Tag: Funskool

Russian Funskool GI Joe

The Russian Funskool GI Joe Story

On By thedragonfortressIn GI Joe7 Comments

[Updated 9/16/22]

My Russian Funskool GI Joe articles have been some of the most popular pieces on my website. Today, we’re going to look a little deeper and tell their origin story. Thanks to the hard work of a friend, we now know when these figures came out, how they came about, and who imported them. This is the definitive Russian Funskool GI Joe origin story. Until we learn more, at least.

Before we start this article in earnest, I need to thank my friend Brusleep. He conducted all of the interviews and did all of the research for this piece. This is truly his work and I’m happy to share it with the world. All I did was re-write it, streamline it, and publish it. All credit goes to Brusleep, who you can find on Twitter. He is one of my favorite people in our online toy community, and he’s an absolute joy to interact with. Give him a follow. 

Brusleep interviewed Igor Zhorzhovich, the founder of Two Beetles. If you’ve read any of my reviews and articles about Russian Funskool GI Joe, you’ll know that name. Two Beetles was the company that brought GI Joe into Russia, using Funskool figures and newly-translated packaging. 

All of the information in this article comes from Brusleep’s audio and text interviews with Igor.

All photos in this article come from either Igor’s personal archives or from Brusleep.

I’m excited to finally bring you The Russian Funskool GI Joe story. 

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Site Updates: Russian Funskool Mainframe and Even More MOTU Origins

On By thedragonfortressIn GI Joe, Misc2 Comments

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.

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2018 Funskool GI Joe VAMP Repaints

On By thedragonfortressIn GI Joe8 Comments

Hello there! Today we’re going to take a look at two of Funskool’s repaints/remolds of the venerable GI Joe VAMP, which were both released in 2018. It’s possible that Funskool is still making these today, as well.

Update: 9/7/21: Rony informs me that Funskool has been making the MRF and Police Jeeps since the early 00s and that they’re releasing a black Army Jeep soon. See Tweet below. 

Ostensibly, these both fall under the “Giggles” imprint, which is where Funskool releases its preschool and early childhood toys. Only one of the two VAMPs has any Giggles branding on its box, but eCommerce sites seem to list both of them as Giggles releases. 

My friend Rony (YouTube, Twitter, Instagram) sent me the Army Jeep (green one) and I bought the MRF Racing Jeep (red one) from eBay while prices were still reasonable (around $20 shipped). I did also order the Police Jeep (blue one), but it never showed up and the seller deleted their own account. So I possess neither the Police Jeep nor the money I spent on the Police Jeep. It’s sadly too expensive for me to even consider buying one now. 

This post will be done in more of an image gallery/mini-review format. I didn’t want to write a full review, but I did want to share the toys with you. Also, I used my photo tent for these pictures, and I’m still not an expert with it. You’ll notice some of the background colors, saturation levels, and brightness levels are a bit inconsistent. So please forgive me. Regardless, I think the photos are good enough for you to get a good feel for the toys. 

Let’s get to it.

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LEGO 1999

The State of LEGO in 1999 (And Russian Funskool Budo)

On By thedragonfortressIn GI Joe, LEGO15 Comments

LEGO is probably my favorite toy line of all time. It’s definitely the one I’ve spent the most time with, too. I haven’t written about it much on this website yet, though. In time and when/if things get back to normal for me, I actually have a few sets to review. Until then, I wanted to talk about a weird, dreary year for LEGO that had a pretty profound affect on me.

But since most of you are here for GI Joe, we’ll do some of that, too. So today we’ll take an in-depth look at Russian Funskool Budo and talk about the state of LEGO in 1999.

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Russian Funskool Airtight and King’s Quest VI

On By thedragonfortressIn GI Joe, Nostalgia6 Comments

Hi there! Today I’ve prepared a special Funskool GI Joe treat for you. I’m also going to wax nostalgic about a video game. I’ve never written about video games before, so we’ll see how that goes.

I have a full review coming up for you on Thursday. It’s a huge one, too, and is over three years in the making. It’s not GI Joe related, but I think most of you will be into it.

So let’s get to the reason why you’re here (Airtight) before the part you’ll skip over (King’s Quest).

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5 Songs that Mention GI Joe and an Oddball Funskool Firefighter

On By thedragonfortressIn GI Joe, Music5 Comments

Hi there. Today we have another look at a fan favorite Russian Funskool GI Joe figure. We also have some songs, some of which are more unsettling than others.

Your regularly scheduled review will be posted on Thursday. It’s not GI Joe-related, though, so I suggest you get your fill today so you don’t go hungry for the rest of the week.

Continue reading “5 Songs that Mention GI Joe and an Oddball Funskool Firefighter” →

Site Updates: Right on TARGAT

On By thedragonfortressIn GI Joe4 Comments

Hi there.

I do, in fact, have something new and GI Joe related to share with you today. It’s not a full review, but don’t worry– you’ll get one of those on Thursday. It won’t be a GI Joe review, but it will be fantastic.

And you’ll also be getting a full gallery of amazing GI Joe photos on Friday. That’s a lot of stuff my friends and I are putting out for you this week.

Speaking of friends, I wanted to share some of my favorite things other people have been working on recently

And, as promised, I have a GI Joe thing for you, too.

Continue reading “Site Updates: Right on TARGAT” →

Funskool GI Joe Ripper

Making the Photo: Funskool GI Joe Ripper

On By thedragonfortressIn GI JoeLeave a comment

(Editor’s Note: Today’s post is something a little different. My friend Sintechness (Twitter, Instagram) was kind enough to share his photo taking process. A lot went into this amazing photo of Funskool Ripper, and it’s fascinating to see how he accomplished such a great shot.)

I’m always amazed at great toy photography. I’m even more amazed when I see how it’s actually produced. My own process boils down to making a haphazard set on top of my stove (it gets the best natural lighting in the house, so shut up) and throwing some toys in it. That is literally all I do. But some people, such as Sintechness, go above and beyond with practical effects and dazzling artistry.

Here’s what went into making this incredible photo of everyone’s favorite Funskool Dreadnok.

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Transformers Repro Accessories

Fun with Transformers Repro Parts (and 6 Russian Funskool GI Joe figures)

On By thedragonfortressIn GI Joe, Transformers5 Comments

Russian Funskool GI Joe

Today we’re keeping it casual at The Dragon Fortress. 

I’ve updated the site with six (6!!) in-depth, dedicated pages for Russian Funskool GI Joe figures. Hopefully you find it useful and enjoyable. 

We’re also taking a look at some amazing Transformers repro accessories a friend made for me. 

Kick back and relax. 

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