I went to an estate sale today in my hometown. A friend let me know that two of her friends were putting the sale on and that there were plenty of toys. Plenty of carded 1990s GI Joes, to be exact. That’s why I drove 3.5 hours, rented a little Vrbo, braved the hot sun, and spent a bunch of money.
Here’s the story behind the estate sale and what I found.
Continue reading “I Found a Bunch of Carded 90s GI Joes at an Estate Sale”
(Editor’s Note: Today’s review comes from my dear friend Corps Commander Cody. As always, please check out Cody’s great photos, customs, and commentary on Instagram and Twitter.)
It’s a certain kind of funny that I am typing my review of the Oktober Guard guy on July 4th. I can literally hear fireworks celebrating America and I was like “yes, it’s time to write about the Russian guys.”
Hi, I’m corpscommandercody, returning guest of Dustin’s site. It’s time for me to talk about one of my favorite figures of all time- Red Star and 1998 GI Joe Colonel Brekhov, who are remarkably similar, you will agree. Hell, even the GI Joe comic (146) makes fun of it. This may even be where the idea to reuse the mold came from.
Today on The Dragon Fortress, we’re looking at an odd figure I have neither nostalgia for nor childhood attachment to. It’s the 1993 GI Joe Cyber-Viper, who is one of the strangest figures in the ARAH toy line with an outlandish color scheme.
Those qualifications fit my mission statement perfectly, but my opinion on Cyber-Viper may surprise you. Or maybe not. You could just be really good at reading people, or be reading my thoughts through a 5G tower. Usually I only let the government read my mind but ,since you’re doing it for a good cause (a late 30-something’s opinion on an ancient GI Joe toy), we’ll let it slide this time.
This review also includes a cameo from one of my good friends and all-time favorite internet toy enthusiasts. But that’s a surprise for later.
Anyway, let’s talk about monsters and cyborgs.
Continue reading “1993 GI Joe Cyber-Viper (Mega Marines) Review”
Well, I finally finished photographing the review I was talking about in my previous post. And wouldn’t you know it– it’s another GI Joe mail away from 1993. I have very few of those (but want basically all of them), so don’t expect it to be a big trend. I just felt like reviewing this figure.
Today we’re talking about the GI Joe Spirit mail away from 1993, who was part of the International Action Force four-pack figure offer. He was sold in a set with Big Bear, Big Ben, and Budo. Let’s hope Hawk doesn’t do roll call in alphabetical order every time he assembles the IAF. Oh, to be an S in a world of Bs.
Let’s take a look at the figure.
Hi there!
I promise I’m working on a full review, but I didn’t finish the photography before I had to leave town for family-related issues again.
But I do have some fun stuff for you anyway. These are a couple things I’ve been saving for a rainy day, and I believe this qualifies. Well, it’s more of a windy day, really– as I’m writing this, we’re having 65mph gusts. Fun stuff.
Today I’ve got an in-depth look at a Russian Funskool figure for you, along with even more modern day barbarians and wrestlemen.
Continue reading “Site Updates: Russian Funskool Mainframe and Even More MOTU Origins”
Hey look, it’s another review I photographed last summer. That means we’re getting to the end of my backlog and I should probably figure out a way to take more GI Joe photos.
But that’s a problem for Future Dustin.
Today, let’s bask in the glow of the Neon Past and spend some quality time with Deep Six version 4, a Mail Away figure from 1993.
Hey, remember that little backlog of photos I mentioned? I decided to finally do a review with some of those photos. Now, please remain calm and don’t rush to congratulate me all at once.
Today we’re looking at one of the most unpopular figures in the entire vintage GI Joe toy line, who also represents one of the most popular fictional characters in the entire world. That’s right! We’re looking at 1993 GI Joe Street Fighter 2 Chun-Li.
That’s a bit of a mouthful, but it is her official title. Well, actually ‘The Strongest Woman in the World’ is her official title, but ‘1993 GI Joe Street Fighter 2 Chun-Li’ is her official Hasbro title.
And boy oh boy, does this toy have ‘1993 Hasbro’ written all over it in shocking blue and yellow.
Let us proceed.
Continue reading “1993 GI Joe Street Fighter 2 Chun-Li Review”
(Editor’s Note: Today’s post comes from my good friend Cody, who has reviewed a few Corps! figures for this website in the past. Today Cody is gifting us a GI Joe review, which is extra exciting. Please check Cody out on Instagram to find some frankly amazing custom figures. I appreciate the hell out of you, Cody!)
Today we’re looking at another vehicle. I’ve wanted to write about the 1993 GI Joe Ice Snake for quite a while, since it was an important childhood vehicle for me. It’s also a really nice piece, especially for a late-line vehicle. The design is good, the colors are appropriate, the features are fun, and it’s a really nice addition to the Cobra snow fleet. I think most GI Joe fans would be pretty on board with this one.
We’ll take a look at the vehicle from every possible angle, see how it works with various figures, and go over all of its features and gimmicks.
This particular Ice Snake was given to me by my friend Barry. I’m still very grateful he sent it my way, as I find it’s one of my most-used Cobra vehicles. I love taking photos of it, posing different figures on and around it, and even playing with it. Thanks, Barry!
Let’s start with the basics and a couple little photo galleries.
Continue reading “1993 GI Joe Ice Snake Gallery and Quick Review”
(Editor’s Note: Today I have the pleasure of bringing you another post from Ross Sewage. You may know Ross from his toy photos on Instagram and Twitter.
You may also know him from his blog, where he shares in-depth guides on repairing and customizing electronics and music gear. Or, it’s possible that you know him as a member of Exhumed and Impaled.
I’m very excited about this post because Ross is sharing his childhood Steel Brigade figure with us, including the original paperwork. We’re guessing he mailed away for it in 1987, but it’s hard to say. Please limit yourself to an acceptable level of pedantry.)
Review and Photos by Ross Sewage
Continue reading “1987 (or 88?) GI Joe Steel Brigade Review”
The Dragon Fortress 