1) We're psyched to get two new Sgt. Slaughters at San Diego Comic-Con, but you've whetted our appetites for more classically-styled figures. Will the Pursuit of Cobra figures incorporate any classic-styled designs, or will figures be styled only according to the four different environment themes?


Thanks, we're glad the fan response has been so positive for the Sgt. Slaughter exclusives! The Pursuit of Cobra will focus on the four environment themes but we will try and sneak in some classic elements. We can reveal more at JoeCon!

2) I know there's still a ways to go before Joe Con that will happen in the last week of April, but since this is the last Q&A before then, can you give us an idea of what we'll be seeing there? When can we expect some more details on the event?

JoeCon is going to be a true celebration of G.I. Joe over the decades. We are very pleased JoeCon is in Rhode Island and we plan to make it a very special event. We will showcase new and old products and have some amazing displays, such as a life-sized version of Willys Jeep. Plus, there will be giveaways and activities for kids. Pre-registered guests will even get a chance to tour Hasbro, where we will showcase original one-of-a-kind 80's packaging artwork like the RAH Night Raven!

1.) At Toy Fair we were told Ashiko with his transformable motorcycle armor and Shadow Tracker would not be coming out in 2010, and perhaps not at all. These were brand new designs NOT from the movie, and they were perhaps two of the best new ideas to come out of the line. Why were these two in particular cut, when you could have cut out yet another Destro or Firefly instead?

These items will be released in Spring 2011. They are very cool new designs and we feel they are perfect for the Pursuit of Cobra line.

2.) It seems to many collectors, or their perceptions, that the 25th Anniversary was a resounding success. Many collectors could not find many items at retail and many 25th Anniversary figures were highly praised and sought after. There are still so many vintage characters/figures that would be purchased on a large scale by collectors seeking new and redone classic characters. Why do the development teams continue to focus on reinventing G.I. Joe when you have a large and substantial collector fan base that supports one of the venues of product and would be happy to purchase newly done but older characters? (Many of us want "new" characters as well, but would love to complete or have an entire collection of classic characters utilizing the new construction.)

Part of G.I. Joe's success is its ability to stay relevant and re-invent itself for every generation. We try to infuse the line with classic characters that collectors request but we also need to maintain the core cast of characters so kids can engage with the brand and learn about the key storylines. Our development team try to keep it balanced so the brand will remain successful for many more years to come. Saying that, there is always opportunity for fan favorites like the upcoming Sgt. Slaughter SDCC exclusive figure.

1.) What led to the design decision to release a smooth torso for Sarge, as opposed to a more muscular version as depicted in the cartoon? Also, what led to the deco decision to place the "USA" on Sarge's abdomen instead of his chest? If possible, I would prefer to have it reduced in size to fit on his chest as that would be more accurate to both his vintage figure and how he looked in the cartoon. While I know that Hasbro can not speak to specific production numbers, will both variants be produced in equal numbers or will one be more limited (harder to collect) than the other?

The designers chose to depict Sgt. Slaughter in his 1986 appearance based on photographic reference. We understand some fans would have wanted to see him in his cartoon form but we chose to create something new and special for SDCC. We also felt the USA deco was better placed on his abdomen. With regards to the two figures, yes, the Triple T variant will be in lower quantities.

2.) How will Sgt. Slaughter be packaged? I would love to see him on a 25th-style cardback similar to PDD and SDCC Cobra Commander, especially as the Sarge has never been released this way before.

Without giving away too many details, I think you will be satisfied!

1) Images have surfaced of the upcoming Exclusive Sgt Slaughter. What changed about the use of his likeness which was previously unavailable? Especially since this new figure seems to be based more on his actual likeness rather than how he was depicted in the GI Joe Cartoon. Also, it appears he has a new wrist joint compared to previous Joes, is this a trick of the lighting, or is this a new articulation being introduced into the line?

We wanted to do something special and unique for the SDCC exclusive therefore the team were inspired by original photographic reference from 1986. You are correct, there is a new wrist joint, this adds another level of pose-ability. We have added this joint to several future figures in the POC line.