Bottom Line: You’ve surely seen Mattel’s “New Ken” line of assorted figures for 2017-18 by now, so we won’t repeat any of that information here. But we did think you’d like to eavesdrop on Joe’s first meeting with his new competition for Barbie’s heart. Let’s listen in. Enjoy! (Click pic to enlarge.)
Bottom Line: You already know it’s going on. If you don’t, well… it is! And if you’re there, HAVE FUN! If you’re not… there’s always next year—in Chattanooga, TN. June 21-24, 2018. Go, JOE!
Bottom Line: How did this great event sneak up on us again this year? Oh well, fans in the U.S. will either have to catch the next Concorde SST flight (that ain’t happening again anytime soon) or simply wait until next year. Regardless, our best wishes go out to all of our AM friends and fans living in the UK. Have a great time, mates! And… GO, ACTION MAN!!!
Gaze Upon Them— Here’s a peek INSIDE the JoeCon 2017 12″ exclusive box. (Photo: GIJCC)
Bottom Line: Just a quick update to our previous article of May 11th, 2017. Here’s what’s you’ll find inside the 2017 JoeCon 12-inch exclusive boxed set. Surrounded by black foam, you’ll find two excellent uniformed figures (one painted-hair w/nose-picker hands and one fuzzhead with KFG grips). Both come with oodles of equipment, a giant snake, the mystical serpent’s staff thingy, a convention lapel pin and a mini-comic book (not shown). Is all this new Joe-swag worth the club’s usual asking price of $375 (for club members) or $460 (for non-members)? As the Bible revealed, snakes can be QUITE tempting to many humans. Will YOU succumb to their shiny seducements?
TWICE as NICE— As this photo of page 3 of the May 2017 issue of the GIjOE Collector’s Club magazine excitedly reveals, fans can expect to receive two more Larry Selman masterpieces on the box made for the JoeCon 2017 12″ convention exclusive 2-figure set. Click to enlarge.
Burnin’ ’em Back to Hell— This Marine Jungle Fighter is clearly taking no prisoners tonight. But who’s that angry guy behind him? Absolutely SUPERB artwork by Larry Selman. Click to enlarge.
It’s his, AT LAST!— This scene of the Jungle Adventurer, clearly thrilled at his discovery of the mystical Serpent Scepter, is wonderfully brought to life by master artist, Larry Selman. WOW! Click to enlarge.
Bottom Line: We couldn’t find any images of this new box elsewhere online, so we just snapped some quick pics of the club’s magazine page (p.3) that shows the artwork. And yes, once again, Classic Collection master artist, Larry Selman, has produced two exceedingly wonderful paintings for yet another exciting set. Are you planning to attend this year’s convention? If not, you can still order one of these sets online HERE, to be mailed to you after the event. Go, Joe! Go, Larry!
It Was His Idea— Stan Weston (at 82) holds up a copy of Hasbro’s original 1964 GIjOE Action Soldier, a product line produced from Weston’s original concept which he created and sold to the company in 1963. When the copyrights to GIjOE expired in 2020, Weston hoped to reclaim control over his creation in a court of law. It is unclear whether or not the lawsuit will continue. (Photo: Stan Weston)
As reported May 8, 2017 in the Hollywood Reporter:
“Stanley Weston, inventor of the G.I. Joe action figure and a pioneer of the licensing business, died May 1 in Los Angeles, his daughter, Cindy Winebaum, announced. He was 84.
Weston was born in Brooklyn in 1933 and served in the Army shortly after the Korean War ended. When he returned home to New York, he found a job with the advertising agency McCann Erickson and enrolled in night courses for an MBA at New York University, where he had studied as an undergraduate.
Weston soon discovered a talent for the up-and-coming licensing and merchandising industry, and he struck out on his own to found Weston Merchandising.
When Mattel’s Barbie dolls were introduced in 1960, Weston realized boys were an untapped market for the doll industry after noting that many of them played with Ken dolls. He conceived of the idea of a military action figure and in 1963 sold what would become G.I. Joe to Hasbro. The runaway hit would go on to be one of the most enduring toy lines in history, spawning hit TV shows and films as well.
Weston later renamed his company Leisure Concepts, which would represent clients such as Charlie’s Angels-era Farrah Fawcett, Nintendo and the World Wrestling Federation, as well as TV shows including Alf and Welcome Back, Kotter. His other notable achievements include helping create the 1980s animated phenomenon ThunderCats.
In 1989, he was among the inaugural class for the Licensing Industry Hall of Fame, which includes notables Walt Disney, George Lucas and Jim Henson.
Weston is survived by his brother, his three children and five grandchildren.”
Bottom Line: Stan Weston came up with the original idea for the GIjOE toy. He quickly sold the rights to Hasbro. Don Levine (see Levine’s obituary article HERE) took the idea and made an American toy icon that will probably live forever in some form or another. At this moment, we’re not sure whether Weston’s lawsuit to recoup trademark rights to GIjOE (see that article HERE) will continue in the courts, but whenever those plans are made public, we’ll pass the information on to you ASAP. Our sincerest condolences to Stan’s family. Rest in Peace, Mr. Weston and THANKS!
Bottom Line: The freedom-loving peoples of the world have so much to be thankful for, especially to the men and women of the “Greatest Generation” who responded to the allied call to subdue and defeat Hitler’s Nazi forces, the military might of the Empire of Japan, and all the other axis nations of WWII. Please, don’t let this day go by without giving thanks to at least ONE veteran of the armed forces. Thank you, ALL Veterans!
(Photos: AP)
Ready for ACTION— Once again, customizer extraordinaire, Wayne Faucher, has produced a 1:6 scale action figure that the rest of the world will covet with envious eyes. His amazing new Space Ghost action figure is a spot-on, 1:6 scale masterpiece. Zowee! (Photo: Wayne Faucher) Click to enlarge.
Look Out, Zorn! Wayne Faucher Creates Custom Space Ghost Action Figure in 1:6 Scale
Holy Asteroids! That jut-jawed, baritone-voiced, onesy-wearing, powerband-shootin’ outerspace superhero of the 1960s has FINALLY been given the 1:6 scale “star treatment” he’s so long deserved. We’re tongue-in-cheek-talking here, of course, about the inimitable namesake character from Hanna-Barbara’s 1966 Saturday morning TV cartoon—Space Ghost (SG).
As you may recall, Mr. “Ghost” (first name, “Space?”) was every little ’60s kid’s favorite intrepid cosmic avenger. He was a true defender of the the defenseless and a battler of all things weird, sinister—and MONSTROUS. For 42 action-packed episodes, no matter how dire the predicament or struggle, Space Ghost always managed to blast his way out—and into our hearts!
Nice, but TOO SMALL— For years, fans have had to satisfy their cravings for all things Space Ghost at much smaller scales. In fact, 3.75″ remained the norm, but some newer figures promise to reach as tall as 1:12 scale (or 6″). This blister-packed mini-Ghost and Blip set by Jazwares is typical of current offerings. (Photo: Michael Crawford)
Back in 1966, bleary-eyed children would plop down on the livingroom floor early Saturday morning to eat bowls of Quisp and other sugary cereals, content in the knowledge that after a rousing 15-minute episode of exciting outer-space/alien/monster action, Space Ghost would arise triumphant and restore the universe to its good and proper course again (just in time for another GIjOE commercial, ‘natch). However, as SG fans well know, after an all too brief 42-episode run, the beloved cartoon suddenly vanished within its own cloaking spaceship (The Phantom Cruiser) and would not to be seen again until 1994, when the show’s characters were resurrected and recast in Cartoon Network’s offbeat talkshow spoof, “Space Ghost—Coast to Coast.”
Sit Long and Prosper— Getting up early to watch cartoons on tiny televisions was a rite of passage for children during the 1960s and ’70s. What time do YOUR kids get up? (Photo: ClipArt Kid)
51 years after his television debut, Space Ghost continues to live on indefinitely in reruns. A plethora of smaller-scale toys, action figures and other “merch” have (thankfully) FINALLY been created, and videos on YouTube will keep the beloved character’s legacy alive and well for future generations. Nonetheless, and despite SG’s obvious popularity, it remains a mystery to thousands of 1:6 scalers as to why this space superhero has never been successfully “captured” (in 1:6 scale) by any major toy company. Is this another sign of the “demise” of 1:6 scale?
Custom Cartoon Perfection— As this closeup clearly reveals, Wayne Faucher’s new 1:6 scale custom Space Ghost action figure is a very accurate representation of the ’60s cartoon character. His headsculpt, figure, costume—it’s all perfect. Spaaace Ghooost! (Photo: Wayne Faucher) Click to enlarge.
After some research, we were able to find a 1:6 scale Space Ghost costume on the internet (made for Captain Action figures), and even the 1:6 scale headsculpt utilized by Wayne for his custom project (shown above). Typically, putting all the pieces together (head/body/costume/accessories) requires the skills of a talented customizer like Mr. Faucher who states:
Wayne Faucher (Photo: WFT)
“I’m happy to finally have a 1/6 scale Space Ghost on my shelf. He’s one of artist Alex Toth’s most striking creations, and it’s finally been made possible with the help of yet another stunning head sculpt by the (very) talented Todd Grimes. It’s spot on, and I couldn’t have done this custom figure without him! Todd’s work can be found on Shapesways.com.
As you may recall, Space Ghost was created by Mr. Toth while in the employ of Hanna Barbera studios back in 1966. Only one season was produced (probably due to growing concern over violence on TV) but it’s been rerun ad infinitum ever since. I really hope people are aware of the original series, as it ranks right up there with Jonny Quest (which Toth also worked on with artist Doug Wildey) as one of the classics of television animation.” —Wayne Faucher
Step to the Left, Step to the Right— In this side view, Space Ghost appears to be doing a “do-see-do” at some square dance hoedown. Boogie DOWN, SG! (Photo: Wayne Faucher) Click to enlarge.
Close, but no Cigar— The upcoming Space Ghost figure by Mezco looks promising at first glance, but it turns out to be only in 1:12 scale or approximately 6″ tall. D’oh! (Photo: Mezco) Click to enlarge.
Bottom Line: Toymaker MEZCO has announced plans for a 1:12 scale Space Ghost (see pic at right) which would come in at about 6″ tall. That’s really not going to do it for most fans of 12-inch action figures. And what’s with the evil-looking Blip figure? Why did they decide to make the little guy look like some sort of possessed primate? Oh well, we’ll continue to keep our eyes open for a Captain Action or other 1:6 Space Ghost figure, but don’t hold your breath. It looks like it’s an uphill struggle to get ANY new 1:6 figure made these days. Our sincerest thanks go out to Wonderful Wayne Faucher for all his help with this article. You sir, are ‘da MAN. Finally, here are a few more pics of Wayne’s amazing SG custom and a video clip from the original show. Enjoy!
ZZAPPP!!! Get back in your volcanic crater, you mindless Lava Monster! (Photo: WEF) Click to enlarge.
Courage in Profile— Todd Grime’s excellent headsculpt perfectly recreates the cartoon version from the 1960s. Out-STANDING work, Mr. Grimes! (Photo: Wayne Faucher) Click to enlarge.
Stick it!— GIjOE/Cobra fan and pin creator, Mae Catt models her latest creation, a unique “Cobra Enemy!” cloisonné lapel pin that really pops against her dark jacket. (Photo: Mae Catt) Click to enlarge.
Don’t Worry—Getting “Pinned” Doesn’t Mean You’re Going Steady With Cobra
POW!!!— As this super close-up reveals, the quality of Mae’s new “Cobra Enemy!” cloisonné lapel pin is top notch all the way. Resistance is Futile! (Photo: Mae Catt) Click to enlarge.
We were curious about the pin’s origins, so we contacted its creator, Mae Catt, of the aptly dubbed, Catt Call Co., who kindly replied with the following (exclusive) insider-intel:
“Hello, all! My name is Mae Catt, I’m a big GIJOE (okay, well, Cobra) fan who also loves lapel pins. I combined those two loves into the Cobra Enemy lapel pin that you can see in the photos shown in this article. I’m just an individual seller, and I got into GIjOE in the most backwards of ways. I was only 18, and was backpacking through Paris with a high school friend when the GIjOE live-action movie was just coming out. Bombarded by the film’s foreign advertising, we decided to check out GIjOE online…”
Mae’s “Catt Call” business card is cleverly designed to resemble the backing cards of the old Hasbro 3.75″ action figure packaging. Sweet! (Photo: Mae Catt) Click to enlarge.
“But rather than watch that (dumb) live-action movie—we downloaded the original animated movie instead and watched it on a laptop in a hotel room. I had no preconceived ideas of the context of GIjOE, Cobra or that movie, but I decided it was just good enough (and overtly ridiculous enough) to inspire me to look it all up on Wikipedia.
That’s when I discovered the absurd INSANITY of the Cobra Commander. I soon became ‘charmed’ by the character’s willpower and villainy I suppose, and have been a huge fan of the Cobra phenomenon ever since.
Back in the ‘ol US of A, I sought out friends who were actually alive waaay back in the 1980’s, and was ‘properly’ introduced to the amazing world of GIjOE and Cobra through catered screenings of the TV episodes. Now, more recently, I’ve also gotten into the lapel pin craze that’s going around.
Have you seen the increased amount of collector’s pins at conventions? Well, the scene over on Instagram is going crazy right now. Pins seem to hit a button inside me. They’re a very subtle, classy way to express your fandom on formal wear, and I latched onto pin collecting almost immediately.
The next step of course, was to start making pins myself! The second pin I ever made was the Cobra Enemy pin. It’s gold plated, 1.25″ wide, painted with hard enamel (meaning smooth) and the design is something I’d wanted to make into a pin since, oh… forever.
I’ve always thought of that little toy sticker as a badge of honor for Cobra members, sort of like, ‘Yeah, I’m the Enemy. Come at me!’ Anyway, if you’re into the GIjOE/Cobra pin scene too, please pick yours up HERE. You can also follow me on Instagram @CattCallCo for more nerdy pins. Thanks!” —Mae Catt
Any way you look at it— The new “Cobra Enemy” lapel pin from Catt Call Co. is a definite WINNER. Our advice to you? Order yours today! (Photo: Mae Catt) Click to enlarge.
Da, Comrade!— Custom 1:6 scale Dragon Russian Aerosan vehicle with added ProSeries waterslide decals from Patches of Pride. Out-STANDING! (Photo: Kent Middleton) Click to enlarge.
It may seem obvious to most fans of The Joe Report, but a few of you “lay readers” out there may still not realize the extreme ease with which decals and other such markings can improve and upgrade items in your 1:6 scale collection. Whether the markings in question are hand-painted, comprised of traditional “peel-n-stick” papers, or output as high-end “waterslide” decals, there’s no questioning their ability to put the “WOW” factor into any custom project.
Do YOU have the gift?— Customizer Ron Stymus’ real-life experience as a tattoo artist spills over into his 1:6 scale hobby as well. Check out his outstanding hand-painted “Rat Fink” artwork on this Joe. WOW! Of course, if you can’t draw as well as Ron, you can always apply decals from companies such as PoP. (Photo: Ron Stymus)
For example, tattoo decals can add realism and character to any action figure’s body. Instrument panel decals can add a whole new level of realism and playability to a vehicle’s interior. And without a doubt, exterior body or hull markings can go a LONG way towards upgrading any custom vehicle, aircraft or watercraft. As Nike says— JUST DO IT.
For example, Kent Middleton, recently sent in some exclusive photos showing us the progress of his custom Dragon Aerosan project. A quick (and jealous) look at the pics reveals that Kent’s new custom snowskipper has been dramatically enhanced with the addition of waterslide decals produced by 1:6 scale manufacturer, Patches of Pride (PoP).
Before, the vehicle had been unmarked. But after the installation of PoP’s decals, there’s now no doubt that Kent’s aerosan had belonged to Stalin’s WWII “Red Army.” We asked Middleton about this exciting custom project, and he kindly replied with the following updates:
“Its not ‘done’ yet. The machinegun rig is custom, and I am painting the inside to replicate severely weathered plywood, but you can’t see that in the pics as I stuck the Russians in there. Only about 6-8 layers to go, and its a slog, cuz you can’t disassemble this beast! That, some paint chipping and some moisture ‘drips’ are still to come… someday.” —Kent “I Kan Do It” Middleton
It’s amazing what the addition of a simple red star can do for a custom aerosan. Without it, you’d have to guess which force was behind the wheel (and machinegun). (Photo: Kent Middleton) Click to enlarge.
Quality Counts— This super close-up reveals the amazing realism provided by PoP’s top-of-the-line ProSeries waterslide decals. In fact, they look painted on! (Photo: Kent Middleton) Click to enlarge.
Truly Transformative— As this screenshot from the Patches of Pride website clearly demonstrates, a little paint and some professional waterslide decals can make a stunning difference in even the smallest 1:6 scale items. Which pile of ammo cans would YOU prefer to display? (Photo: PoP) Click to enlarge.
Bottom Line: When working on any 1:6 scale custom project, it’s important to keep in mind that tiny items like ammo cans and mammoth items like Panzer Tanks can all benefit from the creative addition of decals and/or other types of exterior markings. If your hand or art skills are limited, then we recommend you seek out the assistance of 1:6 companies whose products are proven and can help your next custom project look its best. Remember—Details Matter!
