GI Joe Movie Toys

[Maradona]

I'm missing half of the DG Joe first wave. I need Storm Shadow, the Cobra Trooper, and Duke. The other three were purchased all the way up in Bakersfield. Quite a drive...

[figrin bran]

The SDCC exclusives sold out within 3 minutes this morning on HTS!

Who would ever have thought that waking up at 5 am to get in line for HTS at SDCC at 6 am and then waiting 2.5 hours would be much easier????

[El Chuxter]

I see that as God's way of saying, "Dude, you didn't need a HISS painted like Shockwave."

I still think the SDCC exclusives should be exclusive, but not something that creates a hole in someone's collection. If there's an original sculpt, it should be released in different packaging at some point.

[figrin bran]

Ha! I actually did have a Shockwave HISS for a fleeting moment and then I let Maradona have it at cost.

It is getting to be a sad situation with HTS and SDCC each year what with collectors, fans not being able to get desired items for their collections. The amount of "profiteering" and "flipping" of exclusives seems to be getting more and more rampant. In just one day at the con, I saw so many people carrying multiple Helicarriers, Bruticus and what not. And every now and then you'll hear one of these guys boasting that their purchases are subsidizing their trips and hotel stays.

Anyhow back to the toys themselves, I opened up both Jinxes and while they're otherwise outstanding figures, they have one flaw (2 in the case of the white variant). Her neck area should be covered up more like the vintage ARAH. White Jinx has the additional flaw of the sword sheath backpack and her hair restricting the poseability of her head.

Also it's a shame this figure won't be widely available until next year an even then it'll be in yellow, as it's a great mold for unmasked female ninja customs...I've kit bashed on the heads of Ren Scarlet and Avengers Black Widow and both fit perfectly.

[El Chuxter]

I wanted the HISS, but not for that price. I'm just not sure that I would've had the willpower to pass if HTS had it available. lol

As it is, I can tell myself that the Starscream Skystriker was a nice one-off piece.

(Doesn't hurt that they're using a continuation of the Marvel numbering for these sets. Shockwave screwed over Cobra and tried to destroy the Earth. Destro ain't down with that.)

[figrin bran]

I may not be able to pass up next year's Joe/TF crossover exclusive...Hound VAMP?? Ratchet or Ironhide repaint of the Retailiation Ninja Combat Cruiser? Rattler Powerglide? (Just tossing a bunch of ideas out there)

[Maradona]

I may not be able to pass up next year's Joe/TF crossover exclusive...Hound VAMP?? Ratchet or Ironhide repaint of the Retailiation Ninja Combat Cruiser? Rattler Powerglide? (Just tossing a bunch of ideas out there)

A dream combo: Defiant Shuttle & Complex/Sky Linx or Whale/Sea Spray. The Combaticons would be an obvious choice, but I doubt they're ever coming.

[RooJay]

Clearly Hasbro isn't producing enough product. They've been having so much financial trouble lately, from what I hear. Imagine if they'd made enough for everyone who wanted one to have a chance!

[Maradona]

Funniest GI Joe related headline ever:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/destro-confirms-roma-agreement-soap-234500178--sow.html

[El Chuxter]

I've noticed that there are no Joes at any stores near me anymore except TRU, aside from the odd Snake Eyes mask.

[Maradona]

I found an Iron Grenadier at a Rite Aid two days ago. A nearby Walgreens has had an Alley Viper sitting there for almost a week.

[Maradona]

"Today will be a day long remembered. It has seen the [end of my life without a USS Flagg], and will soon see the end of [my leisure time for a while as I put it together]." Today, I received the grail of many an 80s kid: the Flagg. I have waited 26+ years since I first saw it. I have dreamed, literally dreamed, of owning it over the years. Unless I use it for a coffee table, this will reside in my classroom, once it gets put together. Sadly, I've got too many essays to finish grading to justify building it tonight, though. That classroom is going to be pretty full this fall...

[RooJay]

Wicked awesome! Can I ask how much? I recently purchased a complete, mint condition vintage Death Star playset from a co-worker, realizing one of my own lifelong dreams! The Flagg is my next grail!

[JediTricks]

"Today will be a day long remembered. It has seen the [end of my life without a USS Flagg], and will soon see the end of [my leisure time for a while as I put it together]." Today, I received the grail of many an 80s kid: the Flagg. I have waited 26+ years since I first saw it. I have dreamed, literally dreamed, of owning it over the years. Unless I use it for a coffee table, this will reside in my classroom, once it gets put together. Sadly, I've got too many essays to finish grading to justify building it tonight, though. That classroom is going to be pretty full this fall...
THEN USE IT AS A COFFEE TABLE!!! :D I would suggest getting a long glass or plexi table that the Flagg can fit under, totally better than grubby kid hands and the sun beating down on it.

Congrats on the get though (although I'd argue the Defiant space vehicle launch complex is cooler :p).

[Maradona]

THEN USE IT AS A COFFEE TABLE!!! :D I would suggest getting a long glass or plexi table that the Flagg can fit under, totally better than grubby kid hands and the sun beating down on it.

Congrats on the get though (although I'd argue the Defiant space vehicle launch complex is cooler :p).

Thank you. I wanted the kids to both enjoy it and see how good they NEVER will have it as kids. I have a series of three file cabinets that I was thinking of placing this on top of, high enough away from most hands. I know I'll display it during the holidays for sure, but I have to decide if it is wise to keep it up in the exact same position for longer periods of time. And I agree that the Defiant was far more exciting. Back in the early days of eBay (circa 98-99), I bought the shuttle and launch complex for $40. It was just a shell, but HUGE. Sadly, I lost it in a move. It's next on my BIG list, along with the Eternia playset. At this rate, though, I don't think I'll be purchasing them this decade. I got a very decent deal, I think, $730 shipped. I have to construct it, but cannot bring myself to begin. It's strange. I've wanted it so long and now am not jumping on it. I had an excuse last night, since I had so much grading to finish. But tonight, no such barrier.

And sure enough, the GI Joe episode that is on the Hub tonight is "Raise the Flagg." Fitting...

[El Chuxter]

FYI: Today at Big Lots, I saw the Transformers Legends I'd previously only seen at Dollar General. So (although I obviously can't swear the Joes will be found at other places) it might be worthwhile to start checking stores other than DG.

[Maradona]

FYI: Today at Big Lots, I saw the Transformers Legends I'd previously only seen at Dollar General. So (although I obviously can't swear the Joes will be found at other places) it might be worthwhile to start checking stores other than DG.

Few things would make me happier...

[El Chuxter]

Hopefully more good news--the TRU in Moreno Valley had an absurd amount of Pursuit of Cobra stuff today. Some was Renegades stuff that's been there for months, but most was new. Well, sort of. It was a large number of the first couple of waves, or at least the desirable figures from those waves. I saw Firefly, Alley Viper, Shock Trooper, and all three Snake Eyes. At $10, I didn't want to build up my armies, but I'm hoping this means some of the later stuff is still clogged somewhere in the pipeline and will eventually see the light of day.

[Maradona]

I'd love to get another Firefly or three and maybe a few more Shock Troops. Why must Moreno Valley be so far...

[JediTricks]

Remember back in 2011 when I asked the Kre-O team during Botcon whether they'd be moving the brand into new licenses, especially GI Joe, and they gave me a positive response? Then nothing nothing nothing new as other Kre-O brands came up? NYCC just showed these:
http://photos.actionfigs.com/g6602-kre-o.html
Hasbro photos: http://cooltoyreview.com/story/front/NYCC_Hasbro_Reveals_GI_Joe_KreO_Collection_148400. asp
I knew this was going to work better than Transformers. Look at those sets from the '80s, they did a a little Water Moccasin and the Flight Pod and other classic ones, plus a few new designs I think. If they can keep the price right, I can see kids gravitating to these, and classic collectors going in for the Kreons.

[El Chuxter]

I'm considering those pretty hard, even having heard from multiple people that Kre-O is junk. Those figures look awesome!

[Maradona]

I've avoided going down the Lego (and now Kreo) pathway to poverty thus far in my collecting, but it's becoming ever-increasingly difficult. I may say now that I don't think I'll pick any of them up, but that could change once I see them up close.

[JediTricks]

I'm considering those pretty hard, even having heard from multiple people that Kre-O is junk. Those figures look awesome!The Kre-O sets I tried at Botcon were ok, they were more Mega Bloks than LEGO quality but they weren't worse than Mega Bloks and they didn't cost more than them either.

[figrin bran]

Kre-O aren't the same quality as Lego (and even then, Lego's mystery minifigs are a cheaper grade plastic than what you get in the boxed sets) but aren't exactly junk either. That being said, I find the figs more appealing than the sets, though I'm sure I'll pick up Checkpoint Alpha for sure.

[El Chuxter]

I don't believe it myself, but I finally found "new" (2010) figures at Walgreens!!!

The WG in Beaumont had one each of the Jungle BAT and Cobra Commander. Thanks to Maradona scoring Shadow Tracker a while back for me, I now only need Crazylegs, Rock Viper, Temple Whatever Snake Eyes, and the POC version of the Iron Grenadier (the paint scheme is different enough for me to consider him a different figure from the 30th version). Not to be complete, but to have all the figures I want (that have been released, at least--I really want that Kwinn).

[Maradona]

Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid have been a boon to Joe collectors recently. I've been hoping that the POC and 30th waves hit Ross/Marshalls/TJ Maxx so I can affordably troop build. I don't feel like I did enough of that with several of those figures and I'd love some cheaply priced moneybags Destro, along with as many Fireflies as I can manage.

[figrin bran]

I've had zero luck with CVS but I found/bought a Jungle BAT at Walgreen's and 3 Cobra Troopers at Rite Aid (alas I didn't have enough cash on me for them all)

[El Chuxter]

Maybe I need to check CVS, too. I've passed on multiples of the army builders at this price. I'd love a bazillion of the Cobra Troopers, but I have a bazillion of the old ones, and, though this one's better, that's a massive expense.

Have Rock Viper and Snake Eyes been showing up anywhere? Someone told me all the "lost" figures were appearing except those, but they're on yojoe.com, so I assume they were released. (Okay, maybe Python Patrol Croc Master is "lost," too, but who cares? Anyone salivating at the prospect of paying $11 for that figure in a slightly different paint scheme?)

[Maradona]

(Okay, maybe Python Patrol Croc Master is "lost," too, but who cares? Anyone salivating at the prospect of paying $11 for that figure in a slightly different paint scheme?)

Drip, drip...

[El Chuxter]

Seriously? That was one of the weaker figures from that time, and he rotted at Marshalls for months. The paint differences are pretty minor, and the extra reptiles have all been released with figures who went on clearance.

I remember being excited when they announced a "new" Croc Master for the POC line, thinking, "That's got to be the crazy IDW version, because no way would they re-release that other figure. This means we might actually get figures of some of the other IDW characters who look way different from their classic versions, especially Crystal Ball."

Sadly, as you know, I was mistaken.

[Maradona]

I liked the idea of a red gator and the red get-up that Croc Master had. I'd buy one for $11. I suspect that whenever they do surface, they'll be the traditional $4.99 or $5.99 that Ross/Marshalls/TJ Maxx charges for Hasbro figures. Speaking of close out stores, I hope they start receiving the Dreadnoks/Marauders packs. I've been patient and may end up buying them from BBTS if they don't show up soon.

[El Chuxter]

Amazon marked the Renegades set down to $20.99, and they have a pretty sweet "$5 off $25" deal going on right now via Facebook. Yup, I bit this lure. $5 a figure is unheard of now, and this has one new and two semi-new figures.

Saw a Blowtorch at Rite-Aid this morning. While he was $14 ( :eek: ), this means these stores might be worth checking, too. I'm worried Blowtorch might become the closest thing to a "drugstore pegwarmer" we'll see out of these lost figures; I'm not willing to pay $11+ for an inferior repaint (extra accessories or not), and I imagine I'm not the only one who thinks this way.

BTW, has anyone actually seen Crazylegs, Rock Viper, or Snake Eyes at drugstores? They're on yojoe.com, so I assume they were released (and I've seen loose Crazylegses on eBay, so I know he was).

[Maradona]

I haven't seen the Crazylegs/Rock Viper wave, but I hope it shows up.

[figrin bran]

Other than the Jungle BATs I found earlier last week, I had no luck with Walgreen's sale. I even tried using the $4 coupon towards 2 TF Prime deluxes but got denied, although I did get BOGO 50% off on those.

No luck at CVS either and I went to at least 3 with no toy sections at all.

[El Chuxter]

Got the Renegades set in the mail today. Quite a sweet set; I rather love the packaging, surprisingly enough. This Snake Eyes looks much more awesome in person.

[figrin bran]

That was a really quick delivery on the Renegades set. Meanwhile, my copy of TDKR which had been preordered from Amazon didn't arrive until today!

[El Chuxter]

Not really. I have Prime, chose the 2-day shipping option, and ordered on Thursday afternoon. The damned thing didn't even ship until yesterday. So, yeah, quick on the actual transit (though the doofuses put the box in a planter).

[figrin bran]

Amazon Renegades and Retaliation sets have dropped in price to just $14.99 now.

[El Chuxter]

WTF?!? ARRRRRGH!!!!

(Thanks, software, for not allowing all caps.)

Might have to get another one at that price, y'know, to drown my sorrows over being shafted by five bucks. :D

[El Chuxter]

Back to $31 for the Renegades set. Wanted to wait a single frickin' day to get another gift card that should be coming, and it doubled in price. I swear, Amazon pricing fluctuates so much, it can be frustrating. Ah, well, at least I got one. Debating whether the Retaliation set (which is still $15, probably because it's less popular) would be worth it for custom fodder. Probably not, since two of the figures lack some articulation and they have very few accessories.

[El Chuxter]

Went by several Targets looking for after-Christmas clearance, and saw some Retaliation at all stores. Even items that had been clearanced were ringing up at full price (I was seriously hoping to get that ninja 3-pack for some insanely low price, but it was not to be). Methinks that they might have a home at Target and perhaps other stores with the next reset, since Hasbro's not bothering with a street date the second time around.

I'm just hoping and praying that Wave 5 makes it to retail. I needs me some of that new Crimson Guardsman.

[Maradona]

I concur about the latter waves making it to brick and mortar stores. They seem better put together than the first waves that hit. On the plus side, if they don't, Ross/Marshalls/TJ Maxx may be fruitful to go to again in about 15 months. I've been hoping more of the POC/30th would show up there, but it has yet to arrive, if it ever will.

[El Chuxter]

I wouldn't give up yet. This is the time of year that Ross (especially) and the others get their best stuff. TRU POC exclusive figures, Resolute 7-packs, etc, etc. It looks to me like they get the stuff for Christmas, but all the employees say, "Restock this mess so it'll be trashed in a few hours? F this," and it all goes out after Christmas. :D

As for the later waves, there's also the minor issue that, because of the delay, they've already revealed there are better versions of most of the Wave 1 figures coming out in Waves 3+, plus Waves 1-2 will be the first to hit. No one will want to buy, for instance, non-articulation reactor suit Duke or screwy hand Roadblock, and those figures could create a situation that makes Arctic Destro look like an amateur pegwarmer.

[El Chuxter]

Just read on another site that the Wave 2 Retaliation 3-packs are hitting some Targets (which isn't a big deal; there'll be plenty of those to go around).

But, more importantly, the Wave 2 Dollar General Discount Store Joes are hitting Marshall's, and for only $4.99. I definitely want Storm Shadow and will take all the Dukes and Cobra Troopers I can find, but am not too excited about the rest. (I might change my mind on Snake Eyes, depending on how he looks in person, but doubt it, especially with the second 3-pack Retaliation version being an homage to the same VvV figure.)

[Maradona]

I've read that and am on the lookout. Nothing yet, so far. $4.99 is the right price for me.

[El Chuxter]

I guess I forgot to mention it, but I found Snake Eyes 2 and Duke 2 at Marshalls in Palm Desert about a week ago. I wound up getting Snake Eyes. The color scheme is weird, but cool. No sightings yet of anyone else, and I've been hitting Marshalls every chance I get.

But the bigger news: HOLY CRAP, DID YOU SEE THE TOYFAIR IMAGES?!?!?

The "Ultimate" figures all look amazing. I hope they continue in that vein in the future. Data-Viper and Kwinn are finally getting a release, and look amazing. The Tomahawk is getting a full-on upgrade, and a new Lift-Ticket (who'll have to be content being someone else in my collection ;)) who has full articulation. Also, an unexpected vintage upgrade in Budo (who looks amazing, but so unlike the little we saw of Budo way back when that I'll use it as something else).

[Maradona]

I am very excited about the Toy Fair reveals. All the new stuff looks great. I want about 10 Budos.

I've only found Marshall's Snake Eyes and Duke. I need the other four if anyone finds extras. I'm also searching.

[El Chuxter]

I'll keep an eye open for you. You do want Cobra Commander? He's a pretty easy pass for me.

I think I said it, but I'm particularly looking for Storm Shadow T'Gin-Zu.

[RooJay]

I'm super excited about the new Joe stuff! Hopefully they actually make it to retail!

[El Chuxter]

Was out and about today, and found Flint, Firefly, Battle Kata Roadblock, Ninja Duel Snake Eyes, Sneak Attack (?) Storm Shadow, Lady Jaye, General Colton, Alley Viper, Black Dragon Dark ( :rolleyes: ) Ninja, and Cyber Ninja at Target in Temecula, CA. I got the last five and passed on the others (Roadblock, Snake Eyes, and Storm Shadow are destined clearance items, and the other two just suck, particularly in comparison to the scheduled "Ultimate" versions). Probably a good thing; Target in Moreno Valley had clearly put out the same things, but was sold out of all that I'd bought except Cyber Ninja (who I'm guessing someone didn't want because he's a Wraith repaint, albeit an excellent one).

No luck on the Discount Wave 2 at any of the Marshallses or TJ Maxxes I stopped by (nor at the Big Lots, Tuesday Mornings, and Rosses I checked, too, just in case).

[El Chuxter]

I've opened four of my five (I promised Chux Jr she could help with Lady Jaye) and, since I did it before, I'll grade them.

Dark Ninja
Basically yet another re-use of the Storm Shadow/Red Ninja mold. Unfortunately, they cheaped out a bit, and he doesn't have the rocker ankles, and only has a ball joint in one wrist. Aside from those gripes, the figure itself is perfect, and the two-toned grey-and-black scheme is gorgeous. He comes with four sets of claws (two of which are attached to the arms in-package), two swords (I'd say katana and wakizashi, based on the lengths, but neither is curved), a backpack, and this glider thingy. I haven't used the glider much (might re-use it for someone else), but it seems like it fits well, and actually looks pretty cool. The two claws he's wearing in-package are cool, but the other two are comically oversized. And his backpack doesn't fit hardly at all. I'm a bit torn. I have to consider the lack of articulation relative to the earlier Retaliation ninjas, and go with an A instead of the A+ he'd easily get otherwise.
(Also, the packaging shows a second head based on another Storm Shadow figure, but it's not included.)

Cyber Ninja
A partial repaint of the Wraith mold, with some changes. The head is new (online photos have shown the original Wraith head with the face painted to look like an African-American (rather like Marlon Wayans, to be honest)) and I don't recognize it. The legs are either new or re-used from another ninja figure. Curiously, he also cheaps out a bit, having the rocker ankles but not the ball-jointed wrists. He comes with the POC Firefly backpack, the same ninja swords and backpacks the Dark Ninja includes (in a different color scheme), two laser pistols, a laser rifle, and a silly zipline device in multiple parts. The Firefly backpack can hold the handle for his zipline and the two pistols, and the actual zipline itself can attach on the posts where Firefly's mines originally went. However, the zipline itself can't fit in the backpack (it's a bit too long, even without the other small accessories), and there's no accommodation for the scabbard backpack (though it can easily be jerry-rigged to fit in the side when the pack is closed). I really like the paint scheme on him, and, even with the accessory storage issue, he'd be an A+ with better wrist articulation. As it is, he's a solid A, and will be a nice commander to the Wraiths I use as advanced-model BATs since I thought that character was stupid.

Alley Viper
The mold is one we've seen before, but, well, it's awesome. We all know this. This time around, the Alley Viper is wearing a brighter red-and-grey color scheme. He comes with the Alley Viper webgear, two knives (one stores in the webgear, the other on his right wrist), the interlocking shield and billy club from earlier versions, the two-part armored helmet, and two machines guns (one from earlier AV's, the other new to this version, IIRC). He does lack a backpack, though, so at least one accessory has to be left in the cold. Oh, he also has some sort of action doohickey I didn't even bother with. (And, call me stupid, but the picture on the back finally clued me in to what the circular cutouts in the shield are for... duh.) Being a re-use of an older mold, he's lacking a little of the articulation, but I find it tough to hold that against him too much. I love Alley Vipers, and he deserves an A.

General Colton
I was pleasantly surprised upon opening Colton to find that he includes almost the full range of what was once standard articulation, missing only the rocker ankles (which aren't as big a deal to me on non-ninja figures). I thought he had the new one-part ankle joint. This makes John McClane a much better figure than I'd expected. (And, really, I imagine a lot of "classic" collectors are going to use this figure as John McClane, who joins celebrities like Sergeant Slaughter on the Joe team's reserves.) For collectors, he comes with a pistol, revolver, and shotgun. The only complaint I have about his collector-oriented weapons is that he has a detachable shoulder holster, which has a molded-in pistol almost exactly like the one he includes; it would've been nice to have this holster work to hold the third gun. For kids, he has the same neon orange laser rifle last year's Retaliation Duke includes, along with a quadruple rocket launcher that snaps onto it. For Colton (who appears to be a semi-retired older fellow from what previews have shown), it's ludicrous, but I have to admit it doesn't look too bad and I may find a home for it with someone else. The biggest issue is the way the suspenders are molded onto his chest, meaning they look ridiculous if you swivel him at the torso joint. The second biggest (and maybe only other) issue is the paint application on the face; he looks a bit crosseyed, and photos online seem to indicate this is a really common problem. Still, yippee-ki-ay, Cobra f***ers, this guy is an A-. (Had to be a little harsher because the suspender issue does make him look pretty goofy in many poses.)

Solid wave so far, and, with Jaye being a repaint of the awesome Renegades Scarlett figure, I expect her to be just as good.

[El Chuxter]

Am I the last person left to care?

In any case, I found both Wave 2 3-packs today. Reviews to follow at some point soon.

[JetsAndHeels]

I still care.

I want that Joe Colton. I can't find him anywhere.

[El Chuxter]

I'll keep my eyes open. Of that wave, I've only seen extras of Cyber Ninja so far.

[Maradona]

I haven't found any of the second wave yet, but your reviews reinforce my purchasing choices.

[RooJay]

I still care, and I'm glad this year's releases look so much better than last year! I found Colton along with Firefly, Alley Viper, Cyber Ninja, and Flint yesterday at Target. The likeness on Joe Colton is great, but the paint on the eyes kind of ruins it a bit. I think it's because it makes the eyes end up look a bit too wide. I'm thinking of trying to repaint mine. Firefly has odd, translucent forearms. I think it was intended that his motorized sled, or whatever it is, was supposed to cause his arms to glow when the light feature is activated for reasons that I can't fathom. He still looks pretty cool, and the vehicle is a nice touch.

[JetsAndHeels]

I still care.

I want that Joe Colton. I can't find him anywhere.

I found these guys on Monday. Picked up Colton, Cyber Ninja, and the Alley Viper. I'm quite happy with all 3, but still, there's something cool to be said about having a Bruce Willis figure. Now if I can track down the Sheriff of Nottingham figure from the Costner Robin Hood film, I can do some serious "Die Hard" toy scenes. :)

[figrin bran]

I picked up Lady Jaye, Alley Viper and Cyber Ninja at Target. Had to leave Colton behind because it was cross eyed.

[JediTricks]

I saw a Colton at Target, he was cross-eyed as well, darn inbred Bruce Willis action figures!

[El Chuxter]

May as well just get it, Figgy. I don't think non-cross-eyed Colton figures exist, and the chances of getting a better-painted re-release are probably nonexistent.

[figrin bran]

And now I can't find a Colton anywhere.

I picked up the Kreo Check Point Alpha a few weeks back and liked it enough to take advantage of TRU's Bogo sale on Kreo. Picked up 10 of the minifigures - Scarlett, Jinx, Torpedo, Quick Kick, Rock N' Roll, Cobra Ninja and extras of the Cobra Trooper and Alley Viper.

Quick Kick comes with a Fudgee bar, how awesome is that??

[El Chuxter]

I've seen everyone from Wave 3 at least once more, except for the Dark Ninja and Colton. The Cyber Ninja seems to be pretty unpopular.

Looks like TRU has exclusive Jurassic Park sets that include "new" figures that are kitbashes of G.I. Joe parts, and those are hitting. I can't imagine those are going to be super popular, even with the quasi-Joe figures.

[figrin bran]

I picked up both the Mouse and Firefly 3 packs. At $19.99, these are an outright bargain.

This Firefly is so great, I may not need the upcoming Ultimate version (if there is one).

[El Chuxter]

But, IIRC, doesn't Ultimate Firefly come with (FINALLY!) the mini-HISS Scout?

I noticed a lot of the "Ultimate" figures are unnecessary (Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow especially), but come with accessories that are worth the ten bucks.

[El Chuxter]

Wow! I just opened my Cobra set with Firefly, and he really is a sweet figure!

Two things I especially love about this set: First, Firefly comes with an extra knife and, since he uses the legs from the POC Cobra Trooper, and that figure was repainted into the Dollar General Cobra Officer (and Marshalls Cobra Trooper), who don't come with knives, my Cobra Officer doesn't have a naked sheath on his leg anymore. and, second, even if I would've liked a few more accessories, the "Cobra Shock Trooper Sergeant" (as I'm calling him) is a nice addition to my Shock Troopers and Alley Vipers. The parachute is nice enough that someone else will benefit from it. I'm guessing one of the ton of 25th Cobra Troopers I got cheap.

Still haven't opened the Mouse set, but, at $20, and likely to be cleared out simply because kids won't buy Joe stuff when the movie tanks, these are definitely the new go-to source for custom fodder and accessories.

[El Chuxter]

Saw the black VAMP (Ninja Crusher?) at the Redlands Target this morning, sitting behind six HISS Tanks. It had been retaped, like the one I saw before in Moreno Valley. I figured maybe that was the case with all of them and decided to get it. But I went to the bathroom first. In the two minutes that took, someone else picked it up. No joke. Get it immediately if you see it. :(

Also, has anyone else seen or heard anything about the Marshalls Joes? Or did they completely dry up?

[figrin bran]

I've seen that Ninja Combat Cruiser 3 times but didn't get around to buying one. I thought I read reports about a cheaper grade of plastic being used on it?

[JediTricks]

Seen a lot of the Ninja Combat Cruiser around here, only Target so far I think, maybe 1 TRU. It really doesn't look like a piece that I'd buy, mainly for the colorscheme but also the lack of a windshield and an opening door to the rear section - weird how little things affect buying habits. It is clever how they took the 30th Anniversary VAMP and made it into something new, although "Ninja Combat Cruiser" is a nonsense name for this piece if it's not going to be black with big red Arashikage stripes across it.

[El Chuxter]

I may be wrong about that one, but most of the vehicles are actually in the movie: the Night Landing, HISS, Ghost Hawk II, Water Moccasin (Fangboat), Firefly's motorcycle, the AWE Striker, the Tread Ripper. I don't remember seeing this, or the two Joe motorcycles.

I totally have my eye on getting a handful of those motorcycles when they're marked down to $3, I suspect by July. My only concern is the Night Landing looks like an amazing set (it includes a fully-articulated Eel update that actually might work as Torpedo if there's no Cobra logo actually painted on him, along with fifty gazillion weapons), but it's in a later wave of the same series, and it might be really, really tough to get if the cycles don't start moving.

[JediTricks]

The Tread Ripper is a cheat though because they simply retooled the HISS Scout rather than making the actual Tread Ripper in the film: http://www.howeandhowe.com/gi-joe-retaliation-ripsaw.html (check out their other stuff, reminds me of some of the early '80s Joe mini-vehicles and such).

But anyway, yeah, you're right that most of the vehicles are in the film and the Ninja Cruiser and those bikes aren't.

I kinda want the Firefly bike that shoots its wheel, but the bike in the movie is so vastly different and does a much cooler thing so I'm going to hold off.

[RooJay]

These are the Marshall's/Dollar General Joes, no?

http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HJA0423AA#.UXlpop_VO00

[El Chuxter]

Those are the Dollar General ones (Wave 1). Marshalls has been getting Wave 2, the repaints (blue Cobra Commander, blue Cobra Trooper, green-and-black Snake Eyes, orange Storm Shadow (essentially the vintage T'gin-Tzu figure under a different name), olive Shipwreck, and Duke who's a slightly greyer shade of olive).

Seeing multiple online merchants getting Wave 1, though, gives me hope for finding Wave 2 if Marshalls continues to have absolutely nothing around here. lol

[RooJay]

Those are the Dollar General ones (Wave 1). Marshalls has been getting Wave 2, the repaints (blue Cobra Commander, blue Cobra Trooper, green-and-black Snake Eyes, orange Storm Shadow (essentially the vintage T'gin-Tzu figure under a different name), olive Shipwreck, and Duke who's a slightly greyer shade of olive).

Seeing multiple online merchants getting Wave 1, though, gives me hope for finding Wave 2 if Marshalls continues to have absolutely nothing around here. lol

Got it! For some reason I was thinking they were all the same.