HISS Tank boards member notpicard has posted images of 2 canceled GI Joe 6 Inch Figures. While it’s currently unknown when these figures were planned for release, the evidence presented may indicate that these were actually planned for 2001. Notpicard has included images comparing these figures with the 2002 GI Joe VS Cobra versions of Duke and Cobra Commander. He also mentioned that Draxhall Jump‘s design for Duke at the time is much closer to the 6″ figure posted, than the 3-3/4″ Duke which was released for GI Joe VS Cobra in 2002.
By 2001, 6″ figures were becoming more common, as Toy Biz had started making waves with their Spiderman Classics line, and of course, the venerable Marvel Legends. During the heyday of Marvel Legends, some fans were busy at work, making GI Joe Legends customs. Then, once Hasbro obtained the license, it seemed like fans’ wishes for GI Joe Legends figures might finally come true.
Fast forward to now, 2011, and this has yet to happen. Yet is it a possibility? Furthermore, would the fandom embrace fully articulated 6″ GI Joe figures, on par with the best of the best of Marvel Legends?
In any case, check out a blast from the past after the jump, check out the 6″ GI Joes that never made it to retail shelves!
notpicard says
I thought I would take some images to elaborate on the 6" line that showed up the other day. I haven't posted these because when CC arrived in the Declassified booth at Joecon, he really wasn't met with much excitement. That could be because he got over shadowed by a certain gray and neon green android trooper that was nearby. But Gyre really got me motivated to get off my butt here and post some pics of the other figure. So thanks again, Gyre-Viper.
These two pieces (The figure and staff below) are the reason why it was rattling around in my head that the 6" Cobra Commander was an item c2002 rather than from the 90s. I definitely see the comparison to G.I.Joe Extreme. But these samples have the convenience of being bagged and labeled.
Note that the bag below has written upon it "JV.C." At first, I thought that it maybe read "W.C." but I believe that it is a "JV" because the top of the J appears to have a serif. I suppose it could just be part of the scribble. But it is almost a moot point since the previous contents of the bag was Shadow Viper, a moniker that did not appear on a Joe package until 2001.
Here he is next to Black Dragon from G.I.Joe Extreme. Yes, his hands are unfortunately broken at the wrist, which are two of his 14 points of articulation. The shoulders and hips have simple front-to-back motion like an old Kenner Star Wars figure. This is not the articulated Joe we know and love.
A few other shots:
I think there may even be more of a story to this one. I understand that the bag is labeled "Short Fuse." But I also find it interesting that this figure bears a strong resemblance to Joe vs Cobra Duke as seen in the corner of every JvC package and in this insert catalog:
YOJOE.COM | Catalog Gallery - 2002 G.I.Joe vs Cobra Wave 1
The goggles over the eyes and the lack of a hip holster make this figure look, to me, more like the art than the Duke we got. It seems like these figures may have been something considered around 2001 or 2002 and we got 3 3/4" figures in this style instead. If it was the first, it would not be the last time Hasbro repurposed package art in the 2002-2006 era.
And here is Cobra Commander with staff. The most important note here is that the staff is for "6" Cobra Commander." That rules out the possibility that these were 2-ups or any other ratio that would need to be reduced in size before production. This was undoubtedly a 6" figure line:
Here is Cobra Commander with a preproduction 3 3/4" Cobra Commander on the left and a production one on the right. The preproduction Cobra Commander is has different legs, among other things. Note the position of the knife closer to the front of his leg.:
Here are Cobra Commander and the other figure together. The Joe is a bit taller.:
In retrospect, I think that there was a real market for these. But that market has come and gone because the bar has been raised since the time of these designs. But that should not rule out the possibility of a Marvel: Legends style G.I.Joe in the future. I don't think it should or even could stand as a replacement for 3 3/4" or 12", but a few supplemental releases could bring a few new fans to the brand.
Magick says
I would love to get a new Cobra Commander with that design.. would be nice.
These aren't quiet 2 up sized, so I am guessing there was another 6" line that was planned and then scrapped before and press release.
Very nice finds.
Cobra80 says
Wow, Awesome find, thanks for posting pics. I would have Loved 6" Joe/Cobra figures as a kid. I always thought when I bought C.O.P.S. figures that Joes/Cobra in that size would be really cool.
If Hasbro made them today, 6" Joe action figures would be cool. Although I would like them if they looked like the Mattel DCUC figures. Someone on the Tank makes custom 6" Joe/Cobra from DCUC figures and they look amazing.
General Hawk says
Such an awesome piece of history. Thanks for posting this, and the evidence that this is a 2002 era proof of concept is certainly compelling.
Great stuff, man!
fireflyguy says
This is awesome. It's probably good that these haven't ever been released or I'd really be in financial trouble! I don't collect 6" figs, but I'd start for these!
c_money_collins says
Pretty nice looking Cobra Commander. I wonder if these were meant to compete with the the then recently released Marvel Legends figs?
samantha says
I would have purchased these figures. To bad they did not see a retail release.
deaco says
Great Score Pat! thanks for sharing! :P
X-factorz says
Pretty cool! I was just looking at the Iron Man 6" figures in the store the other day and thinking "man, they really should do a set of Joes this size".
jmlawn says
I would love to see 6" Joes or even an Unleashed line, but those sculpts are horrible!
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