just swap the logos and you’re good to go. We’ll let you decide what to do (as it should be). Price tag for this terrific-twosome? $315 per set. Ouch! This is clearly another high-ticket item for the lucky few among us with DEEP pockets. Personally, I hope the club sells just the desert Adventurer someday. As I said, I’d snatch him up FAST! (hint-hint) Jump over to the club’s website to see all their closeup photos HERE.

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.

Fan Frustration Grows as GIjOE Collector’s Club Slow to Release Con Exclusive Pics

Uniform set from the GIjOE Collector’s Club upcoming, “Last Man Standing” 12″ exclusive set.
(Photo: GIjOE Collector’s Club)

No matter what your feelings are about the GIjOE Collector’s Club, one thing’s undeniable, and that is that the quality of their exclusive, 12″ figure convention sets has improved dramatically over the years. And I’ll admit it. I’m a sucker for those giant boxes, especially the ones featuring artwork by the uber-talented Larry Selman. WOW. Those are really nice.

The club has posted this sign outside their headquarters to warn oncoming collectors.

Some of the best convention sets that come to my mind include the club’s astounding “Unknown Heroes of WWII” set (with 2 field medics and gear), the amazing “Battle of Britain” set (with 2 pilots and gear) and the highly entertaining “Eight Legs of Danger” set (with an AT guy, 3 big spiders, parachute and flamethrower). These giant boxed sets, with all their superb contents, clearly prove the national club is serious about maintaining a high level of quality for the GIjOE brand.

Unfortunately, their most recent offering, known as the “Last Man Standing” set, has fans across Internet boards “buzzing,” but not always in a good way. Most are understandably curious about what this 2-figure, desert-themed set is supposed to be.

A few days ago, the club FINALLY released its first “teaser” photo. It shows a uniform, and it’s a nice one, with tightly sewn pockets and vintage-style buttons. But that was all. Let’s hope the club opens their “floodgates of intel” soon. The convention is just—holy smokes—52 days away!

Round 2′s Rocketeer Entering “No-Fly Zone?”

Will Round 2′s highly anticipated Rocketeer set ever get off the ground? (Illustration by: SeanE)

In a stunning turn of events, serious doubt was raised today concerning the veracity of Round 2′s much-ballyhooed, upcoming, Captain Action “Rocketeer” uniform set. While discussing the exciting new product over on the Trenches forum, “Stewartsattic” suddenly dropped this bombshell…

“Sorry Guys, I learned from an inside source that this deal is not yet what it appears. Apparently, they had been communicating with Diamond regarding the feasibility of doing a Rocketeer costume set and it got miscommunicated to the sales staff and added to their site. This is something that MAY be a future set, but it is still in the works (the license for Rocketeer has to be obtained, etc). The images on Diamond and Amok Time’s websites should be coming down today. I sure hope they work it out, it is a cool idea!”

Agreed. It’s a VERY cool idea. And Amok Time and Cotswold Collectibles clearly believe the product is genuine as well. In fact, at the time of the publication of this article, it was still being offered for pre-order sale HERE. It would be a great shame if Round 2′s Rocketeer set falls from the sky. It promised to be a big seller and is obviously extremely popular with fans. We’ll keep a close eye on this story as it develops and pass along any additional intel as it becomes available. Let’s hope that Stewartsattic’s “inside source” is in error and that Rocketeer sets “fly out of stores” soon!