As many of you have seen on other boards, Hasbro has begun fielding questions about the GI Joe line. Well, I am happy to announce that The GI Joe Comic forum is now on that list of sites that can send questions to Hasbro.

Since we are a comic focused site, I would like to ask comic centered questions.

So...what ya got for me?

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I have a question:

What happens to a character on the Hasbro end when they are killed off in the comic book?

Is that character retired in some way as far as future figures/marketing is concerned?

Is there a ceremony held?

Relating to that, this has made me wonder a bit: http://www.yojoe.com/action/07/chuckles2.shtml

Now that I think about it, I guess this would be a reasonable question. What led Hasbro to release another Chuckles action figure after 20 years, while he is currently dead in the comics?

Comic related:

I would like to know whether they plan to release some or all comic series on DVD. It would be great to browse through the Marvel saga at the click of a mouse!!!

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䷾ scryptic
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"The only way to bear the snakes is to become one." - Cobra Commander, Cobra Reborn

I would like to know why Hasbro doesn't actively help promote DDP and its comics?

If Hasbro promoted the comic book more it would in turn help sell the toys because the characters are more interesting.

How did the comic figure packs sell? And do they plan on doing more?

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GI Joe comic fan since 1982

The YO Joe Comic Book Section
&
The YO Joe International Comic Book Section

With direct markets (such as comic book stores) is it easier for Hasbro to make niche figures such as Kwinn?

Will we ever see some other non-Joe characters such as Candy Appel, Hard, Soft and Blind Masters get figures? How about Shooter? Wraith?

What's the most requested figure that hasn't seen the light of day yet?

How much does Hasbro have in the say in the design of characters in the DD books? For example, will a character proposal be nixed if it's deemed to violent or psycho? If the writers want to tweak an iconic design or go back to another verison, such as Snake Eyes' commando gear, do they have to run it by Hasbro first? What it hard to clear DD to kill off Joes at the end of its orginal run?

My questions are:
Comic - related:
1)When GI Joe was revived in the 1980s, why wasn't GI Joe Colton himself considered to lead the unit? Why was Hawk created instead?
2)Are there GI Joe/Cobra characters Hasbro considers "Untouchable"? The characters-like Joe Colton- who would never be considered candiates for elimination?
3)Why was DD allowed to take liberties from what Larry Hama establihed in the Marvel series? (i.e: Destro suddenly having a bastard son; Snake Eyes and Scarlett 's relationship on the rocks, etc.)
4)What convinces Hasbro to produce a figure that was initially created for the comics? (in Toyfare #105, its revealed that the Baroness wasn't initially part of Cobra, yet she had her own figure starting in the 1984 lineup)
5)Why are certain characters allowed to share the same codenames? ( i.e: Airbrorne, Long Range, Sidetrack)?

GI Joe action figure related questions:
1)How come there's no Sigma Six action figure for Scarlett? Duke & Snake Eyes has multiple figures, and Scarlett is the series lead heroine. Plus, she's romantically linked to Snake Eyes.
2)Now that Hasbro has the license to do Marvel Legends, do they have plans to release a line of GI Joe figures with the same level of articulation?
3)Does Hasbro plan to release GI Joe figures based after GI Joe:America's Elite?

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"In war, there can be no sustitute for victory."
-General of the Army Douglas MacArthur
"Speak your mind. After all, it's a free country."
-Captain America
"Risk is our business."
-Captain James T. Kirk

You mean on CD ROM like Marvel are doing with their books right and not dvd? A CD ROM collection would be nice, but I wonder if they would try a digital comic book ala the ones Crossgen did when they were still around? Didn't marvel also try that? Could be possible as this months Previews book has a Voltron one, based on DDP's comic series, due out in July. Toss this one on the list Phil.

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"Those with knowledge and information,not guns and ammo,have the true power over others."

This is great news, Phil.

I have a couple questions in mind. The second relates to comics because of the Billy connection.

1. Given your answer to the first round of questions, it apears comic packs will make a comeback (Great news!). Also in the first round you made mention of the fact that the new style sculpt is going to be your focus for now. Having said that, will you return to the original style comic pack figures and get to characters comic fans have been dying for for years, namely Kwinn (in Summer outfit) and Dr. Venom? I've been wanting these figures since they first appeared in the comic all those years ago, and would love to have them so they fit in with the rest of my comic pack figures that I love.

2. Also, given the poll that is going on your GI Joe website, will one or more of the losers get incorporated into the main line of figures? For example, as I type this both Doc and Billy are showing strongly, and it would be disappointing if we couldn't get a figure of both of those. I know you've gone on to make several of the losing characters in the Star Wars polls (Runner-up General Jan Dodonna particularly comes to mind).

3. Will future comic packs focus more on the Marvel Comics (please!), the DD comics or a bit of both?

That's it for now.

Thanks Phil for hooking us up.

So are these questions being post hear forwarded to Hasbro or are they looking at this site and answering later?

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GI Joe comic fan since 1982

The YO Joe Comic Book Section
&
The YO Joe International Comic Book Section

From what I understand, I will be able to send 5 questions into Hasbro every other month. (The next batch will be in June)

So....while 4 of the questions already posted will get sent (I'll be honest...I got 1 of my own), the other may be sent at a later date.


Phil

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Did Hasbro every answer?

I haven't been asked for the questions yet.

I will let you guys know what 5 questions I send and what they answer when I get them back.

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YoJoe.com has a lot of the questions answered for round one. Perhaps Reloaded will get in on Round 2. I enjoyed the answers, and I think it's really cool Hasbro to do such a thing.

I've borrowed them from yojoe.com since I didn't see them anywhere over here.

YoJoe! Answers:
Question #1: As the Anniversary line takes off, what are the chances of seeing some sub-teams included, like Tiger Force, Night Force, and Python Patrol (just to name a few)?
Hasbro: The Anniversary line was purposefully created as the best of the best. The goal is to create the ultimate expression for our existing fans and to welcome back fans that haven't interacted with the brand since the 80s. That being said, once we have built up the fanbase, the sky's the limit...

Question #2: Can we expect any store exclusives of Anniversary product?
Hasbro: There are no store exclusives planned for this fall.

Question #3: We've all heard about the COBRA Battle Pack #2...can we expect any more COBRA Army Builder packs to be released in the future?
Hasbro: We recognize that army building is an important aspect of G.I. Joe collecting and always look for opportunities to provide troop builders. After all, Cobra Commander has been amassing his army for 25 years. It has to be pretty large at this point!

Question #4: Any chances of seeing some anniversary style product using Devils' Due designs, like Wraith, Zanya, or Overlord?
Hasbro: Anything is possible. This line is a tribute to 25 years and our designers have pulled from all aspects of the brand for inspiration. That being said, once we have built up the fanbase, the sky's the limit...

Question #5: In the past, trademark and copywright issues prevented us from getting some figures based on their codenames (like Flash, Sabretooth, etc...). Can we assume you will be using creative codenames (like Anthony "Flash" Gambello) to ensure that we have more options for characters going forward?
Hasbro: While there are some legal restrictions re: vintage names we will continue to offer the best characters from the past 25 years.


The Official G.I.Joe Collectors' Club:
Question #1: What are your plans to release vehicles for the 25th Anniversary of the Real American Hero collection?
Hasbro: We are considering all of our options for the Anniversary line and we want to ensure it's success out of the gate. Historically, figures are a first purchase and vehicles a second (so a figure line is perfect for our launch this fall).

Question #2: Will you continue the 3 ¾-inch Comic-pack figure sets?
Hasbro: The G.I. Joe comic was such a strong staple of the 80's that we would be remiss to neglect this part of our history. Stay tuned . . .

Question #3: What 25th Anniversary Real American Hero exclusive figures will be offered this year?
Hasbro: We will have ONE that will be featured here on GIJoeClub.com first.

Question #4: When will we see the last 2.5-inch Sigma 6: Mission scale figure sets?
Hasbro: It is difficult to say exactly. Our operations and allocations department will continue to ship product as long as there is demand.

Question #5: Any plans to release additional 12-inch Adventure Team figures?
Hasbro: There are definitely plans. GIJoeClub.com will be the first to feature these in the coming months.


Cool Toy Review:
Question #1: Will Hasbro be releasing the DTC Wave 4?
Hasbro: We are currently focused on building Anniversary as the new standard in 3.75". We are focusing all of our efforts on Anniversary for this fall. However, we are aware that collectors are interested in DTC Wave 4 and will do our best to factor it into future plans.

Question #2: Has Hasbro considered a "Galactic Heroes" type of line for GI Joe (ARAH)?
Hasbro: Rebuilding our 3.75" business with our Anniversary line is currently our top priority. Once we have re-engaged Joe vs. Cobra fans with the brand, we will be open to exploring many different expressions of the fantasy.

Question #3: Will Hasbro have mail-in figures for the new line?
Hasbro: There are currently no mail-ins planned for this fall. However, we are exploring the possibility for 2008.

Question #4: Will the anniversary assortment contain new file cards written by Larry Hamma?
Hasbro: The Anniversary file cards are a tribute to the original cards written by Larry Hama. Larry Hama is an important part of our history and we are always looking for new ways to involve Larry in the brand.

Question #5: Will there be 12" new or old versons of the Joe and Cobra figures?
Hasbro: 12" is an important scale in G.I. Joe's history. We are currently exploring options for where to take this scale as we move forward.


Joe Sightings:
Question #1: What is the current status of the figure tooling that was to be used for future DTC products, and is there any chance the Collectors' Club might get access to those tools?
Hasbro: We are currently focused on building Anniversary as the new standard in 3.75". However, we are aware that collectors are interested in DTC and will do our best to factor it into future plans.

Question #2: What are the chances of getting Anniversary style figures of characters that haven't gotten the action figure treatment yet (Kwinn the Eskimo, Pythona, Dr. Venom, etc...)?
Hasbro: This line is targeted to the fan of G.I. Joe from the 80s including current collectors and potential collectors. This fall's lineup was designed to welcome back fans of the brand that have not been actively engaged since the 80s and serve as a tribute to those fans that have been with us collecting since the beginning. As we grow our fanbase we would love to continue to take fans back deeper into the history of the brand and characters that they know and love.

Question #3: Since there seems to be a strong focus on 3 3/4" again, what does that mean for the 8" scale?
Hasbro: Our 8" will continue. As you can see from this fall's lineup, Kung Fu Grip will help lead the charge into the next generation of 8" product.

Question #4: While designing these figures, do you keep "tool reuse" in mind right from the start? For instance, did you design the Duke figure originally with the idea that you might use it for Flint in the future?
Hasbro: Yes, we create a tooling plan that will allow us to forecast how a tool will be re-used. In the case of the Annversary line, we have the added advantage of knowing which tools were re-used in the 80s. We can actually use their plan to help develop ours. This also allows it to remain a faithful tribute to the past 25 years.

Joe Battle Lines:
Question #1: Based on the '82 formula that mixed both figures and some vehicles for expanded play, will Hasbro consider adding 25th Anniversary vehicles to the line.. no matter what size or amount?
Hasbro: We are considering all of our options for the Anniversary line and we want to ensure it's success out of the gate. Historically, figures are a first purchase and vehicles a second so a figure line is perfect our launch this fall.

Question #2: With a renewed focus on the 3 3/4" what are our chances of seeing some previously unreleased items re-released, primarilly DTC Wave 4?
Hasbro: We are currently focused on building Anniversary as the new standard in 3.75". We are focusing all of our efforts on Anniversary for this fall. However, we are aware that collectors are interested in DTC Wave 4 and will do our best to factor it into future plans.

Question #3: If the 25th Anniversary format proves successful, is there a chance of seeing an expansion of the G.I. Joe mythos with new characters and new concepts?
Hasbro: The Anniversary line is a tribute to the past 25 years of the brand we know and love. Our goal as a brand is communicate our fantasy to kids and fans and drive the brand to new places. New characters and concepts are definitely an opportunity going forward.

Question #4: - As the anniversary line continues into 2008, can we expect the same formula being used currently, meaning the same construction style, articulation, and re-used tooling?
Hasbro: We're not ready just yet to release 2008 information, but stay tuned…

Question #5: Will 2008 continue the "Anniversary" concept, or will there be an actual storyline or theme going forward?
Hasbro: Again, we haven't announced 2008 plans yet.


JoeCustoms:
Question #1: Any plans for exclusive mail in offers or a return of the "Flag Points" or "Battle Points" on the packaging?
Hasbro: There are no current plans for mail-ins this fall. However, this is definitely something we will consider for 2008. Keep an eye open for exclusives.

Question #2: There has been some concern about the size of these Anniversary figures, and a recent article in Lee's magazine stated the figures were 4" tall. Are they noticably taller than the 3 3/4" counterparts?
Hasbro: The figures are between 3.75" and 4" scale. Some of the bigger characters are actually slightly taller to show realistic proportions. We are confident that fans will be thrilled with these new figures.

Question #3: What can you tell us about the packaging for the single pack Anniversary figures?
Hasbro: Anniversary single pack packaging will be very nostalgic. This line is targeted to the fan of G.I. Joe from the 80s, including both current collectors and potential collectors. Nostalgic packaging will act as an on-shelf reminder to the great history of G.I. Joe and bring back postive experiences from our childhood.

Question #4: Any chance of a return of the "Comic Pack" format?
Hasbro: The G.I. Joe comic was such a strong staple of the 80s that we would be remiss to neglect this part of our history. Stay tuned . . .

Question #5: Any plans for traditional sculpt (vintage sculpt) figures at retail, or are those all slated for the Collectors' Club?
Hasbro: Currently the plan is to build on the new 25th style as the new standard for G.I. Joe. We are very excited about the reaction to this style and we would like to build on the initial success.

Yup that's the idea. Hasbro said questions are only going to be answered every 2 months, so we've got another few weeks before Phil submits and gets response to the questions submitted by us here at joereloaded.

The star wars q&a goes every 2 weeks, but they have about 250 figures (including repaints/resculpts and repacks etc.) compared to the 25 or so Joe figures coming this year.

I'm looking forward to the next round of questions though.