Yeah, I'm glad to get Flint and the tooled winter-coat body. Getting all three figures off the secondary market would cost as much as the whole package, so I'm *glad* I caved... although I'm still not proud of myself. 
G.I. Joe Classified Series (1:12)
- Thread starter K-Tiger
- Start date
Got Crystal Ball in the mail today, and he's... Crystal Ball. I was never a huge fan, but as the all-time pegwarming champ, he looks the part. The portrait looks like Vincent Price in Kiss makeup. And of course, he has tattoos... weird arcane symbol tattoos. But he's appropriately creepy.
Not gonna lie, I do not understand the Cthulhu mask. I always thought CB was a deranged psycho-therapist / hypnotist... not an evil wizard. Did someone on the Joe team watch Dr Strange too many times?
Not gonna lie, I do not understand the Cthulhu mask. I always thought CB was a deranged psycho-therapist / hypnotist... not an evil wizard. Did someone on the Joe team watch Dr Strange too many times?
Apparently you weren’t the only one that just got them. There have to be 50 of them up for way too much on Mercari right now. Did all those scalpers forget how much of a peg warmer he was?
Apparently so. Most of them weren't around in '87, I suspect. Hard to imagine 40+ yo scalpers, but maybe? How sad would it be to reach middle age and working hard to make a $12 vig on a toy?
BACC is just Fred to me... #notmycoco. He'll never replace the retro version or my custom hooded one. He's just Fred VII trying to pull off a coup. I love that Hama didn't play the *new deco* game just straight-up. He had to zag, which I rather enjoy.
This version isn't nearly as angular as what I'm used to with the toy and comics. I get the feeling it's a DiC thing... and I have no clue what the lizard is about, but I saw someone mention it's supposed to be serpentor(?), as if he gets turned into an iguana in the DiC cartoon? You'd think a guy named serpentor would be a snake, but maybe they didn't want to do an exact copy of what happened to CoCo in the movie. I'm not watching DiC to find out.
Yeah, having never seen the DIC episodes, I also don’t know what the deal is with the iguana, or the reptile eyes for that matter. Those may be leftovers from the once-a-man CC from the movie. The eyes do look kind of cool though, and I might use them, more as BACC adding that additional intimidation factor with some novelty contacts than anything Cobra La. We’ll see when I open him up if I go through with it. The iguana, however, is headed for my junk bag for sure.
I do like that Hama has tried to make his characters less straightforward and basic than the toon. But as for BACC, or CC in general for that matter, I guess I don’t actually care whether the man in the suit or behind the mask is the original, a successor or an imposter. He’s the tyrant seeking to lead Cobra and impose his will on the world. His enhanced suit makes him that much more powerful, intimidating and battle ready.
This version is a boss level threat, something no other version of CC can match, at least for me.
I do like that Hama has tried to make his characters less straightforward and basic than the toon. But as for BACC, or CC in general for that matter, I guess I don’t actually care whether the man in the suit or behind the mask is the original, a successor or an imposter. He’s the tyrant seeking to lead Cobra and impose his will on the world. His enhanced suit makes him that much more powerful, intimidating and battle ready.
This version is a boss level threat, something no other version of CC can match, at least for me.
Instagram
Clearly Cobra Commander was reading all of our posts during the SnowCat campaign.
"You funded the Joe team's idiotic half-track... Now everybody who backed the haslab gets the vehicle, not to mention all that camping nonsense...
...I hate cold. Ugh. Wish they'd just gotten a stupid tank."
And another comment about Snow HISS tanks and outfitting SAW Vipers with arctic gear.
Clearly Cobra Commander was reading all of our posts during the SnowCat campaign.
"You funded the Joe team's idiotic half-track... Now everybody who backed the haslab gets the vehicle, not to mention all that camping nonsense...
...I hate cold. Ugh. Wish they'd just gotten a stupid tank."
And another comment about Snow HISS tanks and outfitting SAW Vipers with arctic gear.
It looks like Monkeywrench is beginning to arrive. He's in stock at WM.com now, so hopefully that means EE will be getting him in the next week or so and can fulfill my PO another week or so after that.
As tempting as it is, I'm not gonna play the buy it and return it game with them this time. Nobody wins (except maybe the guy who finds it heavily discounted in the clearance aisle) when they ship it in an envelope and it gets crushed and returned anyway. They'd have to have a massive margin to offset the cost of bagging, (quick) shipping and then taking the hit on the discount. Maybe they break even.
It really is a game in itself to try to PO these from the right place to get them at normal retail cost as early as possible. I'd still be ahead of the game had WM not cancelled my PO with BACC and MW instead of just letting it ride until the stuff did show up. I cancelled the other POs I had with them when stuff showed up sooner elsewhere, but they lost this one, despite being ahead of most.
I'm seeing a lot of teeth gnashing over other POs being cancelled by them as well (though I have a hard time feeling sorry for anyone missing out on Crystal Ball
). I swear their handling of CS has been such an unnecessary loser for them throughout though. I'm so glad that, in general, Hasbro has only given them the marginal repaints and peg warmers as exclusives for the most part. I'd be very frustrated if they had been super cool exclusives.
As tempting as it is, I'm not gonna play the buy it and return it game with them this time. Nobody wins (except maybe the guy who finds it heavily discounted in the clearance aisle) when they ship it in an envelope and it gets crushed and returned anyway. They'd have to have a massive margin to offset the cost of bagging, (quick) shipping and then taking the hit on the discount. Maybe they break even.
It really is a game in itself to try to PO these from the right place to get them at normal retail cost as early as possible. I'd still be ahead of the game had WM not cancelled my PO with BACC and MW instead of just letting it ride until the stuff did show up. I cancelled the other POs I had with them when stuff showed up sooner elsewhere, but they lost this one, despite being ahead of most.
I'm seeing a lot of teeth gnashing over other POs being cancelled by them as well (though I have a hard time feeling sorry for anyone missing out on Crystal Ball
). I swear their handling of CS has been such an unnecessary loser for them throughout though. I'm so glad that, in general, Hasbro has only given them the marginal repaints and peg warmers as exclusives for the most part. I'd be very frustrated if they had been super cool exclusives.
Amazon's still showing BACC as 9/15 and MW as 10/2. They'll probably both come early, but I've waited this long, so a few more weeks won't kill me. Only reason I'd switch is if DD got them in stock and offered a coupon code at the same time.
Also, got my Rattler on Monday, still haven't opened it up yet. Probably this weekend. With the boy off at college, my weekends are likely going to have more time to kill.
Also, got my Rattler on Monday, still haven't opened it up yet. Probably this weekend. With the boy off at college, my weekends are likely going to have more time to kill.
MW went right out of stock too. It'll be interesting to see if he keeps going in and out like BACC has for WM.
EE has been a little frustrating with my order too. The TB/TV took a minute to ship, and at the time I was hoping it was because they were going to bundle BACC with it. Nope. Then, after he came into stock, it still took them a few more days to ship, via the ever dreaded UPS/USPS combo (slow boat) method. So I am finally supposed to get the TB tomorrow and BACC next Tuesday... if USPS doesn't drop the ball, like they usually do.
I'm not super impatient, but it does always boggle me how some youtubers get ahold of stuff so far ahead of all us normies. Some figs are worse than others, but sometimes you gotta scratch your head how they can be months ahead. I suppose part of it was SDCC, as I think Hasbro brought some product to sell directly there, but other times it just seems like a mystery how early they get stuff.
EE has been a little frustrating with my order too. The TB/TV took a minute to ship, and at the time I was hoping it was because they were going to bundle BACC with it. Nope. Then, after he came into stock, it still took them a few more days to ship, via the ever dreaded UPS/USPS combo (slow boat) method. So I am finally supposed to get the TB tomorrow and BACC next Tuesday... if USPS doesn't drop the ball, like they usually do.
I'm not super impatient, but it does always boggle me how some youtubers get ahold of stuff so far ahead of all us normies. Some figs are worse than others, but sometimes you gotta scratch your head how they can be months ahead. I suppose part of it was SDCC, as I think Hasbro brought some product to sell directly there, but other times it just seems like a mystery how early they get stuff.
I got a lone retro Televiper and retro CoverGirl from BBTS today. They put some other stuff on top of them in the box, so they were totally crushed, but I've got others on order from Amazon, so today's will clearly be openers.
I don't understand either how some reviewers are so far ahead, but I suspect some of them are on the perk-circuit with manufacturers, and some are just on the west coast where everything shows up in stores three weeks before e-tailers and my local b&m.
I don't understand either how some reviewers are so far ahead, but I suspect some of them are on the perk-circuit with manufacturers, and some are just on the west coast where everything shows up in stores three weeks before e-tailers and my local b&m.
Years ago there was a guy that had GI joe 25th Quin for over a year before he was ever released. Put him in a ton of photos, always made the regulars mad.
I do remember over on the 'stank that there was at least one guy who found a way to get ahold of prototypes and such. I think I would understand that happening early, but some of these folks have the full, finished product weeks ahead. Maybe it is just a distribution thing, because it doesn't seem to be every fig.
It's good that rTV and rCG are showing up too! Hopefully DD is next to get those. Once those are in hand, I'll start turning attention to the good ones from the next batch, and PO'ing them from one of the retailers not jacking up the prices (looking at you, WM and AMZ
).
It's good that rTV and rCG are showing up too! Hopefully DD is next to get those. Once those are in hand, I'll start turning attention to the good ones from the next batch, and PO'ing them from one of the retailers not jacking up the prices (looking at you, WM and AMZ
).
Speaking of Tele-Vipers, my TB/TV finally came today. I immediately put TV in the gunner seat in the Rattler. He looks great there and fits the part with the full mask and it nicely hides his weird black spandex arms. As cool an idea as a dedicated gunner fig was, he's easily the weakest of the Haslab, and I will do just fine without him.
I also paid $10 (plus shipping) more than my upper limit, but have Wild Weasel on order. He'll officially be my most expensive fig by far, but I've got some OT coming up anyway and he's worth it. He's always been my favorite pilot and seriously, what's more bad@$$ than a ground attack pilot who wears a red flight suit and helmet, so there's no blending in or getting away if he gets shot down?
Anyway, can't wait until he arrives and the better-late-than-never Rattler will be complete!
I also paid $10 (plus shipping) more than my upper limit, but have Wild Weasel on order. He'll officially be my most expensive fig by far, but I've got some OT coming up anyway and he's worth it. He's always been my favorite pilot and seriously, what's more bad@$$ than a ground attack pilot who wears a red flight suit and helmet, so there's no blending in or getting away if he gets shot down?
Anyway, can't wait until he arrives and the better-late-than-never Rattler will be complete!
Awesome! Love the pics! It’s a serious upgrade, but I am slightly torn though, as the tires really do change the look, as you had mentioned. I think I just need to embrace the improvements and let it grow on me.
Maybe Hasbro will take note of what GI is doing, get on their horse and get that Mk II going!
Maybe Hasbro will take note of what GI is doing, get on their horse and get that Mk II going!
Looks like my MW is processing at EE. If accurate, that means he’ll get shipped next week and here the following, probably when I’m out of pocket (naturally). At least WW and BACC are due the first part of this week.
No movement yet on Dial-Tone, but I did see that a notable YT personality just got his recently, so he’s hopefully making his way back to the US, finally.
As for rTV, rCG and Budo, they just keep moving the expected date back at DD. One of these days at least the first two should come into stock, particularly since BBTS has popped the cork. Taking their sweet time though…
No movement yet on Dial-Tone, but I did see that a notable YT personality just got his recently, so he’s hopefully making his way back to the US, finally.
As for rTV, rCG and Budo, they just keep moving the expected date back at DD. One of these days at least the first two should come into stock, particularly since BBTS has popped the cork. Taking their sweet time though…
I finally stumbled upon the big WM display when I was at a WM far away today. No CBs, but I did get the ugly night force Beachhead/Quick-Kick duo (I have a soft spot for BH's ugly deco). My preorder still sitting unfilled as I find them in store... 
And I also grabbed a Legacy firefighter, as it's just a repainted SnowJob and seemed like a solid base for arctic SE from Marvel #2. I'll likely grab more down the road as they will certainly go on clearance around black friday.
And I also grabbed a Legacy firefighter, as it's just a repainted SnowJob and seemed like a solid base for arctic SE from Marvel #2. I'll likely grab more down the road as they will certainly go on clearance around black friday.
Finally got WW yesterday and was able to open him and BACC. Wow! Both of them are great figs, and two of my all time favorites.
Wild Weasel has taken his place in the cockpit and now my Rattler is complete. Truly the best offering from the line so far in my opinion and one of the, if not the best vehicle in the franchise ever. And, as a fig, he definitely does justice to the original in every way. While I won’t be using them, the battle damaged helmet and visor are a nice iconic comic nod as well. Kudos are well deserved. Hasbro got this one right all around.
As for BACC, he’s superseded his previous version and taken his place leading, or shall I say “pointing the way” for his minions. He’s also an excellent new version of the classic and very well done. I chickened out on the snake eyes (pardon the pun) version and went conventional. Anything related to the “once a man” storyline in not really welcome in my collection. But he looks awesome and I’m happy to finally have him.
And I got my shipping notices for MW! Supposed to arrive next week, naturally. At least I’ll be home not long after he arrives to finally get him added to the pack. Here’s hoping others aren’t far behind!
Wild Weasel has taken his place in the cockpit and now my Rattler is complete. Truly the best offering from the line so far in my opinion and one of the, if not the best vehicle in the franchise ever. And, as a fig, he definitely does justice to the original in every way. While I won’t be using them, the battle damaged helmet and visor are a nice iconic comic nod as well. Kudos are well deserved. Hasbro got this one right all around.
As for BACC, he’s superseded his previous version and taken his place leading, or shall I say “pointing the way” for his minions. He’s also an excellent new version of the classic and very well done. I chickened out on the snake eyes (pardon the pun) version and went conventional. Anything related to the “once a man” storyline in not really welcome in my collection. But he looks awesome and I’m happy to finally have him.
And I got my shipping notices for MW! Supposed to arrive next week, naturally. At least I’ll be home not long after he arrives to finally get him added to the pack. Here’s hoping others aren’t far behind!
I also went ahead and PO'ed Sci-Fi and Camo Range-Viper at EE today. Got them locked in at the regular price, with a store that has been pretty on point lately, delivering pretty early when figs drop, and with actual protective packaging for shipping, unlike some other *cough* Walmart *cough* stores. Those two I am most eager to have, moreso than the others in the wave.
Mainframe can wait until he drops at DD, where I know I can get free shipping on a single fig and/or get a coupon if I end up buying more than one anyway. That brings me to Wet-Suit. I really can't get excited for a (SEAL or otherwise) diver in a bright suit that doesn't even come with a decent primary weapon. They should have just called home a rescue diver or something, even back in the OG days. He'll have to be discounted heavily, if I get him at all.
Mainframe can wait until he drops at DD, where I know I can get free shipping on a single fig and/or get a coupon if I end up buying more than one anyway. That brings me to Wet-Suit. I really can't get excited for a (SEAL or otherwise) diver in a bright suit that doesn't even come with a decent primary weapon. They should have just called home a rescue diver or something, even back in the OG days. He'll have to be discounted heavily, if I get him at all.
I'm surprised you went for the camo Range Viper. He's sufficiently creepy, but he hits zero nostalgia buttons. I like the first range viper ok, but the new one will have get hella cheap for me to notice.
It's like we've switched places!
It's like we've switched places!
So I think maybe the cRV has three things going for it that got me hooked. First, I never had any version of the original, so don't have nostalgia for the fig or the character in its original colors. He came out past when I was heavily collecting, and frankly was a little weird and out there for me at the time.
Second, the original CS release of the RV as a WM exclusive was botched to the point of it being nearly impossible to get one for retail, so I never did. The next one was the Pulse exclusive 788, packaged in a set of 3, also a high cost of entry to get one. Plus meh colors. So this one should be the most accessible of the lot.
And third, they actually made him more combat ready. Save for Firefly in an urban environment, he'll literally be the most camouflaged Cobra to date. And he just looks cool! Skull mask and "brain" helmet is a little out there, but if you chalk it up to "inducing terror," it kind of makes sense...
Did I mention he looks cool?
Edit: Honorable mention - he's the only Cobra in this wave, and I need more Cobras!
Second, the original CS release of the RV as a WM exclusive was botched to the point of it being nearly impossible to get one for retail, so I never did. The next one was the Pulse exclusive 788, packaged in a set of 3, also a high cost of entry to get one. Plus meh colors. So this one should be the most accessible of the lot.
And third, they actually made him more combat ready. Save for Firefly in an urban environment, he'll literally be the most camouflaged Cobra to date. And he just looks cool! Skull mask and "brain" helmet is a little out there, but if you chalk it up to "inducing terror," it kind of makes sense...
Did I mention he looks cool?Edit: Honorable mention - he's the only Cobra in this wave, and I need more Cobras!
DD just sent out their latest coupon "GRILL" for 15% off in-stock stuff. They have Monkeywrench, so that's another few figures that AMZ and HP have lost out on. Can't beat getting new stuff at a discount.
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Hey guys, thanks for accepting me. The above is a few shots of my current collection. Yes, I felt that Duke needed some body armor, so I ordered some off eBay and painted them up. The colors are Tamiya Khaki and Testors Dark green drab.
I also gave Duke an upgrade using a Vala modern helmet and armor kit that nacho hooked me up with. Great minds think alike and all that! I think there‘s a pic somewhere way back in the thread. I’ve done a fair amount of upgrading and modernizing of my CS joes as well, and have posted pics of most.
Welcome aboard!
I think there‘s a pic somewhere way back in the thread. I’ve done a fair amount of upgrading and modernizing of my CS joes as well, and have posted pics of most.Welcome aboard!
With Gridiron Studios G36/40mm launcher
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As much as I kinda like the FH Skyhawk's winged configuration, it just wasn't classic enough for me, so I had to do the conversion. It almost looked weird in the ARAH configuration at first, but I'm glad I did it.
Word of warning, getting the engine connection covers on there is brutal, as you'll definitely think you're going to break something, but they will eventually snap on. But also, once you do it, you'll swear to never do it again. There is no easily converting it back and forth. Once and you're done.
Oh, I've noticed. When I first assembled it, I forgot to put the middle piece in there, so the engines wouldn't ratchet. I got it fixed, obviously. As for myself I like updating from the ARAH variants if feasible.
More pics. And yeah, I like the new Heavy Duty. BTW, if y'all are wondering why I have a lot of focus on Duke, it's because he's native to "the Lou" (StL, MO)
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Nothing wrong with that. I always liked Breaker a little extra because he is from Gatlinburg.
It was a nice little touch they added to the file cards. The only thing that bugged me was the staggering number of Joes from RI. I know that was Hasbro's corporate location, but it felt a little pandering for 20% of the team to be from the nation's smallest state.
Can't say I'm surprised, but it kinda sucks. I've already essentially quit buying Black Series, and my Marvel Legends purchases have slowed to a trickle compared to years past. But I'm bummed that it's coming to Joe too.
Requiring Joe to match BS & ML price points always feels artificial since Joe doesn't have the huge Disney license fees of those other franchises. Sure, Joe generally gets more accessories, but not enough to cost the same to produce as a licensed franchise figure. So the margins on Joe almost have to be higher... thus it feels more gouge-y on Joe every time.
But it is what it is. I don't know if my buying habits will change a lot, but I might get pickier or buy less multiples of troop builders or extras for the photo booth. My disposable income isn't increasing 12%, so by definition, something will take the hit, just don't know in what form that will take.
Requiring Joe to match BS & ML price points always feels artificial since Joe doesn't have the huge Disney license fees of those other franchises. Sure, Joe generally gets more accessories, but not enough to cost the same to produce as a licensed franchise figure. So the margins on Joe almost have to be higher... thus it feels more gouge-y on Joe every time.
But it is what it is. I don't know if my buying habits will change a lot, but I might get pickier or buy less multiples of troop builders or extras for the photo booth. My disposable income isn't increasing 12%, so by definition, something will take the hit, just don't know in what form that will take.
Well, it‘s not surprising or unexpected really. WM and AMZ had theirs marked up for the next wave already anyway. I got them PO’ed at the lower price with EE. I‘m not sure if EE has a low price guarantee or not. If they raise them between now and delivery, I’ll have to cancel and see about getting them from DD with a coupon when the come into stock. I‘m already pretty selective on what I buy (most of the time ), but will have to be even more so when the unit price approaches $30.
At least we’ve already gotten just about all the a absolute essential figs already.
), but will have to be even more so when the unit price approaches $30.At least we’ve already gotten just about all the a absolute essential figs already.
Inflation and tariffs are worse than I thought. I can only imagine what the "Fall Geek-Out" Joe offering will cost in a week or two.
