Blowtorch was one of the first figures of 1984 that I was excited–and I mean really excited–to get. I was also excited to find out what the figure’s code name was. At the time, I hadn’t yet bought any vehicles or accessories for the year and thus didn’t know any code names for the new figures. After all, it was
Read moreWhile Shipwreck gets a lot of attention as the Joe team’s resident sailor, Topside seems relegated to being a bit player. It’s a shame that he’s not more well-known because he’s a colorful alternative to Shipwreck’s iconic, yet stereotypical, sailor look. He’s one of my favorite Joes from 1990, even though I’m not a big fan of the naval characters. Bright
Read moreSnake Eyes doesn’t always have to be dressed entirely in black, does he? I’ve been willing to accept different looks for him ever since his 1991 version, which is still one of my favorite interpretations of the ninja commando. It seems that Hasbro is still willing to branch out when it comes to their co-flagship Joe. The movie line put
Read moreEach time I dig down into the storage tubs that contain my new sculpt era figures, I become more and more enamored with them. Having bought the series as it was released, I followed my typical adult collector process. Buy a wave of figures, open them up in reverse order of interest, put the choice few that I really liked
Read moreThis is a figure that makes me want to see a modern adventure themed Joe line. What could be wrong with having a sub-line of modern GI Joe figures dedicated to non-military subjects like police, firefighters, paramedics and explorers or even scientists? The modern 12 inch line is already doing it with police and firefighters, and toy makers like Chap
Read moreAs the years go by, I find myself drawn more and more toward the odd and unusual in my toy collecting. Maybe it’s because I’ve gotten my fill of vintage Joe, and want to explore other similar lines. The most similar line I can think of is Lanard’s CORPS!, the Joe wannabe that I’ve focused on in a few posts.
Read moreIt’s a new Field Report! This time, the knowledgeable Lt. Clutch takes a look at 1989’s Raider! Also be sure to check out his blog, Clutch Play. Big thanks to Lt. Clutch for his frequent and insightful comments on Joe A Day.
Read moreI appreciate ninjas. What can I say, I’m a child of the 80’s. I’m not talking about a modern, ironic appreciation either. I’m talking about something that goes back to the heyday of ninjas in the 80’s. A time before Real Ultimate Power, and before Pirates vs. Ninjas. A time when you couldn’t pass a magazine rack without seeing a one-off
Read moreHoly cow! It’s the Sarge without a tank top and whistle! And he’s wearing a removable hat to boot! Awesome! With this figure, Sgt. Slaughter finally looked more like a Joe than a wrestler. His military look brings to mind his few appearances in the Marvel comic, in which he was outfitted in simple camo fatigues, and was also shown
Read moreButt-ugly. That’s the shortest and most apt description I can think up for this figure. Most of it just doesn’t work for me. From the lack of paint details, to the Lord Dread meets Doc Terror helmet, it’s bland yet ugly at the same time. And the face–yikes! Now I know why the helmet obscures it. Hot Seat has the ugliest 3
Read more