SDCC 13: G.I.Joe Brand

3.  G.I.Joe and Transformer Crossover Retail Line

I know what you’re thinking, I’m being greedy.  I know we got a SDCC exclusive crossover set 3 years in a row now and Hasbro has already stated that this year will be the final one.  I’m not talking exclusives though, I’m taking about a main line available at retail.  Real G.I.Joe 1:18th scale vehicles that transform into real Transformer characters that come with fully articulated 3.75″ Joes.

Just a small line to start with would be nice.  Three Decepticons and three Autobots a year would be ideal.  These can be premium sets featuring the most popular characters first.  Then as the years go on, we can start getting more obscure sets.   Maybe even create a few one off direct to video animations featuring both Transformers and G.I.Joe?  If that doesn’t get kids excited about the brand, then nothing will!

Probability:  6/10

I rated this one much higher than most only because I believe it truly will happen one day.  Will it happen the way I described it?  Not likely.  Will we get some kind of Joe/TF crossover at retail?  Yes, they have already done it with Star Wars, why not Joe.  Will this announcement come at SDCC?  Probably not.

2.  Partnership with Call of Duty

I’ve been saying for years now that what G.I.Joe needs to jump start a new generation is a popular video game.  The days of kids playing with action figures are ending.  Some people say it has already ended.  The most popular video games in the world happen to feature military themes and the leader is Call of Duty.  Call of Duty releases a new game every November right around Veterans Day.  I would like to see a Bi-Annual G.I.Joe edition of the game.

It’s still CoD through and through.  The game features a single player campaign, Cooperative Modes and Online Modes.  The only difference is the G.I.Joe theme.  Instead of playing as Soap or Mason, you play as Snake Eyes and Stalker.  The cooperative horde mode has you fighting through Cobra’s ranks.  You start with simple Troopers and Vipers, eventually fighting BATS, IG’s and Noks.  Every 10 waves you meet a Boss like Storm Shadow or Major Bludd.

Lets not forget the Toy Line!  Call of Duty related figures would be a must.  Characters from the game would receive figures along with classic Call of Duty characters like Viktor Reznov, Frank Woods, Captain Price and Ghost.

Probability:  0/10

A G.I.Joe video game will probably be made sometime in the next few years, however a partnership with Call of Duty isn’t going to happen and most certainly won’t happen at SDCC.  It would be incredible if it did though.