Q: Is there a plan to release the entire Marvel published line in Trade Paperback format?

A: There are no plans at this time.

Is there a plan to release some or all of the comic series on DVD or CD-ROM?

A: There are no plans at this time.

Are there GI Joe/Cobra characters you consider untouchable for a possible comic book death?

A: Definitely not. The 25th celebrates the past 25 years. It is not meant to be a snap shot at this point in time. Nothing in the history of RAH is off limits.

Will we ever see some other comic created characters such as Candy Appel, Hard Master, Soft Master, Blind Masters, Shooter or Wraith made into figures?

A: It's possible. The initial goal is to capture existing
collectors as well as latent fans who haven't been involved with the
brand for 25 years. Once we have captured everyone's attention, we have
the ability to drive deeper into the fantasy.

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

A: As we have said nothing is off limits from the past 25 years. However just as our product has celebrated the "golden age" of RAH, any comic re-issues would need to begin there as well.


The next group of questions will be in August. I will start a thread around that time to ask for 5 new questions.

Thanks for all those who suggested questions.

EDIT - ROUND 2 (For us anyway)

1.) To what extent will the G.I. Joe live action movie be based upon the comic continuity?

It is too early to say anything about the movie.

2.) Will more Cobra Troop builder sub-divisions be coming up soon?(Siegies, Snow Serpents, Eels, etc.)

We hear you and are working on it.

3.) With the new 25th Anniversary figures starting to come out, will you ever make (or should I say remake) the vehicles/bases for them?

These are all options the team is currently considering as we expand the 25th anniversary. It is too early to reveal our plans for 2008.

4.) Why can DDP not put the title "World War III" on the cover of their books?

Our plan for G.I. Joe is to focus on the Joe vs Cobra fantasy.

5.) I am assuming, that like Transformers, there will be a comic series to go along with the movie. Since the movie is slated to come out in 2009 and the current comic license is up in 2008 will the license be extended so that DDP can publish those books like IDW?

It is too early to discuss this one. Sorry.



ROUND 3

1.) Will Hasbro produce the DDP-created Phoenix Guard, either as a set or as a series of comic packs?

There is currently no plan for this in 2008.

2.) Recently at the Joe Con it was announced that the comic book license, once the license ends with DDP, it is still up in the air. Is Devils Due one of the publishers being considered?

We hope to have an announcent regarding the comic book later this year.

3.) If DDP loses the license, would Hasbro be interested in purchasing the
rights to their G.I. Joe comics, like you did with Marvel?

We won't speculate about this.

4.) Why was the decision made to cancel the Storm Shadow comic series?

We can't go into the specifics of the decision that was made.

5.) If the comic book moves to another company what are the chances of continuing with the current Marvel/DDP continuity?

Again, we are too early in the process to discuss the future of the comic series.

There ya go.




1.) What company will be getting the Comic License in 2008?

We hope to have an annoucement on this early in the new year.

2.) Can we hope to be able to buy the comic pack issues without the figures, either as regular comics or as a collected Trade paperback, along with previously issued Hasbro comics and mini-comics?

We are currently reviewing all possibilties for GI joe publishing as we gear up for the movie

3.) Can you add more wallpapers to the GIJoe.com site?

Yes, we plan to release new versions every couple months

4.) How long will the 25th anniversary run of toys last?

The toys are planned to continue to the movie launch, but the 25th logo will come off in summer 2008.

5) Can you reveal which new comics written by Larry Hama will be produced for the comic packs? (We are aware of 10.5 and 21.5 so far) We just annouced the first 3 on gijoe.com!



1) Will all the newly created comic 2-packs by Hama fit into the old continuity, or are some of them stand-alones (à la Ninja battles or Valor vs Venom)?

The comics will all fit into the marvel continuity.

2) Who will have the rights to reprint DDP Joe comics, Hasbro or Devil's Due themselves (or nobody)?

Hasbro has the rights to the comics.

3) When will the new Joe comic be out?

Sorry, we are not ready to reveal plans for the comic book just yet.

4) What kind of reboot (if any) can we expect in the new comic?

Sorry, we are not ready to reveal plans for the comic book just yet.

5.) What is the process for deciding what characters are chosen for the comic packs? Do the figures come first, or the comic?

For the marvel packs the comic comes first and we look for great stories and covers. For the new comics we suggest some figures to Larry Hama and work with him to construct a story.



1. In the comic, Wraith's suit was said to be created by the Red Shadows. Will the file card reflect what was revealed in the comics, that his suit was created by the Red Shadows?

We just finished the file card and the focus was more on the role that Wraith has played in the GI Joe universe rather than the history of his gear.

2. When will it be officially announced that IDW Publishing has the GI Joe comic license?

Its official and we could not be more excited!

3. Will the future GI Joe comic license holder acquire the rights to re-print the original Marvel run or the new Hama comic packs comics?

Those rights are held by Hasbro and future releases are being considered. As interest in the brand heats up during the movie, everything is being considered.

4. Will the future GI Joe comic license holder be producing books following one continuity or will they be following multiple continuities simultaneously?

Great question that we are still a few months away from being able to answer.

5. Will the future GI Joe comic license holder bring any of the previous GI Joe writers (Hama, Jerwa, Casey, Powers) on board to write the new GI Joe series?

This is really a decision that has to be made by IDW. We don’t have any information on this yet.




1.) Will the movie, cartoon and comic be grounded in real time, referring to real events (for example, the Marvel comic referred to the Vietnam War, to JFK), or will they will they be "timeless", like Devil's Due did towards the end of their run?

GI Joe is a timeless story and we will explore the past, present, and
future of GI Joe.

2.) When can we hope to see the first GIJoe movie trailer?

Paramount is working on their media roll-out for all of their movies
and we don’t have specific dates yet.

3.) Why does Hasbro want IDW to use the name Heavy-Duty instead of Roadblock in the new comic, even if the character will basically be Roadblock both in looks and personality?

In the new movie, the writers made the decision to move forward with
Heavy Duty rather than Roadblock as the team heavy gunner. The writers
felt a strong connection to the name and look of Heavy Duty and felt that
they found the perfect actor to play him.

4.) My question is on the Ninja ku card you had the words Ninja-ku and you made the character almost a perfect update of the original figure, but then you stopped short of calling him Ninja-ku and named him Storm Shadow instead. You even copied the original art, but then you also made him Caucasian and not a darker skin tone like the original. Then with the upcoming Glenda you have the International logo again on it but gave her Red hair when the original had blonde. Could you shed some light on this? Why were these decisions/ thought process behind it, made when you went so far in doing it ? Again I just want to say thank you for these and hope to see more but more accurate depictions

Our goal is to make the brand welcoming to fans who have not been
involved since the 80's which is how we approached the Storm Shadow you reference. For the hardcore fans in the know, we are going deeper into the brand experience with things like Ninja-Ku.

5.) Will there be a GI Joe : Resolute based comic book?

Yes, more details to follow from IDW.




First, a message from HASBRO:


Now for our questions:

1.) How will future comics included in comic packs fit with the known Joe universes? Will they fit with the old Hama-at-Marvel universe? Stand alone issues that could fit anywhere? Explicitly part of the new universe at IDW? Movie comics? A little bit of everything?

In spring 2009 the in-pack comics will take place in the G.I. Joe Resolute universe and will be written by Larry Hama.

2.) Are there any plans to resume putting original comics in the comic packs? Who will write the comics?

Yes, starting in 2009 we will have brand new comics written by Larry Hama and produced by our partners at IDW.

3.) Are there any plans on releasing the comics from the comic packs as a series of trade paperbacks?

There are no plans for this right now, but it is possible down the line.

4.) Any plans for a possible Adventure Team Comic anywhere down the line?

No plans for this at this time.

5.) How do you plan to introduce new characters, to the comics, tied in with the merchandise? Should we expect to see two or three separate lines of toys based on all mediums? During the marvel run it seemed like the toys pushed the comics, but now with the Movie / Cartoon/ 3 comic adventures / and the 25th line how do you plan on proceeding?

You will see a single toy line next year once we get to the movie. From a comic perspective you will see a number of IDW comics.



1. With the inclusion of M.A.S.K. into the toyline, are there any plans to bring elements of M.A.S.K. into the comic universe?

Matt Trakker was planned as a one time tribute figure.

2. Will there be movie comic packs?

We are still working on the movie plans and do not have an answer for this yet.

3. How many new comic packs can we expect in 2009?

We are still finalizing the plans on how many new comic packs will come out before the movie.

4. What has the GI Joe brand team thought of the reaction to IDW's GI Joe #0?

The reaction the GI Joe team has seen to IDW has been very positive.

5. Is there any update on getting the GI Joe comics published to this point onto a DVD-ROM/CD-ROM?

There is no update on this, it is still on our list of long term projects.



1.) Why was IDW allowed to use the Adam Hughes Baroness cover, but DDP was not?

The Adam Hughes cover was originally presented at a time when Hasbro had a
very high sensitivity level and decided not to use the cover. A couple
years later, Hasbro and IDW are more willing to push the envelope when it
comes to our comic book franchise.


2.) How much influence do you have over Paramount regarding the film and its promotion?

We have a great partnership with Paramount and have worked hand in hand
with them on creation of the film. With regards to the promotion,
Paramount takes the lead as they are the experts in marketing movies.

3.) With all the publicity surrounding the G.I. Joe Movie, New Comic, the cartoon figures, etc., are there any plans to release a complete series of the G.I. Joe cartoon during this year?

This is something that we are looking at and hope to have updates in the
near future!

Thanks for posting the answers Phil.

Some discouraging, some encouraging.

Discouraging: No plans for tpbs or CDs/DVDs of the Marvel run, and not planning on any non-core characters right now (to be expected though).

Encouraging: Non-core characters are a possibility (including dead ones!)if the line carries on successfully. Future comic packs would focus on the "golden age" of RAH, which is a good thing.

I'd like to know if comic packs will come back for sure,though, and if they'll be with the old style figure construction, or only new style figure construction.

If they say that there are no characters that are off limits for death in the comic books then why do we keep hearing about a Hasbro approved list when a major story arc comes up that could include a fatality? And why didn't they smack DDP upside the head and tell them the zombie SE story was stupid and just keep him dead. Hasbro could have said "Hey, we can just put somebody elase in the costume and create a new mystery character. No need to loose the trademark and we can keep putting out toys of our most popular seller so no problem." I don't buy the "anyone" can go line.

It's nice to know that side characters such as the Hard/Soft/Blind Master and Candy Appel might actually make it into figure form.

Kamakura or Storm Shadow could have taken his place....

I agree 100% that it would have been nice to see Kamakura take up the mantle of SE after the whole "zombie SE" storyline. It would have ruined the new "mystery" character under the hood idea, but it would have been a nice fit. We know all about Sean Collins. SS on the other hand doesn't need to take up his friends identity. He has his own. (Plus getting either of them to do it would deprive Hasbro of two characters they can make toys out of. )

Hellstrom, I think Hasbro misunderstood the question:



It looks as though they interpreted the question as:

"Are there any dead characters in the comic that you would never make a 25th anniversary figure of?"

instead of:

"Are there toys that can't die in the comic?"

This being said, it looks as though it is too early in the 25th line for them to consider comic implications.

It's actually quite easy to find digital versions of the Marvel run (including Special Missions and European Missions) online but I don't know what this forum's policy is on torrents and p2p software so I won't post any links right now. PM me if you want more info.

Apparently we jumped the gun on most our questions. Seems to me that before we should ask a question, we should wait until there is a pretty release or something and then ask the question again. Although a bit redundant, we might actually get a straight forward answer.

As for now, it's too early for most of these questions.

Interesting (and Thanks again for using my question Phil).

I hope that the figures sell well so maybe the idea for vehicles/bases will come across as a money maker for Hasbro.

Not sure why Hasbro would make that type of comment, yet have no problems with the Joes going after the Red Shadows and having Cobra take a back seat (sure, it wasn't for that long...but long enough).

Shoot, I'll answer for Hasbro since they want to be vague:

1.) To what extent will the G.I. Joe live action movie be based upon the comic continuity?

We have no idea what we're doing with the movie.

2.) Will more Cobra Troop builder sub-divisions be coming up soon?(Siegies, Snow Serpents, Eels, etc.)

Yes.

3.) With the new 25th Anniversary figures starting to come out, will you ever make (or should I say remake) the vehicles/bases for them?

Yes.






Everyone feel better now?

I don't get why they bother to have Q&A, and then not actually answer the damned questions. They know the answers.

Using the phrase WWIII is either empty hyperbole or dark pessimism.

World War Three is a phrase which evokes millions dead, hundreds of millions affected, and loss on a scale heretofore unknown in history.

Thats a little heavy, and I can understand their action.
They are saying they dont want to connect GI Joe to either a despressing image or hype that might seem offensive given the fact that we have men and women in harm was as we speak.

And to be totally honest I, I did always think that the title WWIII for any conflict involving GI Joe as the main combatants was shallow hyperbole.

Actually it's probably more like this:

1.) To what extent will the G.I. Joe live action movie be based upon the comic continuity?

That depends on what will make us more money.

2.) Will more Cobra Troop builder sub-divisions be coming up soon?(Siegies, Snow Serpents, Eels, etc.)

They will be made if it means making more money.

3.) With the new 25th Anniversary figures starting to come out, will you ever make (or should I say remake) the vehicles/bases for them?

They will be made if it means making more money.

4.) Why can DDP not put the title "World War III" on the cover of their books?

We think it might cost us money.

5.) I am assuming, that like Transformers, there will be a comic series to go along with the movie. Since the movie is slated to come out in 2009 and the current comic license is up in 2008 will the license be extended so that DDP can publish those books like IDW?

That depends on the money we can make off it.

3) I would at expect them to be at the very least considering vehicles and bases for the 25th anniversary figures. Yeah, larger scale vehicles and playsets take up a lot of shelf space and retailers like to see them actually sell when they get them in stock, but we have to have something.
4) Well if DDP can't use the WW3 title then why didn't you catch that sooner? That way DDP could rename the story ahead of time instead of being stuck with " A DDP publishing event" tagline on the books. That just looks and sounds stupid.
5) Nice try on that movie in 09', but the license to do comics runs out in 08'. Will it be extended? It would however never work. It all depends on a few things. If sales are healthy enough to continue vs. what Hasbro wants dollarwise for the rights. This and also whether or not DDP thinks they can stll make a profit selling the books after paying the price.

Hmmm, doesn't it seem a little snarky to complain that Hasbro wants to make money?

I mean, GI Joe isn't the Hasbro peoples hobby, done outta their basement and sold for the love of military action figures.

They are a business, and I can tell you something the stock holders of Hasbro largely probably don't give a rats ass about Joe.

If they don't make the money, they are gone and replaced by someone who can.

The point is for fandom to PROVE that Hasbro can make money by giving us what we want. We vote with our dollars, and if those dollars aren't enough to justify something we want, we, shigatta ga nai*

Not saying it doesn't hurt to see such gawdawful prospects for the movie or that the day of huge playsets are as gone as the dinosaur.

But we have to face the reality of the world we live in.
This isn't North Korea where some tin hat dictator can tell them what to make.
Of course they want money- they have children to feed, clothe and save for college funds for. They have their own hobbies and interests just like we love Joe and those things cost money too. They have a great job, but its not an easy one.

Win the lottery and buy up 51% of Hasbro stock, then tell them what to do.
Till you can do that, might as well just take a deep breath, try for some serenity and hope for the best.

In the end, it's only so much plastic and paper.


* 'It can't be helped' translated from Japanese
Heh, footnotes, how old school is that?