G.I. Joe: Classified 6" figures

[trebor]

My sentiments exactly. One has to always maintain the balance view that this is merely a hobby, nothing more. Years ago
the only real issue collectors had to face was simply going to multiple stores, there was a bit of novelty in toy hunting because
you would eventually be rewarded. These days however even that has become frustrating and in vain. When it gets to the point
of no longer being fun its time to step back.



I'm going to wait it out for 2021, see if things pick up and revisit. Hopefully
we see some tangible by then.

I am ready to call it quits on this line too. It is too difficult to collect this line. Making ?essential characters? exclusive is really crappy. Oh well, I guess I wait a little longer too, but this has been disappointing.

 

[ragacin]

I think I am done for now. I managed to get a Destro at retail so unless Hasbro decides to re-release Beach Head and Baroness, I can stop.

 

[Bardoon]

I don't think artificial scarcity is the reason.
I think Hasbro had no faith that this line would sell at all, so they got Target to support the line by carrying exclusives that wouldn't see the light of day without exclusivity. The deal they made with Target would be for a certain duration, possibly for three waves of Cobra Island; well past the point that Hasbro discovers these are a huge hit, and the characters exclusive to these waves was locked in before release.
It's also possible that the amount Hasbro could make of the exclusives is limited by the deal with Target (Target only bought a specific amount and doesn't care if fans want more).
Hasbro re-releasing the Trooper with accessories removed and different paint apps could be caused by the contract with Target; Target exclusives must be unique in some way from future regular releases.

The situation sucks, and might suck in the possible third wave of Cobra Island.

This is all true.

Hasbro has done Exclusive deals with Wal-Mart, Target, and Walgreens (and formerly Toys R' Us as well). If you're a Star Wars Black Series or especially a Marvel Legends collector, you'll know this. I don't collect either (except for a few Spider-man figures) but Hasbro has established a symbiotic relationship with big box retailers for years. They tend to buy the 'bulk' of their product so it's in Hasbro's interest to keep this relationship.

I thought we all discussed this before - but the intent of the exclusives is to draw you into the store IN THE HOPE you will buy MORE than just your exclusive figure. It is a business strategy. And having a troop builder will incentivize most for repeat business. Suddenly that Target visit you did one-to-three times a month becomes one-to-three times a week, oh and you also buy your groceries there cause they have it and you don't want to go to the supermarket after grabbing your Viper. Most people want a few troop builders rather than just 1 or 2, so they'll keep coming back to get them.

Also with the Exclusives and contracts, Target is possibly ponying up manufacturing costs, etc. so Hasbro is beholden to them or would breach their contract. Specific order numbers and such can even be in there. I'm sure Target has to meet a "minimum" but what does it say about Hasbro producing more? Who knows. Why aren't they making more? Do they even WANT to make more? Maybe they do but the contract won't let them. We'll see as time goes by. I think Hasbro certainly wants more out there, that's more orders for them, but if Target and the contract restrict them right now...there's not much they can do.

Some of the Hasbro G.I. Joe Classified team did a podcast with a group of guys called "Toy Wizards". They did exclaim that the sudden popularity of the line DID catch them all off-guard. They were never really asked about the distribution issues short of comments about how COVID did affect things.

Hasbro has a weird relationship with G.I. Joe. I have mentioned this before but it has been a difficult decade to promote a line that can be described as "pro-war" or "glorifying war and guns, etc." Hasbro is very much still scared of advocacy groups that are constantly watching their products...why do you think most of the guns don't look like real guns?

In addition, Hasbro nosedived G.I. Joe a few years back. A little history lesson: things were "going good" with the 25th Anniversary line and then Rise of Cobra came out. Hasbro focused the toyline around it and the movie performed poorly. A lot of fans weren't happy with it and figures matched the poor character designs. They continued with "Pursuit of Cobra" and tried to incorporate some 25th/30th Anniversary versions of characters on different cardbacks rather than the classic redo ones fans loved. Renegades was a good show but who the hell had "the hub" network? Retaliation came out and though it was a little better...the damage was done to both the franchise and the toyline. Hasbro had also went "all-in" on a movie focus and then started releasing repaints of various figures cobbled together from the 25th Anniversary styling. The *only* option for figures that were getting the 25th Anniversary attention was the Official G.I. Joe Club's "Figure Subscription Service". But because this worked directly with Hasbro and serviced a small pool of Joe fans in a "Direct-to-Consumer" model (much like the first DTC after VvV)...the figures/sets were all around $50 or more/a piece. Hasbro did some exclusives with BBTS and continued doing odd 2 or 3 figure packs. The figures were solid, but more re-used parts, etc. etc. and 2016 was the LAST year Hasbro released any G.I. Joe to retail. The ONLY G.I. Joe figures out after that were part of the Official G.I. Joe Club's subscription line...which as I noted before was expensive since they contracted directly to Hasbro. I think 2018 was the last run of subscription figures and in 2019, the Official G.I. Joe club and convention folded.

So Hasbro tanked the recent revival of G.I. Joe with the movies and gradually, fans and collectors lost interest as years went by. The official convention and club (which Hasbro supported and would display products, hold panels, etc.) ended so it was hard to gauge direct fan interest anymore. I think the G.I. Joe comic rights traded hands and it wasn't as "hot" as before. So there were a lot of variables going "against" G.I. Joe. I will say that Hasbro was WELL-AWARE that Joe fans (especially the RAH ones) were always interested in a 6-inch Marvel Legends-style Joe line. I've been to two Joecons and it was always brought up at the Hasbro panels. I guess for Hasbro, the question was...would Joe fans COME BACK to a 6-inch line?

I think to balance some of risk, possibly ignite a little attention, Hasbro went the exclusive route with Target. COVID hit and messed A LOT up, but the line still managed to become a huge hit.

We'll have to see how it goes from here.

 

[big guy]

BEACHHEAD with some "Greenhorns" getting weapons training with the VECTOR KRISS (DamToys) and one of my custom flock head Original Joes is the Instructor.

 

[mistermark]

LOL I'm trying to call the Toys are Us all over Toronto (we still have TRU in Canada) and they don't answer the phone as we're under lockdown. They have the Target exclusives in Canada but you can't get through and it's curbside pickup only. I think I'll just focus on the regular Joe Classifieds that will be available online and at local LCS's. Can't wait to grab Flint and Lady Jaye and it'll be easy 'cause they'll be available everywhere. Also the new Scarlet repaint looks stunning. I love the Joes too much to give up the line and I don't need every figure to make me happy. The line is a big hit and I'm sure Hasbro will sort things with new waves

And @BigGuy, awesome work and pics as always!

 

[Cryoguns]

The ONLY figure I own from this line is the deluxe / exclusive edition of SNAKE EYES.

Due to the Target exclusive fiasco, I simply choose not to support the line.

Hasbro utterly failed in terms of doing the right thing with this line.

Hell DFC, long time no see

I agree, the distribution sucks, and Target's handling of the exclusives has been absolutely horrible. I've been picking up what I can for the line, but I've already accepted it won't be complete unless Hasbro decides to re-release these exclusives later on with minor changes like the trooper.

I did print some nice original style weapons and a JUMP pack for them on my resin 3D printer...I need to take some pictures of those.

 

[Warpig]

T
I thought we all discussed this before - but the intent of the exclusives is to draw you into the store IN THE HOPE you will buy MORE than just your exclusive figure. It is a business strategy. And having ay. The official convention and club (which Hasbro supported and would display products, hold panels, etc.) ended so it was hard to gauge direct fan interest anymore. I think the G.I. Joe comic rights traded hands and it wasn't as "hot" as before. So there were a lot of variables going "against" G.I. Joe. I will say that Hasbro was WELL-AWARE that Joe fans (especially the RAH ones) were always interested in a 6-inch Marvel Legends-style Joe line. I've been to two Joecons and it was always brought up at the Hasbro panels. I guess for Hasbro, the question was...would Joe fans COME BACK to a 6-inch line?

I think to balance some of risk, possibly ignite a little attention, Hasbro went the exclusive route with Target. COVID hit and messed A LOT up, but the line still managed to become a huge hit.

We'll have to see how it goes from here.

They killed the collectors club and Joecon for HASCON, which they did one time and abandoned. Hasbro’ a treatment of Joe is ridiculous, the brand has made and saved the company several times. I have it on good authority the post 25th decline of the line is due to a high placed executive who has an ax to grind after the poor performance of ROC jilted her when she was a brand manager. No one working there now has any affinity or reverence for the brand. If you doubt that, watch the Hasbro YouTube reveals for Classified Flint and Lady Jaye. Clueless brand managers that could be pitching Viagra or dish soap, lazy designers who don’t know pump action shotguns don’t break...

 

[big guy]

They killed the collectors club and Joecon for HASCON, which they did one time and abandoned. Hasbro’ a treatment of Joe is ridiculous, the brand has made and saved the company several times. I have it on good authority the post 25th decline of the line is due to a high placed executive who has an ax to grind after the poor performance of ROC jilted her when she was a brand manager. No one working there now has any affinity or reverence for the brand. If you doubt that, watch the Hasbro YouTube reveals for Classified Flint and Lady Jaye. Clueless brand managers that could be pitching Viagra or dish soap, lazy designers who don’t know pump action shotguns don’t break...

Oh I Think That Is on the NAIL.

Could it be also Hasbroken trying Not to have a Military line for fear of the PC brigade. Hence stupid weapons, Gold inc as colour to figures and truly a Lack of Military perspective.

Je in all scales from Hasbro Deserves Much more than Hasbro is giving them.

Guess once this fails due to their organised Supply screw up's. They can say they "tried". The collectors FAILED the Brand!

 

[big guy]

LOL I'm trying to call the Toys are Us all over Toronto (we still have TRU in Canada) and they don't answer the phone as we're under lockdown. They have the Target exclusives in Canada but you can't get through and it's curbside pickup only. I think I'll just focus on the regular Joe Classifieds that will be available online and at local LCS's. Can't wait to grab Flint and Lady Jaye and it'll be easy 'cause they'll be available everywhere. Also the new Scarlet repaint looks stunning. I love the Joes too much to give up the line and I don't need every figure to make me happy. The line is a big hit and I'm sure Hasbro will sort things with new waves

And @BigGuy, awesome work and pics as always!

Thanks Man. Appreciate it.

I Just Hope we get Firefly and Viper over here in the UK sometime soon LOL

 

[Joe Scorpio]

I was lucky enough to pick up 2 Firefly figures. Even though I was never crazy about this design, it is growing on me. I really do appreciate that all of his weapons and accessories can fit on him without him holding anything.
That being said, I really do hope they release a more traditional look of Firefly down the road...in wide release.

 

[ragacin]

Yo Joe, or any other owner of Firefly....
Is there a way to get that huge EOD vest off and if so, what's under there? Since he seems to be a repaint of Beach Head, I would imagine he'd have the Beach Head shirt underneath.

 

[Joe Scorpio]

Yo Joe, or any other owner of Firefly....
Is there a way to get that huge EOD vest off and if so, what's under there? Since he seems to be a repaint of Beach Head, I would imagine he'd have the Beach Head shirt underneath.

I don't have enough courage to remove mine. Here's a guy that did:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwCcfj2X1nw

 

[big guy]

Yo Joe, or any other owner of Firefly....
Is there a way to get that huge EOD vest off and if so, what's under there? Since he seems to be a repaint of Beach Head, I would imagine he'd have the Beach Head shirt underneath.

I will be just cutting mine straight off. I Have already made a New Cloth tactical Vest for him. Now Just NEED to get one in the UK LOL

From what I have seen it is the same/similar style to Snake Eyes but in Plain Grey. Not camo. So gives the figure the look of wearing a COMBAT Shirt (Camo Sleeves, solid colour torso).

 

[big guy]

My Intention with Firefly Once I can get one over here in the UK. Is use the headsculpt on MY Custom 6inch FIREFLY. Make a Cloth Camo Balaclava to match the Cloth Uniform. I DO really like the expression on Hasbro Fireflly face.

The Body I will utilise for a custom no doubt.

Some of FF kit I will hand over to my own Custom Firefly. Possibly adding parts of Hasbro Vest to a New Cloth EOD type vest.



MISSION photos

 

[MasterRazzerr76]

Only got two variants of Snake Eyes need to get Beachhead to do a custom

 

[screamingmetal]

I was lucky enough to pick up 2 Firefly figures. Even though I was never crazy about this design, it is growing on me. I really do appreciate that all of his weapons and accessories can fit on him without him holding anything.
That being said, I really do hope they release a more traditional look of Firefly down the road...in wide release.

Looks good, prefer the original look but this still feels like Firefly. Maybe Hasbro heard our complaints and made this Firefly look as different as the regular release as possible. It's just that the variant came out first.

I don't have enough courage to remove mine. Here's a guy that did:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwCcfj2X1nw

Yeah that vest will stay on mine if i ever find one. Looks bad with the armor cut away on the shoulder, the long neck, and lack of camo paint.

 

[screamingmetal]

Apparently there's a running change to the Duke figure. New paint deco without the red and far less gold. I think this is a major improvement to the reg. Duke so I'll be buying another.
From Dan Atwood and reported on TNI:
https://toynewsi.com/9-38104

 

[KitbashOfficer]

I am ready to call it quits on this line too. It is too difficult to collect this line. Making ?essential characters? exclusive is really crappy. Oh well, I guess I wait a little longer too, but this has been disappointing.

Personally, I'm not done collecting this line....but I'm definitely done chasing it. Whatever I can get in a preorder from elsewhere will be what I get.

 

[Bardoon]

Duke definitely looks better and I'll look for this one but I wish they did this BEFORE they released Wave 1. Did they ever think the weird gold and silver would go ever well?

 

[Warpig]

Duke definitely looks better and I'll look for this one but I wish they did this BEFORE they released Wave 1. Did they ever think the weird gold and silver would go ever well?

The designer is a Transformers guy who calls weapons boomsticks and thinks pump action shotguns break open to load. That’s why. They laid off Bobby Vala who actually knows the subject matter and cares about details. His Action Force line is everything theses clowns should be doing.