Comics: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #181

Deceits and deceptions are the names of the game as Darklon escapes from his prison in The Pit. And another figure from Arashikage past enters into the mix. Larry Hama and S. L. Gallant bring us the next chapter in the classic Joe universe in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #181

Sideshow Collectibles Reveals Storm Shadow Statue

Sideshow Collectibles' has pulled the curtain off the product gallery of their recently announced Storm Shadow statue, and if last week's teaser photo piqued your interest, the full gallery will not disappoint. Styled after Storm Shadow's debut appearance in Hasbro's 3-3/4-inch line, the statue includes an additional hooded, switch-out portrait that's reminiscent of Hasbro's '88 Storm Shadow, but unlike with the '88 figure Storm Shadow won't change allegiances! Snake Eyes does need a nemesis, after all. An exclusive version of the statue featuring switch out hands equipped with a bow will also be available. Both the regular and exclusive edition statues are $299.99 with pre-orders starting on August 16.

Comics: G.I. Joe #14

Scarlett and her Bravo team have been taken captive by Cobra forces, but it doesn't take long for them to start their escapes. Chuck Dixon and Will Rosado bring us action and intrigue just north of the Antarctic Circle in G.I. Joe #14.

G.I. Joe Collectors' Club Launches Figure Subscription Service

The G.I. Joe Collector's Club has announced it's cleared all the hurdles necessary to launch its Figure Subscription Service (FSS), today. In an e-mail sent to members, the club revelaled details of the FSS including price and tentative shipping schedule. Here are the details with the full e-mail after the jump:

• You must be a collectors' club member
• The first figure is expected to ship in time for Christmas 2012
• There is no release schedule
• The total cost of commitment is $297 plus shipping if paid in full or $303 plus shipping if paid in three monthly installments
• Some figures may be made available to non-subscribers on the club store site for $32
• The free 13th figure for subscribers ships in the sixth and final month
• September 4 at midnight is the last day to subscribe

Comics: Cobra #15

Flint's covert operation splits into two teams to apprehend both the former Cobra Commander's son and valuable data pertaining to the terrorist organization. Not surprisingly, both teams run into trouble. Costa, Fuso, and Dell'Edera collaborate once again on the best Joe title on the shelves this month.

Sideshow Collectibles Announces Storm Shadow Statue

Sideshow Collectibles just "gets" G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero and out their newly teased Storm Shadow statue reaffirms this. The statue depicts Storm Shadow, as many of us have come to recognize him, in his white sleeveless shinobi shozoko equipped with many of the accessories that were included with our beloved 1984 Hasbro figure. If you look closely at the background of Sideshow's teaser photo, you can see what appears to be a switch-out portrait with a shroud. Sideshow's Storm Shadow statue is set for full reveal next Tuesday, August 14.

Comics: Cobra #14

Flint's convert team of special operatives has assembled and is about to embark on their first mission: extract information from the former Cobra Commander's son. Meanwhile, two deadly assassins, Firefly and Blacklight, cross paths on the way to that same location.

Archive: Kim Arashikage (Unmasked) - Ninja / Intelligence

Kim "Jinx" Arashikage was released in the summer of 2012 as a convention exclusive at San Diego Comic-Con. Two versions of Jinx were produced: a primary deco version matching the classic red color style of the original 1987 figure and a variant version wearing a white shinobi shozoko. The variant features the unmasked portrait of actress Elodie Yung, who portrays the character in G.I. Joe: Retaliation. Both figures were available at the Hasbro Toy Shop booth (limited to three for the primary version and one for the variant, per attendee badge) at Comic-Con and later online at HasbroToyShop.com, in limited quantities.

Many of us are familiar with the red deco'ed version of Jinx and consider it the character's de facto look. If you're among that crowd, you'll be surprised to learn that Jinx debuted in Marvel's G.I. Joe A Real American Hero comics sporting a white shinobi shozoku with no mask and a long flowing ponytail. This first appearance makes the use of G.I. Joe: Retaliation actress Elodie Yung's portrait ideal, but a far cry from the red-clad, shaggy haired appearance we've become accustomed to, due in part to G.I. Joe: The Movie.

Comics: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #180

The Joes invade San Diego Comic Con! As the Blue Ninja storyline winds down, the Joes attempt to intercept an arms exchange that could have world-wide repercussions. Meanwhile, Destro and Darklon ignite a feud that could bring the Joes into the mix.

Collectors' Club Store Take Two

Were your glued to your computer on Friday obsessively refreshing your browser in hopes of getting your hands on a Footloose figure from the G.I. Joe Collectors' Club store that didn't go live, as promised? Yeah, us too. In an e-mail to members late Sunday night, club president Brian Savage stated that the club has corrected the issue that postponed Friday's store opening and they're set to open at noon Central Time, today. Again, members can purchase a loose, carded or signed carded (by voice actor Will Ryan) Footloose figure all of which are limit one per member account. Limits are strictly enforced, with a 25 percent administration fee being added to any order attempting to select more than one of each item so be careful; i.e., don't be greedy. In case you need a reminder, we created a calendar event to help you remember.

G.I. Joe Collectors' Club Store Re-Opens

The G.I. Joe Collectors' Club is finally opening its digital doors after a long hiatus as a result of a security breach. An e-mail from club president Brian Savage confirms the opening, today, at about noon Central Time. The first item up for grabs will be Footloose; in several flavors. Members can purchase a loose, carded or signed  carded (by voice actor Will Ryan) Footloose figure all of which are limit one per member account. Limits are strictly enforced, with a 25 percent administration fee being added to any order attempting to select more than one of each item.

Comics: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #179

It's the Blue Ninja leader versus Cobra Commander in the final confrontation between their respective forces. Fortunately for the Commander, the Blue Ninja have picked up a few enemies with personal vendettas along the way. Larry Hama and S.L. Gallant bring us the conclusion to the epic Blue Ninja saga.

Archive: Kim Arashikage - Ninja / Intelligence

Kim "Jinx" Arashikage was released in the summer of 2012 as a convention exclusive at San Diego Comic-Con. Two versions of Jinx were produced: a primary deco version matching the classic red color style of the original 1987 figure and a variant version wearing a white shinobi shozoko. The variant features the unmasked portrait of actress Elodie Yung, who portrays the character in G.I. Joe: Retaliation. Both figures were available at the Hasbro Toy Shop booth (limited to three for the primary version and one for the variant, per attendee badge) at Comic-Con and later online at HasbroToyShop.com, in limited quantities.

Jinx's name embodies collector sentiment when it comes to the frustration felt in acquiring convention exclusive items from Hasbro. Many collectors feel jinxed because if you can't attend a convention or aren't incessantly checking Hasbro Top Shop after the con ends (which only has limited quantities that usually sell out within minutes), you're stuck paying aftermarket prices that are double or triple the retail cost.