I really thought that the 2000’s Joe series was going to take off. Ultimately, I was wrong. But what made me think it would have succeeded? Well, Hasbro had successfully reinvigorated Transformers in the 2000’s for a new generation with new toy lines, why couldn’t they do the same with Joe? The new line had a comic book from Devil’s Due and
Read moreOne thing that I really admire about the Joe line over the years is the fact that Hasbro sometimes goes back to a figure and takes a second stab at it to improve upon what’s come before. It’s been happening since the second series in 1983, and has been part of the evolution of the line’s style. From swivel arms,
Read moreA Real Missed Opportunity–that should have been the tagline for the 2002-2006 GI Joe era. Most every time I pull out a figure from the period that strikes me as memorable, my thoughts are usually prefaced or end with some kind of disappointment in at least one aspect of the figure. Don’t get me wrong, I still like the era
Read moreAccording to his file card, Zandar is a master of camouflage and covert movement. He’s good at hiding and sneaking up on people. I would agree, but if he’s wearing this outfit, he’d stand a better chance at hiding in a Mardi Gras parade. His brother Zartan certainly had a strange look, but at the same time was stylish, mysterious
Read moreThe original Croc Master, one of the 1987 Cobra crew of crazed concepts often got short shrift due to his incredibly specific duties as well as his look. Did Cobra really need a reptile trainer, when they didn’t even have a dog handler? Croc Master could have easily been a Spider-Man villain with his black facemask, croc themed shirt and
Read moreThe 2002-2006 Joe lines, being a more kid-friendly approach to the brand than today’s offerings, had a strong play-oriented focus. It began with the two-pack figure concept, a battle-on-a-card. Kids got two figures for the price of one, usually a Joe and a Cobra. How can you beat that? Naturally, with a kid-oriented line, action features are a given. Action
Read moreWhat is it that causes a madman with aspirations of ultimate power to also dress up like a complete snickerdoodle? Nobody brings together so many mad scientist elements like addle-brained former orthodontist Dr. Mindbender. Let’s see, shirtless–check; bald–check; monocle–check; mustache–check; cape–check; purple pants and jackboots–check and check. Joining the likes of mustache champions Mutt, Gung Ho and Wild Bill, his
Read moreI can’t say it enough–the 1984 Storm Shadow mold is iconic. No matter how many times Hasbro reused it, even as recently as 2004, it still resonated coolness. That says a lot about the designers of the era, to have created something timeless. And it’s not a kitsch factor for me–just good design. The Ninja Viper, a 1992 mail-in offer,
Read moreAs a kid, I always wanted an update of Major Bludd. Unfortunately that didn’t happen until the Sonic Fighters sub line, which was released at a time when I didn’t much care anymore. I still enjoyed his new version, although it would have been nice to see the mold in his trademark colors rather than blue. Until that actually happened
Read moreCobra’s Night Creeper forces have been around since 1990. Say what you will about ninjas, this force of technological ninjas is an original concept–at least they’re not Arashikage. Design-wise, the group presents a unique look for being based upon the ninja archetype. Merging armor, stealth gear and powered weapons seems like a natural evolution for the famed assassins. Any military
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