Leaky Suit Brigade

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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’.

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”

Enjoy the pictures!


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Hasbro Reveals GI Joe 50th Anniversary Line at Toy Fair 2014!!!

Well some very exciting news came out over the weekend that definitely clamed the Joe fans out there who were worried that Hasbro would not offer anything for the 50th anniversary of the brand. Hasbro blew my expectations out of the water! I thought there would definitely be some Kreo figures and possibly a couple figures but I did not expect the huge amount of figures, vehicles and Kreo playsets that were announced!

I’ll start by summarizing the GI Joe Kreo 2014 offerings. Hasbro will again continue to release Kreo exclusively at Toys R Us and starting this March we will see Wave 3! The blind bag wave 3 figures include:

Wave 3 Blind Bags

  • Nunchuk
  • Atomic Man (Mike Power)
  • Snow Serpent
  • Cobra Air Trooper
  • Tomax
  • Lady Jaye
  • Night Creeper
  • Footloose
  • Scrap Iron
  • Low Light
  • Doc
  • Torch

KREO-GIJOE-KREONS-A7867

 

Wave 4 Blind Bags

  • Air Adventurer
  • Budo
  • Alpine
  • Chuckles
  • Cobra Shock Trooper
  • Cobra Viper
  • Nemesis Enforcer
  • Night Viper
  • Tripwire
  • Wet Suit
  • Zartan
  • Airborne

KRE-O-GIJOE-KREONS-FIGURE-PACK-W4

 

Wave 3 & 4 Boxed Sets

  • G.I. Joe Firebat Attack w/ Recondo, Bazooka, & AVAC
  • G.I. Joe Outpost Defense w/ Storm Shadow & Beachhead
  • Cobra Terror Drome w/ Serpentor, Cobra Officer, Xamot, Gung Ho, Mainframe, and General Hawk

2014-KREO-GIJOE-FIREBAT-ATTACK-A7392-1024x791 KREO-GIJOE-COBRA-TERROR-DROME-A8604-1024x720 2014-KREO-GIJOE-OUTPOST-DEFENSE-A7387-1024x791

 

I am really excited for all of the Kreo stuff! Hasbro has hit a home run with GI Joe and Kreo. The terror drome will be awesome and I can’t wait to set that one up! I read that the Firebat fits in the silo and that the silo raises and lowers! While most of this is not new, it was leaked on a customer service website several months ago, it is great to see that it ended up being true.

Now on to the 3 3/4″ line of figures.  First, this is a lot more than I expected and I hope collectors are happy that there will be GI Joe on Toys R Us shelves the entire year. The highlights of the figures and vehicles below for me are: Destro, Flint and Leatherneck. All three of those figures are straight from last year’s Joe Con Concept Vault.

09-DangerAtTheDocks-ComicCon 03-NightMarksmen-LowLig98128F 01-ArcticAmbush-SnowJob9812CC 04-SocialClash-LadyJaye981C63 02-HeatedBattle-BlowTor981BEA 06-TheVipersPit-BeachHead 05-TheEaglesEdge-Destro 07-BattleBelowZero 08-DangerAtTheDocks


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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.


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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


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3 AWESOME Figures I just Picked Up! 2 Super Rare Commando Force Figures and One Brazilian Figure

Posts haven’t been as frequent as there hasn’t been too much going on.  I am very late on my xmas gifts (coming soon TM), but those can wait because in the last week, I finally pulled the trigger on one figure that has been available for awhile and also picked up two others that just came on the market. First up, we have the Funskool Commando Force Cross Country. This figure comes from the same set as the Canary Ann and Rednok (Red Baroness) that were giveaways with a Complan chocolate drink in India. I had my eyes on this figure for a while now and the price and timing were perfect to pick this up. All of these are birthday presents to myself; I celebrated my 28th yesterday. Second, is a Funskool Commando Force Striker! It has a broken hand, but I am think about switching it out with a Funskool Gung Ho hand seeing as they are identical. With these picks ups, I only need a Canary Ann (but with only 1 known and a 3K price tag – I may be waiting awhile) and the Firefly/Short Fuze to complete the Commando Force set. So, if any of you out there have the Firefly/Short Fuze, I am interested. But I’d like some time to recover from buying these first! Third, I picked up a mint/complete Brazilian Maligno (aka the Toxo-Viper). This was a must buy for me, I had been looking for one for a long time and this one was in great shape and came with all its accessories including the electronic backpack!

 

Commando Force Striker

Commando Force Striker

Brazil Maligno - Toxo-Viper

Brazil Maligno – Toxo-Viper

Commando Force Cross Country

Commando Force Cross Country


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IDW GI Joe #12 Preview!

#12 is the first issue for Paul Allor who is taking over GI Joe from Fred Van Lente. I will definitely miss Van Lente, I thought it was a shame that he was leaving the comic after only 12 issues. He had some great issues dealing with the back stories of many of the characters, including Duke. 

Image

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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!


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Prototype Week – Day 2!

For the second day of prototype week, and probably the next couple days, I will be revealing a test shot from the 90’s! Today’s figure is the 1993 Battle Corps Outback (either version 3 or 4 hard to tell since it is just a repaint variant) figure! It comes in a sealed bag with weapons on the tree. I really like all the different colors of plastic on this one. In addition to the figure being a prototype the weapons are colored in a neonish green while the weapons the retail version came with were red. Even the missile launcher has green plastic compared to the red retail version.

1993 BattleCorps Outback

1993 BattleCorps Outback

 

In addition to this figure, as a bonus, I thought I would highlight a very overpriced auction for a MOC prototype 1993 Outback. This one is a mock up of the retail coloration of Outback V3 with prototype pink colored weapons. It can be yours for the low low price of $8,500.00. I put in an offer of $100 and was rejected. Oh well, can’t have everything :/

Outback Mock Up

Outback Mock Up