Hasbro 2008 Toy Fair press release!
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (February 14, 2008) – With the
first-ever full-length G.I. JOE feature film from Paramount Pictures in
association with Hasbro, scheduled to land in movie theaters in August of 2009,
Hasbro enlists an entire regiment of new G.I. JOE vs. COBRA figures and comics
to reinforce its wildly popular 25th Anniversary line.
The 2008 toys tap
into two fan favorite components from the 1980s: the popular cartoon series and
the 3-3/4-inch scale vehicles. In addition, the classic 12” scale figure returns
this Fall with a kid-focused line that helps introduce a new generation of fans
to the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA fantasy prior to the saga hitting multiplexes around
the world next year.
G.I. JOE PRODUCTS
G.I. JOE vs. COBRA
3-3/4-inch Entertainment Battle Packs
(Approximate retail price $19.99;
Ages 5 & up; Available: June 2008 with additional waves throughout the
year)
Images from the classic 1980s G.I. JOE cartoon series are captured
in the new battle packs, which include a 5-episode mini-series DVD and 3 to 4
highly articulated 3-3/4-inch figures pulled from these episodes. The five packs
slated for June release are: The MASS Device, Weather Dominator, Arise Serpentor
Arise, Pyramid of Darkness, and G.I. JOE The Movie (1980s).
G.I. JOE vs.
COBRA Vehicle Assortment
(Approximate retail price $14.99: Ages 5 &
up; Available: June 2008 with additional waves throughout the year)
G.I.
JOE fans regularly state that “more vehicle offerings” is at the top of their
product wish list. Due to the success of the 25th Anniversary line of 3-3/4 inch
figures, their wish will be granted, with the introduction of vehicles to the
G.I. JOE vs. COBRA battle. In 2008, this new vehicle line will update and
upgrade several of the fan-favorite 80s vehicles, such as COBRA V.A.M.P. and
Armadillo TANK vs. Serpentor’s Chariot.
G.I. JOE vs. COBRA 3-3/4-inch
Single Packs
(Approximate retail price $5.99; Ages 5 & up; Available:
Now, with additional waves throughout the year)
In 2008, Hasbro will
launch seven waves of action figures -- featuring 40 figures in all --
throughout the year. The figures include a base stand featuring the character’s
name and are designed with high levels of articulation to provide kids hours of
interactive fun with their favorite G.I. JOE characters. The action figures are
also packed in vintage 80s-style packaging.
G.I. JOE vs. COBRA Comic
2-Packs
(Approximate retail price $9.99; Ages 5 & up; Available: Now,
with additional waves throughout the year) One of the most popular comics of the
1980s returns to the toy aisle with brand new stories written by G.I. JOE legend
Larry Hama. Each G.I. JOE vs. COBRA comic 2-packs comes with a full-sized comic,
along with two 3-3/4-inch figures designed to look just like their comic
iterations. Fifteen unique packs -- each containing two figures -- will arrive
at stores throughout 2008.
G.I. JOE vs. COBRA 12-Inch
Figures
(Approximate retail price $14.99; Ages 5 & up; Available:
Wave 1 - June 2008; Wave 2 - Aug. 2008)
In 2008 the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA
fantasy will once again make the leap from the 3 ¾’’ scale to the 12’’ scale
which put of G.I. JOE on the map in 1964. This new assortment combines the saga
of G.I. JOE vs. COBRA with a more “realistic” feel expression in the uniforms
and gear. Figures include SNAKE EYES, COBRA COMMANDER and
FLINT.
About G.I. Joe
With the arrival of the G.I. JOE
action-figure in 1964, Hasbro revolutionized the toy industry and forever
altered the way boys play. G.I. JOE has been among the most popular boy brands
of all time and has provided millions with endless backyard adventures.
Throughout its 44-year history, the G.I. JOE brand has constantly evolved,
keeping relevant to new generations through new toy trends and innovations such
as the ADVENTURE TEAM and KUNG-FU GRIP of the 70’s and the JOE vs. COBRA line of
the 80’s. For more information about G.I. JOE, visit www.gijoe.com. For information
about the Official G.I. JOE Collector’s Club, call (817) 448-9863, or visit www.gijoeclub.com.
About Hasbro
Hasbro
(NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time
entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and
marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both
internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER
BROTHERS, TIGER, and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the
highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.
Yo Joe!
02/14/08
For a great selection of G.I. Joe and military-themed action figures and collectibles, check out fine retailers SmallJoes.com, Guru-Planet.com, MonkeyDepot.com, BriansToys.com, ToyRocket.com, BigBadToyStore.com, ToyWiz.com and StatueToys.com.
For a great selection of pop culture and G.I. Joe apparel, check out TShirtGurus.com and 80sTees.com.
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