TFW2005HisstankTokuNationToyark
HissTank › HissTank Community › Page 3

under Around The Site, G.I. Joe Movie, HissTank Community

What a year 2021 has been for the G.I. Joe brand. I don’t think anybody could have predicted the absolute explosion in product that is on the way. The variety in style, brand, size class, price point, and overall selection leaves something for everybody to look forward to. We are now in a full resurgence of the G.I. Joe brand with the G.I. Joe Classified Series anchoring the action figures at mass retail and the Snake Eyes G.I. Joe Origins movie leading the mass marketing push into the mainstream. None of this would have been possible without change.

So where do we go from here? I guess we should start with the last two months of feast or famine that just took place, and in some cases is still ongoing. We went from no G.I. Joe Classified or Retro products to how many do you need – take your fill. The Target Cobra Island situation started out on a really bad note and looked like it was going to be a disaster only to find out it was a temporary tech glitch that lead to the flood gates opening. People went from no Cobra Troopers to having the ability to Army build (very important for some of us) and most people just wanted to fill the holes in the numbered line up with The Baroness, Beachhead, Roadblock and Firefly. This led to a full on scramble to obtain the early first waves for those who stayed on the sidelines waiting to see how the line developed. But wait there’s more! The addition of Alpha Snake Eyes and that incredible articulated Timber, color changing Zartan, ARAH Amazon Roadblock and Breaker with RAM Cycle to name a few and if the rumors floating around about what awaits us in 2022 are even halfway true Classified and Retro fans are going to have a banner year. So, start saving your money now.

One last thing before we get started with the Snake Eyes movie. As G.I. Joe action figure collectors, we need to understand and manage our expectations for the ability of Hasbro (and it’s not just them) to get product to market with the ongoing Covid-19 (and now Delta) situation. Things are starting to open back up and return to normal but the very real cascading problems that were set into motion are far from over. There are massive shipping delays, massive inflation in shipping pricing, shortages of shipping containers and longshoreman who are under contract to be out to sea a maximum of 11 months, are now going on an average of 16 months, with no breaks out to sea, and no end in sight. So, unless Hasbro has been able to somehow shield themselves from these continuing effects, expect and uneven flow of action figure spice moving forward. Feast or famine conditions are going to be the new normal until the world fully recovers.

I guess this is where we dive into the Snake Eyes movie. So much to unpack here. Firstly, go see the movie for yourself. Nobody online spouting off their opinion is going to be 100% correct including myself. The matrix cannot tell you who you are as a G.I. Joe fan and the Snake Eyes movie is full of conflict for the seasoned fan. I almost feel the people walking into this for the first time are going to have the most fun watching it. No predetermined expectations, engrained happy childhood experiences, and for some of us almost 40+ years of collecting and absorbing G.I. Joe lore.

The early reviews started coming in on Wednesday and I was disappointed to see the tone and overall negative framework some of the so called “lifelong Hollywood G.I. Joe fans” took when speaking of the direction of the film. The very narrow perspective from Hollywood critics that nobody who is an OG fan of G.I. Joe is going to like this is just not justified. Just because the Snake Eyes movie is not a direct telling of Comic book lore is not a true measure of how good or bad this film is. Make no mistake this movie is 100% a reboot of the Arashikage and the relationship between Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes. The people walking in to see Snake Eyes who are not the core fan base are not going to care. They just want to see a good action – martial arts movie about ninjas and on that note it delivers. It also introduces Cobra and G.I. Joe to a new generation while the focus is on character development (Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes), something that was severely lacking in the first two attempts.

Spoilers are ahead. Should you choose to read on you will see spoilers.

[Read more…]

under Around The Site, G.I. Joe Classified, HissTank Community

The first round of Wanted Dead or Alive Dreadnok Royal Rumble has come to a close. Things will never be the same around the Dreadnok compound, grape soda was spilled, feelings were hurt, and winners have emerged from the chaos and anarchy. One thing is clear people want Dreadnok Motorcycles with their Noks (82% + Approval).

Things are about to get real for our second round of voting as the Vulgar 8 take the stage. For our second round bonus question we want to know about accessories. Should the Dreadnoks come with Grape Soda and Chocolate Donuts? What Dreadnok will be King of the Hill and be crowned the Most Wanted – That’s up to you to decide!

Join us after the jump for the second round of Wanted Dead or Alive Dreadnok Royal Rumble!

[Read more…]

under Around The Site, G.I. Joe Classified

From the Florida Everglades to the New Jersey Pine Barrens the Dreadnoks have a huge role in both Comic and cartoon G.I. Joe lore. Given the popularity and versatile way the Dreadnoks are used in G.I. Joe lore we wanted them to get their very own Most Wanted set of polls. Much like we have done in the past for our Modern Era March Madness events, we will be holding our very own Wanted Dead or Alive Dreadnoks Rumble!

We hope this event helps highlight the popularity of this team of misfits and also gives the Hasbro G.I. Joe Team valuable intel on what figures we would prefer to see in the G.I. Joe Classified series future releases. It was very hard to get this list down to the Bitter 16. Lots of debate took place to make sure the core characters were represented (since the line is so new) and to have some new potential ideas for Hasbro to chew on.

We hope you join us and sound off about potential vehicles like a Classified Dreadnok Thunder Machine (one can dream) to the more down to earth individual Motorcycles like they did with the The Baroness (and Punisher) in past Hasbro Deluxe releases. The debate is wide open! What Dreadnok will be King of the Hill and be crowned the Most Wanted – That’s up to you to decide!

Join us after the jump for the first round of Wanted Dead or Alive Dreadnok Royal Rumble!

[Read more…]

under G.I. Joe Classified, G.I. Joe Customs

Thanks to Hisstank.com boards members Lobo and Nighthawk for showing off their finished custom Zartan with Swamp Skier G.I. Joe Classified series Dreadnok vehicles. The power of 3D printing on full flex with these awesome customs. With printers as cheap as $200 starting to pump out 6″ G.I. Joe Classified vehicles I have a feeling this is just the start of what we will see in the future.

Check out all the Zartan with Swamp Skier 3D Printed Custom Dreadnok Vehicles after the jump.

under G.I. Joe Classified, Photo Shoots

Alpha Commandos reporting for duty! Today we are taking a look at the G.I. Joe Classified Alpha Commandos 2 Pack of Snake Eyes and Timber! This set gives Snake Eyes his military themed getup with the goggles and pairs him with his trusty sidekick Timber. Timber isn’t just for show, he’s rocking it Classified style with articulation galore at every point, and even comes with an alternate head.

We’ve run the set for a full round of pics. Read on to check out over 65 shots showing what they can do. Part of the shipment for this guy has arrived state side, while the rest look to be hitting later in the year. If you haven’t picked him up, check out sponsor Dorkside Toys to grab your copies!

Dorkside Toys G.I. Joe Links: Alpha Commando Snake Eyes, Cobra Infantry, Flint, Lady Jaye, Snake Eyes Movie Figs All G.I. Joe

[Read more…]

under G.I. Joe Classified, Photo Shoots

YO JOE! Time for another round of G.I. Joe Classified galleries.  Today we are looking at recent mass retail figures, which have been trickling out at different speeds for a while now.  The new pieces are Flint, Lady Jaye and Cobra Infantry.  Each came in different assortments with previously released figures, and single packed cases depending on what store got them, how and when.   All 3 are solid additions to the ranks for each side.  We’ve run them for some basic comparison and then a couple fancy shots, so read on to check them out along with some additional thoughts!

These come courtesy of Dorkside Toys, check them out for all your G.I. Joe Classified needs!

Dorkside Toys G.I. Joe Links: Alpha Commando Snake Eyes, Cobra Infantry, Flint, Lady Jaye, Snake Eyes Movie Figs All G.I. Joe

[Read more…]

under G.I. Joe Classified, Photo Shoots

Here we go again.  Time to take a look at one of the most recent figures to drop for the G.I. Joe Classified line – Major Bludd.  Another fantastic figure tied to the absolutely awful Target exclusive Cobra Island  campaign.  Technically, this figure has not even been announced yet.  He isn’t in most Target systems as existing.  And yet, stores are getting him and putting him out, randomly.  Assuming it’s going to be like the last rounds – each store will get a case, with no set date.  They’ll be gone soon after, or even before they hit shelves.  They may or may not get random restocks after that, with no way to know.   The store may or may not know wtf is going on with it.  Blah blah, cry a river.  I get it.  At this point, I did not even attempt to go looking, I just payed going price on eBay.  Between gas, time, and the pure concentrated rage I feel going in and out of Target looking for these things made it worth it.  Aside from exclusives that I have no choice for – not spending a dime at that store again.

ANYWAY, on to the figure.  It’s great!  G.I. Joe Classified has been awesome since launch, even the less than perfect releases are still good IMO.  Major Bludd is one of the really good ones though.  Fantastic head sculpt, gear and weaponry that touches the original in essence while upgrading for modern times.  Retro notes with the helmet, missile pistol, dog tags.  Even a touch with the MARS logo on his now fully robotic arm.   It’s just a great version for a core character, one that should have been available at mass retail first.

We’ve run him for a set of pics, both basic and hero shots after the break.  Read on to check it out!

ICYMI: You can view all our previous galleries for G.I. Joe Classified here.  We also updated the HissTank Database today with recent reveals and our base shots for in-hand figures.

[Read more…]

under G.I. Joe Classified, Photo Shoots

I can be anyone, anywhere. You will never know that you are talking to me, unless I wish it.  Time for a look at G.I. Joe Classified Wave 3 Zartan!   This comes packed along with a repaint of the Cobra Trooper as Cobra Infantry, and running change redecos of Scarlett and Roadblock.  Zartan continues the trend of keeping it tight with the original looks in a semi real world tone.  He’s starting to ship at some retailers now, but I actually scored it a bit ago from a fellow HissTank forum member @andhuck – so thanks my man!  Read on to check out some additional thoughts and over 55 HD images courtesy of Dorkside Toys!

Dorkside Toys G.I. Joe Links: Scarlett, Roadblock, Duke, Zartan, Cobra Infantry, Flint, Lady Jaye, All G.I. Joe

[Read more…]

under G.I. Joe Classified, Photo Shoots

Time for another look at the recent Cobra Island releases – this go round is for the Cobra Viper.  To all my brothers and sisters still on the hunt, I salute you.  As I’ve already stated, these come from eBay.  Obtaining them normally was difficult, had no luck, and I don’t like waiting.   You all know the deal, hopefully Hasbro and Target know the deal, and maybe next go around won’t be as bad.   I won’t hold my breath though.

The Cobra Viper is another great release for the 6 inch Classified Series.  Very classic vibes in both sculpt and paint.   He’s got removable goggles, a neck scarf to differentiate rank, backpack, pistol and rifle (both sci-fi style).  The vest is not naturally removable but can be done with a little effort.  Colors are very OG, a navy blue, red and black palette.  The iconic face shield is there and painted metallic silver using the same style as Cobra Commander from last year.  As with all of Classified, articulation is significant and everywhere, leaving nothing to want.

In the 1/18th scale – I never preferred the Vipers.  I always had some littered in, but I dug the Cobra Troopers more and focused on them for troop building.  Here though, I think the Viper works a bit better than the Cobra Trooper, or at least ties it in overall cool factor.  The bulky vest and helmet work better in the 6 inch scale I think, and this color combo really shines.  It’s just a sharp figure with a good stance.

I hope they repaint him over time in multiple color combos, as I would be happy to build out sub divisions.  That being said, this guy, just as he is here, needs to be more widely available at some point.  For him and the Cobra Trooper – once Target’s exclusivity is up I hope they offer case packs, or even some white box versions like they did recently with the AIM troopers for Marvel Legends.  Heck, toss 6 or 10 of them in a ziplock bag with a Hasbro Logo on it and I’m good.

Bottom line – another great figure made impossibly frustrating to get.  Keep on the hunt, watch eBay for a price that works for you, and grab him when you can.    Read on to check out our pics after the break!

ICYMI: You can view all our previous galleries for G.I. Joe Classified here.  We also updated the HissTank Database today with recent reveals and our base shots for in-hand figures.

[Read more…]

under G.I. Joe Classified, Photo Shoots

We now return to G.I. Joe Special Missions: Cobra Island!  Taking a look today at the second wave of G.I. Joe Classified Cobra Island figures, exclusive to Target in the US.  Many of us remember the first round last year which featured Beachhead, Cobra Trooper, Roadblock and the Baroness.  A stain on the otherwise awesome relaunch of G.I. Joe in the 6 inch scale.  Supremely awesome figures, horrible experience getting them.

That continues this round with the release of the Cobra Viper and Firefly.  Both are extremely well done figures being put out in the worst possible way.  Pre-Orders lasting seconds, videos of bots scooping up dozens at a time.  Stores with limited supply, receiving them random times – some before, some on, some after the advertised street date.  Target employees being annoyed to all hell about them, some knowing and some having no clue what’s going on, and collectors needing to hunt over and over in physical stores for a chance to get them during a global pandemic.

But, it is what it is.  We can all bitch, moan, huff and puff, but at the end of the day we are collectors (see: addicts) and need our fix.   As with the rest of the line, these are great figures, and we want them now.  I struck out in the pre-order phase, and in my one attempt locally was greeted by 8 other fans in a Target isle waiting for the employees to do their job and stock the pegs.  After several hours and multiple attempts to clear the area, a manager came over and said they weren’t there.  3 hours later those stock numbers went to zero online.  Fun.  Luckily a buddy scored an extra Firefly online and hooked me up.   The Viper, caught one on eBay and then another from a friend after eBay was en route.  Still waiting on them to land.

Now, on to the actual figure here.  Firefly is a modern upgrade with classic notes.  He has his traditional grey camo deco, goggles, comes with a bunch of bomb oriented tech gear.  Instead of the traditional vest, he’s got a bullet proof focused one based on real life gear.  The silhouette is different because of that, some think a little too far from the source.  Personally I am ok with it, it’s within the scope of Firefly’s character and a modern remix of the classic.  Many of the body parts are actually from previous figures, continuing the legacy of franken-joes.  Again, completely fine with that, nothing feels out of place.   It’s another core offering in the Cobra ranks that builds out the shelves.   Well done, welcome addition, worth a pick up.

All of these will probably find themselves redone later in less exclusive fashion, and most likely with some changes.  So if you aren’t fully addicted, but would get it if you could easily, just hold out.   For the rest of us, we’ll hunt and pay the stupid tax on eBay.  And then come online and bitch, our God given right as citizens of the internet.  :)

Read on to check out our gallery, some base and fancy shots to show what he can do.

ICYMI: You can view all our previous galleries for G.I. Joe Classified here.  We also updated the HissTank Database today with recent reveals and our base shots for in-hand figures.

[Read more…]