G.I. Joe Recap: 3 3/4" & 12" On Furlough, Sigma Six Figures & More!

I just wanted to give a quick recap of what has been going on with G.I. Joe and all the sudden changes that has gotten all the toy's fans and collectors in an uproar! I also want to pass along some exclusive information concerning the Issue 16, Comic 3 Pack that G.I. Joe fans voted for and want to see released.

It was recently announced that the G.I. Joe line known by many as the 3 3/4" line and the 12" line would be put on hiatus! Many asked on what Hasbro meant by using the term 'hiatus' with the toyline and upon further questioning at the 2005 New York International Toy Fair, Hasbro's only statement in so many words was that the G.I. Joe line was being put on 'furlough' until further notice. Cute reference on Hasbro's part to use a military term with one of their own toylines. 'Furlough' is a term used in the military meaning, A leave of absence or vacation, especially one granted to a member of the armed forces.

On February 18th, 2005, a press release by Hasbro was issued stating that 'Hasbro Introduces New Products To G.I. Joe Valor Versus Venom Line'. Included in this press release is information and the breakdown of new products to be released in the Spring of 2005 only. A copy of this press release can be viewed by clicking here.

A second press release was sent out on the same day stating a new G.I. Joe toyline would be emerging this Fall known as the Sigma Six followed by a new cartoon. At the 2005 New York International Toy Fair, Hasbro debuted this new line of 8 inch scale G.I.Joe figures known as Sigma Six. The figures are stylized, rather than realistic and the first wave is Snake-Eyes, Storm Shadow, Duke, Spirit and Heavy Duty. A copy of this press released can be viewed by clicking here and images of the new Sigma Six lineup can be viewed in our gallery by clicking here.



I want to make note that Hasbro has not officially made any media announcements regarding this furlough with the '3 3/4" lineup' or '12" lineup' to the public.

Upon putting the 3 3/4" and 12" lineup on furlough, Hasbro has not stated about any new 12" toys that will be coming out this year but have stated that the last 3 3/4" 2 pack will be Wave 7 for the year 2005. I have gathered information on what 3 3/4" items will be coming out this year and unless Hasbro changes their mind then the following should be out this year:

Wave 7, 2 Figure Packs
Wave 2 Adventure Pack - Kamakura With Bike
Wave 2 Adventure Pack - Sand Viper With Air Assault
Wave 2 Adventure Pack - Depth Charge With Wave Crusher
Wave 5 Alpha - Venom Chamber and Desert Coyote

All Toys R Us exclusives including the Crimson Guard 6 sets.

Comic 3 Packs Issue - #21, #24 and #49

Many questioned if the Comic 3 Packs would still be released and if the 'Fan's Choice' would still be made. Earlier this year, Hasbro & Devil's Due ran a contest letting their customers to decide on which Comic 3 Pack Issue they would like to see made and the winner turned out to be Issue #16 -- Figures to be included are: Spirit, CoverGirl and Hannibal.

I did some investigating and went to the man responsible for the issue that won the contest, Josh Blaylock; President of Devil's Due Publishing.

I questioned Josh Blaylock regarding the recent furlough of the figures, how this will effect the Comic 3 Pack and why there was no mention of it at the 2005 Toyfair?

He replied...

"As far as I know, our comic pack is still going forward. I've seen sculpts, and they look very good. I was a little surprised they didn't mention them in the toyfair PR, but I think they just felt that the mainstream press has no interest in that, since they're trying for such a huge revamp."

-Josh

Joshua Blaylock
President
Devil's Due Publishing, Inc.

There you have it folks! Straight from the Devil's Due President himself regarding the Comic 3 Pack that we voted for and hope to still see be released. So that's about it... Hasbro has dropped the 3 3/4" and 12" line to concentrate on new 8" figures and a new cartoon! Good luck with that, Hasbro!