TF07: G.I.Joe

Just some noteworthy things to mention from today's Toy Fair visit to the Hasbro Showroom:

- Loose filecards will be included in the 25th Anniversary Hero sets.

- Here Sets will also come with a small G.I.Joe logo display that has a sound chip in it, that when you push a button plays the theme from the orginal G.I.Joe cartoon.

- 25th Anniversary single card packaging we are told will look just like classic RAH cards from the 80's with filecards on the back

- The o-ring is gone on the 25th Anniversary figures. The articulation for these new figures were described as being similar to the super articulated clone troopers in Hasbro's Star Wars line.

- 25th Anniversary Cobra Commander has a place to hold his gun on his back like the orginal Cobra Commander figure did. You can see a picture of it in the galleries below.

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In 1982 Hasbro introduced a new line of products that changed the landscape of boys action figures: G.I. JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO. The innovative line of 3-3/4-inch, fully articulated and fully poseable action figures complete with molded uniforms, gear and vehicles, quickly became one of the most memorable toy lines of the 1980s.

The A REAL AMERICAN HERO line launched not only a successful line of toys, but was also represented in an animated series and in a Marvel Comics series. Over the years, the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA storyline provided an opportunity to introduce more than 500 figures, including some ‘real-life’ people, such as Sgt. Slaughter and William “Refrigerator” Perry.

Now, twenty-five years later, Hasbro will commemorate the anniversary with the release of a special edition series of A REAL AMERICAN HERO figures that features the twenty-five most popular characters in the history of the line.

G.I. JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO sets

(Approximate retail price of $25.00; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Summer 2007)

Sure to delight fans both new and old, 25th Anniversary Figures are all new sculpts and the most detailed and articulated G.I. JOE figures ever! Hasbro kick-offs the anniversary with the release two special-edition sets, each containing five classic G.I. JOE characters from the A REAL AMERICAN HERO line. Characters include G.I. JOE force’s fearless patriots DUKE, SNAKE EYES, GUNG HO, SCARLET and ROAD BLOCK, as well as their slithery adversaries COBRA COMMANDER, DESTRO, STORM SHADOW, BARONESS and a COBRA TROOPER. Each pack also comes with a sound box in the shape of the G.I. JOE logo that plays the beloved theme from the G.I. JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO animated series.

G.I. JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO single packs

(Approximate retail price of $6.00; Ages 5 & up; Available: Fall 2007)

Each of the fifteen 3-3/4-inch figures – in replica G.I. JOE packaging circa 1982 – will feature new sculpts, enhanced articulation, and a base stand featuring the character’s name.

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The Grip is back! G.I. JOE, the world’s first action figure, is getting a grip this year with the re-introduction of the KUNG FU GRIP! First introduced in 1974, the KUNG FU GRIP is the ultimate action feature of G.I. JOE action figures that has become a pop culture phenomenon.

This year also marks the return of the G.I. JOE ADVENTURE TEAM with KUNG FU GRIP. In this popular series, first introduced in the 1970s, ADVENTURE TEAM members tackled fantastic and dangerous missions around the world. Whether wrestling a shark or searching for a Yeti in the arctic, nothing was impossible for the ADVENTURE TEAM with the full strength of their KUNG FU GRIP!

SNAKE EYES, one of the most popular G.I. JOE team members, will receive a technological makeover with new METAL MAYHEM, the ultimate mech suit featuring the KUNG FU GRIP.

The KUNG FU GRIP will also be introduced in the 8-inch scale figure lines in 2007, including the following:

G.I. JOE 8-INCH COMMANDO FIGURES

(Approximate Retail Value: $14.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Now)

This year, the G.I. JOE Commando Figures get the KUNG FU GRIP! This line of 8-inch super-articulated action figures comes unique specialized gear suiting each character’s combat skills and mission assignment. New Commando Figures for 2007 include a variety of G.I. JOE and COBRA specialists such as GRAND SLAM, FLINT and SAMURAI SNAKE EYES.

G.I. JOE METAL MAYHEM

(Approximate Retail Price: $24.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Summer 2007)

METAL MAYHEM is the next generation of mobile mechs, incorporating the power and strength of the KUNG FU GRIP. This massive armored fighting suit has advanced micro-electronics that instantly respond to the operator’s movements, even the lightning-fast reflexes of ninja master SNAKE EYES! New METAL MAYHEM has the biggest KUNG FU GRIP hand ever and the blaster features lights and sounds.

G.I. JOE ADVENTURE TEAM

(Approximate Retail Value: $19.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Summer 2007)

The ADVENTURE TEAM is back! First introduced in the 1970s, the G.I. JOE ADVENTURE TEAM fights real and imagined adversaries such as sharks, spies, snow monsters, and mummies. These 8-inch figures feature a nostalgic look, but with the modern day KUNG FU GRIP! The 2007 line up will include STORM SHADOW with tiger, Temple Adventure and Croc Adventure.

G.I. JOE COMBAT SQUAD

(Approximate Retail Value: $14.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Summer 2007

The new COMBAT SQUAD will feature military-style figures in the popular 8-inch scale. The 2007 line will include LEATHERNECK, SHOCKWAVE and BEACHHEAD …. all with the KUNG FU GRIP!