Cobra H.I.S.S. makes HasLab history

The 6-inch scale G.I. Joe Classified Series Cobra H.I.S.S. (High Speed Sentry) is the first HasLab campaign I've backed (since joining Hasbro Pulse Premium) because of nostalgia! Nostalgia I had for Star Wars The Black Series Rancor too. However, due to the lack of HasLab backers, The Black Series Rancor didn't go into production.

The record-breaking crowdfunded campaign was successfully backed within the first day.

The Cobra H.I.S.S. is £299.99GBP but comes with 4 action figures (including the misprinted 'Mickey Mouse' Cobra Commander) and awesome accessories. Early adopters have helped fellow G.I. Joe fans (myself included) by securing an exclusive early bird Cobra HISS Tactician action figure for free.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Action Force (the international name for G.I. Joe). I collected Q Force, SAS Force, Space Force, Z Force and Red Shadows. Palitoy used the Cobra H.I.S.S. mould for the Red Shadows' Hyena + Red Jackal (Destro repaint).

During a family vacation to Italy, the futuristic design instantly caught my childhood imagination in the pages of the Battle Action Force summer special. The Hyena soon became a firm favourite from the toy line alongside Roboskull.

HasLab has knocked the Cobra H.I.S.S. out of the park as evidenced by the crowdfunded campaign smashing through all 4 stretch goals before it ends on 16th August. Some collectors think there may be further announcements during San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC).

What are your thoughts on the HasLab Cobra H.I.S.S.? How do you feel about crowdfunded collectables? Let me know in the comments below.

Megatron mash-up for G.I. Joe's 40th

Hasbro's G.I. Joe and Transformers took pride of place alongside Masters of the Universe, M.A.S.K., Star Wars and Zoids in my toy room. This collection was amassed from the much-missed Exeter's Pram and Toy Shop. Mostly.

In the UK, G.I. Joe was rebranded as Action Force by Palitoy. The beloved Coalville-based toy company recently featured on A Toy Store Near You, licensed and produced a range of products (including Star Wars) from Kenner and Hasbro. Ultimately, Hasbro bought both companies.

The Transformers soon followed. I first discovered the Decepticon cassette 2-packs during a half-term holiday trip to one of dad's customers based in Tiverton. The rebranded puzzle toys (based on Diaclone and Micro Change) instantly captured my childhood imagination.

Alongside Takara Tomy stablemate Zoids, Transformers cemented a fascination for Japanese pop culture that had begun with the Micronauts in the wake of Star Wars.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of G.I. Joe, Hasbro Pulse has announced a Megatron H.I.S.S. Tank with a vintage Baroness action figure. The Cobra H.I.S.S. Tank was renamed Hyena and included Red Jackal in the UK. The Hyena quickly became a favourite combined with the Red Shadows' Shadowtrak, Laser Exterminator and Roboskull from Palitoy.

Read the official product description:

"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. Worlds collide in this Transformers-G.I. Joe mash-up pack! The Decepticons and Cobra team up to conquer the world! Baroness and Megatron, disguised as a H.I.S.S. Tank, plan the next Cobra attack. The Megatron H.I.S.S. Tank toy converts from robot to tank mode in 28 steps and comes with G.I. Joe Retro Baroness figure. Both figures feature deco and details based on the worlds of Transformers and G.I. Joe. Includes fusion cannon, backpack, and weapon accessories. Accurate scale to the 1983 H.I.S.S. Tank toy. Display Baroness figure at the turret and in the H.I.S.S. tank vehicle mode. Packaging is inspired by a mash-up of the classic ’80s toys with retro artwork. Baroness toy comes on a card back with file card."

This would have been a dream toy back in the day and it's surprising Hasbro took this long.

I've pre-ordered mine for toy photography from Hasbro Pulse but it's also available from selected retailers including Amazon (affiliate link).

What are your thoughts on the new Megatron H.I.S.S. Tank mash-up? How does it compare to Star Wars and Marvel Transformers crossovers? Let me know in the comments below.

Hasbro releases G.I. Joe animated series on YouTube

Hasbro is the latest company to offer free content whilst we self-isolate during the coronavirus pandemic.

G.I. Joe fans (myself included) can watch the first three 5-part story arcs (15 episodes): The M.A.S.S. Device, The Revenge Of Cobra and The Pyramid Of Darkness on YouTube.



"G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero follows an elite team of soldiers as they battle the evil Cobra organization. These heroes thwart the COBRA's desire for world domination at every turn, cleverly stopping them from controlling the weather, creating unstoppable weapons, and genetically engineering super-warriors."

G.I. Joe became a staple of my childhood when Palitoy licensed the toys from Hasbro in the early eighties and created Action Force. Action Force comprised Q Force, SAS Force, Space Force and Z Force (doubled as U.N.I.T. from Doctor Who) who were pitted against the Red Shadows lead by the diabolical Baron Ironblood.



Baron Ironblood was the forerunner to Lord Buckethead and became Cobra Commander when the Battle Action Force comic ended and Action Force moved to Marvel comics in the wake of Palitoy's closure with Hasbro producing toys directly.

What are your favourite memories of Action Force and G.I. Joe? Let me know in the comments below.