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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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under G.I. Joe Classified, Photo Shoots

G.I. Joe Classified launched in early 2020 and 2021 is kicking things off with a refresh of those wave 1 figures! When wave 1 dropped, a lot of folks thought that some of the figures had a bit too much bling going on, specifically Duke, Roadblock and Scarlett. They had a Fortnite / video game vibe with certain paint apps combined with the techy weapons.

Hasbro must have listened, because Scarlett and Roadblock were confirmed to be getting new streamlined paint jobs when they shipped in Wave 3 along with Zartan and Cobra Infantry. Then yesterday, Duke was confirmed to have a new less blingy deco too.

Today I got a box with some Wave 1 figures in it, expecting them to be the original Wave 1 decos, and Scarlett was actually the new 2021 refresh version. So Duke and Scarlett are in the wild now with the new paint, not necessarily coming from Wave 3 repacks. I’d bet Roadblock is floating around somewhere too.

All in all I dig the Scarlett, and from the promo pics of Roadblock and Duke, also dig those. I don’t need things to be 100% retro classic, and the original versions were not horrible or anything. These all are an improvement IMO, a better balance of modern upgrades and retro feels.

I’ve run Scarlett through a quick set of pics showing off the differences. You can see them after the break.

These come courtesy of Dorkside Toys. I can’t guarantee that if you order Roadblock, Scarlett or Duke that you will get any specific version. If you 100% want one or the other, please contact them first to verify!

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

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under G.I. Joe Classified, Photo Shoots

COOOBRAAAA x 3!  As we round out the first year of G.I. Joe being back on retail shelves and it’s first dip into modern 6 Inch territory, it’s only fitting that Cobra Commander caps it off.  The Regal variant is a 3rd use of the Cobra Commander body (see the retail and Snake Supreme versions).  Main line had a dark blue and silver trim version.  Then we got word that app-first retail site NTWRK would be getting an exclusive color variant, without acknowledging the variant.  They got a promo copy and posted pics, told everyone to come get it.  Whoops, because that was a mistake, and they were just getting the regular one.  Everyone was sad.  But wait, Hasbro to the rescue, they decided to print the lighter blue variant, but not offer it via NTWRK, instead selling it on PULSE, and it would drop later in the year.  AKA this month.  And here it is.  Whew.

Bottom line, this is the same Commander that’s been out before, new colors.  Closer to some vintage Cobra Commander decos from years past.  In my opinion, all three are equally nice, all touch retro notes.  Depending on your taste or your setup needs – any one could work.  I’m happy displaying them all.

So to celebrate year one of G.I. Joe Classified, read on to take a look at Regal Cobra Commander after the break.  We’d like to thank Hasbro and the Joe team for kicking ass this year, we can’t wait for 2021 (for multiple reasons).  YO JOE! / CO-BRA!

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.

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under G.I. Joe Classified, Photo Shoots

Cooobraaa!  The Commander is decked out and ready to rule in the Convention Exclusive Snake Supreme Cobra Commander.  This was originally most likely going to be a SDCC exclusive, and was eventually pushed back to September for Hascon.  A round hit during the online event, and preorders are in progress for a second round later this year.

He starts with the base retail edition of Cobra Commander then adds a new shoulder / belt harness, soft goods cape, new gun, new staff, and globe accessories.  He also sports a black, red and gold deco with a very ornate print on his chest, back and legs.  All in all he is decked out in a crazy over the top get up that is fitting for the Commander.    The packaging matches this with great artwork and a fold open gimmick.

We’ve run him through a set, read on to check out some basic, comparison and fancy shots 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

Pimp Daddy Profit Director Destro is in the house!  It’s crazy that we are still in year one of the line and are already getting obscure repaints but I’m not complaining!  The newly titled Profit Director – which is an ingenious wordplay remix getting him in line with corporate sensibilities – rocks his maroon and red gear, gold head, animal print pops and a full on animal skin cape.   His accessories include a gold briefcase for all those Benjamins, flaming stack of cash because Destro DGAF, gold pistol, and pimp shades.  This is all a play off of a short run crazy version of Destro that came out in the late 90s commemorative sets.  You can read up on the history of that figure here.

All in all it’s a good execution that plays into old school lore.  He is a fan channel exclusive, so many non big box retailers will eventually have him in stock.  This one comes courtesy of Dorkside Toys even though I picked it up a while back on eBay because I couldn’t wait!  Read on to check out our shots!

Dorkside Toys G.I. Joe Links: Pimp Daddy Destro, Destro, Cobra Commander, Gung Ho, Red Ninja, Zartan, Cobra Infantry, All G.I. Joe

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

Straight from the terrorist organization(s) nefarious plot to give collectors across the country heart attacks and strokes, today we are taking a look at the exclusive Cobra Island Baroness and C.O.I.L. set.  The first 3 exclusives – Cobra Trooper, Beach Head and Roadblock V2 came first, with Baroness hitting stores a week or so later.  She is still trickling out, so if you are still looking hopefully you can score without hitting the aftermarket.  I was lucky enough to have a friend of a friend find one in the wild and offer it at cost, so big props to KamenRiderOOO and TokuChris over at TokuNation for that.  That being said, I’ve hit Targets an absolutely stupid amount of times since the end of July, probably more than I have been in that store in the last 3 years combined, and have only seen Roadblock on the pegs, once.   And that’s with tracking via Popfindr, bugging employees, and doing 100 mile circuits (at the start of this mess).

What makes it all that more frustrating – these figures are GREAT.  And Baroness especially.  Modernized suit with classic notes, color palette on point, epic face sculpt, good weapons.  It has it all.  The bike – the sculpt is good for a future techy style vehicle, but there is a lot of raw plastic going on and it feels a bit Playskool.  Some detailed paint and washing to bring it a bit more real world and it could work.

Bottom line – Baroness is a win.  Hopefully she keeps releasing widely at stores, and really – hopefully she releases single packed with minimal changes down the road. Red, blue and alt decos are cool, but she needs to be easily accessible in this black version at some point.

Read on to check some additional thoughts and over 75 HD images after the break!

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under G.I. Joe Classified, Photo Shoots

Next up in our G.I. Joe Classified galleries is the Amazon exclusive Arctic Mission Storm Shadow.  This is a play on the Ninja Force Storm Shadow deco from the 90s, right down to the white blocking on his navy blue torso.  He also comes with a white ice pick (sickle) like the original.  Sword, sheath, grapple hook and cord, bow, arrow and non-functional quiver are  also included, so he is ready for action.  The hood is removable exposing a sharp navy blue head wrap revealing just the eyes.  I preferred it this way once in hand.  Structurally – he was very loose.  The torso bend and waist joint are floppy.  Hips are a tad.  Makes for some very insecure posing. Once you get it there, so long as you don’t try to fine tune much, he can stand though.

All in all a solid design, but I am eagerly waiting for a traditional Storm Shadow to take top billing on the shelf!

He is currently sold out, but has been randomly coming back in stock at Amazon for short bursts.  Keep checking here and good luck!

Read on to check over 60 HD shots of Storm Shadow, basic and fancy style, including a little mountain battle with Snake Eyes!

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