1) Why the decision to invent a new Dreadnok before getting to updated versions of Zarana, Zandar, Road Pig, Zanzibar and Thrasher? From a kids stand point it seems like either way, they will view these figures as brand new characters, and from the collectors stand point it would be more appealing to be able to finish out their 25th anniversary collection before moving on to brand new characters that are likely going to have overall less appeal for them


The Designers saw this as an opportunity to create a new, relevant figure that fits into today's pop culture. We have requests for both new and existing characters and we need to have a balance of both in the line to keep the nostalgia but also lay the groundwork for the next generation of collectors.

2) Why was the mail-away "Pursuit of Cobra" Cobra Commander figure canceled as a mail-away. Both Transformers and Star Wars have mail-away figures this year, so why not G.I.Joe? And are the rumors that this figure will only be available in 1 out of every 10 figure cases true? Making a figure that hard to find is no fun to anyone and just makes trying to collect that much more frustrating.

We loved the figure so much that we wanted to provide it at retail rather than as a mail-away. This is the first time we have ever released Cobra-carded packaging and seeing it on shelf alongside the other Pursuit of Cobra items will be amazing. While numbers will be limited, it is not true that it will be in 1 out of every 10 figure cases. We don't want to make it frustrating for anyone.

1) When designing Joes & Cobras, what is the process for deciding how many Joes & Cobras (including Female figures) are made & what branch of military they'll belong too?

We look at many aspects including the following: What is the theme or storyline for the segment? How many figures can we release in total? How have historical figures performed? What is relevant to today's pop culture? Each case is different and we spend a great deal of time discussing the line as a team.

2) What's the Process for redesigning certain characters (Duke, Flint, Destro, Etc) & How do you decide who to pick?

It all depends on the story needs and the what is relevant to the brand at that time. We look at the personalities and skills of each character in the story to identify who could satisfy those needs. We always look to the lore for inspiration, but sometimes we feel new characters are needed to add freshness or bring a new dimension to the brand.