#Tomax & Xamot Paoli

[khakilike]

Destro #4, Dan Watters and Andrei Bressan

[simeonscott]

Destro: "Farewell, my dear Baroness..."

Rest in Peace Morgan Lofting.

[lgspears]

Here's my picks for Cobra Command in the G.I. Joe movie if it was made in the 90s:

Willem Dafoe as Cobra Commander.

Michael Wincott as James McCullen Destro XXIV/Destro.

Fabiana Udenio as Anastasia Cisarovna A.K.A. Anastasia DeCobray/Baroness.

Jimmy Taenaka as Thomas S. Arashikage/Storm Shadow.

Peter Greene as Zartan.

Chris Sarandon as Serpentor

Costas Mandylor as Tomax Paoli & Xamot Paoli - the Crimson Twins.

[1105binarycode1105]

I think it's official that I now also self ship with the Crimson twins, Xamot and Tomax Paoli 👉🏽👈🏽

[geekcavepodcast]

G.I. Joe's Scarlett and Cobra Ally Destro are Getting Solo Miniseries

Skybound, Image Comics, and Hasbro are releasing two G.I. Joe limited miniseries set within the Energon Universe, one featuring Scarlett and the other featuring Destro.

Scarlett hails from writer Kelly Thompson and artist Marco Ferrari. The comic is said to introduce anticipated characters into the Energon Universe. Shana “Scarlett” O’Hara's latest black ops mission is infiltrating the Arashikage Clan, a rising power in Japan. Scarlett's "one lead is her former partner—Jinx—turned Arashikage enforcer. Now, Scarlett must use her skills to survive undercover… and discover a shocking weapon that could change the balance of power on Earth." (Skybound)

Scarlett #1 goes on sale on June 5, 2024.

Destro, from writer Dan Watters and artist Andrei Bressan, will reportedly change the balance of power in the Energon Universe. "James McCullen Destro XXIV is the man behind M.A.R.S. Industries, the undisputed leader in providing high-tech weapons to world powers…for the right price. But the emergence of Energon has changed everything. As Destro’s ambitions grow, the “Crimson Twins” Tomax and Xamot Paoli emerge to destroy their competition, and Cobra Commander realizes his current ally could be his future greatest enemy." (Skybound)

Destro #1 goes on sale on June 19, 2024.

(Images via Skybound - Cover A of Scarlett #1 and Cover A of Destro #1)

[nscafe-firehose]

G.I. Joe Classified... Cobra style.

B.A.T. and Cobra Commander; B.A.T., Crimson B.A.T. and Python Patrol B.A.T.; Cobra Island Baroness and C.O.I.L.; Profit Director Destro; Firefly; Crimson Viper, Crimson Guards, Tomax and Xamot Paoli and a Crimson B.A.T..

[farsight-the-char]

YO JOE!

....

Kelly Thompson will write Scarlett, and Marco Ferrari will do the art. The first issue will be out on June 5th.

Shana “Scarlett” O’Hara is about to take on the most dangerous black ops mission of her career: infiltrating the mysterious rising power in Japan known as the Arashikage Clan. Her one lead is her former partner—Jinx—turned Arashikage enforcer. Now, Scarlett must use her operative skills to survive undercover… and discover a shocking weapon that could change the balance of power on Earth.

I guess this is where we are getting Snake Eyes?

....

Dan Watters and artist Andrei Bressan will launch Destro #1 on June 19, 2024.

James McCullen Destro XXIV is the man behind M.A.R.S. Industries, the undisputed leader in providing high-tech weapons to world powers…for the right price. But the emergence of Energon has changed everything. As Destro’s ambitions grow, the “Crimson Twins” Tomax and Xamot Paoli emerge to destroy their competition, and Cobra Commander realizes his current ally could be his future greatest enemy.

Gun God, Meet Your Avatar.

[krimsonkobra]

Classified Series Main Line Figures

00 – Snake Eyes

01 – Roadblock

01 – Roadblock – Redeco

02 – Snake Eyes – (Red Stripe)

02 – Snake Eyes

03 – Destro

04 – Duke

04 – Duke – Redeco

05 – Scarlett

05 – Scarlett – Redeco

06 – Cobra Commander

06 – Cobra Commander – Regal Variant

07 – Gung Ho

08 – Red Ninja

09 – Snake Supreme Cobra Commander

10 – Beach Head-Cobra Island

11 – Roadblock-Cobra Island

12 – Cobra Trooper

13 – Baroness & Cobra COIL Cycle

14 – Storm Shadow-Arctic Mission

15 – Destro – Profit Director

16 – Snake Eyes – Movie

17 – Storm Shadow – Movie

18 – Akiko – Movie

19 – Baroness – Movie

20 – Scarlett – Movie

21 – Firefly – Cobra Island

22 – Cobra Viper – Cobra Island

23 – Zartan

24 – Cobra Infantry Trooper

25 – Lady Jaye

26 – Flint

27 – Major Bludd

28 – Roadblock – Heavy Artillery

29 – Breaker & RAM Cycle

30 – Snake Eyes & Timber

31 – Zartan – Master of Disguise

32 – Barbecue

33 – Cobra BAT

34 – Alley Viper

35 – Storm Shadow

36 – Spirit Iron-Knife

37 – Cobra Officer

38 – Croc Master & Fiona

39 – Outback – Tiger Force

40 – Duke & RAM Cycle – Tiger Force

41 – Cobra BAT – Python Patrol

42 – Cobra Viper – Python Patrol

43 – Dr Mindbender

44 – Tomax Paoli

45 – Xamot Paoli

46 – Sgt Stalker

47 – Cobra Viper Officer & Vipers (3 Pack Set)

48 – Dreadnok Zarana

49 – Dusty

50 – Crimson Guard

51 – Blue Ninjas (2 Pack Set)

52 – Snake Eyes & Timber-Resolute

53 – SDCC 2022 – Sgt Slaughter

54 – Bazooka – Tiger Force

55 – Recondo – Tiger Force

56 – Cobra Officer – Python Patrol

57 – Serpentor with Air Chariot

58 – Barbecue – Slaughter’s Marauders

59 – Cover Girl

60 – Crimson B.A.T.

61 – Kamakura

62 – Bazooka

63 – Outback

64 – Falcon

65 – Dusty – Tiger Force

66 – Python Patrol Crimson Guard

67 – Snow Job Deluxe

68 – Valkyrie Female Cobra Deluxe Troop Builder 2 PK

69 – Arctic B.A.T.

70 – Shipwreck

71 – Rock ‘N Roll

72 – Copperhead

73 – Torpedo

74 – Scrap Iron with Anti-Armor Drone Pet Deluxe

75 – SDCC 2023 Chuckles

76 – Range Viper

77 – Night Force Big Ben

78 – Tripwire

79 – Tele Viper with Trouble Bubble (Flight Pod) – Vehicle

80 – Nunchuck

81 – Cobra EEL

82 – PulseCon 2023 Crimson Strike Team Crimson Baroness with Crimson Twins

83 – Tunnel Rat

84 – Firefly (Classic)

85 – Crimson Viper

86 – Lowlight

87 – Grunt

88 – Python Patrol Vypra

89 – Tiger Force Flint

90 – Night Force Shooter

91 – Crimson Alley Viper

92 – Desert Commando Snake Eyes

93 – Snow Serpent

94 – Mole Rats

95 – Steel Corps Troopers 2 PK

96 – Python Patrol Copperhead

97 – Python Patrol Cobra Officer

98 – Python Patrol Tele-Viper with Trouble Bubble

99 – H.I.S.S. Tank Driver

100 – H.I.S.S. Tank Tactician Bravo

101 – H.I.S.S. Tank Female Gunner

788 – H.I.S.S. Tank

102 – Dreadnok Ripper

103 – General Hawk

104 – Agent Helix

105 – Shockwave

106 – Dreadnok Buzzer

107 – Night Force Tunnel Rat

108 – Shadow Tracker

109 – Parth “Wolf Spider” Varma

110 – Cobra H.I.S.S. 788 Fire Team Cobra Officer, Range Viper, and Cobra Infantry(3 Pack Set)

111 – Cobra H.I.S.S. Techno-Viper & H.M.S. (HEETSEEK MISSILE SYSTEM)

112 – Clutch with VAMP

113 – Mutt & Junkyard

114 – Big Boa

115 – Airborne

116 – Quick Kick

117 – Techno-Viper

118 – Metal Head Iron Grenadiers

119 – Cobra Ferret ATV and Cobra Ferret Scout

120 – Cobra Stinger and Stinger Driver

121 – Night-Creeper

122 – Doc

123 – Dreadnok Torch

124 – Jinx

125 – Dreadnok Gnawgahyde and Pets Porkbelly & Yobbo

126 – Tiger Force Roadblock & Tripwire 2pk

127 – Night Force Shockwave with Night Pursuit Cycle

128 – Mad Marauders Low Light and Spirit Iron Knife 2-pack

129 – Mad Marauders Sgt. Slaughter

130 – SDCC 2024 Once a Man Cobra Commander

131 – Storm Shadow V2

132 – Iron Grenadier

133 – Alpine

134 – Iron Grenadier B.A.T.

135 – Dreadnok Road Pig with Rawkus

136 – Starduster PulseCon 2024

137 – Tiger Force Wreckage with Tiger Paw

138 – Night Force Falcon & Night Force Quarrel 2-pack

139 – Raptor

140 – Nemesis Immortal

141 – Steel Corps Commander vs. Twilight Guard 2-pack

142 – Wild Bill

143 – Unlock #1 Night Force Ripcord

144 – Unlock #2 Glenda

145 – Unlock #3 Night Force Crazylegs

146 – Dreadnok Zandar

147 – S.A.W. Viper

148 – Leatherneck

149 – Dial-Tone

150 –

Click into the full story to view the complete G.I. Joe Classified Series Check List!

Classified Series Other

-Snake Eyes – Fortnite

Classified Retro Series

Baroness – Retro

Destro – Retro

Gung-Ho – Retro

Lady Jaye – Retro

Zartan – Retro

Storm Shadow – Retro

Snake Eyes – Retro

Crimson Guard – Retro

Duke – Retro

Scarlett – Retro

Recondo – Retro

Cobra Commander – Retro

Cobra Trooper – Retro

Stalker – Retro

Beachhead – Retro

Snow Serpent – Retro

Eel – Retro

Rock N Roll – Retro

Retro Dr. Mindbender – Retro

Retro Cobra Viper – Retro

60th Anniversary of G.I. Joe

Deluxe Action Soldier

Deluxe Recon Diver

Deluxe Sniper

Deluxe Halo Jumper

HasLab Vehicles

HISS Tank (HasLab)

H.I.S.S. Tank Driver

H.I.S.S. Tank Gunner Female

H.I.S.S. Tank Tactician Bravo

Retro Carded Cobra Commander (Mickey Mouse)

Dragonfly (HasLab) Summer 2024

Wild Bill

Unlock #1 Night Force Ripcord

Unlock #2 Glenda

Unlock #3 Night Force Crazylegs

Cobra Rattler (HasLab) 2025

Wild Weasel

Unlock #1 Cobra Airborne Squadron Patches

Unlock #2 Cobra Rattler Gunner

Unlock #3 Pilot Baroness

Classified Series Pipeline Reveals

Pipeline – Frag Viper

Pipeline – Blowtorch

Pipeline – Footloose

Pipeline – Heavy Duty

Pipeline – Law & Order

Pipeline – Darklon

Pipeline – Crystal Ball

Pipeline – Snake Eyes V4

Pipeline – Cobra Trench Viper & Bunker

Pipeline – Legacy (60th Anniversary Style) Fire Fighter

The Hunt For The M.A.S.S. Device Build -A- M.A.S.S. Device not yet confirmed, however the first set contains a what looks to be the first Element glass container.

Snake Eyes with Polar Bear set with M.A.S.S. Devise Elements.

Vehicles

Cobra Claw with Pilot

Rumors and Leaks – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

GIJ CS TT SEWER URCHIN

GIJ CS TT ARTHUR DLX

GIJ CS TT AMERICAN MAID

GIJ CS TT RED SCARE

GIJ CS GG HUDSON

GIJ CS SP PHILLIP

GIJ CS TT TERROR

GIJ CS SS LISA

GIJ CS SS MAGGIE

GIJ CS BB SALVADORE

GIJ CS BB DARIA DLX

GIJ CS RETRO AN ELMYRA

GIJ CS RETRO AN PINKY

GIJ CS RETRO AN BRAIN

GIJ CS JABBERJAW

Miscellaneous

New Storm Shadow – spoiled on the box art of Desert Commando Snake Eyes standing on roof in the background.

T1 Toys Asia Toy Seller – Nemesis Enforcer (confirmed), Starduster (confirmed), Dreadnok Heartwrencher, Dreadnok Roadpig.

Vehicles:

Snowcat – Rumor

Dreadnok Thundermachine – Rumor

A.W.E. Striker NYCC 2024 NYCC Teaser Image

SDCC 2024 Teaser Image of Claw Feet…. (confirmed to be the Polar Bear from the M.A.S.S. Device Snake Eyes set NYCC 2024)

SDCC 2024 Teaser Cobra FANG

Darklon prototype images have surfaced online. 8/12/24 (confirmed NYCC 2024)

[graphicpolicy]

Destro #1 adds pieces to the puzzle in a middling first chapter

Destro #1 adds pieces to the puzzle in a middling first chapter #comics #comicbooks #energonuniverse #gijoe

The next chapter of The Cobra Threat threat begins here! James McCullen Destro XXIV is the man behind M.A.R.S. Industries, the undisputed leader in providing high-tech weapons to world powers… for the right price. But the emergence of Energon has changed everything. As Destro’s ambitions grow, the “Crimson Twins” Tomax and Xamot Paoli emerge to destroy their competition, and Cobra Commander…

[krinsbez]

GI Joe: Remixed, The Crimson Guard/The Crimson Twins

The Crimson Guard was originally founded as CC's personal bodyguard, comprised of Cobra's best and most loyal fighters. Once he got Storm Shadow on side, however, this function became somewhat redundant. Also, CC's the kinda paranoid who is more likely to trust his life to one guy who he has something on than a bunch of guys motivated by loyalty. So, he began sending these highly loyal elite asskickers on other missions, because CC isn't one to waste resources. Over time, these went from being sidejobs to part of the CG's core mission, and it began recruiting people especially to serve as elite soldiers or secret policemen as well as CC's bodyguards.

Then CC came up with the idea for the Fred program infiltrators; Cobra operatives who would be given new faces* and identities, matched with other Cobra operatives who would play the parts of spouses and children, and dispatched to communities around the world with orders to blend in and become part of those communities, both to serve as sleeper agents and subtly influence their new neighbors/co-workers/friends to be more receptive to Cobra and their ideas. It was a no-brainer to turn to the Siegies for this duty. At this point, the Crimson Guard had developed a reputation as Cobra's best of the best, with benefits to match, including snazzy uniforms and a surprising degree of independence. So, when Cobra began recruiting scientists, businessmen, government bureaucrats, police, federal agents, etc. to secretly serve the cause, well, membership in this elite fraternity was a pretty big carrot.

Among those so recruited where Tomax and Xamot Paoli, the identical twin co-Founders, co-CEOs, and co-Chairmen of the Board of Extensive Enterprises, one of the world's most powerful multinational conglomerates. They also are not quite what they seem. Born in Corsica, they grew up as circus performers (acrobats and tumblers, specifically). In their teens they were basically sold to the Unione Corse, and eventually became whatever that organization's version of Made Men are called; more specifically, they were contract killers and enforcers. Eventually, however they left to join the French Foreign Legion...from which they eventually deserted, becoming free-lance mercenaries in an assortment of lawless war zones across the world. Eventually, they acquired sufficient funds to create new, squeaky-clean identities themselves and create EE, which they then proceeded to turn into the globe-spanning empire it is today.

But they weren't really happy with their newfound wealth and status. After all, their new role hasn't made them forget where they came from, or made them feel any less like outsiders. They hate having to hang around a bunch of crowing roosters and mewling lapdogs that imagine themselves condors and wolves, but even more they hate the private thought that all those macho-posturing fratbrats who don't have the slightest clue what it's like to really be a killer, to really be ruthless, to really be A Man (as the Twins consider it) are secretly looking down their noses and laughing at them. But the most galling part is that these money-grubbing milksops who have never seen the look in a woman's eyes as you force her final breath out of her lips with your hands around her throat, or to break a man so thoroughly he begs you to violate his wife and daughters, or any of the other seriously messed-up shit they did during their mercenary and Unione Corse days, actually do run the world, and that in order to get a piece of the pie they have to pretend to be just like them. If anything, having to maintain a mask of corporate respectability makes them despise their supposed peers even more for forcing them to pretend to be something they're not.

But what can they do? They can't maintain their current respectable status and properly punish the empty suits they're sure are laughing at them behind their backs...until they meet Cobra Commander, and he shows them that there is a way they can have both. So they join the Crimson Guard and proceeded to make themselves so useful that CC eventually placed them in charge of the whole shebang, which by this point was a single organization In Name Only and was thus suffering organizational problems. The Twins, enterprising fellows that they were, quickly set about dealing with the problem. Of course, as top commanders, they are able to realize that CC isn't quite the perfectly brilliant visionary leader he presents himself as being to the rank-and-file and their loyalty curdles, but they still want it all, and Cobra is still their way of getting it; as a result, along the way created a new schism, albeit a secret one; between those Siegies who remained personally loyal to CC, and those who gave their loyalty to the Twins...

Additional points:

-The Twins do in fact have a bit of a twin-telepathy thing going on, including Ye Olde Corsican Brothers bit where they can feel what the other is feeling.

-The Twin's loyalties go something like this:

Each other

Themselves as individuals.

The Crimson Guard as an organization

Cobra as an organization

Cobraism as an ideology

Extensive Enterprises

The Crimson Guardsmen that are personally loyal to them

The rest of the Crimson Guard

-

-

-

-

-

Cobra Commander

The rest of High Command

Their legitimate business partners

EE's stockholders

The rest of Cobra

EE execs

EE middle-management

EE's employees

Some people from their past whom they owe debts to.

-The Crimson Guard is basically Cobra's SS and similarly has it's own command structures and several subdivisions that do stuff just for them rather than rely on the support services of Cobra generally. Of course, every subdivision has it's own leader. (one of us created a bunch of these, and made some neat profiles, but I’m not sure how to bring ‘em over to tumblr)

*not via conventional plastic surgery, but instead by some machine Mindbender came up with, which leaves no scarring and has a shorter recovery time with less medication, but also hurts like hell and has a higher risk of going catastrophically wrong. It does have the slight downside of creating new faces by mixing-and-matching from a set database of facial characteristics, which can lead to multiple Freds having almost the same face.

[khakilike]

Destro #1, Dan Watters and Andrei Bressan (Serious question: I always thought they mirrored each other, so is this an artist goof or do Tomax and Xamot really both wear their watches on the left wrist?)

[simeonscott]

Tomax Paoli: "Prepare for trouble!"

Xamot Paoli: "And make it bubble!"

[lgspears]

for the Transformers x G.I. Joe movie, i nominated Daniel Brühl as Cobra Commander, Sam Heughan as Laird James McCullen Destro XXIV/Destro, Adelaide Kane as Anastasia DeCobray/Baroness, Gaku Space as Thomas S. Arashikage/Storm Shadow, Stefan Kapičić as Serpentor, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Brian Binder/Doctor Mindbender, Clive Standen and Michiel Huisman as Tomax and Xamot Paoli, Josh Lawson as Zartan, Xavier Samuel as Sebastian Bludd/Major Bludd and James Badge Dale as Scrap-Iron.

[gijoe-forever]

Tomax and Xamot Paoli (also called the Crimson Twins or Crimson Guard Commanders)

- The Paoli brothers speak in notable accents which show they are from Corsica. The brothers were at some point members of the Unione Corse (Corsican Brotherhood), served in the French Foreign Legion's 1erREP in Algeria, then as mercenaries in Africa (Congo, southern Africa) and South America. While they relished this, they realized they would soon become too old and weak to be soldiers forever, so they changed careers and studied banking in Zurich, Switzerland. Unhappy with the world of corporate finance, the brothers found the opportunities available in international terrorism far more suited to their abilities, and joined Cobra. Their specialties are in infiltration, espionage (military and industrial), sabotage, propaganda, and corporate law.

Like the Crimson Guard that they lead, Xamot and Tomax also lead the "respectable" corporate face of Cobra as the founders, owners, and CEOs of Extensive Enterprises. When not engaged in terrorism, they efficiently manage Cobra's business affairs in shirt and tie. Their preferred mode of attack is through brains over brawn, using the law to serve the purposes of Cobra. They have covered their paper trail and connection to Cobra so well, that it is thought to be impossible to prove a connection between them and the terrorist organization.

The twin brothers are mirror images of each other; Tomax's hair is parted on the right side of his head and Xamot's on the left; the piping on their uniforms goes up the opposite side on each twin; the brothers' names are mirror images of one another. The only distinguishing mark between the two is a scar on Xamot's right cheek. Tomax and Xamot share an empathic connection commonly known as "The Corsican Syndrome" in which identical twins are believed to be psychically bonded. (In a manner similar to The Corsican Brothers (1844) by Alexandre Dumas, père) While this psychic connection is often useful, as it allows them to communicate wordlessly, finish each other's sentences, and speak in unison, it is also a liability as they feel each other's pain.

[sterling-silvers]

Star Wars: The High Republic #2 Review

Ultimately a 7.5 out of 10, this installment was slightly better because of how Cavan Scott decided to advance the plot. While there some are nice nuggets of good-story telling and character interactions, even worse than last time, it’s bogged down with cardinal errors that truly make me question Scott’s competency as a writer for this story.

The issue comes right off the back end of Keeve being promoted to a Master Jedi and chronicles her first mission in the position. She is still dealing with the growing pains of what it means to be a Jedi which is depicted with her ongoing internalized self-doubt as well as her difficulty expressing certain Jedi mantras, such as “May the Force be with you.” Arguably exacerbating this bottled up uncertainty are the Keeve-proclaimed legends of Jedi Masters Sskeer, and identical Kobati twins Terec and Ceret. These twins are Bond-twins and as so are able to share the same mind and experiences of each other.

As they exit “hyperspace” (more on that later), the four masters come across the leftover demise of a ship that has been attacked. The Jedi were tasked with responding to the scrambled distress call that the ship had sent out sometime ago but, it seems as if they arrived too late. Both Keeve and one of the twins, using the Force, are able to sense survivors within the ransacked ship. As so, they board and enter.  Almost as soon as they are inside, they are met with poisonous Nihilian ovax gas and utilize a device called “rebreathers” to mitigate the effects.  Fully aware that the Nihil have raided this ship, they continue their investigation and split up to cover more ground. Traversing in groups of two, Terec – who is accompanying Sskeer – can sense the Trandoshan experiencing extreme trauma which means that Ceret can feel it as well via their bond; specifically, Sskeer is having flashbacks to the exact moment he lost his arm in the Battle of Kur.

On Keeve’s side of things, she and Ceret come across the corpses of a Hutt and Gamorrean guards. Upon further examination, it seems the Hutt was killed via an amalgam of stab wounds, blaster bolts, and nagnol poisoning – the latter being a toxic natural gas, capable of disrupting starship sensors, poisoning beings based on dosage, and a key element in the Nihil smokescreen.

On Sskeer’s end, he comes across a barley crop and together the Jedi deduce that the Hutt was capitalizing on the grain shortage that has occurred thanks to the Great Disaster. As the twins work on trying to ascertain where exactly the crop came from, Ceret is attacked by a Nihil that has been left behind; this causes both twins to feel the pain but, the wounds are not fatal. Sskeer charges ahead and chases after the Nihil raider, who is already suffering from serious injuries previously sustained in the raid. While Sskeer is perturbed that he cannot sense the attacker he is able to fatally strike down the assailant; coming to gripes that he has just killed, Sskeer goes on a rampage and continually slashes the bifurcated carcass only be brought back to his senses when Keeve addresses him.

Afterward, the Masters relay their findings to Marshall Avar Kriss and with the analysis from Master Maru, come to the conclusion that the barley – specifically Vratixia Renanicus – is a key ingredient in bacta; moreover, the shipment likely came from the Sedri System – principally, Sedri Minor. With this in mind, Kriss assigns Sskeer and Ceret to got to Sedri while she and Jedi Master Rwoh convene with Keeve and Terec to collect the Hutt ship that is breaking trading sanctions. Keeve moves to go with Sskeer but, Sskeer stonewalls her to stay with Terec.

Arriving on the planet, Sskeer is met with unwecolmedness by a citizen, Kalo Sulman who makes it clear that the Jedi’s presence will interfere with the colony’s independence. As the two are discussing, Ceret sees a Rodian in the crops motioning him to come over – as Ceret goes deep into the brush he is attacked by Drengir.

Back on the ship, Kriss and Keeve are discussing the remains of the corpse that Sskeer has left; Kriss reprimands Keeve for not telling her sooner but, also admonishes herself for not looking deeper into the signs the Force were giving her – such as not being able to hear Sskeer’s “song”.

As this happens, Terec – who is being medically assessed by Rwoh – screams out in pain feeling his brother’s anguish and relays this to Kriss. Kriss immediately contacts Sskeer and asks if Ceret is with him; when Sskeer realizes that the twin is gone rushes into the fields only to find his lightsaber.

What I liked:

A growing plot pivoting off of the bacta manufacturing that was touched on by Jedi Grandmaster Veter; this is much welcomed world building within the parameters that is the High Republic.

A very competent and aptly written investigation, analysis, and deductive reasoning done by the Jedi as a whole. The way the Jedi got on the ship, looked for clues, relayed their information to the data analyst/forensic expert, and hash out a plan to go to the planet where the clue originated from was great and definitely resonated with the idea that these Jedi are analogous to Texas Rangers. They certainly seemed like proto-Jedi investigators, not unlike future Jedi Master Tera Sinube.

The continued delving into Jedi Master Sskeer. I like the balancing act that is being conducted with his character. He’s a virtuous being that is dealing with trauma but, that doesn’t, ultimately, stop him from being a Jedi – it just tests it. He is still a “knight” and applies that chivalry when it needs to shine. Witnessing his accident and how it is affecting his psyche, ability to use the Force, and his morality is the highlight of this issue. This is what should be focused on to establish WHY Keeve looks up to him – give her these thoughts in accordance with herself doubt.

The dynamics of Ceret and Terec as interconnected Force Twins (could be seen as “Dyad Force-bond” inspired). Their link is a double-edged sword that reminds me of the Tomax and Xamot Paoli from Cobra Command. The original Star Wars was centered around Force sensitive twins and it’s nice to see that element played with more here – haven’t really seen that since the Mikkian twin sisters – Tiplee and Tiplar – in Clone Wars.

The holster to the lightsabers – it’s a nice, subtle way to convey how the Jedi of this era are more in a time of peace and reservation. To have a weapon holstered means that they have to take the extra moment to consider brandishing it. This underlying detail syncs really well with the time period considering that most of their enemies would be lifeforms and could be reasoned with – “life is precious.”

This can be seen as succinct yet distinct dichotomy between this era Jedi and the Skywalker Saga Jedi, as their sabers were without a holster and normally fashioned around the hips allowing for both instant access and draw in an age encompassed by war with droids – “droids are replaceable.”

What I disliked:

The application of Keeve’s personality traits continues to feel like a mismatch for the particular time period and volk she supposedly has been training and studying with; Ezra Bridger – who by the High Republic’s standards would not even be a Jedi – acts more like a Jedi than Keeve does. If anything, the uncertainty, quirks, and misapplication of Jedi traditions would have fit Ezra WAY more than it does (or really doesn’t) with Keeve. The concept itself is fine but, the iteration is what is flawed. Keeve is fast feeling more like a Jedi from post revenge Revenge of the Sith – like Kanan Jarrus – that a High Republic Jedi.

The sloppy fan service – there is a scene not only of a Hutt but, the Hutt is dead with its tongue out, surrounded by dead Gamorrean guards. It would be one thing if we just had a dead Hutt, I can even look past the Gamorrean guards (even though it would be nice if we saw this race in more roles than guards – there are some but, it does seem like guards is niche as far as the universe is concerned) but, to also have the Hutt dead with its tongue out to me just screams “DO YOU REMEMBER THAT ONE SCENE IN RETURN OF THE JEDI WITH JABBA?!!!” Just, how much are you going to dilute a reference? Make the fan service substantive and or just not in your face – the Rodian luring Ceret is a good version of fan service; present, notable, but not impeding in terms of the narrative.

What I Marked Off:

The completely wrong depiction of hyperspace; Star Wars Hyperspace is blue and certainly not immersed in stars when one is traveling through it. This error is on the very first page of the issue. This shook me to my very core and yanked me out of the immersion. IT’S THE FIRST PAGE! HOW DOES ONE MESS UP ON THE FIRST PAGE?!!! To add grave insult to mortal injury, hyperspace is a FOCAL element of the High Republic Era – you CAN NOT mess this up. Ultimately, it’s a team mess up but, Scott gets the brunt of this reprimand because this is his story and arguably his script is the one that should be guiding the artist.

The fact that Scott continues to fail to make the necessary references about crucial dynamics, events, and positions within this era. I had to learn from a YouTube video (link below) that Sskeer is actually the “Steward” to Kriss’ Marshall role. As of issue #3, this position is still not established to be held by Sskeer which is a real shame as it adds more substance and weight to his plight as a perturbed Jedi. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPeRcyJE5dk&feature=emb_title

In summary, this issue was a 7.5 out of 10; slightly better than issue one because of how the writer decided to advance the plot and who he decided to advance the plot with. The genuinely good moments of story-telling are bogged down by ineptitude that can literally throw one out of the immersion. Nonetheless, if you can tolerate the faults there are elements to enjoy, especially when it comes to the characters. I hope those elements promptly become prominent.

[flyguy]

Full GI JOE Hasbro Live Stream Press Release, Images & Recap

All 61 main press pics for Classified and o-ring retro: https://www.facebook.com/FLYGUYtoys/posts/5318839444794376

All 12 Transformers GI JOE Pics: https://www.facebook.com/FLYGUYtoys/posts/5319096971435290

Those Retro 6" figures are sadly Walmart exclusive and more info in March on them. No other pics, other then the above.

Full press release/recap of the live stream:

Hasbro Pulse G.I JOE 40th Anniversary Livestream Recap

Product Reveals

During the livestream, the G.I. JOE team revealed multiple new products, including additions to the Classified Series line, the Retro Collection and the first-ever G.I. JOE mash-up with Transformers:

· New Classified Series reveals available for pre-order include Tomax Paoli, Xamot Paoli, Lonzo "Stalker" Wilkinson and a multi-pack with Viper Officer & Vipers Action Figures.

· The Retro Collection introduced a new Cobra Officer & Cobra Trooper 2-Pack.

· The Transformers Generations - Transformers Collaborative: G.I. JOE Mash-Up, Megatron H.I.S.S. Tank & Baroness was revealed as the first-ever Transformers and G.I. JOE mash-up.

· Multiple upcoming Classified Series were revealed through digital renders including Dr. Mindbender, Dusty, Zarana and more. 

The Ultimate FANthem

Behold the ultimate G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero FANthem! PUMP UP THE VOLUME because you won’t want to miss a lyric detailing 40 years of booms and bangs and 40 years of Kicking Fangs! And don’t forget to comment on the fave moments that take you back!

Classified Series - Artists

We also revealed Classified Series packaging from the artists below:

· Valentina Remenar – G.I. JOE Classified Series Tomax Paoli Action Figure & G.I. JOE Classified Series Xamot Paoli Action Figure

· Frank Morrison – G.I. JOE Classified Series Lonzo "Stalker" Wilkinson Action Figure

· Anthony Petrie - G.I. JOE Classified Series Cobra Viper Officer & Vipers Action Figures

IDW

Saturday Morning Cartoon Mini-Series

With the nostalgic appetite for ’80s pop culture as powerful as ever, IDW is giving fans what they want with the February debut of G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero—Saturday Morning Adventures, a special send-up of the classic cartoon, shipping monthly and featuring the fan-favorite creative team of writer Erik Burnham, artist Dan Schoening, and colorist Luis Antonio Delgado.

40th Anniversary Special

Celebrating 40 years of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comics, this giant-length special issue features 22 different fan-fave artists taking on the classic G.I. Joe: ARAH #21 (the original silent issue-"Silent Interlude"), including SL Gallant, Netho Diaz, Andrew Lee Griffith, and many more! Each artist will draw a single page of this seminal masterpiece in their own unique style, based on Living Legend Larry Hama's original layouts.

Additionally, the issue will contain stories and essays by creators who were influenced by Hama as well as a fourth wall-breaking short story written by Larry himself, celebrating his unparalleled four decades of work on G.I. Joe: ARAH.

Super 7

Yo, Joe! Brace yourself for a serious redistribution of forces, because Super7’s latest wave of G.I. Joe ReAction figures are ready to deploy! Roadblock, Flint, and Snake Eyes are ready to do battle against Cobra Commander, Baroness, and Firefly for a place on your roster! G.I. Joe ReAction Wave 3 arrives this spring- stay tuned for news on the army builders that will also be included in this wave! Make sure to follow Super7.com for updates on the launch date.

Renegade Games

Join the team and battle Cobra in G.I. JOE Mission Critical, a cooperative miniatures board game for 1-5 players! Stop Cobra in locations around the world, and try to defeat Cobra Commander himself to save the day! G.I. JOE Mission Critical uses the Guardian System, providing a tense, challenging and cooperative gaming experience! The game features finely detailed miniatures for both the G.I. JOE and Cobra forces, Mission Critical will be hitting your table later this year but you can sign up now to be the first to know when pre-orders open in April!

Brawlhalla x G.I. Joe

Brawlhalla is adding two new fighters in an Epic Crossover with G.I. JOE. Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow land in the arena on February 23, bringing a new Showdown mode map called Arashikage Dojo. Brawlhalla players can also enjoy a number of other G.I. JOE-themed items that will be revealed later this week, and those items as well as the new map will be purchasable and playable after the Epic Crossover event ends.

The Arashikage Dojo map will also be featured in the Brawl of the Week. The Arashikage Showdown is a four-player, trap-laden match. The player with the highest score at the end of three minutes wins. Now you know, and knowing is half the battle.

G.I. JOE Classified Series Tomax Paoli Action Figure

(Ages 4 and Up/ Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/ Available: Fall 2022)

YO JOE! G.I. JOE explodes into a larger-than-life era with brand new 6-inch scale figures, evolving classic characters fans know and love into a highly articulated 6-inch scale with premium deco and details. The G.I. JOE Classified Series Tomax Paoli figure comes ready for action, with multiple points of articulation for high poseability and 5 character-inspired accessories. This figure features a classic design updated to bring the Cobra Crimson Guard Commander into the modern era, plus accessories inspired by the character’s rich history.

Except for the scar on Xamot’s face, he is the mirror image of his brother Tomax. Both twins command legions of Cobra who wear three-piece suits in executive boardrooms. The most fearsome of the Cobra adversaries because they use your own laws against you.

The G.I. JOE Classified Series Tomax Paoli figure collectible package will also make a mark on shelves, featuring display-worthy custom artwork from Valentina Remenar. For G.I. JOE fans new and old, the G.I. JOE Classified Series line of actions figures captures the pulse-pounding excitement of G.I. JOE in a 6-inch scale. Available for pre-order at https://bit.ly/dorksideTOYS and most major toy retailers and HasbroPulse.com today at 1PM ET.

G.I. JOE Classified Series Xamot Paoli Action Figure

(Ages 4 and Up/ Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/ Available: Fall 2022)

YO JOE! G.I. JOE explodes into a larger-than-life era with brand new 6-inch scale figures, evolving classic characters fans know and love into a highly articulated 6-inch scale with premium deco and details. The G.I. Joe Classified Series Xamot Paoli Action Figure features a classic design updated to bring the Cobra Crimson Guard Commander into the modern era, plus accessories inspired by the character’s rich history. The figure comes ready for action, with multiple points of articulation for high poseability and 5 character-inspired accessories.

Except for the scar on Xamot’s face, he is the mirror image of his brother Tomax. Both twins command legions of Cobra who wear three-piece suits in executive boardrooms. The most fearsome of the Cobra adversaries because they use your own laws against you.

The G.I. Joe Classified Series Xamot Paoli collectible package will make a mark on shelves, featuring display-worthy custom artwork from Valentina Remenar. For G.I. JOE fans new and old, the G.I. JOE Classified Series line of actions figures captures the pulse-pounding excitement of G.I. JOE in a 6-inch scale. Available for pre-order at https://bit.ly/dorksideTOYS and most major toy retailers and HasbroPulse.com today at 1PM ET.

G.I. JOE Classified Series Lonzo "Stalker" Wilkinson Action Figure

(Ages 4 and Up/ Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/ Available: Fall 2022)

YO JOE! G.I. JOE explodes into a larger-than-life era with brand new 6-inch scale figures, evolving classic characters fans know and love into a highly articulated 6-inch scale with premium deco and details. The G.I. JOE Classified Series Lonzo "Stalker" Wilkinson figure comes ready for action, with multiple points of articulation for high poseability and 10 character-inspired accessories. This figure features a classic design updated to bring the G.I. JOE Medic and Interpreter into the modern era, plus accessories inspired by the character’s rich history.

Fluent in at least four languages, Stalker is a skilled linguist who graduated top of his class in basic combat, advanced infantry, and special training. Intelligent and perceptive, he works well under pressure and strikes quickly and silently.

The G.I. JOE Classified Series Lonzo "Stalker" Wilkinson figure collectible package will also make a mark on shelves, featuring display-worthy custom artwork from Frank Morrison. For G.I. JOE fans new and old, the G.I. JOE Classified Series line of actions figures captures the pulse-pounding excitement of G.I. JOE in a 6-inch scale. Available for pre-order at https://bit.ly/dorksideTOYS and most major toy retailers and HasbroPulse.com today at 1PM ET.

G.I. JOE Classified Series Cobra Viper Officer & Vipers Action Figures

(Ages 4 and Up/ Approx. Retail Price: $89.99/ Available: Fall 2022)

YO JOE! G.I. JOE explodes into a larger-than-life era with brand new 6-inch scale figures, evolving classic characters fans know and love into a highly articulated 6-inch scale with premium deco and details. The G.I. JOE Classified Series Cobra Viper Officer & Vipers Action figures come ready for action, with multiple points of articulation for high poseability and 32 character-inspired accessories.

COBRA Officers are front-line fighters leading attack units into battle alongside the nameless, faceless legions of COBRA Command. Each COBRA is highly skilled in the use of explosives and martial arts.

The G.I. Joe Classified Series Cobra Viper Officer & Vipers package will also make a mark on shelves, featuring display-worthy custom artwork from Anthony Petrie. Available for pre-order exclusively online at https://bit.ly/dorksideTOYS, Amazon, toy specialty retailers and HasbroPulse.com today at 1PM ET.

G.I. JOE Retro Collection Cobra Officer & Cobra Trooper 2-Pack

(Ages 4 and Up/ Approx. Retail Price: $39.99/ Available: Fall 2022)

With the Retro Collection, fans can imagine exciting action and adventure from the pulse-pounding world of G.I. JOE! The G.I. JOE Retro Collection Cobra Officer & Cobra Trooper figures feature classic detailing and multiple points of articulation for dramatic action poseability.

Fans and collectors can celebrate the 40th anniversary of the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero 1982 animated series with this 2-pack of figures presented in their own individual packaging featuring original retro Hasbro branding and cardbacks.

Look for more 3.75-inch-scale G.I. JOE Retro Collection figures and vehicles to build teams of JOE heroes and Cobra villains. Offering collectors the quality and attention-to-detail they are looking for, these fun action figures and vehicles will look great displayed in any G.I. JOE action figure and vehicle collection! The G.I. JOE Retro Collection Cobra Officer & Cobra Trooper 2-Pack will be available for pre-order exclusively on HasbroPulse.com today at 1PM ET.

Transformers Generations - Transformers Collaborative: G.I. JOE Mash-Up, Megatron H.I.S.S. Tank & Baroness

(Ages 8 and Up/ Approx. Retail Price: S89.99/ Available 1/1/2023)

Worlds collide in this Transformers-G.I. JOE mash-up pack! Transformers robots have always been “More Than Meets the Eye,” but now, through the Transformers Collaborative, fans can experience these larger than life characters as they team-up, mash-up, and meet up with other characters, teams, and people who share this same special quality.

The Decepticons and Cobra team up to conquer the world in the Transformers Generations - Transformers Collaborative: G.I. JOE Mash-Up! Baroness and Megatron, disguised as a H.I.S.S. Tank, plan the next Cobra attack as the Megatron H.I.S.S. Tank toy converts from robot to tank mode in 28 steps. The figures feature deco and details based on the worlds of Transformers and G.I. JOE, as well as packaging inspired by a mash-up of the classic ’80s toys with retro artwork. The included G.I. JOE Retro Baroness figure also features a fusion cannon, backpack, and weapon accessories and comes on a card back with a classic G.I. JOE file card. Pre-order at https://bit.ly/dorksideTOYS