A head scratching move, to be sure, but it allows me some more analysis for these toys with some hypothesis about what Hasbro is doing and what we might expect to see or hear in New York.

So what does this run of figures, vehicles, and other items mean for us in 2012?  How does “Jinx as SDCC Exclusive” impact mainstream movie release?  Click the Read the Rest of this Entry link below to read on!

Action Figures

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These are all the same regular 4″ scale figures that we saw in the previous USA Today article, and you can review my analysis here.  Even though there appear to be more figures here than we originally saw, I think the other figures are part of something different.

One thing I should talk about is the awesome parachute with the Cobra Trooper, and the fact that the Joe trooper comes with some sort of blue cape…a disguise??

Larger Scale Figures

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I’m not sure if these are 12″ scale or something else, but I’m pretty certain these “Ninja Commando” figures are larger.  If you look at the legs, you see a few small screw holes in the legs indicating these are bigger figures, most likely in the 12″ scale.  Some very nice detail work in here, and I’m glad there are no cloth uniforms.

Vehicles

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First and foremost, you can’t help but notice a lot of reused vehicles and vehicle parts here.  The Water Moccasin especially is something we’ve seen consistently for the past few years, but I think there is still at least sort of a sense of newness.  Sort of.  Breaking things down:

Water Moccasin – The same base tooling as the 25th Anniversary Sting Raider, the Rise of Cobra Toys “R” Us Exclusive Sting Raider, AND the JoeCon Exclusive vehicle, it seems almost redundant to get a fourth version of this vehicle in 3 years.  They made some nice color alterations with black/gray and blue shades and some hints of red.  Very cool “Cobra” themed colors.  I dig it, even if I’m not sure how much I really need this vehicle.

Tread Ripper Tank – Using the HISS Scout as a base vehicle with a very cool roll cage and different weapons gives this small vehicle some new life and actually matches up somewhat with the Ripsaw we’ve seen in the Retaliation trailer.  The driver is listed as “Clutch” but his head sculpt and beard almost look more like a version 2 Rock n Roll.  I’m sure customizers will find some joy in that.

Ghost Hawk II – To me, this looks like a newly tooled vehicle, but maybe someone else recognizes it.  Wow, this is a GREAT one.  Love it.  It’s a pretty small, sleek little attack jet with twin engines on each wing and plenty of firepower.  I really love the looks of this thing!  Can’t wait to get a closer look at this beast in New York, and get some better detail on the Duke figure that is little more than a tiny green blob in this picture.

HISS Tank – Wooooow.  Awesome.  As a huge fan of the PoC HISS, I love that they’re using it as a base here, but with some nice additions.  A glass canopy is great, the modified top cannon is a great touch, and I really dig the blue colors.  The twin chain guns, one on each side of the main cannon absolutely ROCK and I love the sense of  synchronicity on each side.  This is a huge upgrade to the PoC HISS which was already an awesome vehicle.  The driver’s name isn’t listed, it almost looks like another version of Cobra Commander or some kind of HISS Driver.

Ninja Combat Cruiser – Another Pursuit of Cobra vehicle I loved, this is a fantastic upgrade to the VAMP.  Newly tooled doors, roof, and hatch on the back, not to mention a very VAMP Mark II themed rocket launcher makes for one heck of a great update to the already awesome PoC vehicle.  I would love to see a black repaint on the Cobra side of the fence.  No driver is listed, but it certainly looks like Snake Eyes, and it looks like he might be sporting his Commando goggles look.  A cool touch if that is the case.  Considering Snake Eyes is driving the AWE Striker, though, something tells me this might be a more generic driver.  We’ll see.

AWE Striker – ARGH.  If there’s a vehicle that’s been used and abused more than the Water Moccassin/Sting Raider it’s the AWE Striker.  I feel pretty comfortable saying most of us are probably sick and tired of this vehicle.  Even Robert Atkins is sick of drawing it!  I do like that they’ve added some new tooling to the roll cage to kind of build it out a little bit, but I’m not a fan of the rocket launcher on top.  Makes the vehicle look somewhat bland in spite of tooling upgrades.  The driver is listed here as Snake Eyes, but again is pretty small and hard to make out the details.

G.I. Joe Motorcycles – It seems like every new iteration of the G.I. Joe universe gets the requisite speed bikes.  Not sure why, but there you go.  These actually look pretty different than the Ninja Lightning bikes from years past and look like new tools.  Snake Eyes and Flint are the drivers of the Joe bikes, and it’s tough to make out details.  I do like the bike designs, and I really love the twin tires on the back for some reason.  The grid lines are cool, the paint is cool, and I like that Flint.  I can only assume a more military movie-themed version is coming.

Firefly Motorcycle – Totally new tooling compared to the G.I. Joe motorbikes, with an obvious look from the G.I. Joe: Retaliation trailer, this is one awesome looking bike.  I love the armored front, I love the sleek, low-riding profile, and the machine guns scattered throughout are excellent.  Can’t see much of Firefly here, but the bike is really, really awesome.  Love the looks of this one, to be sure.

Battle Packs

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I see so many people focusing on the vehicles and the SDCC Exclusives, but not many folks paying attention to these battle packs.  I think these packs are going to give us some nice surprises.  Sure the images are tiny, and I’m sure we’ll get some more good details at Toy Fair, but for now, let my rampant hypothesizing begin!

Ninja Dojo Battle – Right smack dab in the middle looks like a Roadblock, most likely, though the details are tough to discern.  To the left, though…  maybe I’m crazy, but that almost looks like Beachhead, doesn’t it?  Balaclava, green uniform, black webgear and some military weaponry?  Certainly looks like it.  So if this is a “battle” then who is that on the right?  Some mysterious gray ninja in a hood.  The sword and silenced Uzi seems to indicate a Snake Eyes possibility, but that wouldn’t be much of a “Dojo Battle” if they were all Joes.  Another question for Toy Fair by the looks of it.

Ninja Showdown Set – Obviously this set is bookended by Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow, somewhat different looking versions of each.  Love the more military webgear on Snake Eyes, and the adjusted colors on Storm Shadow are sweet, too.  But now check out that figure in the middle.  Is it just me, or is that totally a Slice figure?  Sure the colors are reversed (red on black instead of black on red) but he looks to have that smooth silver Slice mask and some claws.  Would make sense that the Club would focus on Dice with the thought that Slice was coming out in the main line.  Am I totally off my rocker?

SDCC Exclusives

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Okay, here’s the hot button.  The SDCC Exclusives.  I have no doubt that these figures are going to cause an absolute fan outrage.  So many people are dying for a vintage Jinx, especially in line with the Retaliation film release.  Hasbro releasing a classic inspired Jinx as an SDCC exclusive is going to make many fans MAD.  I’ve been pretty vocal in support of these SDCC exclusives, as they play a huge roll in expanding attention and focus on the G.I. Joe brand during a show that draws in thousands and thousands of people.  These figures are going to do that, without a doubt.  I’ve always been of the opinion that anyone who wants SDCC exclusives can get them very easily.  I could fire up eBay right now and find dozens of Zarana auctions, you’re just going to have to pony up some extra money.  Just the way it is.

G.I. Joe at retail is a tough nut to crack as it is, retailers are not going to open their arms to female figures, especially in a brand (G.I. Joe) that isn’t a super performer at retail anyway.  I’m sure Hasbro will get movie accurate Jinx figures on store shelves, but when it comes to a figure calling back to its vintage roots, I just think Hasbro has to think outside the box, and personally I’d much rather get Jinx at SDCC than not get her at all.  Case closed.

Jinx – Purely from a design sense, I LOVE these figures.  Like so many other 30th Anniversary figures they took the vintage version as a great inspiration and totally ramped it up for today’s expectations.  Great articulation, great design, awesome paint apps.  Fandom outrage or not, these are terrific looking figures.  If I had a choice to have to drop $40 apiece on these or not get them at all, just tell me where to send my check.  The fact that one of them comes unmasked is great, too, so you can have your red Jinx without a mask just as she appeared in G.I. Joe: the Movie.  It is a shame she doesn’t have an alternate head with that short haircut, but this look is great, too.

Shockwave HISS – Totally out of left field here.  Obviously going the same route as the Starscream/Skystriker we get a HISS Tank in an awesome purple color that totally matches the G1 Shockwave aesthetic.  I love the canopy and rockets being a semi-transparent light purple as well, just like the original Shockwave’s light-up cannon.  A beautiful looking toy, honestly, even with the Transformers tie in.  Probably not my first choice for an exclusive, but the end result is impressive!

Final Thoughts

I like it.  Folks who are worried about not getting movie accurate figures, I don’t think you need to worry.  Hasbro’s website even says “Coming Soon!  14 More Movie Line Items to be Revealed!” so there will certainly be more movie figures coming, and I would imagine many of them will have the Retaliation movie aesthetic.

I’m sure we’ll see Jinx, I’m sure we’ll see Joe Colton.  Another key line from Hasbro’s website:

“HASBRO is proud to unveil the official movie action figure and toy line for the new “G.I. JOE: Retaliation” movie starring Dwayne Johnson & Bruce Willis! The new line reflects the movie magic, including the epic battle between the G.I. JOE team and arch-nemesis COBRA, which, led by COBRA COMMANDER, is once again intent on taking over the world.”

“The G.I. JOE movie toy line features your favorite G.I. JOE characters, including an all-new, super-heroic take on ROADBLOCK, as well as JOE COLTON, the original founder of the G.I. JOE team, and an imposing COBRA COMMANDER action figure! Also featured is an array of incredible new ninja toys, including an unprecedented line-up of “ninja-tastic” action figures, vehicles, swords, masks, and throwing stars. And don’t forget the action-packed toy vehicles: “Wherever there’s trouble, G.I. JOE is there,” whether by land, sea, or air!”

With Bruce Willis (and JOE COLTON!) clearly labelled in the film description and toy line, it’s a no-brainer that Joe Colton is being released, and I’m sure we’ll get Flint and Jinx, too.  Lady Jaye would seem likely, too, but with those pesky female figures, who knows?

I’m hoping we see some more of these figures at Toy Fair, but only time will tell.  You can bet GeneralsJoes will be in the middle of it to bring you all the details as they emerge.  Wow, what a week!

You can check out the review in the 30th Anniversary Section, or just hit the links directly below:

• Zarana Cold Slither (SDCC Exclusive)
• Starscream Skytriker w/ Cobra Commander (SDCC Exclusive)

I have as of yet been unable to get myself the Cold Slither variant of Zarana, but I decided to not let this stop me from posting a review for the regular release.  I’ve got this posted right now in the 25th Anniversary and 30th Anniversary sections, as well as linked to Exclusives.

Yeesh.  Anyway, if you don’t want to dig through all three of those other pages, just hit up the link below:

• SDCC Exclusive Zarana (Regular Release)

“I had the opportunity to speak with Matt Bischof who is part of the Sideshow Collectibles 1/6 scale design team.  He provided some great insight and information regarding the G.I. Joe line and I’ve got the highlights for you right here.

First, the line is doing very well.  Some figures have sold better than others but Sideshow is very happy with how it has been doing thus far and are working to continue that success.

One of the big questions I had was regarding female figures.  This is something that Sideshow has been mentioning in their Q&A sessions but not much info has been revealed.  I didn’t get many details but I did get an update.  They are fine tuning their female body and working to get the proportions just right.  The issue that was brought up was the way the body looks with and without armor.  I’m taking that to be in reference to a Baroness figure because I can’t think of any other Joe female that wears body armor.  They are making progress and as soon as the body is ready we can expect to hear some more news on female characters being introduced to the line.

Also in regards to the female figures I asked about how hair would be done, rooted or sculpted.  They are going with sculpted hair because it gives them more options for styles and the ability to swap out hairpieces for different looks (i.e. windswept, ponytails, etc).  Personally I think this is the smart way to go.  Rooted hair on female figures seems to be an industry standard in the 12″ scale but I find it to be too doll-like and the very few figures I have with rooted hair never look as good as the promotional photos.  With sculpted hair it allows for more detail and texture to be applied.  I’m glad they are going this way and I think its the right decision.

The other big piece of news I got was that they still have Destro in development.  As with the female figures they are working to get the body right.  They are developing a new muscular body for Destro similar to the Hot Toys large muscle body and once that is ready they’ll get to work one putting him together.

Something that was brought up in our conversation that I hadn’t even considered was the possibility of small vehicles.  The example discussed was the Trouble Bubble and the fact that they are even thinking about vehicles blew my mind.  I brought up the RAM Cycle and while there wasn’t any confirmation they would consider it, it is about the size they are thinking.  But 12″ scale Trouble Bubble!!! Wow!

In speaking about the dioramas, I confirmed that the Condition Red: Urban Threat diorama featured in their display case is indeed coming out in Q1 2012 and should be up for preorder soon if it isn’t already.  Unfortunately that will most likely be the last diorama for the near future.  They are giving them (and collectors wallets) a bit of a rest for now to concentrate on the figures.

There aren’t any previously announced upcoming releases that weren’t on display.  However the Desert Cobra Officer and Sniper production figures were shown in the same display with Dusty and both should be available by the end of the year.  There is also another Cobra trooper that is coming out later this year that they are very excited about.  They want to focus on and play up the sci-fi aspect of G.I. Joe as well as keep that military aspect and we’ll be seeing more Cobras coming out down the line.  The intention is to make figures that are unique and not just have this be another line of military figures.  Along those same lines, they also want to focus more on environment specific Joes that have unique looks so instead of an alpine unit of soldiers there would be just the one alpine specialist.  (I know I shouldn’t read anything into the use of the example being “alpine” but I’d like to think the Joe mountaineer should be on the short list).  This is something that I think will really help this line grow in the long run.  While the original 3 3/4″ G.I. Joe figures were essentially super-articulated green army men the line developed into a team of the best specialists from all across the military.  Reflecting that in the 1/6 line is a great way to keep this as G.I. Joe and not “Sideshows military line”.

The design team has been learning a lot from working on this line and applying what they’ve learned to future releases.  Some examples of this are the use of thinner fabrics to allow for more realistic folds and seams in the clothing as well as applying a stone washing technique to soften up some of the camo coloring and make it look more worn.  The first figure to use this new stone washing technique is Hawk and it has been applied to his pants.  Having seen the figure on display at the show I can say the technique works really well.  An example of the newer fabrics in use are the Cobra ninjas.  When you look at Storm Shadow and then the Red Ninja and Ninja Viper you can see more elaborate folds in the clothing as well as more wraps and straps with better seams and stitching.  They are planning to put out another Storm Shadow at some point using the new fabric but there was no timeline given or any indication what version of the character might be released.

Speaking of characters being redone, Snake-eyes is another figure that is on the list to be issued again.  This time they’ll be going with a sculpted portrait rather than the cloth mask.  The intention is to be able to include the commando head in addition to the visor head and possibly release him as a deluxe figure that way collectors can use the commando head on the first figure and display them both.  Personally I’m all for the sculpted mask.  Seeing how well the Firefly and Storm Shadows head sculpts came out makes Snake-eyes look dated in comparison.  I’m  very glad to hear they are planning on something to remedy this.

When the subject turned to the upcoming Viper the exclusive alternate portrait came up.  The reasoning for including the alternate head is to answer the question about why the Viper has goggles on his helmet.  The goggles are made to work with that alternate portrait and finally give a logical explanation for why a full face helmet has goggles on it.  The intention is that the Viper would keep the goggles on his helmet and pull them off for use when he has his helmet off.  You can see how this looks in the photos of the figure on Sideshow’s site.  I think this explanation is perfectly logical and I can’t figure out why I hadn’t heard this theory before.  Regardless it works and shows the kind of thought and attention to detail going into this line.

With the DC license being awarded to Sideshow and the intent to put out 1/6 scale DC figures we might be seeing a decrease in the number of G.I. Joe figures released to possibly 1 every quarter.  With Star Wars, G.I. Joe and now DC entering the 1/6 world they want collectors that want to buy from all three lines to be able to afford to do so without having to choose between one or the other.  They recognize that these are expensive figures and want to do what they can to help collectors get everything they want.  As someone who has seen 3 G.I. Joe figures (Stalker, Dusty and Ninja Viper) as well as 2 Star Wars releases come out in the last 4-6 weeks I can completely understand this logic.  While I’d like to see them release as many G.I. Joe figures as possible I also understand that some restraint is necessary to keep the line healthy and continue to perform well and perform well it has.

Overall the Sideshow G.I. Joe 1/6 scale figure line is in great hands and I’m very excited about what is coming down the line.”

Also going against previous reports, apparently the Spring, 2012 date on the placard may in fact be the truth.  At least according to Fighting 118th.

One of the issues you run into with so many reps at the Con is that you sometimes get some contradictory information.  Guess we’ll have to hold tight to find out which one was right.

Last, but not least, they also passed along a report about Hasbro Toy Shop, the timeline for getting things posted, and how “rare” these SDCC exclusives truly are.  You can read that enlightening report right here as you prepare for your morning post-SDCC ritual of F5′s while you wait for Zarana and Starscream at HasbroToyShop.

Thanks again to Paul from Fighting 118th for the heads up.