Interview with Xerofall at Hisstank.com

1) What is your name and tell us a little about yourself. My name is Jeff Patton. Growing up I moved around a lot. Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Missouri, California, Utah... My older brother and I were into Star Wars before GI Joe came out. All of the Star Wars toys we had were all his, so I only got to play with them when he allowed it. Once GI Joe came out, he had grown out of toys, so this line belonged to me alone. I did not have to share my Joes with anyone. Because we moved a lot I really had no longtime friends. It may sound weird, but the Joes were the only constant in my childhood, probably why I hold such a nostalgic attachment to them even now. I’m currently married to a very understanding woman who still doesn’t quite understand the fascination with GI Joe. I own a 103 year old house in a small town in Utah called Tooele (pronounced Two-willa) with my wife and two dogs. My other passion in life is Jeeping and I have a Jeep Wrangler 4-door that I love. I make several trips to the Jeep mecca town of Moab, Utah for recreation. My other passions are history, geology, archeology/paleontology and creative writing.

2) How did you start collecting G. I. Joes? Having been used to Star Wars figures and their 5 points of articulation I remember a neighborhood kid getting the first GI Joe I ever saw, Grunt. I remember how loose he was compared to the rigid Star Wars figures. I remember the tiny backpack he had and I loved the idea of having figures with removable gear. I was still into Star Wars at that time, however with Joes being stocked on the shelves and the final movie being released later in 1983 I suppose it a somewhat natural progression toward the GI Joe line. My mom bought me my first Joe and over the years I’ve really tried to narrow it down to who it was, I’m pretty certain it was Breaker followed shortly with Rock n Roll, Scarlett and the RAM cycle. I was hooked from there.

3) What was your absolute favorite moment when collecting? Any personal memories you are willing to share? I have so many it’s hard to narrow it down to one event. Our family wasn’t well off in the 80’s so GI Joes were hard to come by, however my parents always seemed to get me great toys for birthdays and Christmas. I spent every dime I got for allowance on GI Joes. 1983: My mother took me to Toys R Us in Amarillo Texas and said I could get ONE toy for my birthday, naturally I picked one of the largest available at the time, the Skystriker. She then took me to get a hot dog and Coke. I was the middle child, so getting personal attention that day was a treat I’ll never forget. 1984: South Fork, Colorado. We were struggling. My parent’s restaurant was barely afloat and that year was a difficult time to be a kid. The neighborhood kids had all the cool toys. The Whale, Rattler, Zartan. I only owned a handful of Joe figures that year, but I was happy. I made my own vehicles out of scraps of wood and bent nails discarded from the local saw mill. I made my own Whale. I then cut out catalog pictures of the GI Joe figures like a sort of paper doll and used them to crew the wooden Whale. Of course the other kids laughed at me, but I looked at it as improvising. Something I still do today. 1985: Phoenix, Arizona. With issue 40 of the Marvel run featuring the Cobra Moray battling the Tactical Battle Platform, I was shocked to get both for Christmas that year. I spent many a day recreating the battle. I remember using the Lamprey as my Cobra Commander because I didn’t have one at the time and he looked as close to chrome dome as anyone. I would rush home after school to watch the cartoons and really fell in love with all the odd ball characters like Alpine and Bazooka, Shipwreck and the Crimson twins.

4) Did you only collect modern Joes or did you collect the 80s Joes too? I collected 80s Joes as a kid until 1990. High School, music, girls pretty much killed it at that time. As the cartoon series started to get released on DVD in the 2000s and the comics being released in large collections like graphic novels, I still kept the light on, so to speak. In the late 90s and early 2000s with the boom of eBay I was able to get a few Joes here and there to satisfy my nostalgia but it wasn’t until the 25th anniversary figures came out did I get back into fully. I had just gotten married and with no kids we had plenty of disposable income to indulge my passion. 2008 and 2009 were good years, plenty of Joes, the line was strong and I amassed most of my modern collection at that time. As the line tapered off I focused on collecting the vintage vehicles and found pleasure in restoring vintage vehicles back to their former glory. I have a few of the o-ring 80’s GI Joes, but I’ve decided to keep collecting the modern era figures and any vintage vehicles that are in my price range.

5) What is your favorite Joe and vehicle? That’s a tough one to narrow down as well. I’ve always looked at GI Joe as a collective team of characters. I’m staring at a picture of my collection trying to see if something stands out more than the others and I suppose the 25th Stinger Jeep is pretty cool. Now that I own a somewhat similar type of vehicle (minus the missile rack, of course) I like the design and overall look. As a kid I really liked the Desert Fox. It was used briefly in the comics and because I had both the Desert Fox and the Stiletto I could again recreate the pages of the comic in my bedroom. Despite his goofy name, I really liked Skidmark. The Star Viper was pretty cool too. I loved his AC/DC shirt and that he was able to infiltrate the Pit. My all time favorite figure as a kid would be the 1985 Alpine figure. I loved his attitude in the cartoon and over time the only accessory I was able to retain was his pick axe. He took out many a Cobra with that thing, forget climbing mountains with it! As an adult I’m quite fond of my 1983 Cobra Officer. I love the vintage card art, file card and the overall story line of the early years of the Cobra organization.

6) What is your rariest Joe and can you tell us a little about him? I’m not sure if I own a rare figure, I suppose the Gold Head SDCC Pimp Daddy Destro and both podium Cobra Commanders are the only guys I would say are rare in my collection. These stand out because my wife actually created a profile on Hisstank.com and was able to buy them from fellow Tankers for me for Christmas one year. I had no idea she was doing it since I don’t always frequent the B/S/T forums. I have the DVD 25th Alpine that is sought after and guys like the FSS Big Boa or a Con Python Tele Viper and Trooper, but so do a lot of other collectors. I try to avoid getting into the rare figure collection because it’ll make you go crazy trying to acquire them all.

7) What advice would you give to newer collectors? This is a hobby. This is something you do for recreation and enjoyment. It’s not life and death. Enjoy it. Find a line you enjoy the most and collect away, you don’t need to collect EVERY single GI Joe item ever made, unless that’s what you find enjoyable. I only really collect figures and vehicles from the 1982 to 1989 time period, (and their modern equivalents) because that’s when I was actively collecting them as a kid. Certain figures and vehicles from 1990 and beyond are great, but I’m not a completest and collecting them is pure gravy. Of course I would love to own the 2013 Night Force Convention set, but I never saw those figures as a kid, so ultimately they hold no sentimental value with me. Never compare your collection to another’s, it’ll drive you mad, make you jealous and eventually angry. That’s not why you should be collecting. Remember: No matter what you have someone will always have something better or more of them, no point in going crazy over this. Collect for enjoyment, not for future profit or status in the community. Budget yourself. Collect within your means. Make sure your wife is happy. Loved ones first, then Joes.

The differences in fan bases- a travelers opinion

One of the weirdest things that you get to experience in toy collecting, is the ego of other collectors. If you spend some time diving between a few brands you will actually experience fans who judge you completely on what you own. It is an interesting thing. Most toy collectors understand that they collect toys. For the select few who believe they are better than others, they are in for a harsh reality. Toy collecting is not a hobby that is bragged about with others. Most individuals collect so they can experience a thrill or to remember their childhood. Some collect for a profit and others collect to have a fun hobby. We are all in this game for different reasons. Now one of the things that I learned while under my alias of Transmuseum on TFW2005.com is this feeling of a hierachy amoung their ranks. The moderators as well as fellow fans actually talk down to you for not liking certain things and you get judged for not liking individuals like Maz, Brr-icy and the likes.

It is an interesting thing but from what I have dug out of it, it is the age groups. Transformer fan groups tend to be more judging their their G. I. Joe or Gundam counter parts. Reasoning? Age. The average age of a Transformer fan is usually in the early thirties and below. Now they have three main age groups for three seperate generations. The first generation is the fans of the original Transformers cartoon. The second generation is the Beast Wars fans. The last generation is the live action movie fans. There is some variation here and there but the age groups revolve around those three. That being the case, we have ages from 35 and down in the group. Now from the way most fan bases operate, the general chaos created by younger fans dies down when the older collectors are in their 40s. That would make the younger collectors either in the late 20s or early 30s. This actually gives the franchise some good life. People become more respectful and the more chaotic members either quit collecting or become more mature. It is an interesting thing but it has happened in various communities like Star Wars, Gundam and G. I. Joe.

Now, I do believe that once this starts to happen, some of the more egotistical collectors will either slowly stop collecting or become more silent. Thus, the true golden age of Transformers collectors will begin.

Just an opinion based off of what I have experienced.

Transformers (Generation One- Target Masters) Scoop with Holepunch and Tracer 1988

Professor blog: 000020 Subject: Scoop with Holepunch and Tracer Brand of product: Transformers (Generation One- Targetmasters) Release year: 1988

We are looking at the Generation One: Targetmasters Scoop with Holepunch and Tracer. I showed some comparison pictures between the 1988 version and the 2014 version as well for all three. This guy is one of my favorite Targetmasters but like all Generation One toys, he is a bit bland. He does look a lot better than most Transformers in both robot and vehicle modes. He does have a very simplified transformation and reminds me of the mini-bot line ups.

This guy is one of the best Transformers to start collecting with. He is very cheap and, unlike most Targetmasters, will not run you a ridiculous amount of money. His color scheme is an eye-sore but that was sadly most of the 80s Transformers. Now he does come with stickers but there is not to many of those. If you get a Scoop without stickers, it will not be the end of the world getting another Scoop or a new sticker sheet. His transformation can be done in just a few easy steps so you do not have to worry about breaking him or ruining him. His stickers are actually located in some great spots. The chance of the stickers wearing and tearing are pretty slim except for on his legs.

This guy is probably a good start for any Transformer collector. The early Transformers had some interesting gimmicks but Targetmasters is one of the best. They came with a total of three Transformers. Now the only thing that sucks is trying to replace one of them if you lose them. Scoop does not cost an arm and a leg so losing Holepunch or Tracer will not be the end of the world. If you are looking for an interesting toy with a great gimmick, this guy will be a good start for you! Even with those ridiculous colors…

Background of the toy: This particular Scoop, Holepunch and Tracer came to me from a recent Craigslist buy. He arrived into my collection in November 2013. He has no breaks or chips and is in great shape. He is the proper color and the stickers are all attached.

Transformers (Generation One) Wheeljack Clip n Sip

Professor blog: 000019 Subject: Wheeljack Brand of product: Clip n Sip

Today we are going to look at one of the more crazy creations that Transformers ever made. When we think of Transformers, we usually think of the neat little cars that turn into robots. Did you ever think of some of the odder things in existence? The subject for today is actually the Wheeljack Clip n Sip. Now this toy is a little rarer than most Transformers but your average collector does not collect them. He is literally a tiny wheeljack that clips on to a straw. He is there for sentimental reasons I guess.

Now this thing is actually pretty cool for what he is. He came out in 1984 and was literally packaged with a regular straw. Now the one that I have is a tiny bit smoke damaged but is in great shape other wise. I included shots of the package to show people what they would normally look like. Now these were gimmick toys that came along with the launch of the Transformers show / toys. There was a total of two different ones. They are Optimus Prime, Wheejack, Now the most common ones are the clip on ones and the stamps. These were not nearly as popular but still awesome. If you check around on sites like shmax.com, there is barely any information about them. So their true origin is unknown but we can assume they are simply merchandise for the cartoon release.

If you are looking for odd things to have in your collection, these are perfect. I love my little wheeljack. There is no pose-ability but it is still a great piece. I posted a picture of him next to Master Piece Prowl to give the audience an idea on scale. These normally retail for a few dollars so it’s a good idea to look into it for the sake of Transformers! I borrowed the pictures of the two unopen ones from ebay.com.

Background of the toy: This particular Wheeljack came to me from a recent Craigslist buy. He arrived into my collection in December 2013. He has no breaks or chips and his paint is a little smoke damaged. He only comes with a regular straw so its easily replaceable. He is mostly the proper color and the stickers are slightly faded.

History Lesson 101- Japanese 12" G. I. Joes (Combat Joes)

History Lession 101- Japanese 12" G. I. Joes (Combat Joe)

Japan had a series of 12” G. I. Joes running from the 1970s-1990s. This particular series was titled “Combat Joes.” Now Japan had a very intriguing concept compared to their Western counterparts. In the West, they focused on themes of violence or adventure where Japan did some commissioning. Combat Joes had a huge variety of characters you would have never noticed unless you were into Japanese animation / anime.

Now a good chunk of these characters came from the studio Tatsunoko. Most people do not realize that they already know Tatsunoko, even with little experience with Japan. Tatsunoko is the company that brought us: Speed Racer, Battle of the Planets, Polomar, Casshen, Karas, etc. It is actually one of Japan’s most famous animation studios and they celebrated their 50th anniversary recently.

The company that licensed G. I. Joe in Japan, just so happens to be Takara. They were making anime based characters from the late 1970s-the mid 1990s. This being the case, it brings up the whole, “did Hasbro notice Takara because of Transformers” argument. In reality, Hasbro already had dealings with them in their G. I. Joe line, so it was pretty logical that they would use that connection to start a new franchise, which became Transformers.

Now Combat Joe did make other Joes besides the Tatsunoko anime characters. They made a Godzilla suit guy too! He is a 12” joe that fits inside of a Godzilla costume. Now they had two different versions of this toy but I only included one. It is a beautiful toy and comes with a nice decorated box too. They also made a miniature sports line up too with anime like faces. They had a baseball Combat Joe for instance as well as a boxer. Now these sports were extremely popular in Japan and sold like hot cakes.

We hope you enjoyed your view into the history of G. I. Joe! Come back again for another history lesson some time.

Signed: The Professor

Transformers (Beast Wars: Fox Kids) Dinobot 1999

Professor blog: 000018 Subject: Dinobot Brand of product: Beast Wars: Fox Kids Original Release year: 1999

We all know Dinobot is one of the most popular characters from the Beast Wars cartoon. That is clear from him surviving in his regular beast form for half the run of the series. He is a great character in the series and his toy is pretty decent for what it is. This particular Dinobot is a repaint of the original toy. It is branded as the “Fox Kids” repaint. The reasoning behind this is that in 1999 Fox Kids was broadcasting Beast Wars and the new Beast Machines cartoons in their time slots. They also had a reissue of toys made for just them. Now the toys were painted different colors so they are considered new toys from the old ones.

Now this Dinobot is exactly the same as the older one except for the color choices. He tends to stand out more and does not have any technical differences. Now this toy is great if you never had a Dinobot before but if you already own him, it is exactly the same. If you want to own the complete run of the Beast Wars toys, then this bad boy is a must get. And since most collectors do not want to own a reissue, he is fairly cheap! I picked mine up for less than $10.00 complete without instructions or tech specs.

The only things that I do not like about the Dinobot mold are the lack of proper hands and the face mask. The toy still looks great with the mask but it is terrible trying to get it open. The hands are annoying but something you can expect. If you watch the cartoon, you clearly see him use his hands in that hilarious style. Now this toy has plenty of pose ability when he is in robot mode but that diminishes greatly when he is in beast form. He can wiggle the arms, open his mouth and move his legs but technically he is just a trophy toy. Out of all the beast wars toys, this one is lower on the design scale than some of the other great ones like Ravage, Spitter, etc. If you already have a Dinobot, don’t feel pressured to get this guy but if you don’t, pick him up while he is still cheap. He is great for holding key chains in that mouth!

Background of the toy: This particular Dinobot came to me in the mail from Transformerland.com. He arrived into my collection in January 2013. He has no breaks or chips and his paint looks amazing. He is complete and has all his weapons. He is the proper color and has no damage.

G. I. Joe (G. I. Joe Collector's Club: Figure Subscription Service) Black Out 2013

Professor blog: 000017 Subject: Black Out Brand of product: G. I. Joe Collector’s Club: Figure Subscription Service Original Release year: 2013

Now lets be frank. I hate this toy. He was cool for a mystery toy but when I sat down and actually looked at him. I found so many flaws in him. The first major thing that I was disappointed in was the little bullet they provided. This is the same bullet that came with Pursuit of Cobra Low Light. I put a penny next to it so you can see scale. What do you think the chances are of you losing that? If you remove it from the case, you might as well kiss that little guy good bye. The case is the easiest way to keep him in one spot. Now the next thing I hated is the sniper rifle. You actually need to try to get his hands into the holes on that. I fought my toy and almost broke it so I gave up and took a picture of it. That gun was not designed to be held in anyway it seems and having it come with a toy that is designed as a sniper is pretty low. The next thing we are looking at is that hideous art work. Now the art work for the Figure Subscription line was pretty good but this guy looks like a Muppet. It is a shame that they actually let that get produced.

I will not try and butcher this little guy anymore. He does have a few perks. He comes with some cool gear for a sniper. He has the tripod and scope for aiming, goggles, a stand, a case of bullets, and his rifle that he can’t hold. He also has a neat character design. He looks pretty cool next to his fellow Cobras. Now the funniest thing about him is that he has a crazy resemblance to Will Ferrell. I am assuming this was unintentional since Will Ferrell did not endorse the toy himself.

I would recommend this toy and not recommend this toy. He is great for collectors who want to complete their Cobra armies. He is bad for people who just want to own him. There is an extremely high chance of losing pieces and his card art is hideous. He looks good posed on a shelf so it is your call. I am happy I got him for free with my subscription but I would not recommend paying top dollar for him. Try to get him for as cheap as possible!

Background of the toy: This particular Black Out came to me in the mail as a part of the G. I. Joe Collector’s Club Figure Subscription Service. He arrived into my collection in June 2013. He has no breaks or chips and his paint looks amazing. He is complete and has all his weapons and the instructions. He is the proper color and has no damage. He originally came with Barrel Roll and T.N.T. and was considered the 13th bonus figure for subscribing.