Sideshow Collectibles Announces Crimson Guard 12-Inch Figure

Sideshow Collectibles' weekly newsletter is hitting inboxes and there's good news for G.I. Joe collectors. The next character in Sideshow's 12-inch figure line, the Crimson Guard, has been announced. We thought Sideshow's Zartan and Rock 'n' Roll 12-inch figures were going to be a tough act to follow, but the Crimson Guard's preview image has us thinking otherwise.

The full product reveal for the Crimson Guard is Tuesday, October 4, with pre-orders starting with the release of Sideshow's newsletter on Thursday, October 6. It's also worth noting that the Urban Threat – Condition RED 12-inch Figure Environment, which was announced in July at Comic-Con, will also be available for pre-order on October 6. Mark your calendars!

Comics: COBRA #5

Cobra #5 is another great issue in the Cobra series! Although it's not quite as fast-paced and action packed as the last issue, it's still a very good read. There are a lot of talking heads in this issue, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Writer Mike Costa keeps the dialogue sharp and to the point, with a sprinkle of character personality peppered in. It's a nice catch-up as to what's happened in the series thus far--from a certain point of view. We learn some new secrets and there are a couple of real jaw-dropping moments.

Archive: Cobra Trooper - The Enemy

Originally released in the Spring of 2011 as part of the fifth wave of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line, the Cobra Trooper was repacked, in the summer of 2011, as part of the first wave of figures in the G.I. Joe 30th Anniversary line. The 30th Anniversary line celebrates 30 years since the release of the modern, 3-3/4-inch G.I. Joe action figure. As part of the celebration, Hasbro not only included figures of classic characters from the 1982 A Real American Hero comic and television series, but also those from the G.I. Joe: Renegades animated series.

A heavy overstock of figures from early waves in the Pursuit of Cobra line made it finding figures from subsequent waves difficult. As Hasbro transitioned the Pursuit of Cobra line into the 30th Anniversary line, they took this into account and re-released several hard-to-find figures, such as the Cobra Trooper, in the 30th Anniversary collection. Besides the updated 30th Anniversary card art, there are no variations to the Cobra Trooper figure.

Comics: COBRA #4

The Cobra Civil War story is really getting good! This issue is primarily a Major Bludd story, and he's one of my favorite characters, so I was bound to like it from the start. I love how writer Mike Costa has turned every Cobra member into a credible threat for the G.I. Joes, as well as the other members of Cobra. There are some big things happening in this issue, so I'll try to dance around the spoilers as much as possible.

Archive: Hazard-Viper - Toxin Specialist

The Hazard-Viper was released in the summer of 2011 as part of the first wave of figures in the G.I. Joe 30th Anniversary line. The 30th Anniversary line celebrates 30 years since the release of the modern, 3-3/4-inch G.I. Joe action figure. As part of the celebration, Hasbro not only included figures of classic characters from the 1982 A Real American Hero comic and television series, but also those from the G.I. Joe: Renegades animated series.

The Hazard-Viper is a great example of how existing tooling and a little creativity can go a long way. If the Hazard-Viper looks familiar, it's because you may recognize it from its previous incarnation as the Volcano-Viper. The Volcano-Viper was included as the driver of the Lava Pod, an alpha-class-sized vehicle from The Rise of Cobra movie line, which was available at discount retailer Ross. The Hazard-Viper also includes the chemical canisters and transport case originally included with the Rex "The Doctor" Lewis figure from The Rise of Cobra movie line. If you didn't pick up on either of those, you'll most likely recognize the recolored, water-squirting blaster and backpack originally included with Arctic Threat Destro. Despite not having any new tooling, the Hazard-Viper's hodgepodge of accessories, colorful paint applications and a clever back-story demonstrate how a little creativity can result in a well-executed new character.

Comics: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #169

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero is one of the most under appreciated G.I. Joe titles currently being published. In 2002, Devil's Due approached Larry Hama to write G.I. Joe: Frontline, a four-issue arc set after the events of G.I. Joe #155, Marvel Comics' final G.I. Joe issue. The result was a bit underwhelming, unfortunately. However, in May of last year, IDW went back and let Hama do what he should have done eight years earlier--write a G.I. Joe comic that continues the adventure of  the original Marvel series. The result this time around is the well-received, true-to-origins G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero title.

Archive: Steel Brigade - G.I. Joe Trooper

Originally released in the Spring of 2011 as part of the fifth wave of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line, Steel Brigade was repacked, in the summer of 2011, as part of the first wave of figures in the G.I. Joe 30th Anniversary line. The 30th Anniversary line celebrates 30 years since the release of the modern, 3-3/4-inch G.I. Joe action figure. As part of the celebration, Hasbro not only included figures of classic characters from the 1982 A Real American Hero comic and television series, but also those from the G.I. Joe: Renegades animated series.

Heavy overstock of early waves of Pursuit of Cobra figures made it difficult to find figures from latter waves in the line. As Hasbro transitioned the Pursuit of Cobra line into the 30th Anniversary line, they took this into account and re-released several difficult to find figures, such as Steel Brigade, in the 30th Anniversary collection. Besides the updated 30th Anniversary card art, there are no variations to the Steel Brigade figure.