Cobra | Leaky Suit Brigade

February 12, 2015
by theleakysuitbrigade 7 Comments

Complete Set of the Funskool/Complan Commando Force Figures

I was recently able to complete the Funskool/Complan Commando Force figure set! These figures free/promotional figures, that were given away on the purchase of ‘Complan Chocolate Health Drink.’ It appears that they were carded as one file card for each of the figures has surfaced (except for the Blue/Yellow Firefly/Short Fuse figure). The last figure that I needed to fill out the roster was the Blue/Yellow Firefly/Short Fuse. I believe this is the first complete set in collectors’ hands. However, I know that more sets will be completed as I have confirmed 4 Canary Ann figures now. 3 have sold, and one is still available, but it is way overpriced for the condition it is in.

Their names:
Emerald Gung Ho/Zap – “Striker”.
Red/Purple Scrap Iron/Zap – “Cross Country”
Blue/Yellow Firefly/Short Fuse – ??
Red Baroness – “Rednok”
Yellow Lady Jaye – “Canary Ann”

Funskool/Complan Commando Force Complete Set

February 6, 2015
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Chinese Mudbuster & Chinese Ice Sabre

As many of you know, I have been really focused on collecting Chinese release items and Tiger Force items. So, you can imagine how excited I got when I found a Chinese vehicle that I previously did not know existed and another that I was able to confirm it was released in China!

First up, is the Chinese Mudbuster. It is essentially a US box with just the Chinese name printed on it. Interestingly, the blue prints are also in English and not Chinese. This was a vehicle that I was told may have been produced in China and I was able to confirm it was by acquiring it!

Second, we have, what I believe to be, a previously unknown Chinese release vehicle – the Ice Sabre. I looked long and hard for any other reference or pictures to a Chinese Ice Sabre and even asked around to fellow international collectors. This sealed contents example appears to be the first and only one, at least publicly. Still waiting to get it in hand, as shipping from China can be slow. So for now, I’ll show just the pics from the listing.

February 6, 2015
by theleakysuitbrigade 1 Comment

Chinese GI Joe Comics!

I first learned of the vast existence of international GI Joe comics from GI Joe Comics International. It was there that I first saw the Chinese GI Joe comics, and up until last week, I had never seen them myself or had the opportunity to buy them. So when I saw these on eBay, I snapped up all 5 as soon as I saw them. As an added benefit, they will look great with the rest of my Chinese release items!

Chinese GI Joe Comics

August 20, 2014
by theleakysuitbrigade 1 Comment

Real Chinese Storm Shadow!

This figure is/was one of my grails, and acquiring this figure led me to set a goal of finding every single Chinese figure and vehicle MOC or MIB. While it may not seem all that remarkable, a real, legitimate Chinese Storm Shadow is quite rare. While it seems that they are very common on eBay, every single one sold for the past several years is a bootleg/fake. One easy way to tell is to look at the ‘Hasbro’ symbol next to the figure bubble. On all of the fake Storm Shadows it is misspelled as “HRSBRO.” In addition, the back of the cardback looks and feels different on the fake SS. The color is muted and looks like it was scanned/copied.

June 30, 2014
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More Chinese Vehicles!

Here is a picture of 3 more Chinese release vehicles. Only the Septic Tank is from Aire. The Earthquake and the Fang II I found in the depths of the internet. A huge part of the fun of collecting Chinese release GI Joe items, for me at least, is the hunt. I have been compiling a list of all known figures and vehicles that were released in China. However, it is quite a difficult task. While it is a bit easier with the figures having the portraits and names on the cardbacks, there is no list, outside of the VERY incomplete listing on YoJoe. I have reached the point where I have acquired all of the vehicles that I previously knew about. Through pictures and speaking with other Joe collectors, I had added more vehicles to the list, but it is still incomplete. That makes searching for unknown Chinese release vehicles difficult since I don’t know what exactly I am looking for. Often times it results in wide search terms that encompass all sorts of GI Joe items.

Another aspect that draws me to the Chinese release items is the artwork. Both the Chinese language only items and the European alternate art. When comparing the US art to China/Europe I definitely prefer the art from China/Europe. One interesting note, is that both the Earthquake and Septic Tank are the same as European released versions with Chinese stickers applied to them. With the Fang II, the Chinese language is printed directly on to the box.

June 13, 2014
by theleakysuitbrigade 4 Comments

Let’s Make That Two – Funskool Commando Force Canary Ann

This year will likely go down as the biggest collecting year ever for me! Not only have I been lucky enough to make multiple deals with Aire, win two lots from Shane Watson’s Vectis auctions (more later on that), but I just completed a deal for one of the most rare and desirable figures in the hobby – Canary Ann!!!! This deal fell into my lap and I pulled out all the stops to make it happen. I have to thank the seller for making this one of the easiest and best transactions I’ve ever had. It definitely made me nervous went I sent the payment – but the seller was AWESOME.

I am sure that more Canary Anns will be found (I know there is at least a 3rd, maybe a 4th), this is definitely the first, but hopefully not the last to be shared publicly. Now that it is hands on I can get some great pictures of it to share with everyone. It is complete and in absolutely great shape, tight joints and just some minor paint wear on the gloves and one boot. The first order of business when I get home will be to switch out the screws (they aren’t rusted, but I’d like new ones in anyway) and then to place her right next to my other Commando Force figures!

Before I get to the pictures, here is the background info on the Funskool Commando Force figures:

They were the free figures, that were given away on the purchase of ‘Complan Chocolate Health Drink’.

Enjoy the pictures!

June 6, 2014
by theleakysuitbrigade 3 Comments

Chinese Tiger Fly and Chinese Tiger Sting!

I never knew either of these existed until a month ago. I got a picture of them sent to me and knew I had to have them. Both of these come from one of my two (possibly a 3rd) hauls from Aire. I really like the minimalist design to the Chinese boxes (at least the early figures and vehicles released in China); it really allows the art to stand out. Also check out the side of the Tiger Fly box which advertises the Sting, HISS 2, and Desert Fox. I have found and purchased a Desert Fox MIB – it is on its way from China right now. I am still looking for a Chinese HISS 2, if anyone out there has one – let me know. Enjoy!

May 30, 2014
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Preview of My AireCon Haul!

So a couple weeks ago I alluded to the biggest GI Joe haul of my life – combine that with a second one from yesterday – and I have two huge hauls of Holy Grail items from one of the best collectors, Aire Devon, and her (maybe now former) premiere collection. I have always been a big Tiger Force fan so when I heard that Aire was selling I knew Tiger Force would be a huge focus for me. I also have wanted at least one item from Venezuela. I have tried several times to get one – being outbid, and almost scammed out of $800 (thank you Paypal). So I was extremely happy to get an Venezuelan vehicle that was also Tiger Force! I snagged a MIB (never in my wildest dreams, did I think I would own a MIB Venezuelan item) Tiger Shark! The box is in great shape, afa worthy for a Venezuelan item. I was VERY surprised to find out that the vehicle boxes used in Venezuela were not unique (like Mexico, Brazil and Argentina). Venezuela used European boxes and box art. The only difference on the exterior is the “Rubiplas” company name on the side of the box. Also, Venezuelan vehicles never came with vehicle drivers, so if there was a portrait of a figure that came with a vehicle it was recolored red.

The other item that I will preview (many more posts to follow) is a Chinese release Paralyzer. While this may not seem interesting, what is unique about this, is that the Chinese version took the Brazilian box and box art, including Portuguese language, and added the Chinese language to it. The end result is a really interesting and unique looking box.

I have to say a HUGE thank you to Aire for speaking with me and giving me TWO incredible opportunities to buy from her. I felt like a fat kid in a candy store. Her collection is absolutely amazing. And it is a little sad that the most complete GI Joe collection ever assembled is being sold. But a lot of it (probably most) has ended up in the hands of great Joe collectors.

Expect to see a lot of very rare Tiger Force items as well as a ton of Chinese figures and vehicles soon!

April 17, 2014
by theleakysuitbrigade 2 Comments

After a LOOOONG Break, New Joes!

Searching for rare international figures and vehicles can be a labor of love and a grind. In addition, you will almost certainly come across someone who will eventually try and take the money and run…. A few months ago, I came across a score too good to pass up – Venezuelan vehicles. Some of the hardest Joe stuff to find on the planet. I thought I knew the seller and I thought he had a great reputation, but it turns out he tried to take my money. Luckily, I got mine back, thank God for Paypal Buyer Protection, but I know others are still waiting to hear back from this guy. With that unfortunate incident, I was feeling down on Joe and took a break from searching.

JoeCon was a refreshing experience and getting to meet so many people in person refueled by passion for GI Joe. At the Declassified booth, I came across a fun international variant that I hadn’t seen before; the European Devastator. It is molded in grey instead of off-white and the maroon pieces are molded in a bright red. It is a great piece that is fortunate to be rare and relatively inexpensive. On eBay UK there are two up for auction right now, however, both have broken antennas. I almost bought one of those because five euros is a great deal; but I really wanted an unbroken, mint piece. So I made a few more searches and came across a MIB Euro Devastator! It was a great find for only $50!

February 18, 2014
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IDW GI Joe ARAH Preview #199

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #199

Larry Hama • S L Gallant (a & c)

THE ULTIMATE SHOWDOWN! G.I. JOE has escaped the situation in Sierra Gordo intact… but COBRA has taken over their headquarters! That means only one thing: it’s time for a head-to-head confrontation between America’s best and the villainous COBRA COMMANDER’s forces. Join the battle in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #199 and prepare for everything to change in next month’s landmark issue #200!