TOY NEWS FOR 2/9/2013 - HASBRO - GI JOE: RETALIATION - OFFICIAL PICTURES

TOY FAIR COVERAGE 2013!!!

Some new stuff and some old stuff was shown to this year's upcoming GI Joe products.

The original GI Joe A Real American Hero is my favorite toy line of all time, and I've really loved most of the 25th Anniversary style re-makes of the original characters-- especially the more recent one which were some of the best 3.75" figure ever made.

I'm glad to see that they're still pushing a few classic character in their original costumes through the line.

The Blind Master

If you're wondering who the hell this guy is, he's actually from the original GI Joe comic books. Of course in the books, he's Japanese and chubby, but I guess when you want to attach a recognizable name to a small role, you have to make some changes to the character.

The Soft-Master was one of the Arashakage Masters who trained both Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow. I won't say more than that because this character (in the comics, at least) is the catalyst of some important plot points.

 Budo Samurai Warrior

I have no idea who this guy is in the movie. The original Budo was part of the GI Joe team as was released in 1988. I assume that he has nothing to do with that character and probably just used the name to give a GI Joe connection to him.
 

 Crimson Guard

This is kind of weak "official pic" since it doesn't show any of his accessories. 
 

 Cobra Combat Ninja

I'm guessing that he's just some made up character used to fill out the line.
 

 Cobra Cyber Ninja

Again, another made-up character simply to sell a figure made of already existing parts. An obvious "cash in" figure.

 

Cobra Data-Viper

This is very cool. This was a completely newly sculpted figure that was originally planned as part of the 30th Ann line but was cancelled. Hasbro said that they hoped to eventually find a home for the figure and it looks like they finally did!

Joe Colton

If you think this character is kinda cheesey, well you're probably right. But, Col. Joseph Colton was established in GI Joe lore as the "original" GI Joe. The founder and first member of the team.

The original Joe Colton was based on the Green Beret figure from the original 60's GI Joe line. He was the "soldier's soldier". I don't think that the wise-cracking Willis really fits that mold very well, but Willis plays the same exact character in almost every movie-- he just plays "Bruce Willis".

In regards to the figure, the likeness actually looks pretty good here. Hopefully it will translate to the final figure as well. 

Kim "Jinx" Arashikage

Again, a sucky "official pic" as it shows none of her accessories. And it would have been nicer to see her in red rather than yellow. I think we've seen enough nods to Bruce Lee in Game of Death that we can now forgo any more martial artist characters in the obligatory yellow outfit.

Kwinn

Again, this is a figure that was shown years ago, but Hasbro was never able to find him a home.

So who is Kwinn? Well, he's not a movie character. He's actually from two very memorable appearances in the comic books, and is an old acquaintance of Snake Eyes. 

This Eskimo had a bad attitude, but a fierce loyalty to Snake Eyes. He helped Snake Eyes, Scarlett, Stalker and Breaker on a mission in Antarctica in issue #3 of the comic series.

Lady Jaye

Always good to have another female character added to the Joe roster. She doesn't have any real resemblance to the original Lady Jay, but hey, at least  Adrianne Palicki is hot.

Cobra Night-Viper

This figure is awesome-- but, again, this pic sucks. It shows none of his awesomeness, which is mainly his weapons and helmet with scope!

As one of the more popular "army builder" figures from the original line, it's so great to see Hasbro bringing him out in a modern style!

Cobra Alley Viper

This is obviously (and would be more obvious if he had his gear on) another re-release of the Ally Viper from the exclusive 7-pack from years ago. 

Again, another "cash-in" figure to fill out the line and bring in a few extra bucks.

"Ultimate" Cobra Commander

Now we're getting to the good stuff.

 Hasbro! More like this please! This will be a great replacement for the original 25th Ann Cobra Commander who-- while good-- suffered from that long, gangly look that most of the early 25th figures had. Over the years, they really perfected the design, articulation and proportions of their modern 3.75" Joes, so a lot of the originals could use a re-make.

It looks like the "Ultimate" figures will also come with some sort of larger sized weapon/vehicle. What's really cool with this Cobra Commander is that he comes with both hooded and helmeted heads!

"Ultimate" Duke

A much better Duke than the original Series 1 retail version.

" Ultimate" Firefly

I think that Hasbro missed a great opportunity here. The "Ultimate" Firefly should have been the one from the new three-pack that looks like the original 80's Firefly. The could have given him all his original gear plus a ton of other saboteur accessories. Oh, well.

"Ultimate" Flint

No Flint can be called "Ultimate" unless he's wearing his black beret!

"Ultimate" Roadblock

The Rock as Roadblock... I'm still having a hard time accepting that.

"Ultimate" Storm Shadow

This figure makes me very, very happy. Especially since he's being released at the same time as the figure below... 

And don't worry, even though it's not shown, he comes with his quiver and bow as well as his swords.

"Ultimate" Snake Eyes

This was the ultimate Snake Eyes to most fans even before Hasbro made him the "Ultimate" Snake Eyes. Collectors almost unanimously agree that Snake Eyes v.2 (if you got by the originals) is the definitive version of Snake Eyes. This is when he went from being a simple "Commando" to a Ninja! And his wolf "Timber" was just the icing on the cake!

Hasbro deserves a huge thank you from the fans for finally giving this version of Snake Eyes the full treatment that he's always deserved in the modern line.

Ghost Hawk II

HISS Tank w/Cobra Commander 

Ninja Combat Cruiser w/Driver 

 Ninja Commando Vehicle

 Tread Ripper w/Clutch

Tomahawk w/Lift Ticket

Other than the classic "Ultimate" figures, this was probably my favorite GI Joe reveal of Toy Fair. It had been rumored for a few weeks, but seeing it confirmed here in all its awesomeness take me back to 1986 when I always wanted this vehicle, but never had it. I won't miss out this time, that's for sure!