GI Joe 2008 Convention In Dallas, TX

08-15-08
Greetings! I'm behind in blogging the GI Joe 2008 convention in Frisco, TX (near Dallas), but here we go. Fun convention at a great hotel! New product teasers with great merchandise on the way to continue the 25 years plus of the Real American Hero! The big buzz HANDS DOWN was the presentation clip of a new GI Joe animation project called "GI Joe Resolute." It was a few minute short that was later showed at San Deigo Comic Con, and someone leaked a recording on YouTube. The clip features the characters of Duke, Roadblock (or Heavy Duty, not sure), Snake Eyes, and a ton of Cobra soldiers. It included a more real world take with bullets, muzzle flashes, and shell casings, instead of laser bolts like its 1980's counterpart. The Hasbro panel showed production art, explained details, and answered a lot of questions. Resolute definitely has more of a PG or PG -13 feel, with "little to no blood" but you still see swords swinging, blades twisting, and you can hear bones breaking, so the violence is more implied than showed. A++ on Resolute!


The convention had A LOT of cool custom contests as well as dioramas and interesting panel discussions. Hearing some of the back story on the production of the original 1980's GI Joe Real American Hero product line was interesting for collectors. Pictures of the con can be seen by clicking the link below. Enjoy!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28403997@N02/

New GI Joe Comic From IDW

08-14-08
With Devil's Due Publishing's run on the GI Joe comic book now over, IDW has the license now and are relaunching it in October with issue #0 and issue #1 in January. Unfortunately, 25 years of story continuity will be scrapped for a new relaunch on the property. However, on the upside, the original writer and "Grandfather of GI Joe," Larry Hama, is returning to write. In his interview posted on hisstank.com he explains that IDW is giving Hama alot of creative freedom and letting him do it "his way" this time. It will be interesting to see what Hama comes up with. Robert Atkins is the new artist and has posted some of his GI Joe artwork on deviantart.com. It is worth a look! Check it out!