We have with us the IDW May 2019 G.I. Joe Solicitations.
This May we will see…
Find out more information about each title, after the jump. The latest covers are also attached with this news post.
HASBRO AND ASICS TEAM UP FOR G.I. JOE SHOE LINE
NOW AVAILABLE EXCULSIVELY AT FOOT LOCKER
Limited edition GEL-LYTE III shoes inspired by iconic G.I. Joe characters Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes; New Era and Hex offer apparel and accessories to complete the look
(PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Feb. 22, 2019) – Global play and entertainment group Hasbro Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) today announced a collaboration with footwear brand ASICS to create all-new colorways inspired by two fan-favorite G.I. Joe characters: Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes. The special edition GEL-LYTE III® shoes and coordinating apparel and accessories from New Era and Hex will be available exclusively at Foot Locker (NYSE: FL) stores worldwide February 22, 2019.
The line is inspired by an epic chapter in the G.I. Joe lore: the rivalry between Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes. Once brothers in arms as part of the Arashikage Clan, they find themselves on opposing sides of the struggle between G.I. Joe and Cobra. Now Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes each adorn their own GEL-LYTE® III shoe designed by world renowned pop artist Anderson Bluu. Uncompromising on style and comfort, the GEL-LYTE® III boasts iconic and innovative design that wouldn’t be complete without the split tongue and ASICS’ famous GEL® technology cushioning; a silicone-like material that effectively absorbs shock and protects the feet from high-impact strikes.
The black Snake Eyes model features a crystal rubber outsole with a discovery element, premium emblem and reflective detailing with black leather; the model is elevated and modernized with custom art on the insert. The white Storm Shadow model features a crystal rubber outsole which masks the character beneath while the premium emblem detailing grounds the model in the story. Through the intertwining of story and design aesthetic the model is elevated and modernized with custom art on the insert. On the bottom of both shoe models is an iced outsole revealing Zartan – a shadowy figure who plays a key part in the Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow story.
“ASICS has a solid reputation of launching innovative designs to consumers across the globe and we are proud to bring G.I. Joe characters to life in an entirely original way,” said Casey Collins, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Entertainment and Licensing at Hasbro. “We know fans and collectors will appreciate the care and detail ASICS has taken in every aspect of the release from the shoe detailing to the packaging.”
“We were inspired by the story of Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes to create these shoes in collaboration with Hasbro,” said Lindsey Sweeney, Global GM Sportstyle Footwear, ASICS. “The characters represent a true Yin and Yang – a duality and symmetry that link their lives together – and we were excited to take that inspiration to our GEL-LYTE III® model.”
The ASICS x G.I. JOE shoes will be sold exclusively at FootLocker.com and select POP by Foot Locker doors because Knowing is Half the Battle.
Photos of the Ultra Pro GI Joe items from Toy Fair 2019.
At Toy Fair 2019, Kotobukiya had the G.I. Joe – Scarlett Bishoujo Statue on display. They had artwork showcasing Lady Jaye and the Baroness as well. See the photos by clicking the headline of the story.
Speaking to the gathered audience at the Toy Fair 2019 Hasbro Investor Preview Event, CEO Brian Goldner highlighted future plans for the G.I. Joe franchise.
Mr. Goldner stated that the next G.I. Joe movie is planned for 2020.
He also revealed the newly updated movie logo. Exactly as we heard a couple of weeks ago, the company has reverted back to the original ARAH logo for the movie. You can check it out, after the jump.
However, the most surprising statement came next. Hasbro will NOT be funding for the upcoming movie. Mr. Goldner stated that they took this decision since the movie has already acquired the funding it needs.
“For next year, we are developing live action films: G.I. Joe and Micronauts. For 2021, we’re working on an animated CG 3D My Little Pony feature film and a live action Dungeons & Dragons film. Our funding model will vary between films. G.I. Joe already has funding and we will likely not contribute. For other live action projects, we may fund up to 50% of the production budget; recognizing more modest budget model that we’ve established with both Bumblebee and the 2017 My Little Pony animated feature.”
This move may also indirectly mean that Hasbro will only be minimally involved with the creative control of the movie.
You can check out the rest of our coverage via TFW2005. Don’t forget to join us tomorrow (02/15/2019) for our Toy Fair 2019 Main Event coverage.
Updated (11:30am ET)!
Please, show your support by signing and sharing a petition to Hasbro to draft Mark Weber for the Senior Manager – Global Brand Development and Marketing for GI Joe and Micronauts position for which Hasbro is currently recruiting.
Mark Weber was the former brand manager at Hasbro for GI Joe and gave us a lot of great figures like Stiletto, Sightline (Gary Goggles-Head tribute,) the Renegades Roadblock (in the SDCC IDW set,) and many more! Here’s what Mark has has to say about all this…
I’d love the chance to work on G.I. Joe again – I was disappointed to have so few items and such a small tooling budget to work with during my time on the brand. I’m proud of what I did (Sightline, Shooter, Tombstone, female Cobra Officer, Stiletto) given the limitations of the time.
I went back to school to earn my MBA – most brand managers have one and it’s sort of the price of admission. I survived without one while I was at McFarlane Toys and Hasbro based on hard work, creative ideas and toy insights, but it’s hard to get back in without one.
Let’s let Hasbro know that we want only the best for GI Joe and remind them that Mark Weber is the man for the job! Yo Joe!!
Our favorite Hisstank artist ctupa just posted a beautiful watercolor of Beachhead! Check it out and all the rest of his great art after the jump!
We have an exciting news for all the Joe fans. Do you have what it takes to become a Senior Manager for G.I. Joe & Micronauts Global Brand Development? Well, Hasbro is offering this wonderful opportunity to you.
“We have an immediate opening for a results-oriented, innovative Senior Brand Manager to drive Product Development and Marketing for our GI Joe and Micronauts brands. In this high-profile role, you will drive the strategic product vision for GI Joe and Micronauts, lead a cross-functional team of designers and engineers to ideate and manufacture the yearly toy line, and develop a global marketing plan that effectively drive sales. Partnering with internal and external resources, you will build a cohesive and actionable category and channel marketing plan. You will will work with internal and external agencies and cross-functional teams to create global toolkits and communication tools necessary to drive sales. These toolkits include such things as Merchandising Guides, Digital and Broadcast assets, and product sizzles. You will work closely with regional teams to brief them on the product line, help accurately forecast, and partner to ensure success.
A day in the life:
Develop yearly product strategy based on key brand initiatives, consumer insights, and entertainment strategy.
Work with Design and Development to create an innovative toy line that is inspired by your Toy Strategy.”
With such posts, it can mean only one thing: G.I. Joe toys are now in development and it won’t be long until we set our eyes on official products from Hasbro.
The last 3 figures from the final figure subscription service (FSS) are coming soon. This set will include Blizzard and Bushido as well as the mystery 13th. There was a slight delay in shipping due to the addition of a stand and flag part for the previous FSS 8 Red Laser figure. Who will be the 13th mystery figure? The only clue was Ninja Force! Snake Eyes? Banzai? Orange Slice? Sound off after the jump to cast your opinion on who it will be!
The Final 12 GI Joe figures from the GI Joe Collectors Club have been arriving in mailboxes for the past couple of weeks! (Yes, I’m a little behind.) Ninja Force Zartan and the Doom Cycle have been arriving as well as the three pack of Female Cobra Troopers. Did you go all in, pick the Slaughter’s Marauders, UK Tiger Force or Sonic Fighters? Sound off after the jump and share pictures of your favorite figures!