gijoe – European Joe's

The one that got away

This post could have easily come 5 years ago, when I had visited the Forbidden Planet store on Shaftesbury Avenue for the last time. I nearly bought a big set of G.I. Joe toys there, but I was with the train and limited in luggage space. That and it was the last day of our city trip and all my GBP’s were gone. Needless to say that I was seriously doubting to pull out the MasterCard, but my head won from my heart and so I settled for some new comic books.

Flashforward to September 2021 and here we are. As I’m writing this, you’ll need an international passport to travel to London from Belgium as a result of Brexit. So I didn’t go to London to pick it up, but I can say that finally I was able to score this set – quite affordable as well, since prices have done nothing but go up since 2016. Very glad to add the 2016 SDCC Exclusive G.I. JOE VS Transformers boxset.

It has to be a big box as not only does it contain a Scarlett and a Zartan figure, but it also has a H.I.S.S. Tank and a Rattler. Both vehicles are meant to be Transformers, though of course, they are just the original G.I. Joe molds without any transforming capabilities. The H.I.S.S. tank is the Decepticon Soundwave and has allied himself with Zartan (and Cobra I guess). The Rattler, is the Autobot Powerglide and has sided with Scarlett and the Joes.

The H.I.S.S. mold is not the original one, but the 2005 model. The same mold was then re-used in 2014 to create the Septic Tank Mark II. As for the Zartan figure, that’s already the 23rd iteration of the figure. Ever since his original figure in 1984, his looks have changed quite a bit. Remember the 1993 figure? Yeah, I’m trying to forget that one. This figure though is more true to his original look. With the hood and facial make-up. His costume is a combination of black and grey this time and he came with webgear, armored chest plate, 2 guns and 2 swords. But also with some extra heads, including Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes’s head.

The Rattler mold used for Powerglide is still the original one used way back in 1984, which has seen plenty or re-usages over time. In 1998 and 2009 as the Tiger-Rat, in 1997 as the A-10 Thunderbolt and twice – in 2002 (the gold one) and 2008 – as just another Rattler. I actually got the 2002 model myself, bought it in a physical store here in Belgium. Can you believe it?

The Scarlett figure is only the 15th version since 1982. She comes equipped with her web gear, quiver and crossbow. In stark contrast with the black and grey from the Zartan figure, Scarlett is bright. The colors are all there reminiscent of her classic look, but the her red hair is blindingly orange and the yellow tones on her suit and boots are way too bright as well. Just as her lips, that cherry chapstick red is visible from miles away.

All things considered, this really is a very nice set and I’m very glad I can finally add it to my collection.

Thanks for your time and I will see you soon again with more news. Until then, Happy Collecting and YoJoe!

Third time’s the charm.

I could have gone for all good things, come in threes as well. But I like a bit of charm. This time around, we’ll take a look at the latest Classified Roadblock figure, the Heavy Artillery Roadblock. A.k.a. Marvin The Third.

This is the Roadblock figure we should have gotten first. It resembles best his original look if you ask me and frankly, we could have done without the other 2 figures.

As always, the art is awesome. In classic style, he is aiming just next to the beholder and he’s looking angry, strong and totally in control. I pity the Cobra Troopers that he has in his sights.

Although I still don’t see why on earth we’d need so many Roadblock figures in the Classified line. Or rather, this early in the line. But I’m not complaining. This figure looks the part and is a great addition to the collection.

See you back soon. Until then, Happy Collecting and YoJoe!

Little friends with Big Heads

Earlier this week my pre-order from Back to the toys arrived.

I had the figures pre-ordered way back in January. So it was a nice surprise to come back from a short holiday and see the box in my package locker.

The Baroness, Snake Eyes, Storm Shadow and Scarlett.

I know some people aren’t fans of the Funko Pop! line, but I really like them. They display nice and aren’t too expensive – most of them. So far, I’ve got quite the collection (see some of the previous posts on them). From these 4, the Storm Shadow digital camo figure has to be my favorite. Withe the Baroness and Snake Eyes a close 2nd. The colors on Scarlett don’t look quite right to me. The tan and green may be more reminiscent of the original Joes, but I like the faded blue/purple better with the tan of her costume.

In the end, I’m very glad to add these 4 figures to my collection.

Until next time. Happy Collecting and YoJoe!

Another kiddy toy

Just a short one today, I just received another figure from the cheaper 6″ Sanke Eyes movie figures, the Baroness.

These figures are cheaper, which is noticeable in the design and play functions. A lot less detailed and nice looking than the Classified Baroness figure, but that’s the point of this line. Cheaper and more accessible to children to play with.

I’m still glad I was able to find the figure and she’s a nice addition to the collection.

See you soon. Until then, Happy Collecting and YoJoe!

11 inches of engineered trouble

A while back, Super 7 introduced the G.I.Joe figures in their ULTIMATES! and ReAction lines. Both sets of figures look really great, but their price point meant that with taxes and shipping, it would just cost to much to collect them. I did pull the trigger on the 11 inch Cobra B.A.T. though. Was that a mistake?

Straight of the bat (see what I did there 😁), the figure is big. Bigger than I expected it to be. I thought it was more the size of the classified figures, but as it turns out, the figure is around 11 inch tall.

The figure itself is really nice, with a removable chest piece that shows the underlying tubes and machinery.

The figure does come with some accessories similar to the original o-ring figure. They fit to his detachable lower right arm.

All things considered, it’s a nice homage to the original figure, but it stands out in my collection – quite literally by his size. I may end up selling this one again and focus more on the Classified and Retro line figures.

That’s it for now. More new stuff is coming soon. See you back soon.

Happy Collecting and YoJoe!