GI Joe 2011 Q&A Round 1 Answers

[Shin Densetsu]

GI Joe 2011 Q&A Round 1 Answers

1. What is the status of the POC Alpha Wave 3 vehicles?

• HISS Attack Scout w/Cobra Hiss Driver
• GI JOE Transformable Cycle Armor w/Ashiko

1) We are currently looking at the possibility of placing these at one of our retailers as an exclusive but we haven't worked out the details yet.

2. At Toy Fair, the prototype figure of the Renegades Snake Eyes had ne warm tooling with swivel+hinge. Can we expect future assortments to include figures with swivel+hinge?

2) Some, but not all, new figures will include this new articulation.

3. If you can't give us the complete list for the "30 for 30", can you at least let us know which items we have seen are for the "30 for 30"?

3) I know that this was submitted before the JoeCon and I answered it there, but to restate - there is no 30 for 30. We are celebrating the best of the last 30 years. We didn't want to limit our best to just 30 items. Also - 30 for 30 is a registered trademark of ESPN and we would never want to step on their toes.

By the way - loved the March Madness! It is a great idea. We should do it every year!




EDIT: HISS Tank answers on the way, in the meantime, check out the answers from our sister site Toyark (http://www.toyark.com/):
2011 GI Joe Q&A Round 1 Answers (http://www.toyark.com/news/gi-joe-toy-news-11/2011-gi-joe-qa-round-1-answers-4045/)

[Scorpion]

Hasbro Q&A Session With The G.I.Joe Brand Team - SDCC Exclusive Skystriker Details & More - GI Joe - ToyNewsI.com (http://toynewsi.com/news.php?catid=9&itemid=17182)

SDCC Starscream Skystriker only 49.99!!!!!!!!!

[Joecom]

Awesome price! This part made me laugh

Hasbro: The Sky Striker will be sold at $49.99. Most of our SDCC exclusives will be available on HTS the Monday after the close of the convention. However, there will be limited quantities so act fast!

Sgt. Slaughter all over again it will be sold out in 2 mins after it appears on HTS.

[Troynos]

At least they specifically said "limited quantities" and "most".

So no one can complain when it's sold out.

There's no gurantee that SDCC Starstriker will make it to HTS or in sufficient quantities to match the demand and Hasbro has in effect said that.

[Jmacq1]

Slaughter didn't even last 2 minutes. He literally lasted all of 3 seconds. Mainly because there really wasn't any leftover stock to begin with.

I suspect Hasbro will up the production of their Joe-based SDCC exclusives this year and/or will "hold aside" some stock specifically for HTS. Slaughter was unfortunate, but was also probably partially based on how slowly the SDCC Exclusive Destro 2-pack (which despite being a RoC product was pretty freaking awesome) had sold the year previously. They had that thing for months after the con. Same with the 12" Baroness...so the "higher ups" probably figured Joe exclusives weren't as popular and made less of them accordingly.

[Nictus]

Guess I'm pulling an all nighter with the f5 key

[Scorpion]

Guess I'm pulling an all nighter with the f5 key

yup

[Joecom]

At least they specifically said "limited quantities" and "most".

So no one can complain when it's sold out.

There's no gurantee that SDCC Starstriker will make it to HTS or in sufficient quantities to match the demand and Hasbro has in effect said that.

Yeah I would agree I doubt it will even make it to HTS

[Jmacq1]

Guess I'm pulling an all nighter with the f5 key

Pulling an all-nighter is probably a waste of time and energy. They almost certainly won't get posted until sometime Monday morning (probably after 9AM EST). I know HTS has restocked at odd hours in the past, but that doesn't seem to be the case these days, and I doubt doing so is considered such a priority that they'd pay someone overtime to work on the weekend and do it.

It'd be nice if HTS could pull a "Mattycollector" and just let people know when and where everything will pop up, but that doesn't seem to be their style.

[Xenos]

so no one can complain when it's sold out.


hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha ....










Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahaha

[Scorpion]

pulling an all-nighter is probably a waste of time and energy. They almost certainly won't get posted until sometime monday morning (probably after 9am est). I know hts has restocked at odd hours in the past, but that doesn't seem to be the case these days, and i doubt doing so is considered such a priority that they'd pay someone overtime to work on the weekend and do it.

It'd be nice if hts could pull a "mattycollector" and just let people know when and where everything will pop up, but that doesn't seem to be their style.

you're just saying that so you get all of the skystrikers!!!!!!!!

[Hellion42]

$50 > $80

I wonder if that's like dividing by zero... http://s70.photobucket.com/albums/i116/hellion42/smilies/schin.gif

[Troynos]

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha ....

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahaha



I know. Wishful thinking.

There will still be as many bitching threads come Monday afternoon.

[RedEyes]

At least they specifically said "limited quantities" and "most".

So no one can complain when it's sold out.

There's no gurantee that SDCC Starstriker will make it to HTS or in sufficient quantities to match the demand and Hasbro has in effect said that.

True, but they should make good on that from the getgo. Produce extra, especially Zarana. Don't bring them to the con. Then sell em on HTS.com after the show. Or maybe a Pre-order system on HTS to guarantee ALL(not just con goers) get these exclusives. If you miss the pre-order then yes it's your fault. A pre-order system would be way better then sitting in front of a computer all day, hitting refresh and hoping you get these things.

The fact that Zarana is even an exclusive kinda sickens me. Thats a slap in the face from Hasbro to all the non con goers that have collected the entire 25th line and now more characters are being made(Dial-Tone) and not everyone is guaranteed to have them in their collection. And that sucks. Just my opinion of course

[Troynos]

It's a CON exclusive. That should be the only place they are sold. Lucky that some even make it to HTS.

[RedEyes]

It's a CON exclusive. That should be the only place they are sold. Lucky that some even make it to HTS.

I understand that. But the fact that Zarana was chosen to be an exclusive is stupid. Why not just include her into the 30th anniversary stuff instead. Same goes for Slaughter and Dial Tone. I'm just saying man.
See the SS Skystriker is a perfect example of what a con exclusive should be. A repaint. Cause everyone will at least get a Skystriker when it hits retail. Yeah it won't be the SS colors but I think most people rather not have that version then not have a new Skystriker at all.

[Scorpion]

I'm going to start on a rant form letter for people to use if they don't get what they want. It'll go something like this:
" DAMN YOU HASBRO!
I stayed awake for____ hours/days, in order to get Zarana/Cold Slither Zarana/ Starscream Skystriker! When it/they FINALLY showed up, they were online for a mere ____ mins/secs..."

think I'm off to a good start?

[Drill]

What are the odds that some will be brought to the NYCC? I was able to get SDCC exclusives there last year and with that price I'd buy this in a heartbeat, I mean its only $10 more than the retail version and for that you get ANOTHER Cobra Commander with probably the best GI Joe accessory possible and a Sky Striker with Starscream's colors.

[Troynos]

What are the odds that some will be brought to the NYCC? I was able to get SDCC exclusives there last year and with that price I'd buy this in a heartbeat, I mean its only $10 more than the retail version and for that you get ANOTHER Cobra Commander with probably the best GI Joe accessory possible and a Sky Striker with Starscream's colors.

Odds are good if a dealer buys some to bring to sell at NYCC but Hasbro won't.

I understand that. But the fact that Zarana was chosen to be an exclusive is stupid. Why not just include her into the 30th anniversary stuff instead. Same goes for Slaughter and Dial Tone. I'm just saying man.

See the dozen of threads explaining why Slaughter, Zarana and DT didn't show up in the main retail lines. It's not stupid at all. In fact it makes sense.

To sum it up:

Zarana - research shows that female figs don't sell well and Zarana has not had a new appearance in decades so would be a collectors-only interest figure and not sell as well as people think. Dial-Tone, Scarlett, Baroness, Helix (from RoC) had media behind them.

Slaughter - his contract prevented a major retail release

Dial-Tone - Hasbro has made the Dial-Tone character female in all their media releases (IDW, RoC, Resolute) and as such that will be the character they release. So the only way to get a vintage look was as an exclusive.

[Drill]

Well hopefully the price gouging wont be too bad. I remember seeing Plastic Man for both $45 and $55 at two booths right next to each other.

[Scorpion]

Well hopefully the price gouging wont be too bad. I remember seeing Plastic Man for both $45 and $55 at two booths right next to each other.

and sometime ebay patience just pays off. I just bought a USA Slaughter from someone for $30 shipped...

[UMAN]

It's a CON exclusive. That should be the only place they are sold. Lucky that some even make it to HTS.

The con's almost an exclusive in itself, just to get tickets. This thing gets bigger and bigger every year and it's harder and harder to get tickets, unless you sit in front of your computer all the time...

[Saboteur]

I'm glad I have absolutely no interest in this product. And then, there's going to be a ton of people bitching about it for days after, followed by the usual apologetic bs banter.

[paraviper]

Odds are good if a dealer buys some to bring to sell at NYCC but Hasbro won't.



See the dozen of threads explaining why Slaughter, Zarana and DT didn't show up in the main retail lines. It's not stupid at all. In fact it makes sense.

To sum it up:

Zarana - research shows that female figs don't sell well and Zarana has not had a new appearance in decades so would be a collectors-only interest figure and not sell as well as people think. Dial-Tone, Scarlett, Baroness, Helix (from RoC) had media behind them.

Slaughter - his contract prevented a major retail release

Dial-Tone - Hasbro has made the Dial-Tone character female in all their media releases (IDW, RoC, Resolute) and as such that will be the character they release. So the only way to get a vintage look was as an exclusive.

This. We should all be lucky they are making these figures at all. Will it suck to have to pay extra to get these? Sure although what choice do we have if we are not going to comic con. I picked up Dial tone cheap at the Con. Although I had to spend lots of money to go to the con. In a way it's cheaper to pay extra to just get what you want if your not going to go.

[Jeffrozup]

The con's almost an exclusive in itself, just to get tickets. This thing gets bigger and bigger every year and it's harder and harder to get tickets, unless you sit in front of your computer all the time...

You just described 55 percent of the Hisstank demographic ....

[paraviper]

The con's almost an exclusive in itself, just to get tickets. This thing gets bigger and bigger every year and it's harder and harder to get tickets, unless you sit in front of your computer all the time...

Right which does not sound like fun to me. I'd rather just pay extra and let someone else deal with all that fun. The other option is to buy it from the Club or from BBTS. We all know HTS will sell out in 32 secounds if even that long.

[KingStalin]

I just hope some Skystrikers are on the club website. Rather pay them extra than waste another day on HTS.

[bandonov]

I was hoping that they would stay at $80 so that they would not sell out so we could get a chance at them on HTS.COM. Now they are $50 they will be sold out for sure... DAMIT!

[MightyMegs]

Odds are good if a dealer buys some to bring to sell at NYCC but Hasbro won't.



See the dozen of threads explaining why Slaughter, Zarana and DT didn't show up in the main retail lines. It's not stupid at all. In fact it makes sense.

To sum it up:

Zarana - research shows that female figs don't sell well and Zarana has not had a new appearance in decades so would be a collectors-only interest figure and not sell as well as people think. Dial-Tone, Scarlett, Baroness, Helix (from RoC) had media behind them.

Slaughter - his contract prevented a major retail release

Dial-Tone - Hasbro has made the Dial-Tone character female in all their media releases (IDW, RoC, Resolute) and as such that will be the character they release. So the only way to get a vintage look was as an exclusive.

You're absolutely right. And this is a brilliant marketing strategy by Hasbro: kids won't touch GI Joe, retailers won't carry it in their stores... you have a small-but-loyal fan base that is even keeping the brand alive. So of course... you want to alienate and frustrate the few remaining customers you have left! It's got success written all over it! Why try to actually expand your customers base, when you piss off the base you already have! Hopefully, this will catch on... and every toy and collectable line out there will soon only be available from those studly Love Machines that run their scalping empire out of mom's basement.

Kudos Hasbro... keep your eye on that ball...

[Jmacq1]

You're absolutely right. And this is a brilliant marketing strategy by Hasbro: kids won't touch GI Joe, retailers won't carry it in their stores... you have a small-but-loyal fan base that is even keeping the brand alive. So of course... you want to alienate and frustrate the few remaining customers you have left! It's got success written all over it! Why try to actually expand your customers base, when you piss off the base you already have! Hopefully, this will catch on... and every toy and collectable line out there will soon only be available from those studly Love Machines that run their scalping empire out of mom's basement.

Kudos Hasbro... keep your eye on that ball...

Ahhh, gotta love the hyperbole.

I don't see a massive glut of hardcore fans that have stopped buying Joe Product altogether because of Slaughtergate.

As has been mentioned elsewhere, all the exclusives have been readily available IF you were willing to shell out a few extra bucks (Preordering from the club). If you try to take the cheap and/or lazy route, then you risk not getting the product.

Them's the breaks.

Meanwhile, pegs filled with pegwarming Zaranas at Wal-Mart hurt the overall health of the line far more than some fans bitching on the internet.

Also? Unlike Slaughter, there is nothing that prevents Hasbro from doing additional runs of Zarana and/or the Starstriker if the demand genuinely proves to be that high. Slaughter most likely didn't get re-issued due to likeness rights.

[Xenos]

You're absolutely right. And this is a brilliant marketing strategy by Hasbro: kids won't touch GI Joe, retailers won't carry it in their stores... you have a small-but-loyal fan base that is even keeping the brand alive. So of course... you want to alienate and frustrate the few remaining customers you have left! It's got success written all over it! Why try to actually expand your customers base, when you piss off the base you already have! Hopefully, this will catch on... and every toy and collectable line out there will soon only be available from those studly Love Machines that run their scalping empire out of mom's basement.

Kudos Hasbro... keep your eye on that ball...

Releasing figures as exclusives that otherwise would have had no chance of being released alienates fans? I doubt it. For every fan that claims that they are going to quit the line due to something like Slaughter (and they never do quit) there are probably two that had a good time hunting down the rare figure.
Everyone that is upset about Zarana as an exclusive has to realize that this is the only way Hasbro was ever going to release her. They had a PoC Zarana that they ended up scrapping because they were afraid of female figures after RoC. So your options are:
1) no Zarana
2) exclusive Zarana that might cost you some extra money to get

I'll take option #2 every time. And if you would take option #1, then just pretend that the exclusive doesn't exist and let all of us that like getting something new at SDCC enjoy the exclusives.

[Jmacq1]

Yeah, that's true. Forgot to mention the fallacy that these figures would somehow automatically go to the mainstream retail line if they weren't being used as exclusives. That's most certainly not the case. They didn't "bump" Zarana from the main line to make her an exclusive. They made her as an exclusive, period. Likewise with Dial-Tone...Hasbro was NOT going to make this figure, so the club got permission to do it instead.

[Snow_Serpent]

Guess I'm pulling an all nighter with the f5 key

Kota says hello.

[Shin Densetsu]

$50 ain't bad at all.

[MightyMegs]

Ahhh, gotta love the hyperbole.

I don't see a massive glut of hardcore fans that have stopped buying Joe Product altogether because of Slaughtergate.





LOL... sure, if you ignore Target dumping large vehicles, Walmart dumping the entire line, and product going directly to liquidators like Ross and TJMaxx since 'Slaughtergate'... you got me there.

[Xenos]

Those things have a lot more to do with RoC then Slaughter. Anyways, most of that had already happened before Comic Con last year.

[MightyMegs]

Releasing figures as exclusives that otherwise would have had no chance of being released alienates fans? I doubt it. For every fan that claims that they are going to quit the line due to something like Slaughter (and they never do quit) there are probably two that had a good time hunting down the rare figure.
Everyone that is upset about Zarana as an exclusive has to realize that this is the only way Hasbro was ever going to release her. They had a PoC Zarana that they ended up scrapping because they were afraid of female figures after RoC. So your options are:
1) no Zarana
2) exclusive Zarana that might cost you some extra money to get

I'll take option #2 every time. And if you would take option #1, then just pretend that the exclusive doesn't exist and let all of us that like getting something new at SDCC enjoy the exclusives.



Makes perfect sense... if you believe Hasbro's Marketing Braintrust that is still in the 1980's mindset of female figures don't sell. If Hasbro brass actually stepped foot in a toy aisle once in a while, they might have seen Destro, Duke and Ripcord outnumbering Scarlett and Baroness by six-to-one. And last I checked, Arctic Destro isn't female (unless there's something Hasbro isn't telling us).

[Steevy Maximus]

LOL... sure, if you ignore Target dumping large vehicles, Walmart dumping the entire line, and product going directly to liquidators like Ross and TJMaxx since 'Slaughtergate'... you got me there.

How was all that effected by "Slaughtergate"? GI Joe's con exclusive stuff and retail stance are two ENTIRELY different animals, and have almost no effect on each other.

[Jmacq1]

Makes perfect sense... if you believe Hasbro's Marketing Braintrust that is still in the 1980's mindset of female figures don't sell. If Hasbro brass actually stepped foot in a toy aisle once in a while, they might have seen Destro, Duke and Ripcord outnumbering Scarlett and Baroness by six-to-one. And last I checked, Arctic Destro isn't female (unless there's something Hasbro isn't telling us).

Were you literally born yesterday?

Because you sure seem to have missed those hordes of horse-faced Cover Girls, Scarletts, and Baronesses that sat around in droves during the RoC period.

Actually, you seem to be pretending that RoC and its' massive peg/shelfwarming didn't happen at all, instead trying to blame the low orders for PoC on "Slaughtergate" which is, quite frankly, ridiculous. PoC's woes are almost ENTIRELY due to RoC product still lingering on shelves, and the orders for PoC were likely submitted before SDCC even happened. I can assure you retail buyers don't give a crap about "slaughtergate" and neither do 99.9 percent of the fans except for the fact that several of them don't have a Slaughter.

Or let me put it this way: Have YOU bought any PoC product?

[Black Llama]

Makes perfect sense... if you believe Hasbro's Marketing Braintrust that is still in the 1980's mindset of female figures don't sell. If Hasbro brass actually stepped foot in a toy aisle once in a while, they might have seen Destro, Duke and Ripcord outnumbering Scarlett and Baroness by six-to-one. And last I checked, Arctic Destro isn't female (unless there's something Hasbro isn't telling us).


This works for the 25th line, but not RoC. I remember seeing quite a few Scarlett's and Covergirl's happily keeping the pegs warm with Destro and Nano-Viper. We have yet to get a female PoC figure, so I can't compare there...

[MightyMegs]

How was all that effected by "Slaughtergate"? GI Joe's con exclusive stuff and retail stance are two ENTIRELY different animals, and have almost no effect on each other.

So... there's no one who buys con-exclusive AND retail Joes?

[Jmacq1]

So... there's no one who buys con-exclusive AND retail Joes?

Sure there are, but that doesn't have anything to do with the lack of relationship between mass retail and convention exclusive offerings.

[MightyMegs]

Were you literally born yesterday?

Because you sure seem to have missed those hordes of horse-faced Cover Girls, Scarletts, and Baronesses that sat around in droves during the RoC period.

Actually, you seem to be pretending that RoC and its' massive peg/shelfwarming didn't happen at all, instead trying to blame the low orders for PoC on "Slaughtergate" which is, quite frankly, ridiculous. PoC's woes are almost ENTIRELY due to RoC product still lingering on shelves, and the orders for PoC were likely submitted before SDCC even happened. I can assure you retail buyers don't give a crap about "slaughtergate" and neither do 99.9 percent of the fans except for the fact that several of them don't have a Slaughter.

Or let me put it this way: Have YOU bought any PoC product?

I was responding to an over-reaching statement with another overreaching statement.

And how could I possibly have bought any POC product? I was literally born yesterday...

[Jmacq1]

I was responding to an over-reaching statement with another overreaching statement.

And how could I possibly have bought any POC product? I was literally born yesterday...

Ah, in other words you have no valid counterpoints and are basically just trolling.

Got it.

[KingStalin]

I was hoping that they would stay at $80 so that they would not sell out so we could get a chance at them on HTS.COM. Now they are $50 they will be sold out for sure... DAMIT!

Hopefully if that is the case then HTS won't put up a picture at all. what I hated the most about last year is they placed all the exclusives online despite if they had any or not and then activated and deactivated as inventory trickled in.

HTS should wait a week until everyone is back from SDCC, inventory is counted and then make every live one morning and when it sells out it sells out.

They don't need to advertise the specific time but randomly adding inventory all day long for a week was a shitty procedure.

Then again I'm sure the increase in page views and other impulse buys form people sitting on the site benefited them enough to not worry about complaints.

[Bombardier]

This works for the 25th line, but not RoC. I remember seeing quite a few Scarlett's and Covergirl's happily keeping the pegs warm with Destro and Nano-Viper. We have yet to get a female PoC figure, so I can't compare there...


where do you live that you actually saw Nano-Vipers peg warming?

[Jmacq1]

where do you live that you actually saw Nano-Vipers peg warming?

I'd imagine he meant Neo-Vipers.

[MightyMegs]

Ah, in other words you have no valid counterpoints and are basically just trolling.

Got it.

LOL.... you sure put me in my place...

[villainsrule]

Hasbro Q&A Session With The G.I.Joe Brand Team - SDCC Exclusive Skystriker Details & More - GI Joe - ToyNewsI.com (http://toynewsi.com/news.php?catid=9&itemid=17182)

SDCC Starscream Skystriker only 49.99!!!!!!!!!

Ya, but you better tack on another zero for once it hits ebay. Why can't the Starscream version just be a chase variant in the mainstream line? The numbers would probably remain somewhat equal to what's already been produced and would definitely drive up sales of an already highly popular vehicle. And most of all, this would control the hoarding that we all know will go on.

[Xenos]

Makes perfect sense... if you believe Hasbro's Marketing Braintrust that is still in the 1980's mindset of female figures don't sell. If Hasbro brass actually stepped foot in a toy aisle once in a while, they might have seen Destro, Duke and Ripcord outnumbering Scarlett and Baroness by six-to-one. And last I checked, Arctic Destro isn't female (unless there's something Hasbro isn't telling us).

Duke and Ripcord definitely didn't outnumber baroness in my neck of the woods. Destro, Neo Viper and baroness were all my Targets had for months on end until they finally got rid of them all for $0.90.

The fact is, Hasbro (and other toy companies) do a lot of research on what kids want to buy, and they base their waves on that. They have said time and time again that their research shows that female figures don't sell well, and I'm inclined to believe them. The only time the females sell really well is when they are shortpacked, and shortpacked figures almost always sell out anyways.

[monkeywrench1988]

and then there was the awesomeness of getting the complete wrong order, in my case ordering two extras of the littlest pet shop hippos for my aunt and stepmom and receiving two Blaster's instead, that just made my day last year and made up for missing out on Soundwave

[Xenos]

Why can't the Starscream version just be a chase variant in the mainstream line?

Because by that logic there would never be anything Hasbro could release as a con exclusive?

[villainsrule]

LOL.... you sure put me in my place...

HEY! You gotta respect MightyMegs! He was on this site supporting the franchise before the 25th...that takes committment. He's definitely no troll.

[MightyMegs]

Duke and Ripcord definitely didn't outnumber baroness in my neck of the woods. Destro, Neo Viper and baroness were all my Targets had for months on end until they finally got rid of them all for $0.90.

The fact is, Hasbro (and other toy companies) do a lot of research on what kids want to buy, and they base their waves on that. They have said time and time again that their research shows that female figures don't sell well, and I'm inclined to believe them. The only time the females sell really well is when they are shortpacked, and shortpacked figures almost always sell out anyways.

Maybe it's the area I live in... but I never saw a glut of RoC females; Destro, yes... Ripcord, GOD yes... but no females.

And that's true for the Marvel line too... I'm never tripping over Kitty Prydes, or Black Widows, or Jean Greys. That's Iron man and Spider-Man... in my area anyway.

[villainsrule]

Because by that logic there would never be anything Hasbro could release as a con exclusive?

I have no problem with that. Of course there are many fans who love that feeling of exclusivity...but there are fans like me who would like to have complete collections without having to go to random events on the other side of the country when they have work. Or what about our international fans?

[skinny]

the problem here is greed. any figure Hasbro slaps a gijoe label on and sells at the con would eventually sell out whether at the con or online later at HTS. Even ROC Destro eventually sold out. However if there is a huge demand all they see are dollar signs, and they are a business so of course they would have to look at it that way.
then there is the greed of the people who see it as a limited item and to them it isnt Zarana/Slaughter/Dialtone its a dollar sign.
Then to those that don't see Zarana/Dialtone/Slaughter as a dollar sign but as a cool figure, the whole situation leaves a lot to be desired.
it all perpetuates itself.
Sideshow this year did it right, a repaint/reclothed? ninja viper that some could take or leave and those that think it is cool will pick up, then the leftovers if any they can sell online later.
SDCC should not be about exclusives it should be about comics and upcoming movies and TV shows and enjoying the whole experience.
instead greed has made for long waits in lines and aggravation to those who cant attend.
When the focus of a convention leans towards dollar signs and not the experience something is amiss. exclusives should be a memento and bonus for attendees nothing more.

[Jmacq1]

I have no problem with that. Of course there are many fans who love that feeling of exclusivity...but there are fans like me who would like to have complete collections without having to go to random events on the other side of the country when they have work. Or what about our international fans?

You don't have to go to random events. But you then have to understand that you'll likely have to pay a premium for the item later. If you're that committed to being a completist, this really shouldn't be a problem. International fans have the same options, and quite frankly most of them are already paying a premium just for regular product (which isn't sold much overseas outside of movie years from my understanding), so they're already used to high prices.

[Lody]

SO

You have Zarana in your shopping cart-do you enter checkout or risk it and try to go for the Starscream Skytriker and vice versa

[Jmacq1]

SO

You have Zarana in your shopping cart-do you enter checkout or risk it and try to go for the Starscream Skytriker and vice versa

Regular Zarana or Cold Slither Zarana?

[MightyMegs]

I guess my question is... why can't something be exclusive AND produced in enough quantities? Hopefully they'll get it right with Zarana and the Skystriker (which I must own simply for the pilot Cobra Commander figure).

[Bombardier]

SO

You have Zarana in your shopping cart-do you enter checkout or risk it and try to go for the Starscream Skytriker and vice versa

i wait until the Skystriker is also available. Other way around though, if the Skystriker is available first, and it's in my cart I will buy it alone if the others are not yet available.

[Jmacq1]

I guess my question is... why can't something be exclusive AND produced in enough quantities? Hopefully they'll get it right with Zarana and the Skystriker (which I must own simply for the pilot Cobra Commander figure).

They can, but there's no guarantee as to what the demand is prior to the product being released. Honestly most of the exclusives last year (and in previous years, barring lesser-produced variants like the blue-coat Cobra Commander) had enough made that HTS was able to fulfill most fans' desire for them unless they were really lazy about trying to get them (In other words didn't even bother to check the site that Monday). Slaughter was an anomaly, not a pattern.

Like I said earlier: Slaughter probably got shorted because the prior years' G.I. Joe exclusives didn't do so well/sell out as quickly.

Last year Slaughter was a quick sellout, so this year they'll probably produce more, at least of Zarana. The Starstriker it's hard to say. On one hand they might heavily produce it knowing its' crossover appeal. On the other hand, it's a higher-priced exclusive and I think they usually make less of those. Hard to tell.

[Xenos]

I guess my question is... why can't something be exclusive AND produced in enough quantities? Hopefully they'll get it right with Zarana and the Skystriker (which I must own simply for the pilot Cobra Commander figure).

I'm sure Hasbro wants them to be sold at just the right quantity too, but that is hard to judge. Pimp Daddy Destro and suited CC both sold out quickly, so they upped the numbers on the RoC Destro and it sat on HTS for almost a year. They lowered the numbers again for Slaughter, and he sold out again. It's tough to gauge, and I'm sure Hasbro would much rather have too few then too many.

[MightyMegs]

SO

You have Zarana in your shopping cart-do you enter checkout or risk it and try to go for the Starscream Skytriker and vice versa

Or even better... do you buy Zarana and the Skystriker off Ebay from a scal...um... prospective business mogul while SDCC is still going on, or take the chance HTS won't even have them on monday?

[Xenos]

Or even better... do you buy Zarana and the Skystriker off Ebay from a scal...um... prospective business mogul while SDCC is still going on, or take the chance HTS won't even have them on monday?

I definitely wouldn't do that. Things are usually at their peak right around the Con. However, I do think you should use the Collector's Club to get your exclusives. That's how I got my TTT Slaughter last year.

[Steel Brigade]

The Allspark: Transformers News Movie Comics Animated - Hasbro GI Joe Q&A Round 1 Answers! (http://www.allspark.com/content/view/8792/)

[villainsrule]

the problem here is greed. any figure Hasbro slaps a gijoe label on and sells at the con would eventually sell out whether at the con or online later at HTS. Even ROC Destro eventually sold out. However if there is a huge demand all they see are dollar signs, and they are a business so of course they would have to look at it that way.
then there is the greed of the people who see it as a limited item and to them it isnt Zarana/Slaughter/Dialtone its a dollar sign.
Then to those that don't see Zarana/Dialtone/Slaughter as a dollar sign but as a cool figure, the whole situation leaves a lot to be desired.
it all perpetuates itself.
Sideshow this year did it right, a repaint/reclothed? ninja viper that some could take or leave and those that think it is cool will pick up, then the leftovers if any they can sell online later.
SDCC should not be about exclusives it should be about comics and upcoming movies and TV shows and enjoying the whole experience.
instead greed has made for long waits in lines and aggravation to those who cant attend.
When the focus of a convention leans towards dollar signs and not the experience something is amiss. exclusives should be a memento and bonus for attendees nothing more.

Definitely some truth in that. The exclusives are getting more and more hype which is stealing from the whole point of going to the event to begin with. Obviously the exclusives work as a draw, but when the prices are so high on the aftermarket that you fear not getting it immediately, you end up spending most of the event trying to get the item. But as you said, if the exclusives were something that didn't have that "must have" appeal, they would be aptly ready for hardcore fans while not frustrating those who cannot make the events. Not to mention, the exclusives are growing in number. Look at the original '82-94 run. Sure, there's exclusives, but nothing that would upset a fan if they didn't have. They were mostly repaints of already popular vehicles/figures. So if you don't care about colors, you can still readily get the item; if you want exclusives, then you can be one of the few with a dreadnok stinger. It's as easy as that. A figure like classic Zarana who may never get a wide release and who is a wanted figure by most collectors, should never be a limited exclusive. The variant, however, easily should be.

[Monkeywrench]

I just hope some Skystrikers are on the club website. Rather pay them extra than waste another day on HTS.

me too, except replace skystriker with zarana

[SNAKE EYES]

Guys if you want to argue about the exclusives... then take it to the Slaughter thread or the Dial Tone has left the building thread. Let's try to keep this thread for discussion about all the Q&A answers... not just one.

Let's not clog the thread by beating the same dead horse about exclusives. We want other peolple to actually want to post :)

Thanks

[Shin Densetsu]

2011 GI Joe Q&A Round 1 Answers (http://www.toyark.com/news/gi-joe-toy-news-11/2011-gi-joe-qa-round-1-answers-4045/)

RIP WHALE & Battle Corps vehicles. =/

[gunslingercbr]

Ya, but you better tack on another zero for once it hits ebay. Why can't the Starscream version just be a chase variant in the mainstream line? The numbers would probably remain somewhat equal to what's already been produced and would definitely drive up sales of an already highly popular vehicle. And most of all, this would control the hoarding that we all know will go on.

so even a cross-line repaint that has no place in the main line shouldn't be a con-exclusive? between this post and your other arguments in the Slaughter thread, your only position on the matter is that the only characters and concepts that should be made exclusives are ones you don't want so you don't have to worry about missing out on them.

[Python_Puckman]

The Allspark: Transformers News Movie Comics Animated - Hasbro GI Joe Q&A Round 1 Answers! (http://www.allspark.com/content/view/8792/)


Their answer to the Ross situation was interesting. Makes you wonder what would have happened to all that stuff if the Ross buyer hadn't been a fan. Probably end up in a big Hasbro dumpster.

[villainsrule]

so even a cross-line repaint that has no place in the main line shouldn't be a con-exclusive? between this post and your other arguments in the Slaughter thread, your only position on the matter is that the only characters and concepts that should be made exclusives are ones you don't want so you don't have to worry about missing out on them.

Stalking me now? Stay on topic as the mods say.

[KingStalin]

Their answer to the Ross situation was interesting. Makes you wonder what would have happened to all that stuff if the Ross buyer hadn't been a fan. Probably end up in a big Hasbro dumpster.

I'm curious as to how much of a loss does Hasbro take form selling to the outlets. Sure they sit on the stuff if they didn't sell but with the lower price I'm wondering who loses out.

Does make less of a profit than TRU/Target or does Hasbro lose out on the sales.

I'm sure Hasbro has grown to dislike fans attitudes towards this as a lot of people have made comments about "waiting" till Ross/TJ Maxx/Marshals for certain things.

Curious to see what appears at these outlets in the next year.

[DESTRO]

I have no problem with that. Of course there are many fans who love that feeling of exclusivity...but there are fans like me who would like to have complete collections without having to go to random events on the other side of the country when they have work. Or what about our international fans?


Oh I don't know, eBay - have a friend get one for you.

Even if you spend, lets say $1000.00 on the secondary market , for all 3 G.I. Joe exclusives, your still saving around $1500.00 if your flying in and staying at a hotel.

Before anybody who is not going to SDCC says a word about not getting what they want, just take a look at what it cost to attend the show. Then tell me it's not worth skipping all the cost of going, waiting in line for 5 hours, and dealing with all the bullshit at the show.......Just to stay at home and hit BIN on eBay for a Fraction of the cost!

I hate SDCC!!! If I was not going to report on news, I would never go again. I would love to sit at home and have the option to have them sent to me.

[Black Llama]

I wonder if that can be translated to : Target and Walmart couldn't sell RoC and didn't want to take another huge gamble with PoC so Ross was our only friend....

[Troynos]

Destro has a very good point.

If the only thing you want out of the Con is the exclusives, you're still making out by buying from EBay.

SDCC is EXPENSIVE.

[cmderinchief]

2011 GI Joe Q&A Round 1 Answers (http://www.toyark.com/news/gi-joe-toy-news-11/2011-gi-joe-qa-round-1-answers-4045/)

RIP WHALE & Battle Corps vehicles. =/

Fear not Shin, remember, the Skystriker's tools were lost too. :-)

[Owner of a Lonely B.A.T.]

1. What is the status of the POC Alpha Wave 3 vehicles?

• HISS Attack Scout w/Cobra Hiss Driver
• GI JOE Transformable Cycle Armor w/Ashiko

1) We are currently looking at the possibility of placing these at one of our retailers as an exclusive but we haven't worked out the details yet.



My take on this...

Hasbro WANTED a mass release maybe even EXPECTED a mass release, but suddenly something changed (likely retailers not ordering new items because their still sitting on Doom Cycles and Mechs...not to mention some still sitting on Lava Pods) so now Hasbro is scrambling to get ONE retailer to commit to these....but still have not....

Guess time will tell, but I smell Ross / TJ Maxx / Marshells material.

[Shin Densetsu]

Fear not Shin, remember, the Skystriker's tools were lost too. :-)

Is there sufficient demand for the Ghoststriker though? I don't even know if a lot of the current fans even remember that and the Detonator.

Now the WHALE..

[Troynos]

I think if the Skystriker does well, there would be an excellant chance for the Whale.

[arashikage tat]

I think if the Skystriker does well, there would be an excellant chance for the Whale.


I hope so...especially since they said that the Whale would need "new tooling" which kinda gave me the feeling that they have looked into it or thought about it. So I agree that hopefully, maybe if the Skystriker sells well then we may have a chance at a Whale

[Troynos]

I'd even take a retooled APC

[villainsrule]

I'd even take a retooled APC

I second that with hopes for the Night Force variant too.

[cmderinchief]

Now the WHALE..

...really goes without saying. :-)

[Steevy Maximus]

I hope so...especially since they said that the Whale would need "new tooling" which kinda gave me the feeling that they have looked into it or thought about it. So I agree that hopefully, maybe if the Skystriker sells well then we may have a chance at a Whale

Keep in mind that the Skystriker is basically all new tooling as well. Fuskool trashed the original, so Hasbro basically had to redo the whole thing.

I agree, if the Skystriker does well, the Whale and Moray are probably pretty high on any "remade vehicle" list Hasbro has.

[Shin Densetsu]

Keep in mind that the Skystriker is basically all new tooling as well. Fuskool trashed the original, so Hasbro basically had to redo the whole thing.

I agree, if the Skystriker does well, the Whale and Moray are probably pretty high on any "remade vehicle" list Hasbro has.

The Moray needs to be retooled because the last one at TRU was an absolute mess. I was baffled at how bad it was. Usually with Hasbro products, the quality control is good, not so at all with that one!

[netowolf]

Destro rocks

[Xenos]

The Moray needs to be retooled because the last one at TRU was an absolute mess. I was baffled at how bad it was. Usually with Hasbro products, the quality control is good, not so at all with that one!

What was wrong with it?

[Shin Densetsu]

What was wrong with it?

To say it was bad would be an understatement. The holes were not punched in all the way, some weren't punched in at all. Some of the parts would not attach right. Some would not stay together. It was a mess, no wonder TRU clearanced that thing down to $20. Hell I bought it on clearance and regretted it. The best things about it were Night Force Flint and Beachhead. That's it.

The vehicle would have been GREAT had quality control been far far better. Hasbro dropped the ball on that one. I was really looking forward to it too.

[Owner of a Lonely B.A.T.]

Mine was fine.

[txbart]

Fear not Shin, remember, the Skystriker's tools were lost too. :-)

And, as they politely alluded in the Allspark q&a, BUY those skystrikers to get us to produce more stuff.

[netowolf]

female figures don´t sell because the bad sculpt. city strike scarlett (with a new head) will sell like hamburgers in a fatcon.

[Shin Densetsu]

female figures don´t sell because the bad sculpt. city strike scarlett (with a new head) will sell like hamburgers in a fatcon.

To be quite honest I think Renegades Scarlett is a step in the right direction, but not quite there yet.

[Monkeywrench]

the questions that the tank turned in weren't very good

[DESTRO]

the questions that the tank turned in weren't very good


At the time these were all great questions, then JoeCon came around and gave us the answers. Keep in-mind these were submitted before JoeCon.

[Bombardier]

At the time these were all great questions, then JoeCon came around and gave us the answers. Keep in-mind these were submitted before JoeCon.

Why do we never know what questions we submit until the answers come out?

[OSOK]

meh

[blackman2005]

F$CK YEAH!!!!!!

We're getting a Spearhead & Max soon for the 30th Anniversary. I love it when they drop major hints!!!

G.I. Joe Q&A #1 - 2011 - Parry Game Preserve (http://www.parrygamepreserve.com/newsDetail.php?jID=1717)

QUOTE:

Preserve: Snake Eyes and Timber, Shipwreck and Polly, the Master and his Croc - does the brand team ever discuss other pets / sidekicks that might be a good match for other characters in the G.I. Joe universe?
Hasbro: We've all got our favorite pets. One of the designers on the staff actually has a cat that is similar in stature to the famous bobcat "Max". Despite our enthusiasm, there are no more plans for expanding "pets" at this time.

[Bombardier]

F$CK YEAH!!!!!!

We're getting a Spearhead & Max soon for the 30th Anniversary. I love it when they drop major hints!!!

G.I. Joe Q&A #1 - 2011 - Parry Game Preserve (http://www.parrygamepreserve.com/newsDetail.php?jID=1717)

QUOTE:

Preserve: Snake Eyes and Timber, Shipwreck and Polly, the Master and his Croc - does the brand team ever discuss other pets / sidekicks that might be a good match for other characters in the G.I. Joe universe?
Hasbro: We've all got our favorite pets. One of the designers on the staff actually has a cat that is similar in stature to the famous bobcat "Max". Despite our enthusiasm, there are no more plans for expanding "pets" at this time.

ummm...I think that's pretty much saying that we are NOT getting Spearhead and Max.

[blackman2005]

ummm...I think that's pretty much saying that we are NOT getting Spearhead and Max.

I think this is a hint that its a possibility. Maybe not Max but Spearhead......

[Monkeywrench]

I think this is a hint that its a possibility. Maybe not Max but Spearhead......

i think ur stretching too far. We'll be lucky if all the joe con figs even come to retail let alone Spearhead

[Shin Densetsu]

ummm...I think that's pretty much saying that we are NOT getting Spearhead and Max.

That's what I got out of it too.

[gunslingercbr]

F$CK YEAH!!!!!!

We're getting a Spearhead & Max soon for the 30th Anniversary. I love it when they drop major hints!!!

G.I. Joe Q&A #1 - 2011 - Parry Game Preserve (http://www.parrygamepreserve.com/newsDetail.php?jID=1717)

QUOTE:

Preserve: Snake Eyes and Timber, Shipwreck and Polly, the Master and his Croc - does the brand team ever discuss other pets / sidekicks that might be a good match for other characters in the G.I. Joe universe?
Hasbro: We've all got our favorite pets. One of the designers on the staff actually has a cat that is similar in stature to the famous bobcat "Max". Despite our enthusiasm, there are no more plans for expanding "pets" at this time.
that quote had zero to do with getting Spearhead anymore than it does getting Raptor or Voltar without a bird, simply that they aren't making any troop/animal sets at the moment.

[Lody]

1. What is the status of the POC Alpha Wave 3 vehicles?

• HISS Attack Scout w/Cobra Hiss Driver
• GI JOE Transformable Cycle Armor w/Ashiko[/I]

[B]1) We are currently looking at the possibility of placing these at one of our retailers as an exclusive but we haven't worked out the details yet.

This means cancelled and will be a ROSS exclusive!

[Lody]

AS: Fans have noticed the so-called "Ross phenomenon", in which so many items - be they previously considered canceled such as the RoC Polar Sharc, Lava Pod and Tiger Rat or in some cases brand new such as the PoC Black HISS and VAMP - appear to by-pass the large, "first tier" retailers completely. Without delving into too many specifics, can you give a brief statement and/or insight on the forces behind this relatively small chain of stores receiving these figures and vehicles, and how/if they will effect the brand going forward?

H: Marketing a toy line has a lot of challenges. The "Ross phenomenon" is one of the challenges. As you know, the Rise of Cobra line did not perform as well as expected. As a result, many of the RoC toys ended up being marked down at places like Ross. The buyer for Ross clearly has a love for G.I. Joe and was willing to take excess inventory. However, this is not part of any strategy. Ideally we would like our mainline retailers to have the newest product available in all markets.

This is a hell of a statement right here....

[Lody]

F$CK YEAH!!!!!!

We're getting a Spearhead & Max soon for the 30th Anniversary. I love it when they drop major hints!!!


WOW

some people really do hear what they want to.

[Saboteur]

So no WHALE and no Voltar.

Thanks Joe, but I'll stick to the brand and team that actually makes what I want. And strong enough to stay at retail.

[Cloud Strife]

I'll get Zarana no matter what. I hate that she's an exclusive, but she's the only one I need to complete my 80's 'Noks (I've made customs of all the other non-made 'Noks in the 25th and so forth style. They did an excellent job on her and I'm thankful that they gave an original sculpt.

Now I do hate it for those that might not be able to afford the prices that she'll be going for after SDCC and don't really like the idea of what I'm going to have to pay to get her, but it's better than nothing.

I do wish that they would've at least put her in an internet exclusive 7-pack this year instead, as that would solve the problem of her "shelf-warming", though I don't think that would ever happen.

Also, has Hasbro announced when they plan on announcing the 7-packs for this year? Are they even still planning on doing them?

*Crosses fingers for a Dreadnok 7-pack (Road Pig, Zanzibar, Zandar, Thrasher, Gnawgahyde, Zarana re-paint, and Monkeywrench done right) and a Viper (Night Viper, Frag Viper, Heat Viper, etc...) or a Joe 7-pack (unproduced 25th/ME Joes)*

[Buzzetta]

So basically, someone at Hasbro researched it to see if it was available and found out that 30 for 30 was taken by ESPN.

[SITHLOU33]

True, but they should make good on that from the getgo. Produce extra, especially Zarana. Don't bring them to the con. Then sell em on HTS.com after the show. Or maybe a Pre-order system on HTS to guarantee ALL(not just con goers) get these exclusives. If you miss the pre-order then yes it's your fault. A pre-order system would be way better then sitting in front of a computer all day, hitting refresh and hoping you get these things.

The fact that Zarana is even an exclusive kinda sickens me. Thats a slap in the face from Hasbro to all the non con goers that have collected the entire 25th line and now more characters are being made(Dial-Tone) and not everyone is guaranteed to have them in their collection. And that sucks. Just my opinion of course
Your right on, it does suck.

[netowolf]

happy to know that city strike scarlett may be released someday... better than never.

[Lantern_Lad]

They don't want to "limit" themselves with the 30 for 30 pledge? The rate they're going I'd say half that would be an improvement.

[Troynos]

I'm a big Spearhead fan and would love a new Spearhead and Max.

But that quote had no hints at all about getting one.

[Troynos]

Where's the complied list of all the answers?

NVM, Generalsjoes has a great complied list.
http://generalsjoes.com/qanda.html

[FIREFLY21]

just read on one of the other sites (linked from terrordrome) that Hasbro worked things out with Walmart and most stores will carry Joes again- great news!

[Steel Brigade]

happy to know that city strike scarlett may be released someday... better than never.

Um... it doesn't say that at all.

It also basically says "no" to Spearhead & Max.

[Troynos]

City Strike Scarlett's gear is being released with Renegades Scarlett.

So the motivation to release a CS Scarlett by Hasbro has gone down alot.

CS Scarlett has a better chance coming out from the Club's subscription service then a Hasbro mass release.

Would also probably be an exclusive before mass release.

[Steel Brigade]

^ If they did she would have a non-Rachel Nichols head.

I honestly think with her gear already coming out with Renegades Scarlett that this is the best fans can expect at this point for a release of this figure. Pretty sure Hasbro is saying "here you go, here's the gear with a Scarlett figure" & moving on...

[Xenos]

Why is everyone still clamoring for City Strike Scarlett? Wasn't the Resolute Scarlett City Strike's body with a different head?

[Bombardier]

yeah, i don't care much for the City Strike Scarlett. way overhyped. Probably good that it was cancelled.

[Steel Brigade]

^ Nah... she's gorgeous. And fans always want what they can't have. We are just built that way.

In any event I hope the gear fits Renegades Scarlett well & it will help to satisfy some fandom.

[Monkeywrench]

yeah, i don't care much for the City Strike Scarlett. way overhyped. Probably good that it was cancelled.

100% agreed

[Troynos]

Why is everyone still clamoring for City Strike Scarlett? Wasn't the Resolute Scarlett City Strike's body with a different head?

Maybe Steel Brigade can post the pics, but I'm pretty sure the body was different. CS Scarlett has more of a flight suit look.

[Xenos]

I'm pretty sure they are the same:
http://www.hisstank.com/forum/attachments/g-i-joe-toy-reviews-quick-feedback/60152d1280693719-poc-scarlett-city-strike-review-pics-cs-resolute-scarlett.gif

[Steel Brigade]

No Troy my friend, It's the entire Resolute Scarlett's body with fancy paint apps to look different. The only new articles were the head/hair & her gear (tonfas, sword/sheath, mask, o2 tank).

[Troynos]

Wow they did a good job with the paint apps, lol. I never even once considered it the Resolute body.

[Kitchen Viper]

Isn't some of the City Strike gear being used on Renegades Scarlet? Really looking forward to that fig.

[Troynos]

Isn't some of the City Strike gear being used on Renegades Scarlet? Really looking forward to that fig.

Yes. All except the jetpack.

[Steel Brigade]

Wow they did a good job with the paint apps, lol. I never even once considered it the Resolute body.

^_-

Yes. All except the jetpack.

Correct.

[Steevy Maximus]

I actually love this Q and A from Parry Game Preserve (and kudos to them for decent questions this time as well):
Preserve: Does the team keep vintage figures and vehicles around the office, or do they prefer to be inspired by the new media of Renegades and the movie(s) to keep the ideas fresh, only dipping into the past for special projects?
Hasbro: Great question. Actually, it's a careful balance of both, at least for the design of the 30th anniversary. We do have a reserve of old vehicles as well as some recent releases. Oftentimes an old vehicle is "hacked up" to create a new vehicle. It is a strangely satisfying feeling to send a small plastic tank through the bandsaw, knowing that it's demise will lead to a new and possibly more awesome new vehicle.
Next Q and A, I WANT a pic of that!

[netowolf]

Why is everyone still clamoring for City Strike Scarlett? Wasn't the Resolute Scarlett City Strike's body with a different head?

the gear is what make the difference. very cool gear, btw.