The Adam Hughes cover was originally presented at a time when Hasbro had a
very high sensitivity level and decided not to use the cover. A couple
years later, Hasbro and IDW are more willing to push the envelope when it
comes to our comic book franchise.
2.) How much influence do you have over Paramount regarding the film and its promotion?
We have a great partnership with Paramount and have worked hand in hand
with them on creation of the film. With regards to the promotion,
Paramount takes the lead as they are the experts in marketing movies.
3.) With all the publicity surrounding the G.I. Joe Movie, New Comic, the cartoon figures, etc., are there any plans to release a complete series of the G.I. Joe cartoon during this year?
This is something that we are looking at and hope to have updates in the
near future!
1.) What has happened to the GI Joe Resolute comic pack with Arctic Cobra Commander and Scarlett? Do you still have plans for this green and black version of Scarlett to come out?
This pack was cancelled due to timing issue. While those comics and figures will not be available as origianlly planned, they could find homes in other locations in the near future.
2.) Are there any plans for more comic packs? Maybe based on the DDP or even the IDW run?
There are no plans for G.I. Joe comic packs in 2009.
3.) Why did it take so long to produce something like Resolute, which is incredible by the way, that was intended for an adult audience?
It can be a long process from green lighting the production, finding a writer and animation house, revising scripts, finding a animation style, and finally finding the right place to air it. We are incredibly excited that we were able to deliver it to the fans and are so grateful for the positive response it has received.
1. With the original animated series being released again on DVD, will we see more cartoon-based figures or sets?
There are no plans for additional sets based on the cartoon; the 5 packs already released meet the needs of most fans.
2. Will there be a new animated series coming soon, and will it be based on the movie or be its own separate continuity?
Hasbro is still working on what future (post-movie) entertainment plans will look like. We are not ready to talk about any specifics yet.
3. Can we expect to see the Marvel run of G.I. Joe: Special Missions released in trade some time in the next year?
This is not on the current plan, but based on your question it will be suggested to the comic team.
1.) Recently I bought a complete compendium of Transformer character designs called "The Ark", my question is: will there be one for G. I. Joe?
Based on the success of the Transformers book, this is possible for G.I. Joe in the future.
2.) Will the original art that appeared on the 1980's toy packaging every be collected in a book?
If one of Hasbro's publishing partners is interested in this, Hasbro would be fully supportive and we love the idea.
3.) Has the box office receipts of GI Joe: Rise of Cobra met or exceeded Hasbro's expectations? Are they enough to officially green light a sequel?
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra box office results are strong globally, and Paramount has confirmed that there will be sequel.
1.) Will Hasbro dictate that IDW use more classic designs of GI Joe characters as the series moves along?
No. As long as key brand elements for each character are featured and
recognizable, we don’t force an exact design upon comic artists. Part of
the appeal of comics is seeing different artists’ interpretations, and as
much as possible, we like to give them free reign to be creative.
2.) Will the recent exclusive comics from Wal-Mart and Amazon.com be included in a trade paperback in the future? Will there be any more exclusive comics from either online retailers or Joe related websites?
At present there are no plans for either.
3.) There have been some original story wise comics released in the UK (surrounding the release of the movie)? Are there more original material stories planned for other countries or languages? or to have IDW comics released anywhere outside of the US?
Original comic stories are being written and released in the US (IDW) and
the UK (Panini). The Panini comics have been translated for sale in the
Netherlands. There are no current plans for additional original stories,
but we hope to add additional countries and translations to the existing
material soon.
1.) Does Hasbro have an official stance on GI Joe comic original continuity? If so, what is it? Does Hasbro view the Devil's Due published material a continuation of the Marvel published work?
a) The 80's comic continuity is an iconic story that introduced an entire
generation of fans to G.I. JOE and remains a vital element of the G.I. JOE
mythos. That said, G.I. JOE is a vibrant and exciting brand that can
inspire various story lines and interpretations. The current continuity as
imagined by IDW’s core of creators, including Chuck Dixon and Larry Hama,
is the modern presentation of the G.I. JOE story and is of equal
importance.
b) We have no official stance on the Devil’s Due material. It can be
viewed as a continuation of the 80's continuity, or as an alternate
universe that was inspired by the 80's continuity. Fans can read it
according to their personal preference, but we are currently taking the
brand in a direction that does not take the Devil’s Due story into
account.
2.) Recently it was announced that the Free Comic Book Day offering from IDW would be GI Joe #155 1/2. What was the inspiration for going back to the Marvel era story? And why pick up following issue #155?
We picked up following #155 because that is the official ending of the
80's continuity. The inspiration came from the fans and an interest in
exploring where that story would have gone if the run had not ended when
it did. We are thrilled to have Larry Hama on board for this project. We
believe that G.I. JOE, like TRANSFORMERS, has passionate fans that are
willing to support more than one continuity.
3.) What direction does Hasbro want to see the comics to go in the next five years? Will IDW have the license that entire time?
We cannot comment on the specific terms of our agreement with IDW.
However, we are very pleased with the direction IDW has set for G.I. JOE
comics and, barring unforeseen events, expect it to continue.
1.) Has Hasbro mandated that IDW continue to publish movie related comics?
Hasbro maintains a strategic partnership with IDW and we are currently reviewing plans for future publications.
2.) Will you make available the rest of the Resolute comic #3 ("Cold Comfort" with arctic Scarlett vs. Cobra Commander)? Wal-Mart had the Snake Eyes/Night Creeper issue, and Amazon had Duke/ Lamprey and then the downloadable Crimson Guard/Iron Klaw when you preordered the Resolute DVD. We saw a 6-page preview of arctic Scarlett vs. arctic Cobra Commander issue, but are missing the rest of it. What happens next? The suspense is killing us!
This is not planned at this time.
1.) Will there be any intentional cross promotion going between the new line of action figures and the comics? (ie. characters in the comics showing up looking like their action figure, or inserts in the actions figures saying "follow the ongoing adventures of GI Joe in IDW comics")
1) This is something we are exploring.
2.) Now that the Marvel GI Joe story is being added onto again, will Hasbro pursue putting the original Marvel issues on a CD/DVD for release in the near future?
2) Great question and we're really looking forward to the IDW series, but we have no plans for this right now.
Don't worry, I'll let you have ketchup with your words 
I couldn't have gotten a better birthday present!!! OMG, but I never thought this would really happen. All I can say is, HECK YEAH!!!!!!! 
