Where It’s At!

making it happen!

on the cover!

editor’s desk!

3 What’s Happening, Hasbro?4 3 3/4” Product Review5 12” Product Review6 Photo Story8 Club Catalog10 12” Feature11 Retrospective Review12 Regular Joes14 G.I. Joe Club Dosiers

Editor-in-Chief..........................................Brian SavageContent Manager/Editor..........................David S. LaneCreative Director/Layout........................Lanny LathemAdditional Content....................................Pete SinclairProofreader...........................................Heather ChoplinDossier Artist..............................................Dan KhannaDio-Story Writers.......................................Dave Pisani Tod Pleasant Justin BellContributing Writers.................................Patrick Kelly Harry Townsend Thomas WheelerReview Photographs............................Bill Buschbaum Terry WheelerSpecial thanks to the Hasbro G.I. Joe team!

Just Call me “Commander”! You’re now holding the all-new format of the official G.I. Joe Collectors’ Club magazine. February is always an exciting month for Club projects along with our annual Toy Fair coverage in New York City. I know we are all looking forward to the new G.I. Joe products that Hasbro will unveil this month. Make sure to watch GIJOECLUB.COM for all the breaking news and exclusive product photos.

We’ve got a tough assignment for you: visit our online Club Forums and let us know what you want to see in future issues. This is your club and we’re always looking for articles and photos of your G.I. Joe collection. Let us know if you have something you want to see published or any other content suggestions.

Until next time... keep fighting for freedom, wherever there’s trouble!

Best Regards,Commander Lane

brian’s intel!

It’s coming! G.I. Joe Con 2010 will be in Providence, Rhode Island! We will practically be in Hasbro’s backyard so, this promises to be an amazing celebration of all things G.I. Joe! Make plans now to be there and keep checking online at GIJoeCon.com for all the latest news and preview photos of this year’s conven-tion figure sets.

Welcome to our new format! We hope you enjoy it as it now contains more G.I. Joe info than ever! We would love to know your thoughts, so post your comments in the club forum.

Check out the latest convention information at GIJoeCon.com! We are very excited about this first time ever

convention in Rhode Island! We have a great lineup of guests, so check it out at GIJoeCon.com! We hope that you will join us in Providence, RI, April 29 – May 2! This is your chance to visit the place where Hasbro and G.I. Joe all began! Watch for set images coming this month.

By now, our new online auction and ad site MCAX.com (Master Collector Auctions eXtreme) should be in beta format online. Please let us know any errors or problems you have, and features you would like, so that we can move to version 1.0!

MCAX.com will take the place of your monthly ads in Master Collector. Now, you can list UNLIMITED auctions and online ads as long as you are an active Officer Level member of the G.I. Joe Collectors’ Club! We hope that you will take advantage of this great resource as we continue to offer you more benefits with your membership.

The 3 3/4” Adventure Team is in production and should ship with the convention figures. We plan to have the first three figures in time for the convention. Check GIJoeClub.com/Shop to pre-order your sets today!

We appreciate each and every one of you for your support of the G.I. Joe Collectors’ Club. Have a happy Valentine’s Day!

Let’s Go with G.I. Joe!

-Brian

“Are you moving?”Please call us with your new mailing address as soon as possible in order to help us keep your magazine coming without interrup-tion. The Post Office does not forward 3rd Class mail. The phone number for the G.I. Joe Collectors’ Club is 817-448-9863 Mon-Fri 9AM - 4:30PM Central time.

Published by Fun Publications, Inc.225 Cattle Baron Parc Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76108

817.448.9863 FAX 817.448.9843

G.I. Joe® is a registered trademark of Hasbro, Inc. G.I. Joe® is used with permission under license with

Hasbro, Inc. The G.I. Joe Collectors’ Club™ is a trademark of Fun Publications, Inc.

Contents may not be reproduced or transmitted without written permission of Fun Publications, Inc.

What’s Happening Hasbro?What’s Happening Hasbro?

G.I. JOE THE RISE OF COBRA SNAKE EYES Ninja Mask:Don the disguise of a ninja warrior and prepare to fight for justice! This awesome mask lets you look and feel just like the SNAKE EYES character from the G.I. JOE team. Put on your mask to disguise yourself and adjust the strap to make sure it fits and none of your “enemies” can knock it off to discover your true identity. Then, stealthily approach the field of “combat” and show your opponents just how skilled a ninja master like you is!

G.I. JOE THE RISE OF COBRA STORM SHADOW Ninja Mask:Don the disguise of a ninja warrior and prepare to fight! This awesome mask lets you look and feel just like the sinister STORM SHADOW character from the COBRA team. Put on your mask to disguise yourself and adjust the strap to make sure it fits and none of your “enemies” can knock it off to discover your true identity. Then, stealthily approach the field of “combat” and show your opponents just how skilled a ninja master like you is!

G.I. JOE THE RISE OF COBRA RIP ATTACK JET STORM CYCLE:The G.I. JOE forces would never run from conflict — they tear right into the middle of it! Put your SNAKE EYES figure on this awesome JET STORM CYCLE vehicle and set the vehicle on its handset. Pull the rip cord to rev up this awesome motorcycle’s “engine” and, when you’re ready, push the button to release and send it speeding into danger, action and adventure!

G.I. JOE THE RISE OF COBRA RIP ATTACK TIGER SNAKE:The COBRA forces would never run from conflict — they tear right into the middle of it! Put your sinister action figure on this awesome TIGER SNAKE vehicle and set the vehicle on its handset. Pull the rip cord to rev up this awesome three-wheeler’s “engine” and, when you’re ready, push the button to release and send it speeding into danger, action and adventure!

Realistic-looking masks let you dress up like your favorite ninja warrior or villain character!

Rip Attack vehicles come with aremovable 3 3/4” G.I. Joe or Cobra action figure.

Rip Attack vehicles come with a removable 3 3/4” G.I. Joe or Cobra action figure.

Realistic-looking masks let you dress up like your favorite ninja warrior or villain character!

Page 3 February 2010

3 3/4” Product ReviewFrom desert to ocean, jungle to arctic tundra, battling evil requires a mobile fighting force. Wherever the G.I. JOE team makes its base, the Outpost Defender is there! It’s equipped with a heavy machine gun and enough firepower to repel advancing enemies, making time for the rest of the G.I. JOE team to mobilize.

This 2009 Wal-Mart Store exclusive play set is a straight up re-release of the 1986 battle station of the same name. Although it looks simple in design, it features a lot of play value and looks great on display or any diorama setting. Plus, it comes with two pack-in figures: TRIPWIRE and ROADBLOCK.

The battle station construction is a reinforced “wooden” structure built from sandbags and a “metal” roof with communications antenna. It houses a single mounted 14.7 mm heavy machine gun to protect station personnel. It also comes stocked with a weapons crate full of assault rifles. As an additional asset, a bomb disposal robot with claw arm keeps the perimeter safe from explosive devices.

TRIPWIRE is the team’s mine detector and explosives expert. He uses his laptop computer to remotely control the bomb disposal robot. The figure has a dark gray helmet and uniform with silver pads. It is a re-deco version of his 25A figure with an homage to his Tiger Force uniform pattern.

ROADBLOCK is the team’s heavy machine gunner and resident chef. He keeps the bad guys on the run with his favorite Ma-deuce (M-2) machine gun. The figure uses the unreleased “Resolute” version of Roadblock that is much bulkier than his 25A relative. He’s wearing a removable vest and comes with his classic machine gun with tri-pod as well as ammunition belt and backpack.

This battle station is one of four Wal-Mart exclusives. Each of these great playsets includes bonus ARASHIKAGE tattoo and stickers - collect them all!

G.I. Joe Outpost Defender - Battle Station

3 3/4” Product Review

Page 4 February 2010

Review by David S. LanePhotos by Terry D. Wheeler

12” Product ReviewSideshow Toys: 12” Storm Shadow

Storm Shadow. Villain. Hero. No matter what side he is on, Storm Shadow has always remained my favorite character in the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA mythos.

Sideshow Toys has successfully brought this great character to life in one of their latest offerings. The figure is wonderfully executed in his original white ninja outfit. He has been given his traditional long and short sword, both with scabbards that fit in the strap on his chest harness. He also comes with a recurve bow, perfect for him to practice “The ear that sees” (a ninja technique that allows the practitioner the ability to shoot a target BEHIND a solid object). Now ask yourself, “What good is a bow with no arrows?” Storm shadow comes with five arrows that can be used with the bow. He also has a quiver backpack

in which to carry the arrows. He includes five throwing stars and a pouch in which to carry them. Storm Shadow comes with both a masked head (which I prefer) and an unmasked head.

The limited edition version of this figure includes his classic nunchaku weapon. In my opinion, this is the BEST figure Sideshow Toys has released to date, and if you are thinking about buying any Sideshow figure, this one is it!

The Storm Shadow 12-inch figure features:

12” Product Review

Page 5 February 2010

Review by Harry TownsendPhotos by Bill Buschbaum

* Fully articulated Prometheus male body with 30+ points of articulation * Storm Shadow masked portrait * Storm Shadow unmasked portrait * Undershirt * Vest * Pants * Boots * Sashes with pockets * Forearm Bracers

* Leg wraps * Detailed belt * Quiver * Bow * Arrows * Ninja stars * Long sword with scabbard * Short sword with scabbard * Nine interchangeable hands * 12-inch display base with COBRA logo

Page 6 February 2010

Page 7 February 2010

Available From the G.I. Joe Collectors’ Club!Available From the G.I. Joe Collectors’ Club!Go to GIJoeClub.com/shop to order these items and see even more great G.I. Joe merchandise.You can check the status of your orders as well as view all your past orders. You can also pre-or-der upcoming products. GIJoeClub.com/shop is your one stop G.I. Joe shop!

Reproduction Black Talking Commander Includes everything you see here! Officer’s Price - $58 Order item #02-05-09

Reproduction Magnum Power Adventure Team Accessory Set!

This has been called one of the finest reproduc-tions of a vintage G.I. Joe item ever produced! Officer’s Price - $43 Order item # 09-25

This is KUNG FU! It comes complete with Kung Fu uniform, shoes, socks, sashes, blocks, board, martial arts weap-ons and MORE! Get this great set before it’s too late! Officer’s Price - $37.99 Order item 02-02-08

Reproduction Talking Marine Figure -Featuring 2 “lost phrases” not included with the original 1960’s release! Officer’s Price - $58 Order item 01-09-09

Reproduction Talking Soldier Figure -Featuring 2 “lost phrases” not included with the original 1960’s release! Officer’s Price - $58 Order item #03-09-09

Page 8 February 2010

Reproduction Action Pilot with Dress Uniform!

Includes 12” figure with jacket, pants, cap, shirt, tie and shoes.

Officer’s Price - $42 Order item #76930 80871 9

Reproduction Action Soldier with Combat Gear!

Everything you need to outfit G.I. Joe for battle! Includes 12” figure and four ac-cessory cards.

Officer’s Price - $42 Order item #76930 80869 6

These are previously unreleased 3 3/4” figures that were cancelled for retail sale and have been produced by the GIJCC just for YOU, the collector! They are available in the assortments you see here. You can order Lt. Falcon with Munitia and Python Patrol Cop-perhead, Airtight with Cobra Officer or Outback with Night Viper. These have been produced in very limited quantities for the collector market, so they won’t last forever. Get your sets before they are all gone! Also, don’t forget to order the companion DTC comics!

See more great G.I. Joe items at GIJoeClub.com/shop!You can also order by phone (800-772 6673)or send a check or Money Order to: G.I. Joe Collectors’ Club225 Cattle Baron Parc DriveFort Worth, TX 76108

EXCLUSIVE 3 3/4”G.I. JOE ACTION FIGURES!

Order item #09-24

Order item #09-23

Order item #09-22

Page 9 February 2010

When facing a scale replica project, there are many methods and materials that can be called upon to get the job done. Deciding what your operating expectations for the model are when it’s finished can greatly improve how you plan the mission. Ultimately, the piece outlined here would be used to create a mold and cast the airframe using high-density resins. For now, we’ll just focus on making the master sculpt.

This aircraft had very little in the way of angular or flat-seam surfaces that would make sheet goods a viable resource, so sculpting was chosen as the ideal road to travel. As this was an existing aircraft (not a fantasy asset), the best starting point was research. A 1/48 scale model kit and a walk-around book, along with a trip to an air museum to see one in person, were the best starting points for creating a plan. Using a pencil and a ruler, I drew the dimensions along each seam on the model, to generate my scale up guides for the product model, then clear coated those marks to survive hours of handling.

Sculpting can be done with many mediums, so the volume, weight, and labor/time are all important things to consider. I chose an open cell foam (industrial floral foam) that was lightweight and easy to shape, placed over a foam-core substrate. The foam core (fancy cardboard) would be the medium to transfer the up-scale dimensions from the model, and create a “pop-

up” 3D version of the craft as the framework. This also allowed me to graft in a modified scale F-15 cockpit (a “no brainer” for detail quality). From

there, the foam could be placed in sections, and worked with a hand rasp bridging the gaps between the core board “ribs”. I paid careful attention to the curves of the model as I went to avoid carving too far. I had to remember to use

my hands to see with, as much as my eyes.

12” Feature12” FeatureBuilding a Warbird

Page 10 February 2010

by Patrick H. Kelly, Scenic MercenaryDiorama Dreams, Inc.

(continued on page 15)

The Dreadnoks were first introduced into the world of G.I. Joe in late 1984. The first three – Torch, Buzzer, and Ripper – were made available as a stand alone assortment that turned up at Sears. Technically, they officially joined the ranks in 1985.

However, the group had already made something of an impact. They had been presented in the comic book, and were a focal point of the second G.I. Joe animated mini-series, “The Revenge of Cobra”, alongside their leader, Zartan. When Destro’s

Weather Dominator invention split into three segments, Zartan and the Dreadnoks secured one

of the pieces, initially offering it to either the Joe Team or Cobra, whichever one was willing to pay more.

Among the first three Dreadnoks, the one that seems to have had the greatest presence in the figure line over the years has been Ripper. Precisely why this might be I honestly don’t know, but he does have a considerable figure tally, and is the only Dreadnok to date to also be rendered in the 12” format.

Ripper’s real name is Harry Nod. That may sound a tad unusual, until you take into consideration Torch’s and Buzzer’s real names of Tom Winken and Dick Blinken, and figure out the double pun. Ripper is listed as being from Grim Cape, Tasmania, and has pretty much garnered a reputation over the years as disliking virtually everyone and everything. Ripper has denied this on some of his later file cards, stating along the lines of, “It ain’t true that I dislikes everything. That’s a load o’ rubbish. I likes grape soda and chocolate donuts, don’t I?”

Interestingly, in the animated series, Ripper was voiced by Chris Latta, the same talented voice actor who performed Cobra Commander’s distinctive tones. However, Ripper’s slightly lower voice, lesser tendency to screech, and the pronounced Australian-type accent kept him from sounding too much like the Head Snake himself. Honestly, it wasn’t until the end credits of the animated movie, that identified who voiced which characters, that I was even aware of it myself.

The initial Ripper figure used a headsculpt with a distinctly mean scowl to it. He’s wearing red sunglasses, and his black hair is formed into a mohawk on the top of his head, and appears to be short cut everywhere else. He has a mustache and beard that appear to be fairly thick, if not especially long.

Ripper is dressed in a green camouflage tank top – or more to the point, the remnants of one. The shirt is roughly torn off above the stomach, and even the neck and sleeve areas aren’t in very good shape. It’s entirely likely that the shirt didn’t even start out as a tank top, but that’s about all that’s left of it. Ripper is wearing a gold chain around his neck, with some jagged metal bits hanging from the chain. He has a knife sheath on the tank top, and the handle of what looks to be a large and very nasty trench knife protruding from the sheath.

Ripper has a metallic gold armband around his right bicep, and is wearing brass knuckles on both hands. Either that, or they’re gold rings on all but his index fingers. Either way, I doubt you’d want to get hit by them.

As with most of the Dreadnoks from the original line, Ripper is wearing light blue trousers that are meant to look like faded blue jeans. These are torn off at the boot level. He has a thick black belt, and a pistol in a holster strapped to his right leg. He has large black boots to complete his – ensemble.

Ripper did not appear again during the original run of the line. Nothing unusual there – none of the Dreadnoks did. And the Dreadnoks also managed to skip over the 1997-98 line, as well as the 2000-2002 series.

Ripper returned in the newsculpt era, in 2002, in a two-pack, alongside Duke, who I’m sure appreciated the company. This Ripper was wearing a dark grey shirt, red camouflage trousers, and also had a green cap. He had shaved off the hair around his chin. His sunglasses were silver this time around, and his clothes generally looked less shredded. He had an even nastier-looking knife attached to his shirt, with a seriously spiked handle.

Right about now, I’d like to mention the 12” figure of Ripper, mostly because it pretty much used this color scheme. As I said earlier, Ripper is the only Dreadnok to make it into the 12” world. The 12” Ripper came out in 2004. The figure has a sculpted grey tank top, red fabric

Retrospective ReviewRetrospective ReviewA HISTORY OF DREADNOK RIPPER by Thomas Wheeler

1984-85 2004 2004

(continued on page 16)

Page 11 February 2010

(continued on page 15)

SGT. SLAUGHTER’S RENEGADESCode Name: TAURUS

File Name: Ayvazyan, Varujan SN: 401-19-8426Primary Military Specialty: DemolitionsSecondary Military Specialty: MountaineeringBirthplace: Istanbul, Turkey Grade: E-5 (Equivalent)

G.I. Joe Club Dossier

TAURUS was a circus acrobat in Europe who did occasional undercover work for INTERPOL. Unfortunately, his penchant for scimitars and other exotic edged weapons left too many tell-tale injuries. He soon found himself out of work and looking for a sign, wandering the desert and mountains with a circus troupe. Recruited by G.I. JOE and sent to the secret training facility code-named “The Slaughterhouse,” he knew he had found his calling with like minded rebels who honor justice but have a few problems with authority. Only a tough as nails drill instructor like SGT. SLAUGHTER an keep him in line, and when he is done - all of his Renegades will be perfect.

Hearing about COBRA COMMANDER’s threat to the Sarge, TAURUS somehow “acquired” three lightweight multi-threat tactical body armor systems from a secret Future Soldier program being tested at a nearby Army Proving Ground. Once the Renegades were outfitted with the new gear, they rushed off to protect SGT. SLAUGHTER without thought to personal safety - unaware of the strength of the combined Mercenary forces with which they will have to contend.

“I do not like his face, let us remove it, yes?”

G.I. Joe Club Dossier

Page 12 February 2010

RED DOG could have had a pro football career as a barefoot place kicker, but he was permanently suspended for excessive roughness. While this recklessness was too uncontrollable for the regular G.I. JOE team, SGT. SLAUGHTER recognized his potential and took him under his wing as part of his personal experiment in rehabilitation, known as the Renegades program. Since the trio of RED DOG, TAURUS and MERCER don’t officially exist, they can function with very little restraint. However, if they are compromised, they’re on their own. All their missions are covert, and they are even paid through a special fund earmarked as “Pentagon Pest Control.”

RED DOG may never learn to fully control his animalistic rage, because there always seems to be a good use for it. When the Renegades found out about the threat to SGT. SLAUGHTER by “intercepting” a messenger, RED DOG literally chomped at the bit to join the mission to rescue him. He was barely contained by his comrades, nearly crazed in his desire to save their leader before his “Slaughterhouse” training camp became its namesake.

“Fourth down, time to punt...YOU!”

SGT. SLAUGHTER’S RENEGADESCode Name: RED DOG

File Name: Taputapu, David SN: 425-80-2173Primary Military Specialty: InfantrySecondary Military Specialty: Special ServicesBirthplace: Pago Pago, Samoa Grade: E-5 (Equivalent)

G.I. Joe Club DossierG.I. Joe Club Dossier

Page 13 February 2010

Page 14 February 2010

Warbird Build...Warbird Build...Once the foam work and general shaping reached a good workable point, the entire unit (now two pieces – the fuselage and wing spar) was coated in marine resin to seal the foam, followed by several “smoothing” applications of auto body filler. Many hours of surface preparation were needed to make it super-smooth, including several layers of high fill auto body primer. The product is now a manageable and lightweight master that can be used to make two separate two-part molds, from which resin copies can be created.

These resin shells will provide a durable surface for adding additional details like working landing gear, canopy, engine ports, etc. Those details would be sculpted using clay, and cast in resins, or made with brass.

The master shown here, is too frail for adding such details, as it’s mostly foam and bondo. However, these mediums made it possible to generate a compound curve rich model in a relatively low-impact and time friendly way.

There are many more stages to reach the final model shown. Getting started is often the most difficult part of a build. Once you have the right shoes on your mental feet, the journey becomes an adventure worth taking. Believe in your abilities, and get busy making your G.I. Joe figures some new hardware!

Page 15 February 2010

(continued from page 10)

camouflage trousers, removable cap and glasses, a removable harness with a huge knife in it as well as a pistol holster, large boots and an absolutely huge missile launcher.

The figure is really an excellent modern likeness of Ripper, and I’m glad I have it in my collection. It’s also notable for being the only 12” figure to use the modern Dreadnok logo, which appears on one of the figure’s armbands.

Getting back to the 3-3/4” world, the 2002 version of Ripper was recolored for 2003, and was sold in a two-pack with Roadblock, who perhaps might have been a better physical match for the Dreadnok than Duke. This version of Ripper had a somewhat more subdued color scheme. He had a lighter grey tank top, non-camouflage dark blue trousers, brown gloves and boots, and a grey cap. Honestly, if it wasn’t for that huge knife sheath, he almost looks like he’d be working on a construction site, instead of riding his motorcycle around causing the kind of chaos that the Dreadnoks specialized in. I’m not saying it’s a bad figure, it’s just a little on the bland side for a Dreadnok.

Ripper’s next appearance was in the 2004 G.I. Joe Collectors’

Convention Set. This particular set had a Dreadnok theme, and brought back Dreadnoks Ripper, Buzzer, and Road Pig, introduced new Dreadnoks Crusher and Demolishor, the Dreadnok allies known as the Dreadheads, putting them all under the command of Zarana.

The Ripper in this set was a recoloration of

the original 1984 Ripper. He had gold sunglasses, a dark blue camouflage tank top, red

camouflage trousers (which was more in keeping with the camouflage patterns of the set itself, than any real nod to the newsculpt Ripper)

and dark brown belt and boots.

A small modification of this Ripper also turned up in 2005, as part of a Dreadnokthemed

comic based three-pack, that also included versions of Buzzer and Thrasher, along with a reprint of Marvel comics: G.I. Joe #75.

This particular Ripper had a new headsculpt. The headsculpt was interesting in that it is almost better proportioned to the rest of the body than the original, which seemed a little big. Ripper still had his black mohawk, although it was not quite as pronounced, and his hair and beard were a little more neatly trimmed. Ripper was back to his red sunglasses, as well.

Hasbro strove to keep the colors of these comic based figures close to the colors from the comic book, which given the printing technology of the time period, presented a somewhat limited palette. Ripper still came off fairly well. He had his green camouflage tank top, blue jean trousers (re-colored a sort of steel blue), and his boots and belt were a medium greyish brown.

Ripper’s next appearance would be in 2008, in the 25th Anniversary-style line. Here, Ripper was part of a comic based two-pack, that also featured the Dreadnok known as Torch. This Ripper is a valid 25th-style rendition of the original Ripper. The mohawk is rather distinctly pronounced, and a number of his accessories are removable. Interestingly, Ripper’s traditional torn tank top lets him get away with the mid-torso articulation point better than some figures in the series, since the articulation point was simply designed at the bottom of the tank top. He uses the same arms and legs as Buzzer from this series.

The final Ripper also turned up in 2008, on a single card. Ripper has traded his red sunglasses for silver again, but what’s interesting is the color scheme of his clothes. He has a yellow tank top with black spots on it, and his blue jeans are much more “blue” than is typical for most Dreadnoks. Oddly enough, the overall color scheme is reminiscent of another Dreadnok, Gnawgahyde, who was introduced in 1989 and hasn’t been heard from since. Ripper isn’t the first Dreadnok to emulate his wardrobe, either. Crusher swiped the body molds in 2004. It’s not a bad look for Ripper, but one does sort of wonder whatever happened to Gnawgahyde…

So there you have it! The history of Ripper includes seven different versions, plus a 12” version. This makes Ripper possibly the most successful Dreadnok of all, although precisely how the Dreadnoks would measure “success” is probably open to a lot of interpretation.

Just give him a six-pack of grape soda and a box of chocolate donuts and that’ll make him happy enough.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this retrospective look at DREADNOK RIPPER!

Getting Ripped...Getting Ripped...

12” Ripper

2008

Page 16 February 2010

(continued from page 11)