GI Joe #1 Offers New Looks for G.I. Joe Classified Series Figures?

Since Duke and Cobra Commander got started, Skybound artists have utilized designs from the G.I. Joe Classified Series from Hasbro. With the official launch of the G.I. Joe series, there's some new designs for fan favorite Joes and Cobras.
Could Hasbro return the "favor" and make some of these designs in the Classified Series line?
Check out the Skybound G.I. Joe series now from my affiliate Amazon;
Duke: Knowing is Half the Battle: Vol 1: amzn.to/3W3E6iC
Cobra Commander: Determined to Rule the World Vol. 1: amzn.to/3RJjGZx

[@claytonhenry5827]

I was reading the new Transformers. It’s fun. But I’m really digging Void Rivals. Especially now that Springer has shown up.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

Hey man. HUGE fan of your work. Adding Springer to the mix has certainly made things interesting. My only worry is the VR characters will get less love for the Joe and TF characters that they come in contact with during various arcs.

[@claytonhenry5827]

@@LylesFigureFiles Thanks for the kind words. I can’t tell where this series is headed just yet, but I like that it kind of stays off on its own, just barely in the Transformers universe.

[@dsanchez9703]

Awesome brother!

[@80sKidfromthe90s]

Cobra Commander #4 was a banger!!!! I would definitely love to see a mix of comic influence for the Classified Series. Yo Joe!

[@LylesFigureFiles]

Have you finished the series yet 80s? The ending is great!

[@80sKidfromthe90s]

I’ll keep an eye out for it

[@alexandercollazo4968]

I'm diggin' what you're theorizing here Jeff. That would be a lot of fun to have a modern comic driving the GI Joe Classified series line. GI Joe has always felt like "Super Hero" soldiers to me so having these comics tie in with the toys would be really cool.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

Thanks! That's literally how I got into comics from the Joe figures so it'd be fun to see that play out this way.

[@allenwhiteside7838]

Yes they need to include these in Classified. Yes Original Line died in year 5 even though a few of the characters where great but hope Hasbro doesnt do to many 89 up at one time. Best option is 1 per wave mixed with updated outfits and incorporate figures like Agent Mouse, Para-viper a ton of FSS Designs, Pursuit of Cobra, CObra Extreme Condition Sets to keep line fresh

[@torritaite2880]

I would love to see a new animated series come out of this.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

Me too! A cartoon universe with Void Rivals, Transformers and GI Joe would be pretty great.

[@josray2557]

that cobra commander was also a custom someone made out of a starlord 3.75 marvel universe fig.

[@Moonbase3]

I'm really looking forward to this first issue! I could see myself being tempted by Classified figures based off the new comic designs. Specifically, Tomax & Xamot, Mercer and Cover Girl. Most of all, though, I'd like to see a figure of Duke based off his shaggy, bearded look from his mini-series. 😂

[@LylesFigureFiles]

See, I think shaggy Duke would be an awesome exclusive figure! For those that know, it's half the battle ;-)

[@clwjr327]

I would love to get a better head sculpt for Stalker! Current one makes him look too old.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

I am surprised he didn't get a different head sculpt too.

[@Lazrael32]

If i remember right they fired one of their head culpters around the time of the falcon debacle. Heads seem better since then.

[@RichardHopeless]

Transformers had me with Daniel Warren Johnson on art and writing. Its going to be adjustment for Vol 2's art. I could really go for any of these gersuons. Ill by anything Cobra Commander or BAT related it seems so id be down for those as new figures.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

Jorge Corona was probably the only artist who could match Johnson's style and keep the art looking consistent. Thankfully there's no drop off at all.

[@RichardHopeless]

@@LylesFigureFiles that's good. I don't read as many comics now, so I'm not as plugged in as I used to be on artists and writers.

[@goodfellabadguy257]

I like Xamot and Tomax with the upated looks. I was hoping that these are done for Classified. I'm just not sure, based on them being on clearance. And I used the gray extra Viper from the 3 pack for Mercer.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

Smart call with the gray viper. What head did you use?

[@Pensive_Melancholy_]

I’m happy folks are enjoying the new comics but gijoe comics for me start and end in the 155 marvel comic run. That’s cannon it’s the “real” GIJOE continuity.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

You know Larry Hama is still doing G.I. Joe comics picking up from issue 155, right?

[@Dreadnok_K6]

Yeah but Hama is now a DEI yes man, who went woke.

[@Pensive_Melancholy_]

@@LylesFigureFiles 155 that’s all that counts everything else is else worlds. Hama or no Hama.

[@MaximumWarp2099]

@@Dreadnok_K6 How so? I started reading GI Joe with issue 301 and haven’t gotten a DEI vibe from it yet. And I’m usually opposed to that stuff myself.

[@raypaz2947]

@@Dreadnok_K6that makes no sense. The joes always had diversity in the line and story. Which comic book were you reading?

[@SoulBroRyu]

The blonde woman in red & black on the COBRA side is more than likely "Chameleon" who temporarily replaced the Baroness in the figure line when Hasbro momentarily lost the rights to the "Baroness" name. We all know they would get the name back, but Chameleon continue to develop into her own character since. Looks like they have flipped allegiances for her and Baroness in the EU, as Chameleon became a Joe / good guy in the long run in after her introduction. This new iteration of Chameleon will appear in Destro #3, and you can see more of what she looks like on the covers of that issue. What Skybound is doing is interesting and I've enjoyed all the comics so far. The brother with the shotgun looks Native American and might be my favorite design out of all the Joes; could he be a redesign of Spirit? If so, he looks incredible. Might be my favorite character redesign since Terry Bogard in "Garou: Mark of the Wolves".

[@LylesFigureFiles]

It's incredibly ironic that you mentioned Terry. I just got my Storm Collectibles figure and was reading up on that redesign. It's a different look for sure. Thanks for the heads up on Chameleon. I don't remember her at all.

[@bobbyeldridge6162]

Glad to see they're going to incorporate new charactersin the main storyline

[@LylesFigureFiles]

Me too. Definitely keeps things from getting too predictable.

[@viltheegr8334]

I see Mercer

[@josray2557]

they used my Duke custom with the grunt vest lol

[@gokingsgoful]

I think the most likely ones to be drawn from the comics are the female figures, since they tend to want to have good female representation in the line. Although I think Dawn Moreno from ARAH is more likely than any of the females on that cover, b/c never can have too many Snake Eyes figs in Hasbro's eyes. Although you're right, I'd bet that's Mercer and he's a logical choice. The other one from here is Destro, since he hasn't been represented much. Although I'd bet we get IG Destro w/ Despoiler now that they're going heavy on the IGs. We're never going to see another non-exclusive Tomax and Xamot after they've been retail death both times. :)

[@LylesFigureFiles]

I like Dawn's design, but man that story with her being Snake Eyes was a choice from Mr. Hama. Oh that for sure is Mercer. He's been in some of the other books already.

[@chipcarroll2923]

I don't read Transformers comics, but I do appreciate the information. I will probably pick up those graphic novels.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

The first volume was really good and that one is key to both Duke and Cobra Commander.

[@chipcarroll2923]

@LylesFigureFiles I am a long time Joe comic reader from the 80s. I have been reading the new Skybound stuff and I enjoy it. The problem I am having is my mind in crossing continuity with the original run. This is my problem, not the writers. I love the idea of a new story, and it doesn't ruin the original story. I just got to keep in mind this is new and different material.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

@@chipcarroll2923 They're also continuing the Larry Hama run so you get the best of both worlds: amzn.to/45Oeb1R

[@juniorcecrle5072]

Ok, you got me. Just ordered it all. 😂

[@LylesFigureFiles]

I don't think you'll regret it. They've been an awesome read!

[@commonwealthcommunitywatch6036]

how many variant covers does this one have? I'm guessing like 32

[@LylesFigureFiles]

No news on the variants. Typically they release 4-5 and then maybe special editions for reissues.

[@commonwealthcommunitywatch6036]

@@LylesFigureFiles 4 or 5?!? the Cobra Commander issue #1 had like 30 different covers

[@rewalrus]

Who is the blonde cobra with the black and red uniform?

[@LylesFigureFiles]

Don't know yet. She hasn't been identified.

[@zelderonsgameroom7319]

I would definitely go for this as a classified line of figures especially if we get transformers as all the vehicles

[@LylesFigureFiles]

The TFs would be HasLabs :-)

[@patrickmclean1859]

Black suit Joe has what I'd call a lever action repeater rifle. Not a shotgun.. and I want him in classified. Also give us the void rivals figures in classified style

[@LylesFigureFiles]

Thanks. I have a verrrry basic GI Joe only knowledge of guns so any real advice is helpful. I'd totally be down for the Void Rivals characters too.

[@lareh5501]

1:35 holllll up, Megz with a ripped off arm & Optimus is *_wearing it!?!?!!??_* 😳😃

[@LylesFigureFiles]

It all makes sense, but has been VERY awesome.

[@johnrazvaliaeff]

I would buy all these comic versions in the classified series.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

Yeah, I'm really digging these looks!

[@aaroneaston8899]

Is Void Rivals Volume 2 necessary?

[@LylesFigureFiles]

Necessary for....?

[@aaroneaston8899]

@@LylesFigureFiles A necessary read for the continuity. Or can you just go with VR Vol 1 and Transformers before reading Duke and Cobra Commander.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

@@aaroneaston8899 Ahhh for GI Joe, no it's not. Although I don't think they've reached the end point for Vol. 2 yet and some developments in CC could lead to some more interaction soon.

[@aaroneaston8899]

@LylesFigureFiles Sounds good. I've ordered off your recommendation. Thank my DMV, bro.

[@douglashesney6134]

I have GI Joe figures. I want Void Rivals!

[@LylesFigureFiles]

I'd take them too!

[@chrisdaugherty8265]

I think the guy with the shotgun may be Flint. The belt,gun, and cocky look make me think that. I’m sure I’m wrong and it is a new character. That said, I am pretty sure Flint has already appeared.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

Yep in the Energon Universe Special paired with exactly who you think he should be with.

[@chrisdaugherty8265]

@@LylesFigureFilesyeah, thought I remembered a brief cameo of the 2. Have a good one Jeff!

[@kyre20]

Interested to see how the new designs work as upcoming Classified figures. Also great video! You're making me want to pick up the new comics.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

I highly recommend them. It's really cool getting in on the ground floor of a shared universe that's executed this well.

[@ericerler8277]

I love all things Gijoe, especially this new take and lore. A else worlds per se. Its awesome. I could care less about DEI crap. Doesnt bother or will it ruin my love for Gijoe. People are so sensitive to everything, talkingabout being woke. Whatever. Im not going to lose any sleep over it. Sure people are entitled to their opinion but its not going to discourage me from my passion and love for Gijoe. Classified figures are the best figure line ever in my opinion. So is this new story arc from skybound. It couldnt be any better. Love the videos Jeffrey keep up the great work my friend. YO JOE!!

[@LylesFigureFiles]

Thanks so much for watching and the kind words, Eric. I appreciate it!

[@jackbalmont]

honestly id rather get a new lien of the 1/18 figures with these designs

[@LylesFigureFiles]

There doesn't seem to be as much interest in that 1/18 scale these days.

[@Damackism]

I can see a few figures from the Energon comics being pulse con exclusives. But by that time it will the be the end of the Classified line. Gi Joe Real American Hero 3.75 figure line peaked at 1988. Then fell off a cliff by 1990. Classified line is 4 years in. So I feel ot has only 4 to 5 yrs of being a top line.Where Hasbro can release good recognizable character figures There is still a lot Joe and Cobra character figuees they have not made figures if yet.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

I don't know how the line's sales were after 88, but there were still some good figures and they had some great waves still to go.

[@Damackism]

@@LylesFigureFiles The sales were not as good as they were between 85 to 87. And the 90's sucked for Gi Joe. Most of the 90's figures outside maybe a 5 or 6 sucked. The only people who liked and collected the 90's Joe figures were those who started collecting late in the line ( around 88 or 89) and Joe collector completionists.

[@GBru-hx6rx]

Something that really bugs me about how they draw/pose these military characters is how the characters handle their weapons. You point the gun at the ground if you're not shooting. You don't point it up. If it misfires, the bullet fires off into the air, it has to come down. It very well may hit someone when it does. You point the barrel at the ground, the idea being the bullet goes into the ground/floor if there's a misfire.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

That's good insight. I'm sure like me artists don't consider that aspect of military characters when drawing dramatic covers.

[@GBru-hx6rx]

@LylesFigureFiles my Dad and maternal Grandfather and Step-Grandfather are all Navy Veterans. My Dad's eldest brother was a Marine as was a close friend of mine. Plus most of my mother's side of the family are immersed in gun culture. You pick these things up when you're around it all the time.

[@MaximumWarp2099]

I’ve never been a fan of Tomax and Xamot. I guess I never liked their look and I especially disliked their portrayal in the cartoon. But I have to say, in looking at the cover to #1, I would buy figures based on this new design. And I even like this new iteration of the characters from the Destro mini.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

I love this take on them in Destro. I see exactly how they'd fit into the new Cobra.

[@MaximumWarp2099]

@@LylesFigureFiles While I’m also not a fan of Cobra La, or in having the Transformers and Joes share the same universe, the way this universe is being built, it makes sense. And I’m liking the thought that is going into making all the pieces fit.

[@RyeLeeBread]

New guy is prolly Latino with how to type Joe usually goes and him being Western themed. South Asian would be dope for that theme but I don't think they're gonna go off brand with the "making stereotypes empowering" thing Joe has done since the 80s.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

Trying to quickly think of the Latino Joes. There's Shipwreck and Zap and Dawn...if that's it yeah a Latino Joe would be a fun new addition.

[@RyeLeeBread]

@@LylesFigureFiles Zap is probably coming in the line due to his importance as the first bazooka guy, and I would love a Dawn in the line, too, but I really look forward to our cowboy Joe here

[@Kidred-ys2vp]

To be honest, it's kinda weird that they made the baroness a joe. They might have her betray Duke and maybe also his heart. Then again, who knows.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

I'm assuming that will eventually happen. No rush though. I'm enjoying the story.

[@Dreadnok_K6]

Well they hinted Scarlett was a lesbian with Jinx, so we'll see.

[@SH-xq6cn]

Loving the new direction for the energon universe

[@LylesFigureFiles]

@@SH-xq6cn Me too. It's been really fun.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

@@Dreadnok_K6 That's a big projecting tease. Scarlett said Jinx is like her sister in the comic.

[@davidthanos]

Bring a netflix animated series. Just like they did with transformers a few years back

[@LylesFigureFiles]

Kirkman already has some headway with animation with Invincible on Amazon, which doesn't sound like a terrible option either.

[@davidthanos]

@@LylesFigureFiles totally agree

[@Lazrael32]

man i'm ok with updates usually but some of this looks awful. destro, cobra commander, and even baroness (i think?) are the ones i really don't like.. duke is okayish. the cobra sniper is ok. tomax an xamot are okay. so really just a mixed bag for me.

[@LylesFigureFiles]

They're not gonna be for everyone.

[@cynthiamiller586]

Wow, the head on the female Cobra sniper on the cover of issue 1 is ridiculously tiny! How did that get approved???

[@kinja73]

Not feeling these new looks at all. Every time they try to reinvent the wheel w/ the various looks of the Joes and Cobras, it comes off looking very late 90's/early aughts style, which was not the best time for comic character designs, unless you're Rob Liefeld. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

[@LylesFigureFiles]

I definitely don't think these have to replace the great CS figures we're getting based on the old designs. Instead just more of a supplement for popular characters who've already got their definitive classic versions already.