Custom ’69 “Eagle Eye” Adventurer Creates Stir

“Eagle Eye” GIjOEs featured adjustable eyes with the ability to look side-to-side. (Photo: irol04)

Don’t be so stunned, Joe. You look GREAT! When your owner removes that flocking-glue residue around your mouth and touches up the paint on your hairline, you’ll be perfect! (Photo: irol04) Click to enlarge.

A Great “What if?” Experiment

How cool looking is this guy? In an intriguing auction spotted recently on ebay, some creative Joehead (was it YOU?) had customized a ’69 Adventurer by swapping out its original head for a flocked ’76 “Eagle-Eye” (EE) noggin. Then, he shaved off its hair (yes, the beard too!) and converted it back to a painted-hair (PH) redhead!

The final unique custom figure sold for $47 and judging by its photos, the newly transformed hero seems somewhat startled by his freshly shorn appearance. Some fans even see such “radical surgery” as sacrilege, but we DIG ‘im! We think the results reveal a whole new “face” that Hasbro could easily recreate and then exploit in a new line of EE-PH figures. In the listing, seller “irol04″ described “Red” thusly:

“Here’s a ’69 Adventurer body with the pat pending numbers stamped on his rear. The body looks nice with a possible factory flaw at the neck post. He looks to have had his head replaced with an Eagle Eye, with some revisions.”

First-generation bodies and EE heads were never together originally, making this custom an instant standout. (Photo: irol04)

The description is factual, yes, but far from complete. As you may recall, Eagle-Eye (EE) GIjOEs made their first appearance in 1976, sporting all-new “life-like bodies” and exciting all-new EE headsculpts with flocked hair (some with beards, some without).

A simple glance at this custom figure reveals it has an older first-generation body, proving its EE head is not original and has been changed. The so-called “flaw at the neck post” mentioned in the listing is actually one version of the sniper or “sharpshooter position” neck-piece.

Owners controlled the “Eagle Eyes” of their GIjOEs with a little slide-switch in the back of the head. Once covered with flocking, the head’s hair helped hide the switch from view. This custom PH head eliminates the hair and makes the switch more visible. (Photo: irol04)

But WHO put this interesting 1:6 hero together this way? And WHY? It would be nice to know the reasons behind these customizations. If you’re this figure’s creator, please leave a comment behind. Regardless, the results speak for themselves. This figure ROCKS!

Bottom Line: If you’ve ever wondered what a bearded fuzzhead with eagle-eyes would look like if you shaved off his hair and painted his noggin, well here you go! And despite this particular Joe’s trepidation about his appearance, we think he looks pretty great indeed. Hello, Hasbro? Here’s yet ANOTHER idea for a line of 50th Anniversary figures!

Special thanks go out to “Eagle-Eyed” Field Reporter, Tony Stroud, for first spotting this unique figure and bringing it to our attention. Thanks, Tony!

My Mission? “Rescue the Talking Commander!”

A website confirmed that a “Talking GIjOE Commander” was to be auctioned off Sunday in Gifford, IL. This sounded like a job for yours truly, “GIjOE Rescue-Man!”   (Photo: Mark Otnes)

The ad with its two, powerful words. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Two Little Words

Every year about this time, auction listings begin to appear in our local newspaper; sometimes so many that they seem to be proliferating like little rabbits. A couple of days ago, I came across a new listing for a general property auction (see photo at right). In the advert were two little words that caught my eye: “including GIjOEs.” Whoa! Hold the phone, Horatio! What did they mean by that? Are they old Joes? Big Joes? Little Joes? My mind began racing with all of the exciting possibilities. But I knew from previous experience that such sketchy descriptions were often misleading and could end up being ANYTHING; even a box of little green army men. I drummed my fingers in frustration and anticipation. I had to learn more.

This enlargement of the auction website photo appears to show a “healthy” Talking Commander. Only time and a closeup inspection would reveal the reality. (Photo: Gordyville Auctions)

Gathering Auction “Intel”

Preparing to attend an auction is like going into battle. First, you need to gather information or “intel” online about the items that will be up for bid. Second, you need to “marshal your forces” by going to an ATM to “load up” with the requisite moolah. And finally, you need to compute your “plan of attack” into a GPS, ensuring that you won’t end up lost out in the middle of some cornfield. You’ll want to make sure you arrive early enough for a “sneak preview” of the items being offered for sale. After scanning the auction photos online, I found only one photo of a GIjOE, but it was a Talking Commander in its original box, complete with paperwork and inserts. YES! My mission now had a clearly defined goal. I must:“Rescue the Talking Commander!”

Dedicated Joeheads will drive for hours if it means a “lost” GIjOE can be rescued. Fortunately, this trip would only take me 30 minutes through the Illinois farm country. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Prairieland “Ponn Farr”

Outsiders see it as an obsession. But Joeheads refer to it as the “Thrill of the Hunt.” Whatever it is, I had it bad. Most GIjOE collectors seem to “catch it” about this time every year, when the snow begins to melt and “auction season” begins to heat up again across the U.S. I’m not talking about online auctions, where collectors can sit around for weeks waiting, just to have the object of their desire “sniped” away in the last seconds. I’m talking about real LIVE auctions, where buyers of every stripe, color, and description, gather together armed with wads of money in their pockets and wearing their best “poker faces.”

You Never Know What You’ll Find

This was the auction site. Door after unmarked door led into a variety of featureless metal buildings. There were no signs. No arrows. No directions. Whatever treasures lay ahead remained hidden from view. The hunt continued! (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Auctions, Flea Markets and Garage Sales are all unpredictable “treasure hunts.” For example, about 15 years ago, I attended an auction with a similarly vague newspaper ad, and it turned out to be the lifetime accumulation of an old farmer who was liquidating his ENTIRE vintage 1960s GIjOE, Barbie and Soakie (’60s cartoon character bubble-bath bottles) collections. Would today’s auction contain the same sort of collectible “bonanza?” Maybe. (Maybe not.) I’ve learned that no newspaper ad (or website photos) EVER show everything sold at an auction. They can’t. There are always boxes of stuff that contain untold treasures inside, delightful surprises that you can only discover by being at the auction IN PERSON. As they say in the auction world, “You’ll never know, if you don’t go.”

The Commander looked sad, almost pitiful, as he lay locked inside a glass and metal case. With no one to care for him, he seemed to stare forlornly up at the ceiling, as if wondering how he had ever gotten to such a lonely place. Surely the little boy who used to love and play with him all those years and adventures ago, would come back to “rescue” him from this awful fate. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Playing the Waiting Game

Auctions require a great deal of patience, and today’s event would be no exception. I pulled into a gravel lot surrounding an assortment of long, unmarked metal buildings. Typically, these buildings were used for horse shows, sales, and rodeos. Today, there would be no horses (unless they were of the miniature Breyer variety), but SALES were clearly on everyone’s mind. I could smell hamburgers cooking, and walked towards the aroma. Once inside, I saw the auctioneer’s PA-equipped truck parked among rows of tables piled high with goods (didn’t I tell you about the piles?). After a short search, I located the “missing” Commander. He was indeed a talker, complete with everything except the bottom of his box and some hair at the front of his forehead. I quickly calculated a bidding budget of $50 for the figure, not based so much on his actual value, but more so upon an assumption I’d be bidding against a bunch of non-Joehead farmer-types. I’ve seen them go ga-ga over die-cast John Deere tractors, but surely they wouldn’t bid more than $50 for a child’s “doll.” Right? I paced anxiously about the room while I waited for the auction to begin…

Much to my chagrin, as soon as the auctioneer fired up his microphone, bidders started to cluster around the tables loaded with rare coins, toys and the display box containing “my” future Talking Commander. This didn’t look good. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

My Big Auction “Secret”

Auctions can drag on for a long time, depending on the crowd size, number of items involved and the speed of the auctioneer. But while daunting, such large public sales can also be quite rewarding. Here’s where the psychology and “secret” advantage of attending an auction in person begins to kick in: If you can afford the time, are patient, and there are no other bidders in attendance who are interested in the object(s) you’re interested in, you can end owning some extremely valuable items—for a song. Seriously, I’ve seen MANY lucky bidders pay just a few dollars for rare vintage furniture, toys, comics and other cool collectibles that were worth THOUSANDS, simply because no one else at the auction bid against them. Unfortunately for me, on this particular day, a great deal of fellow bidders had decided to “hang around.” Curse them all!

Winning bidder, Brent McNamara (48), of Cerro Gordo, IL, shows off his new GIjOE Talking Commander outside the Gordyville auction building in Gifford, IL, Sunday, April 14, 2013. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Acting Like Kids Again

After 45 minutes of boring bidding on lots of old coins, pocket knives and watch fobs, my pulse began to race as the auctioneer FINALLY reached the GIjOE. You should have seen all the grown men in that building suddenly perk up. The feeling was palpable. They were acting like kids again. A chorus of “Pull his string! Let’s hear if he still talks!” arose from numerous faces in the crowd. Silence descended upon the giant room as the auctioneer’s helper slowly pulled out the Commander’s string. The tension was thick, when suddenly, the veteran adventurer LOUDLY declared, “I’ve got a tough assignment for you!” and the crowd erupted again with cheers. “Yayyyy, JOE!!! At that moment, I was sunk. Despite the figure’s age and imperfect condition, I knew this was one Joe who wasn’t going to sell cheaply.

Bottom Line: Bidding for the Commander started at $40, jumped quickly to $50, then $60, and climbed steadily until finally peaking at $130. I never even raised my hand! Ultimately, the Commander was snagged by Brent McNamara, a dedicated GIjOE collector from Cerro Gordo, IL. Brent spoke with me outside after his win, and revealed the following:

“I’m not a dealer or anything. I had all these Joes when I was a kid. Now I’m trying to get ‘em all back. I only wished it hadn’t cost me $130 bucks! Oh well. The only reason I came today was for this little guy. And I don’t mind driving a long way. You know what I mean?”

I sure do. And I’m also happy (really!) that the Commander “went home” to such a nice guy and not to some ebay scalper. Congratulations, Brent. Keep “rescuing” GIjOES. And happy collecting!

Increasingly Realistic 1:6 Scale Custom Figures and Dioramas “Fool the Eye” at Joelanta 2013

Caleb Brown (15), sets up his latest diorama masterpiece at Joelanta 2013: a 1:6 scale gas station and country store—being invaded by ZOMBIES! (Photo: Mark Otnes)

This 1:6 scale custom figure of “Rick Grimes” from the “Walking Dead” was another amazing figure at the show. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

“I couldn’t believe my eyes!”

At this year’s Joelanta, grown men were shaking their heads in disbelief. Wives were heard giggling, amused by all the “silliness” set up around them. Children would run in, stop short, and just stare in awe at it all. Were these all toys? Some sort of artwork? Or possibly exhibits for some future museum? Intriguingly, the answer to all three questions, is a resounding, “YES.”

We’re referring (of course) to the amazing 1:6 scale creations that were entered in the “Custom Action Figures, Vehicles and Dioramas” competition at Joelanta 2013. This year’s competition was stiff. The entries? Superb. And the crowds? They were WOWED.

Return of the “Whiz Kid”

This year’s standout exhibit was (again) created by diorama “Whiz Kid,” Caleb Brown (see our previous article HERE). The modest 15-year old’s outstanding 1:6 scale “Country Store Zombies” diorama, complete with a hand-shaped metal roof, intricate hand-painted graphics and a fully detailed interior was the clear winner of the 2013 competition (although it was not officially entered due to size limitations).

Brown’s diorama was set up to depict a gas station/country store that was under assault by killer zombies, each giving (and getting) their own share of gory retribution as they attacked a variety of humorous “locals.” His most interesting custom figure in the scene is a zombie that was being graphically decapitated with a chainsaw (see photo below). Truly superb work! We asked Caleb about how he creates his miniature masterpieces. Here’s what he told us:

“After I get home from school and homework’s done, I’ll start working on some piece of a new diorama or maybe a custom figure. I don’t have a ‘studio’ or any special work area. I just go out on our front porch. I don’t watch much TV or have a lot of other extra-curricular activities. I just enjoy making this kind of stuff. I guess you could say I’m an artsy kind of cat!”

This closeup reveals detail of Caleb Brown’s “Decapitated Joe Zombie” custom figure. Absolutely AMAZING. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

As we predicted, Brown’s notoriety within the 1:6 scale community continues to grow. His custom buildings, figures and dioramas are all becoming more popular with fans, and offers to purchase his work have been increasing as well. And it’s easy to see why. Caleb’s superbly crafted pieces are more than “backgrounds” for action figures. They’re actually more akin to works of “folk art” than they are to mere hobby fodder. And as works of art, their inherent monetary value and importance will undoubtedly continue to rise over time. In fact, fellow 1:6 fan and collector, Buddy Finethy, has already purchased Caleb’s general store diorama (for quite a tidy sum!) and hopes to add it to the growing lode of customs being accumulated for the upcoming Cody Lane Memorial Toy and Diorama Museum; a fitting place, in our opinion, to display such fine work. Congratulations, Caleb!

Additional images of Caleb Brown’s “Country Store” Diorama:

This closeup of Caleb Brown’s diorama reveals a “local” who seems quite unconcerned about the invading zombies, knowing full well that his .44 magnum packs enough firepower to blow their heads “clean off!” Besides, he just fried up some eggs for breakfast! (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Caleb details and paints all the surfaces and graphics of his dioramas by hand, increasing their level of artistry and elevating his work above similar dioramas utilizing computer-generated signs and print-outs. Note all the “weathering” detail he’s applied to the building’s slatboards, columns and framing. Outstanding! (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Step right in! This interior view of Caleb Brown’s diorama shows his appreciation for depicting realistic details, even INSIDE his 1:6 scale structures. As Buddy Finethy commented, “If you’ve ever been inside one of these old country stores, this is just what they look like.” Unbelievable work. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Side view of Brown’s general store. That Coca-Cola graphic is HAND-painted onto the REAL wooden slats of his scratch-built building. What artistic skill! (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Miniature Bedroom Masterpiece

Jack “RatSix” Hall, points to his 1st place-winning diorama, “The Boy’s Bedroom.” (Photo: Mark Otnes) Click to enlarge.

Jack Hall is a big guy. But his award-winning “Boy’s Bedroom” diorama is a TINY work of 1:6 scale perfection. While the room’s construction is fairly simple and consists only of a few foamcore walls, the array of miniatures contained within reveal incredible patience and long-term collecting commitment.

Fans of 1:6 scale know how hard it is to find objects that fit properly into dioramas. It’s not an easy task to find everyday objects that have been realistically reduced down to 1:6 scale. That’s what makes Hall’s so-called “simple” diorama so special to fans. We KNOW how long it takes to gather all this tiny stuff together. All in all, Hall’s collection of bedroom “extras” took him over 13 years to complete. According to Jack:

“It took years and years to accumulate what you see here. Over 13 now and counting. See that Jeep there? That’s a Hallmark ornament. I found that little aquarium a long time ago at a Toys ‘R Us, just after ‘Finding Nemo’ came out, I believe. When Joelanta’s over, I’ll take this dio apart, and you’ll never see it again. Once I get home, it’ll all just go back into boxes. So take your pictures now!”

Jack clearly has a great eye for detail. What a perfect scene! (Photo: Mark Otnes)

As to the specific objects in the diorama, judging by his inclusion of a Farrah Fawcett poster on the wall, we’re dating Jack’s scene at around 1978 to 1980, the approximate height of the blond bombshell’s popularity on TV and in magazines. Interestingly, most of the men who approached his diorama at Joelanta were heard to comment, “I had that Farrah poster too!”

This closeup of Jack’s amazing diorama reveals how a talented customizer can “fool the eye” of the beholder with his or her skillful combination and arrangement of carefully selected miniatures. OUTSTANDING! (Photo: Mark Otnes)

In addition to Farrah, there’s a tiny bookcase full of tiny GIjOEs, a miniature capture copter, a miniature Crash Crew Truck box (found HERE), and a wide variety of other assorted toys, games and sports miniatures. Along the wall are bunk beds covered with AT yellow bedding, while over in another corner, a stunning miniature aquarium glows with a cool blue light.

Tiny chest. Tiny figurines. Tiny trophies. Tiny Bulletman shirt. It’s all PERFECT! (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Jack’s “simple bedroom diorama” would go on to sweep him to victory, earning its creator a well-deserved 1st Place in the adult diorama category. However, despite the success, Jack’s already looking over his shoulder at “Whiz-Kid” Caleb Brown, saying:

“I told Caleb when they put him in the adult division, I’m gonna stop bringing a diorama, because it would just be a waste of time (lol). He really is talented—and a nice kid on top of it!”

In this closeup, you can see even MORE great details including the window, the door, the aquarium, the patch on the boy’s shirt and the AT logo on the table. WOW. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Bottom Line: If you want to see the amazing work of these talented customizers in person, you should make plans to attend (and/or ENTER) next year’s competition at Joelanta. However, we know that’s not always possible, so here at The Joe Report, we vow to continue to do our utmost to bring you the best and most reliable 1:6 scale intel available. In that spirit, here are some MORE pics from this year’s competition. Enjoy!

The largest diorama at the show featured this massive 5-foot UFO by Mike Gardner which was surrounded by Men in Black, soldiers and curious onlookers. It even included glowing lights and lightning effects. Something is out there!  (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Humorous signage helped create an even more realistic scene. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Outstanding “Alien Autopsy” diorama BELOW the mountain, complete with gurney, well-outfitted doctors and even nurses. How cool! (Photo: Mark Otnes)

DC Comics Legend, Carmine Infantino, Dead at 87

Batman and Robin were elevated to the status of American entertainment icons by the exciting 1960′s artwork of DC great, Carmine Infantino. (Artwork: Infantino/Anderson)

Carmine Infantino, as rendered by another comics art legend, Neal Adams. (Art: Neal Adams)

‘Silver Age’ comics legend, Carmine Infantino, died yesterday (April 4, 2013). He was 87. I LOVED Infantino’s artwork and the comic books in which it appeared. I never met the man personally, but if you ever mention his name to me, a thousand colorful, exciting images will immediately come flooding back to my mind. That’s the “power” of any really, REALLY great artist.

If you’ve never heard of Infantino, I highly recommend you take a few moments today to acquaint yourself with some of his amazing work. You may suddenly realize that indeed, you do recognize something he’s done, if not in the realm of comics, than perhaps in the arena of toys and action figures. Fortunately, there are numerous websites, personal interviews and in-depth articles available about the man, all free and online.

In addition to his extensive comic book art legacy, Mr. Infantino was also well-known by fans of 1:6 scale action figures as the artist who was chosen to illustrate the packaging of Playing Mantis’ “retro-repro” line of Captain Action action figures. In fact, the man who originally worked with him on that line, Round 2′s Joe Ahearn, has just posted a very nice tribute to Infantino over on the Captain Action fan website. You can read that post HERE.

Captain Action’s first reappearance after 40 years was in this new box illustrated by Camine Infantino for Playing Mantis Toys. (Photo: Joe Ahearn)

Bottom Line: If you grew up in the 1960s, you may remember begging your mother for “just one more” DC comic book at your local grocery store (remember those rotating racks FULL of bright, shiny new comics?). If so, your pleas would surely have been music to Mr. Infantino’s ears.

“America’s Movable Fighting Man” to be Replaced As Hasbro Announces Its New Plans for G.I. Joe

“Wait Til You See What’s Coming in 2014!”

This early package mockup of the first “Civil Service Joe” to be released, the “Fax Machine Repairman,” appears to show the figure is a “talker.” This really is exciting! (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Those were the encouraging words shouted by two leading Hasbro executives as they came out of a historic closed-door negotiation session this morning, held between the company’s New Product Division and its PR Department. According to reliable sources, leaders of the two groups have been deliberating for weeks over the future positioning of Hasbro’s iconic toy brand, G.I.Joe. According to Hasbro company spokesperson, April Hemilak, the results may come as quite a surprise to some…

“We believe military and adventure-themed toys have run their course and that it’s time for a change. Our latest plans include creating an all-new “Civil Service Joe” line, dropping the “G.I.” part of the name completely, and repositioning these figures as content civil service workers; something along the line of a “Sewer Worker Joe” with “Manhole-Opening Action,” or possibly a “Park Playground Repairman” with real “Teeter-Totter Tightening-Grip.” We’re not quite sure of all the details yet, but that’s the kind of future we see for this toy line.”

“America’s Barely Movable, Non-Fighting Man”

Since its introduction in 1964, the GIjOE action figure brand had proudly represented military branches of the world and adventurers. But clearly now, it appears that Hasbro believes its former “action figure” should adopt more “normal” pursuits. So, as Joe switches over to the world of civil service employment, collectors will finally be able to reenact those scenes of Street Cleaning, Tax Preparation, and even Window Washing, that they’ve long been denied. LeRoy Franco, of the Civil Service Workers of America, giddily agreed, saying…

“It’s about time we were made into action figures. Sweeping streets and painting curbs can be exciting too. You should see all the cigarette butts and candy wrappers I pick up everyday. And those clogged sewer grates…Man, they’re full of leaves! Now THAT’s exciting work. I can’t wait to hear what that April gal from Hasbro announces next. You’d have to be a Fool not to buy these new Joes!”

Customizer Extraordinaire, Ron “Inks” Stymus, Has To Wait To Be Laid-Off Before He Can Create His 1:6 Scale Custom Vehicles, Props & Figures

Three of Ron Stymus’ custom figures (his ‘Mini Me’ is the one on the right) prepare to go cruising in three of his brightly painted 1:6 scale customized “hot rods,” (Photo: Ron Stymus)

“The best things are always one-of-a-kind, scratch-built, and custom.”

Ronald “Inks” Stymus (NY), poses with his 1:6 scale custom “Mini Me” GIjOE. (Photo: Ron Stymus)

As GIjOE collectors and customizers go, Ronald “Inks” Stymus is a clearly a standout. His 1:6 scale recreations of blue-collar bikers, high-powered hot rods, erotically attired femme fatales, dioramas of game rooms, rock-n-roll bars and gritty street scenes are among the most original we’ve ever seen.

What makes his work so special? Besides an obviously keen eye for detail and expert craftsmanship skills, Ron has an uncanny ability for depicting real, everyday people. They’re not superheroes, WW2 stormtroopers or adventurers. Rather, his customs are based upon actual, gritty places he’s seen, or people he has encountered. His final scratch-built, one-of-a-kind creations illustrate 1:6 scale customizing—at its FINEST.

Surprisingly, the only substantial time Ron can find to work on his miniature artistic creations is when he’s LAID OFF from his job as a truck driver in the Finger Lakes region of New York. According to Stymus:

“I work in construction. I drive a 35-ton Volvo dump truck, 14 hours a day, 6 days a week. In the Wintertime I get laid off. That’s when I do most of my 1:6 customizing. I’ve also done tattoos (as another hobby) for over 35 years now, and I’ve done over 20,000; all custom, and all free-hand.

Most of my custom stuff is based on my life in general and people or groups that I’ve known. My 1:6 scale gameroom and other dioramas are based on my after-work R&R.

I started collecting 1:6 scale a long time ago. Now, I have about 550 GIjOEs and other figures, plus almost 300 Barbies and other female figures. I collect other things too, but that’s another story!”

“If you see it in 1:1 scale, you can make it in 1:6 scale.”

Ron’s mantra may ring true, but not everyone possesses his innate creativity or superior artistic ability. As another old saying goes, “If it was easy, then EVERYONE would be doing it.” To get a better idea of just how far-reaching Ron’s talents really are, let’s take a look at some recent work:

Holy, Hells Angels! Stymus’ “bad-to-the-bone” custom Bikers look like they’re ready for anything. Notice all the handmade leatherwork, cloth vests, patches and painted tattoos; such realistic details make this group of unique figures truly outstanding. (Photo: Ron Stymus)

Ron’s “mini-me” poses next to a stunning assortment of scratch-built 1:6 scale crates and wooden pallets. Such realistic-looking props help make Stymus’ dioramas all the more believable to the eye. (Photo: Ron Stymus)

Ron’s 1:6 scale gameroom diorama features a scratch-built bar, pool table, skee-ball alley and a wide variety of realistic looking props and characters. Outstanding work! (Photo: Ron Stymus)

Ron’s yellow custom hot rod was lowered, painted with custom flames and intricately detailed inside and out. Congratulations! (Photo: Ron Stymus)

The yellow car’s interior received special attention with the addition of new door panels, carpeting, fuzzy dice and other custom details. (Photo: Ron Stymus)

Ron’s second 1:6 scale custom was this outstanding blue hot rod, detailed and appointed to resemble a 1:1 scale high-performance street machine. VRROOM! (Photo: Ron Stymus)

“This blue car is the second one that I built. Its tires and rims came off a 1:6 scale PT Cruiser. I custom-made its wheelie bars, put N2O in the trunk, added a custom muffler made from a coffee can (with hand-painted Thrush logo), a Revell 350 Chevy motor, a blower from a 1:18 scale ‘Muscle Machine,’ bucket seats, carpeting, door panels, headliner, sun visors, fuzzy dice, gauges. and even a radar detector!”

This closeup of the engine bay reveals all of the stunning detail Stymus added to his custom 1:6 scale (blue) hot rod. (Photo: Ron Stymus)

Ron’s custom Adventure Team rock band is truly unique. The more you look, the more you realize is scratch-built. You can almost hear the screaming metal music! (Photo: Ron Stymus)

Ron’s scratch-built dog sled and supply crates might need a little more “dogpower” to get underway. But look at the superb craftsmanship and attention to detail. MUSHHH! (Photo: Ron Stymus)

On his third custom car, Ron decided to go all out. His “Mini Me” lifts the car (with one hand) to reveal Ron’s scratch-built frame and gas tank on the underside. Outstanding! (Photo: Ron Stymus)

“This is the third 1:6 scale car I’ve built. It features a custom-built frame, a Revell 350 Chevy stock motor, custom firewall, gas tank made from a coffee can, brake lines, tranny lines, carpet, and some mounted guns in the trunk.”

This engine bay closeup reveals a stock 350 Chevy. But Ron’s custom firewall, hosing and other detailing really amps up the realism. (Photo: Ron Stymus)

Ron’s red hot rod is quite eye-grabbing with its stunning paint job, bright chromework and myriad details. Even the service ramps are scratch-built! (Photo: Ron Stymus)

Ron’s custom-built 1:6 scale auto transport trailer. (Photo: Ron Stymus)

“My scratch-built 1:6 scale auto transport trailer includes bungee cords for the tarp, tie-down chains with axle hooks, ramps that stow under the trailer and chain binders.”

Closeup of Ron’s custom trailer with ramps connected. (Photo: Ron Stymus)

True 1:6 scalers love detail, and with Ron’s custom trailer, you can even stow the loading ramps into racks in the back. Plus, notice the real wood planking, rusting detail on the racks, the figure’s custom leather welding apron, shop patch, spark visor and more. Truly superior customization! (Photo: Ron Stymus)

Ron’s red hot rod looks STUNNING loaded onto his 1:6 scale scratch-built trailer, all ready to roll out to the nearest drag strip or 1:6 scale car show. Amazing! (Photo: Ron Stymus)

Land Adventurer asks Ron’s “Mini Me” for a lift back to the Adventure Team Headquarters in his new, high-ridin’ RC “Monster Jeep.” (Photo: Ron Stymus)

Ron’s “Mini Me” unloads cords of wood from his new scratch-built 1:6 scale wheelbarrow to fire up his new scratch-built custom stove. (Photo: Ron Stymus)

“The tub on the wheelbarrow was made from sections of a coffee can. It has real wooden handles, and the wheel is from a 1:18 scale jeep, that was broken. The little wood cords are actually sawed-up real twigs. The stove is all soldered together, the door works and the stovepipe is plastic pipe.”

In this early production shot of Ron’s scratch-built stove (taken prior to painting), you can see the various materials used in its construction. (Photo: Ron Stymus)

Another view of Ron’s scratch-built custom “gameroom” diorama reveals a detailed bar, beer keg, furniture, games and other props, plus assorted characters all having a good time. It’s time to “Par-TAY!”(Photo: Ron Stymus)

Ron’s “Mini Me” prepares to take a ride on his 1:6 scale customized chopper. Note Stymus’ hand-made background items as well, including a 1:6 scale ice freezer with working doors and hand-painted graphics. Outstanding! (Photo: Ron Stymus)

Ron needed a case for his 1:6 scale guitar. No problem! First, he drew a pattern onto stiff cardstock for the top and bottom halves. Photo: Ron Stymus)

Then, he trimmed it all out, curving and gluing long strips to the patterns to create the sides. (Photo: Ron Stymus)

It’s hard to tell from this photo, but the final steps involved either spray painting the case black or covering it with material before attaching final details such as handles, hinges and straps. Outstanding! (Photo: Ron Stymus)

Ron’s 1:6 guitarist is quite satisfied with the results. “Let’s get to the gig, dude!” (Photo: Ron Stymus)

Ron’s artistic skills including creating superb hand-painted tattoos! (Photo: Ron Stymus)

Bottom Line: Ron’s work is simply amazing. Clearly, he has an excellent eye for miniaturization, material choice and fabrication. His recreation of real-life objects at 1:6 scale is already at an undisputedly professional level. He’s an inspiration to all in the 1:6 scale community and especially to its growing “Corps of Customizers.” Far more than a truck driver, Ron has become a true ARTIST; one that must wait to be laid off—before he can create again. Go, “Inks!”

Custom “Flying Elvis” G.I. Joe Parachutes Into Joelanta 2013 in Distinctive Light-Up Costume

Jack Hall’s custom “Flying Elvis” figure was the unofficial star of Joelanta 2013. Hall’s unique combination of Hasbro, Mattel and Auto Zone accessories, resulted in a one-of-a-kind custom figure you had to see to believe. For the record, “Flying Elvis” made 5 successful jumps (in full light-up mode) during Saturday night’s parachute drop event in Atlanta and suffered no damage. “Thank you. Thank you very much.” (Photo: Mark Otnes)

As “parachute drop” events go, Saturday night’s session at Joelanta 2013 seemed to proceed fairly normally at first—almost too normally. The event has been held annually since 2000, and by now, most attendees consider it almost a rite of passage for their parachute-equipped GIjOEs.

To participate, fans first ascend 15 floors in one of the elevators to the top of the hotel atrium. Then, they move over to the railing, toss their “Jump Joe” over the side and watch it float (hopefully gently) back down to the lobby floor below.

Well, 2013′s event progressed quite predictably, and after only a few minutes, many fans seemed to be losing interest. After watching just a few jumps, most stopped looking up, choosing to talk amongst themselves instead. Something was missing this year. Something…EXCITING.

Jack Hall, creator of “Flying Elvis” which “premiered” at Joelanta 2013. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

“Look up there! What’s THAT?“

Fortunately, the lackluster mood began to change quickly as fans began to point and notice that there was some sort of light moving around on the top floor. What was it? Suddenly, an unusual GIjOE in a brightly lit jumpsuit “hit the silk” and began its first successful descent of the evening. Is that? Is he? Yes! It was…“FLYING ELVIS!”

Where did it come from? No one had ever seen this figure before. It was a GIjOE all right, but it sported an Elvis pompadour haircut, sunglasses, and a Las Vegas jumpsuit—with LIGHTS. Wow!

Turns out, “Flying Elvis” is no ordinary Joe. Rather, it’s a superb custom creation of fan, collector and customizer, Jack Hall. Here’s how Hall describes his production of this unique custom:

“First, I took a Mattel Elvis head, ‘scalped’ the hair off of its headsculpt and put it on top of a GIjOE’s head. Then, I took the figure’s Elvis suit and inserted some little light strips that I had picked up at an auto parts store. I strung the two sets together, ran ‘em down the jumpsuit’s sleeves and pant legs, and connected it all up to some batteries. To get everything to fit, the suit had to be sliced open and then sewn back together again.”

A real-life “Skydiving Elvis” prepares to land at a recent T-Mobile event in San Franciso. (Photo: sfcitizen)

With the dramatic arrival of Hall’s “Flying Elvis,” the excitement had returned to Joelanta’s parachute drop, and fans hurried once again to “compete.” Elvis (and Jack) would go on to complete 4 additional jumps for a total of 5, all without an injury or loss of sunglasses. Collector Gordon Mayfield was stunned by the figure’s resilience and remarked…

“Even after five jumps, he still has his sunglasses on! Man, Flying Elvis is rockin’ COOL!”

Bottom Line: This is a superb custom figure. Our sincerest congratulations to Jack Hall for his amazing and creative work. Will this one-of-a-kind GIjOE ever fly again? We’ll have to wait and see. For now…
Elvis has left the building!

Ace Allgood Discovers Rare, Vintage, “Japanese Yellow-Body” Prototype G.I. Joe at Joelanta 2013

Widely respected collector and renowned authority on GIjOEs, Ace Allgood, holds up a vintage 1960′s Japanese “Yellow-Body” skin-color prototype figure recently discovered at the Joelanta 2013 toy show in Atlanta, GA. According to Allgood, the figure is 1 of only 3 known to exist. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

“Officially,” according to Don Levine…”This figure NEVER existed.”

In this side-by-side comparison, a standard mass-produced vintage Japanese GIjOE (left) appears to console his much rarer “yellow-bodied” cousin. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Ace Allgood could barely contain himself as he ushered me over to his dealer booth last Sunday, at Joelanta 2013.

“Mark! Come here and take a look at THIS!” he said, excitedly.

Although I’m used to seeing Ace all “hyped-up” at GIjOE shows (he REALLY loves GIjOEs), I couldn’t help but wonder what he had found.

“What is it?” I replied, curiously.

“Check it out, dude! A Japanese Yellow-Body! Ever hear about these? Betcha haven’t seen one before!” he said, by now practically squealing with delight.

For those of you who’ve never met Ace, he is truly a great guy and one of the leading “unofficial ambassadors” of the GIjOE-collecting hobby. A widely respected authority on vintage-era figures, Allgood believes this figure is an ultra-rare, “Japanese Yellow-Body” skin-color prototype that GIjOE’s “father,” Don Levine officially declared “never existed.” But clearly, this rare Joe DID exist.

Over 40 years later, Hasbro again attempted to create an accurate Japanese skin tone for its 442 ID Nisei figure. Despite a superb headsculpt, the figure’s skintone received mixed reviews from collectors. (Photo: amazon)

The obvious difference between this unproduced prototype Japanese figure and any later, mass-produced version, is its sickly, jaundiced-looking yellow body color. It seemed clear to the fans who had gathered around to discuss the rare piece, that Hasbro must’ve produced a small batch of them for a quick series of pre-production skin-color tests.

The prototype’s too-yellow color must’ve seemed controversial or “fake” and therefore was deemed unacceptable for public sale. But how such a rare test figure (typically discarded) had ended up in a hotel conference room in Atlanta, GA over 50 YEARS LATER was anybody’s guess. But there it was. And Ace couldn’t have been happier!

Bottom Line: Something new and intriguing about GIjOE’s history is always being discovered. According to Allgood, this prototype “yellow-body” is just 1 of 3 that are now known to exist, making it a very rare collectible indeed. Congratulations…and BONZAI!

1960′s Television Icons Robert Clary (87) and Robert Conrad (84) Celebrate Birthdays Today

For Robert Conrad in his prime, there was probably no such thing as a “bad hair day.” Here he is as 1880′s Secret Service Agent, James West, in a scene from an episode of his very popular ’60s TV show, “The Wild, Wild West.” Conrad turned 84 today. (Photo: CBS)

Robert Clary in a scene from TV’s “Hogan’s Heroes.” Clary turned 87 today. (Photo: CBS)

Two Talented Men—Same Birthday!

When I was a kid growing up in the 1960s, television was one of my favorite windows into the adventures and historical heroes of yesteryear. Sure, I enjoyed books, comics, and movies as much as anyone else, but Saturday morning cartoons and nightly adventure programs on TV were more my thing.

Coincidentally, two of the stars of two of my favorite shows both celebrate their birthdays today. First, Robert Conrad, of CBS’ “Wild, Wild West” (WWW) and then later, NBC’s “Baa Baa Blacksheep” (BBB), turns 84 today. Likewise, Robert Clary, the last living “hero” from CBS’ “Hogan’s Heroes,” turns a healthy and robust 87 years young today.

Robert Conrad portrayed WW2 hero, Pappy Boyington, in NBC’s “Baa Baa Blacksheep.” (Photo: NBC)

Conrad is still very much in the public eye and has his own weekly talk-radio show over on CRN found HERE. Clary is now fully retired and enjoys spending his days with his family; singing, and painting. He has a very basic website which still sells his recordings and original artwork HERE.

Hogan, Schultz and Klink have all been made into 1:6 scale action figures. Can James West and Louie Le Beau be far behind? (Photo: Sideshow Toys) Click to enlarge.

Both stars also have many connections to things that interest collectors and fans of 1:6 scale, including WWII, the American West, action figures and of course, nostalgic “classic television.” Conrad’s WWW show even featured a customized GIjOE as a stand-in for one scene, playing a miniature version of James West on a chess board (see photo below). To date, Clary has not been made into an “official” action figure, but customs are sure to exist SOMEWHERE (Hello, Wayne Faucher? Rick Ratto?). Interestingly, the three “primaries” of Hogan’s Heroes (Hogan, Schultz and Klink) were immortalized by Sideshow Toys back in 2006. Perhaps a second set featuring Le Beau, Kinch, Carter and Newkirk will be forthcoming soon (keeping our fingers crossed).

Bottom Line: The staff of The Joe Report would like to take a moment today to send out a big, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” to both of these talented performers. Thank you for so many years of innocent, fun-filled adventure, comedy and musical entertainment!

In this scene from “The Wild, Wild West,” GIjOE was cast as the perfect stand-in for Robert Conrad when an actor of 1:6 scale was required. The beautiful actress seems to be thoroughly enjoying stroking Joe’s noggin’ (the first, EVER “Fuzzhead”), and Joe doesn’t appear to be complaining too much. Also note the superb custom costume created by the studio’s prop department. Incredible! (Photo: CBS)

Robert Clary and Cynthia Lynn clown around for a publicity still taken on the set of CBS’ irreverent and satirical ’60s sitcom,“Hogan’s Heroes.” (Photo: CBS)

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.