Hasbro Pulse - June 8th, 2022 Reveals

It's that time again where Hasbro does a G.I. Joe livestream and showcases their new products.  This is an exciting time since they usually have a little something for everyone.  Today was no different.  There were a bunch of Classified announcements, including that the next G.I. Joe Haslab will be for Classified.  To me, that's good news.  I'd like the Skystriker in hand before I have to front the cash for another Haslab.

For me, though, there were two main announcements today.  One, Duke and Cobra Commander, was something we have known about for a while.  Now, though, we will be able to pre-order later today and we got a look at the plethora of accessories that are included with the figures.  The second announcement was new.  It's Stalker with a Transformer that turns into the AWE Striker.  I hate this.  I hate this because I don't collect Transformers and I'm now paying $70 to get a figure that I really want. I would have built a small Stalker army since he's such a personal favorite.  Now, I'll get one.

I want to rant more about this.  But, the reality is that the Megatron sold well.  And, it got way more press than a Cobra army builder two-pack that still hasn't sold out after months of pre-orders.  So, the Transformers/G.I. Joe hybrids are likely here to stay.  I'd rather get a real AWE Striker than a Transforming one.  But, there's lots of crossover between Joe and Transformers collectors.  So, a good number of collectors will be happy to see this.

On to the items.

Duke Vs. Cobra Commander:

We knew this two pack was coming.  We saw mock ups several months ago.  Now, though, we're seeing pretty close to final figures along with packaging and all the extra gear.

Cobra Commander looks pretty good.  It's definitely a cartoon based color scheme.  But, this is the first really different take on this mold we've seen since 1984.  So, that's exciting.  In looking at his gear, it seems he includes a new staff and a tablet.  He also has a rifle instead of his standard pistol in the blister.  I assume this a cartoon thing.  And, new weapons are always welcomed.

Duke is less impressive.  His grin is now massive and is exaggerated far too much.  Beyond that, though, the figure looks to showcase an array of 1997 colors.  And, that's not a good thing.  The helmet is shiny and the figure's colors look way too bright.  We'll see how the final piece looks.  But, I'm not as enthused about this figure as I was, originally.  His gear, though, almost makes up for it.  You'll see his full 1984 complement of weapons with the helmet, pack, binoculars and green M-32.  But, he also get's the standard Snow Job rifle, a bazooka and a jetpack based on the JUMP.  It appears that instead of using the standard backpack peg, this jet pack has a harness that goes over Duke.  We'll see how the final configuration appears.  But, it looks like a big upgrade.  I would love an accessories pack to be able to get a few more of them.

For reference, here is the original mock up photo from a couple of months ago:

Stalker:

I hate the Tranformers crossovers.  I don't collect Transformers and don't like paying an exhorbitant surcharge for including them with Joes.  I'm in the minority on this point, though, as Megatron sold well.  But, I love Stalker and seeing him appear is amazing.  But, instead of army building a couple of them as he's one of my favorite figures, I'll just get one since I have to pay in excess of $70 for a Bumblebee in which I have ZERO interest.

But, these offerings are probably the future because they sell well and lots of people who aren't old curmudgeons really like them.  I'll buy one, too.  So, I'm the real sucker when we get down to it.

Overall, not an overwhelming day.  But one where I'm going to drop nearly $200 for the privilege of getting these figures in the mail in 6 to 8 months.  But, that's toy collecting in 2020 in a nutshell.