Leaky Suit Brigade

A Blog About All Things GI Joe

Category Archives: General Joe Stuff


by Leave a comment

Bounty/Reward For Chinese Figures and Vehicles

This is a little unorthodox and something that I will try for the first time and see what, if anything, comes from it. As you may know, my two focuses lately have been Chinese release items and Tiger Force items, with that in mind I am asking the community for assistance in finding the remaining figures I need. I am interested in only MOC figures. Vehicles can be loose, but must have the Chinese box. Anyway here is my want list along with prices I am offering to pay:

Snake Eyes v3 (1989): $600
Snake Eyes v4 (1990): $200
Metal-head: $150
Undertow: $150
Bullhorn: $150
Stretcher: $150
Static-line:$350
Barricade (not the Roadblock also released in China called Barricade, but the actual Barricade figure): $100

In addition to the figures, I am looking for any Chinese vehicles either MIB or loose with box that I do not currently have. The only vehicle that I am 100% sure was released in China that I do not own yet is the Sky Havoc. Other unconfirmed Chinese vehicles include the Mudfighter, Hammerhead, and BUGG. There are supposedly 30-40 Chinese vehicles. If you are willing to sell a vehicle that is Chinese release that is not listed below, I am absolutely interested in buying it.

Chinese vehicles I own:
Storm Eagle
Liquidator
Septic Tank
Eco Striker
Ninja Lightning
Desert Fox
Battle Ax
Pile Driver
Barracuda
Locust
Sky Sharc
Fang II
Paralyzer
Earthquake
Sky Raven
Tiger Fly
Tiger Sting
HISS II


by 12 Comments

Peculiar Unpunched MOC Cobra De Aco On Ebay – Fake? Help Me Decide

First off, I am not trying to piss anyone off or ruffle feathers, but I am sure they will get ruffed. There was an interesting thread on Hisstank last week that questioned the legitimacy of the MOC Cobra De Aco Unpunched on eBay. Immediately, several well known people in the community came to the defense of the seller as he himself is well known. I too am inclined to believe the seller. However, rather than blow off the OP’s comments, I took a look for myself. What is VERY interesting is the unique similarities in the MOC De Aco that is on eBay with another MOC De Aco that was supposedly sold by the same seller.  I will post what I find intriguing about the two cards and I would like to open it up for discussion.

First, the punch itself appears to be a brighter white than the rest of the card. Second, on the back of the punch, the hairline does not match up with the rest of the card (I could not find another unpunched Brazilian card to see if none of the hairlines match up). Third, both figures are in a very similar and unique position; both are bent over. Fourth, underneath the green tag there is a white tag (it is straight and rectangular, and not part of the green and rounded tag). Comparing the “unpunched” version to the “punched” version, the white tag underneath the green tag appears to be in the same location and angle on the card. Fifth, and along with the white tag underneath the green one, I find to very compelling is the same discoloration on the back of the card on the first “o” in Commandos. The discoloration even extends on to the “m” in both the unpunched and punched versions.  The discoloration appears to be  identical.  Sixth, the dent in the upper right corner of the accessory bubble is very similar.

The more I look at it, the more I think they are one and the same. I realize this is a touchy subject. However, I would ask everyone to examine the cards for yourself, setting aside preconceived notions, and let me know what you think.

Below are pictures to compare for yourself. (Note: I added red outline boxes to the areas of the card that I think are very similar. These pictures are available online on HT and Ebay for you to look at without the red boxes I added.)

Notice the white tag. Its position and alignment is similar to the unpunched version. Same or very similar figure position.

Notice the white tag. Its position and alignment is similar to the unpunched version. Same or very similar figure position. HT De Aco.

similar bubble crunch in top right corner of accessory bubble

similar bubble crunch in top right corner of accessory bubble. HT De Aco.

VERY similar and I would say unique discoloration on the first "o" extending to the "m" on both cards.

VERY similar and I would say unique discoloration on the first “o” extending to the “m” on both cards. HT De Aco.

Zoom in and you can clearly see a straight and rectangular white tag underneath the green tag. Same/similar figure position. Notice punch is brighter than rest of card. Ebay De Aco.

Zoom in and you can clearly see a straight and rectangular white tag underneath the green tag. Same/similar figure position. Notice punch is brighter than rest of card. Ebay De Aco.

Hairline does not matchup. Same or near identical unique discoloration on first "o" and extending to "m." Ebay De Aco.

Hairline does not matchup. Same or near identical unique discoloration on first “o” and extending to “m.” Ebay De Aco.

similar bubble crunch in accessory bubble. Ebay De Aco.

similar bubble crunch in accessory bubble. Ebay De Aco.


by 3 Comments

Balls of Steel

Well last night I took a huge risk and decided it was time to attempt to retore my Rednok (Red Baroness) from the Funskool/Complan Commando Force. When I first picked up the figure, she looked like she was beat with an ugly stick, so because Rednok and Funskool Baroness have an identical head I found one to swap out with. The first, problem or minor issue was coming to grips with opening up a MOC Funskool Baroness, but I got over that pretty quickly as Rednok is much more rare.

The real issue came when I attempted to unscrew the back screw… It was completely rusted out. It just crumbled when I put my precision screwdriver into it. At this point I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. I had an incredibly rare and expensive figure that sooner or later would have an O-ring shape and then I would be left with pieces of an incredibly rare and expensive figure. So, after going back and forth on the issue for awhile I decided to get out my Dremel and drill the screw-head off so I could open up the figure.

The nightmare scenario would have been drilling into the screw and pushing it right out her chest, effectively destroying the figure. After deciding I would live with the results I slowly and carefully drilled the screw-head off. Once that was accomplished her body came apart like any normal figure and I too the remaining part of the screw out with some pliers. Then I popped off the old head that had definitely seen better days and put on a mint as can be, fresh off the card head. I think it turned out great and was well worth the gamble. Rednok got the plastic surgery she always wanted and looks like a million bucks now on display!

Rednok Before

Rednok Before

Rednok After

Rednok After


by Leave a comment

JoeCon 2014 Convention Brochure Is Now Online!!!!

The G.I.Joe Collectors Club has posted the official brochure for the 2014 G.I.Joe Convention in Dallas, Texas! Many have asked What will this year’s box set be? Well, we finally have an answer…ZOMBIE HUNTERS! 

COBRA forces have acquired the “Compound Z” formula and have started testing it on their own soldiers. They believe by creating zombie warriors they can rule the World and turn its population into mindless creatures. G.I. JOE headquarters is split on how to handle the zombie affliction: save or eradicate?

GENERAL HAWK has formed two groups to solve this deadly problem. Who will be successful? Will it be the Zombie Hunters whose mission is to eradicate those infected or will it be the E.C.O. (Emergency Chemical Operations) Force trying to rescue and find an antidote for those afflicted? And, what about the team members who become zombies, are they a casualty of war? If too many are turned, who will be left to complete their mission? Only time will tell and it’s running out!

The 2014 G.I. JOE vs. COBRA convention set contains highly requested teams and some new additions available for the first time in the modern era 25A action figure style. This special edition set includes:

  • Zombie Hunters: Outback, T’J Bang, Steel Brigade Commander
  • E.C.O. Force: Flint, Ozone, Clean-Sweep
  • Cobra Lab-Rats x 2, Toxo-Vipers x3, Toxo-Zombies x3, and Repulsor with Dawg (NEW K-9).

Each of these great teams comes with classic weapons, accessories, figure stands and file cards in this exciting fifteen figure boxed set.

You can view the Brochure in it’s entirety over on the Official 2014 G.I.Joe Convention Page. Are you excited about the figures coming out way?

12″ Convention Offering – 

Codename: G.I. Joe

He is a legend. His adventures have spanned decades and he has touched the lives of millions. Serving his nation in time of conflict in uniform and out, he
became the basis of a force for good standing in the breach in the fight against evil. His birth name is Joseph Colton, but his Codename: G.I. Joe.

We have followed G.I. Joe through a series of exploits that took him from the brown boot army, to the founding member of the covert operations team. He has directed this team (which bears his codename) in their quest to face down Cobra’s bid for world domination. He IS the original real American Hero. Included in this 12” two figure set: Timeless Edition Vintage G.I.Joe figure: Tiger Stripe Camouflage Green Beret Jacket and Pants; Tall Black Boots; Green Beret; M-16; Ascot; .45 with Belt and Holster; Canteen with Canteen Cover; and Gold Tone Dog Tag. Timeless AT G.I. Joe figure: Black T-Shirt with AT sticker; Cargo Pants; Short Black Boots; Black Shoulder Holster with Label Revolver; Black Hunting Rifle; Tan belt with Canteen and cover; Duffel Bag featuring AT logo; Map with Map Case; Rope; and a Gold Tone AT Dog Tag.* In addition, to celebrate all ages of G.I. Joe, this set comes with a unique 3 3/4” Joseph Colton, G.I. Joe with Pistol and Club Action Figure Display System with 50th Anniversary backdrop. All of these items will be packaged together in a 50th Anniversary display box.

 

This year’s offerings are sure to generate a ton of conversation and hate. People are in a love/hate relationship with zombies (I love them) and the Club threw in an extra wrinkle with an exclusive 3 3/4 figure in with the 12 inch set. I will buy both. Especially since this will be the first JoeCon I attend in person!


by 1 Comment

Leaky Suit Brigade Anniversary Celebration

To celebrate Leaky Suit Brigade being a year old, I will be doing another figure give-away! I will give away a MINT 1983 Silver Pads Grand Slam GI Joe figure if I get at least 55 more likes on Facebook! In addition, you can follow the blog and/or follow me on twitter to get in on the action! So spread the word about the blog and hit the like button! Anyone who has already liked the page is also included in the drawing!

Image


by 1 Comment

Trick-or-Treating!

Well last night was Halloween and hours before kids came banging on my door, my wife picked me up a GI Joe Retaliation Storm Shadow costume! SO I put that on and then I hoped that a kid would recognize that I was more than just a ninja. I was surprised (though the fact that I was surprised is probably bad) that several kids knew who I was, and those were the kids who didn’t even wear another GI Joe costume! I kept track of all the Joe costumes that past my door and the final count was 4 Snake Eyes, one kid and I had an epic sword fight, and 1 other Storm Shadow! It was cool to see that GI Joe was not completely dead with young kids. I think this year’s movie helped with that. The costume that I saw the most of though was Spiderman. 


by Leave a comment

GI Joe Con Dates and Location Announced!

Well it’s becoming time to start anticipating next year’a Cons and what looks to be my first-ever in-person attendance at Joe Con.

Anyway, here is what the Club had to say:
“Hello everyone!

GI Joe’s 50th Birthday will be celebrated April 10-13 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas.

You can make your hotel reservations now by going to GIJoeCon.com. The room rate is $142 and they will require a one night’s deposit with your reservation. Don’t wait until the rooms are all gone!

This will be a grand celebration of the world’s first action figure! More details will be available in the coming weeks at GIJoeCon.com. Soon we will start posting the convention set details and we hope to have registration up by Thanksgiving (we are currently in the middle of a total re-write of the registration system to serve you better).

See you in Dallas!

Brian”

20131029-080000.jpg


by 3 Comments

After a LONG Break…. NEW JOES!

There will be several upcoming posts about new Joe acquisitions! For the first post, we have two items that actually might not be considered GI Joe. First, we have a Stargate All-Terrain Cruiser. Why did I buy this? Because it used the AWE Striker! I like hunting down and finding “Joe Toys” that aren’t actually Joe like the Bronze Bombers 12-pack and others. This is a perfect example. It is the basic AWE Striker in tan/brown with a rocket launcher on top. Fun and a cheap pick up. I am also trying to track down a couple other interesting non-Joe, Joe items. So hopefully I will have more to post soon. Second, we have an international offering from Argentina. It is a C.O.P.S. repackage of GI Joe Sorek. 

ImageImage


by 1 Comment

Huge International GI Joe Find!

It has been a popular topic on Hisstank for about a week now, but I figured I would cover it here as it is a significant find! A collector in Brazil came forward with a picture of 15 (YES 15) MOC Cobra De Aco figures! This effectively doubles the amount of known MOC De Aco. There was a lot of early speculation that the picture was photoshopped, but the owner also released several other pictures to verify it. In addition, 2 MOC De Aco have sold on eBay this week for OVER $4K each. The price shocked me as several previous examples have sold for $2,500-3,000. I also thought that news of double the amount of examples known would also effectively bring the price down, but it seems that there are some eager collectors out there that are willing to spend more than previous examples have sold for. I think the market for these will fluctuate quite a bit, especially if we see more of these go up for sale by the owner. 

Image


by Leave a comment

New Joes!

Well guys it has been a little slow around here on the GI Joe front. There has been a lack of quality international items on the market lately. In addition, since I only need about 22 vehicles for a full run of the US release Joes they are also VHTF. 

But I was able to pick up some very cool pieces! First up we have a MINT Funskool Clutch and mint Funskool Snow Job. The Clutch is the real prize as it is very tough to come by. I was also able to pick it up for a steal at $50! I have seen examples sell for more than $200! Second, we have the SDCC 2012 AND 2013 boxed sets! I hadn’t picked up the 2012 set yet and found it to be good timing to grab that along with the new 2013 SDCC GI Joe/Transformer exclusive. Third, I grabbed a GI Joe Funskool Stalker Jet! It is a largely unknown vehicle and kind of hard to find, though it doesn’t cost too much. It is basically the same as the Jet that was released as part of GI Joe Savage or Extreme (I forget because I try to block that time from my GI Joe memory). While here in the states the vehicle is not associated with ARAH, it IS in India. 

Image

 

Image

Image

Image