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!

That’s a Wrap! 4-Day “JoeCon 2013” Closes in Indianapolis To Mixed Reaction and Reviews

GIjOE collector and fan, Scott Turnbull, poses next to his 1:6 scale Apollo 11 diorama at “JoeCon 2013″ held recently in Indianapolis, IN. In an event that was clearly skewed towards fans of 3.75″ figures, Turnbull’s larger-sized entry into the show’s diorama competition was a rare, 1:6 scale exception. A proud (and defiant) Turnbull later declared, “Please include my photo in your article on The Joe Report to show that 12″ figures STILL have their place at JoeCon.” Our pleasure, Scott! We especially admire Turnbull’s innovative combination of a 2-D photographic backdrop with his scratch-built 3-D LEM landing leg. VERY clever. It makes his diorama both stand UP and stand OUT! (Photo: Scott Turnbull)

“Oh, my aching HEAD!” This closeup of the strangely tired-looking, haggard, and baggy-eyed headsculpt of “Hangover Joe,” one of the exclusive figures at JoeCon 2013, seems to mirror the mood and attitudes of many of the shows attendees. Dealers and fans of BOTH scales openly stated their belief that 1:6 scalers are now being “sidelined” by the national club. (Photo: M. Otnes)

After a year’s worth of build-up and hoopla…

JoeCon 2013, held this past weekend in Indianapolis, IN, is now officially, “a wrap.” And for all of the lucky(?) GIjOE fans who were able to attend, memories of this year’s 4-day event will undoubtedly be mixed, divided and somewhat conflicted. While it is always enjoyable to catch up with old friends and make new ones, the way fans of 1:6 scale figures will celebrate their love of the GIjOE hobby is clearly undergoing a change at the “national show” level. This year, attendees familiar with past national cons were struck by THIS show’s two undeniable and distinct developments:

1) There was LESS…of EVERYTHING.
Blame it on the economy. Blame it on “the Sequester.” Or simply accept it as an aberration unique to this year’s show. But there’s no denying it. This show was SMALL(er). While we’re not privy to official attendance figures, even the most casual observers were heard to be commenting openly how few fans, dealers, exhibitors, customizers, and “general public” visitors there were at the event. Only on Saturday, when the dealer room opened to the public, did anything resembling a “crowd of people” seem to gather.

Event workers, hotel security and volunteers all seemed to have less to do. Lines were extremely short (oohrah!) and the number of tables and quantity of merchandise for sale was clearly less than in previous years. By contrast, the more 12-inch friendly “Joelanta” show, held just 3 weeks prior in Atlanta, GA, is currently enjoying an explosion of growth in attendance and popularity. Interesting!

In a pleasant surprise, the evil “Sebastian Gorman” headsculpt turned out to be much better than expected, featuring stronger “scowl-lines” and more clearly defined facial features than those shown in early prototype photos. He could still use a little moustache trim, however. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

2) 12-inch fans are being SIDELINED at the national level.
Whether done intentionally or not, the national-level GIjOE Collector’s Club (GIJCC) seemed to be doing very little (if anything) at this year’s Con to dispel the growing belief among ALL fans that its version of a “national convention” is now predominantly planned around and targeted to the needs and desires of fans of 3.75″ RAH figures. According to GIJCC leader, Brian Savage, any “blame” for this development boils down to simple economics. During one of the JoeCon seminars (also held to sparse attendance), Savage defended the club’s decisions this way:

“Over the years, a lot of different GIjOE shows have come and gone. They were run by a lot of different groups with a lot of different ideas and ways of doing things. But they’re mostly all gone now, and we’re still here. I think that’s because we (the GIJCC) haven’t forgotten, first and foremost—that this is a BUSINESS.”

“Where’s GIjOE?” Historically, package artwork has been an integral part of GIjOE’s appeal. While this is box is nice, many fans wondered why creators of the “Secret Mission to Dragon Island” set had eschewed the usual outstanding artwork of Classic Collection artist, Larry Selman, in favor of a smaller box and a simpler AT logo/dragons motif. Was it simply a cost-cutting decision, or as many fans believed, yet another indicator of dwindling club support for the 12″ line? (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Cosplayers were in attendance as usual, happy and eager to pose for photos with fans in their amazing handmade costumes. Look at the superb detail of this “Cobra Snowtrooper” w/harness and parachute pack. WOW! (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Where will things go from here?

No one can argue with the GIJCC’s successful record while at the helm of GIjOE fandom. However, its recent decisions have undeniably diminished the importance previously accorded to 12-inch fans. Such moves leave many observers (including us here at The Joe Report) scratching their pith-helmeted heads. What’s going on?

Think about it… Most “1:6 scalers” are now only in their 40s or 50s. Their retirement years will be coming up in another decade or so. That means more disposable income and TIME to spend on hobbies. To turn away such a lucrative fan/consumer base, with so many collecting and convention-attending years still ahead of them, seems shortsighted from anyone’s “business” standpoint.

Yes, there was a “Secret Mission to Dragon Island” figure set produced for this year’s JoeCon and collectors of 12″ figures. But the quantity produced by the club was reduced to only 200. Was the club THAT worried about selling them all? If so, their fears quickly proved unfounded, as all of the sets are now “accounted for” and in the hands of happy collectors.

Where things will go from here remains to be seen. We may be witnessing the beginning or end of a consumer cycle, it’s hard to say. Fans come into and go out of hobbies all the time. Judging by 2013′s booming attendance at Joelanta, and a disappointing national con in Indy, its unclear whether such shows are in for a period of growth or decline. George Gray, one of the few 1:6 dealers at this year’s JoeCon, views the current conflicted situation this way:

“I don’t think the national GIjOE club reaches out to 12-inch collectors anymore. They think we’re a ‘dying breed.’ Regardless, I still sell at their shows because I loved GIjOE so much as a kid. And while I’m doing alright sales-wise, at these national cons, the days when you would see a lot of 12-inch collectors show up appears to be over. In recent years, fewer and fewer 12″ fans are coming to this show, and you start to wonder—who’s going to BUY this stuff?”

Fans of the little Joes were probably content, though not overwhelmed, by the number of quality dealers offering products in their 1:18 scale. For example, “Avac’s Lab” was selling row upon row of custom heads, helmets, hats and accessories. When we asked how he created his masterpieces at such a tiny size, the owner revealed, “I use a BIG magnifying glass and a lot of light!” (Photo: Mark Otnes)

This closeup of some products from “Avac’s Lab” reveals how far some Joeheads are starting to go in 1:18 scale. Just look at the level of detail in that Spartan helmet. WOW! (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Collectors of 1:6 could find some amazing vintage Joe gear for sale at the show. If we have to tell you how rare these two items are, then you should just move on to My Little Pony. HA (Seriously.) Both sets were 100% original and the construction one even retained its ORIGINAL 1960′s price tag (only .66 cents at JCPenneys). We quickly whipped out a dollar, but unfortunately, the dealer told us he wanted a “tad bit more” for it now. Hmph! Wasn’t that false advertising? (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Our favorite 12″ custom figure at JoeCon 2013 was this amazing piece featuring a real metal scratch-built helmet, fire axe and uniform accessories. Too cool! (Photos: Mark Otnes)

What a MASTERPIECE! Our favorite 1:18 scale diorama was this balloon-centered, Steampunk extravaganza. Superb craftsmanship in every piece. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

ARRRGH!!! Take a look at this creative custom Intruder figure, reimagined by customizing an Incredible Hulk figure. But what really caught our eye was its all-steel cage and scale-correct padlock. PERFECT! (Photo: Mark Otnes)

This unique 180-degree “panorama” image of the dealer showroom of JoeCon 2013, shows the convention at its peak attendance. However, the picture does not clearly show how few dealers there were. While quality of goods was high, quantity was LOW. (Photo: Mark Otnes) Click to enlarge.

Bottom Line: We don’t pretend to have a crystal ball, or the answers to all the questions currently raining down in the fan forums across the internet, but this year’s JoeCon in Indianapolis was clearly a “wake-up call” for fans who prefer the 1:6 scale, 12-inch version of GIjOE. On the other hand, if you’re an advocate of the “little Joes,” you can rest easy. The GIjOE Club’s got’cher back!

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.

“Remember the ALAMO!” Defeat of Mission’s Defenders Remembered 177 Years Later

Alamo reenactors fire a volley in honor of the fallen defenders of the Alamo who lost their lives in the iconic Texas battle 177 years ago today. (Photo: John Davenport, San Antonio Express-News)

Right up front I’ll tell you I’m a Native Texan. Born and Raised.

And if you know anything about us Texans, you know that we’re VERY proud of our state’s unique and storied history. I was born and raised in Austin, the state capital, and I’ve been to the Alamo in nearby San Antonio many times.

Each time I’ve visited has been an eye-opening, emotional experience for me. To stand on the exact spot where the horrific seige took place; where the tiny mission full of volunteer Americans fought against overwhelming odds and ultimately all lost their lives—ALWAYS leaves me speechless with the deepest respect, admiration and eternal thanks.

Today marks the 177th anniversary of that battle. Whether or not you’re a Texan, all Americans should know about these important historical events. If you have a few moments, please jump HERE to read the superb coverage of today’s commemoration. And…“Remember the Alamo!”

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)