G.I. JOE — Cobra Commander w/MASS Element Carded Variant

I only just noticed this because it is only a packaging variation of a figure that isn’t terribly exciting to begin with. However, for completion’s sake, I offer the following pics:

Wave 8 release

1) COBRA COMMANDER w/MASS Element — Wave 8

This is the carded figure that was released initially with Wave 8. This wave was the first one to officially mark the end of the 25th Anniversary logo in the upper right corner. In its place one would find one of three different logos that would place the character’s source: 1) A faction logo such as Python Patrol or Tiger Force, 2) A “From the G.I. Joe Comic Series” logo, or 3) A “From the G.I. Joe Cartoon Series” logo. Here you will see a logo for the TV series. Also, the foil treatment of the G.I. Joe logo and card border was ended and a plain white color was substituted.

Wave 12 release

2) COBRA COMMANDER w/MASS Element — Wave 12

Much to my chagrin, this figure was re-released for the Wave 12 case assortment; while its inclusion makes sense as you get three characters with all the MASS element cannisters needed for the MASS Device, I had wished that another character had been mixed into the assortment. Anyway, completists and collector’s may find the package variation enough of a reason to seek this figure.

l. Wave 12 release, r. Wave 8 release

• Emblem changed from Cartoon Series call-out to Comic Series call-out
• “A Real American Hero” tagline removed
• Artwork angle rotated clockwise slightly and enlarged
• In the character art, Cobra sigil enlarged and placed on center of chest
• Background explosion not as high contrasting, more diffuse
• “Cobra Enemy!” shield moved over the stripes in the G.I. Joe logo
• Type size of “Cobra Leader” reduced
• Background behind the packaged figure changed from white to yellow

 

l. Wave 12 release, r. Wave 8 release

• “Cobra Enemy!” shield removed from upper-left corner
• File card artwork and copy reverted to that found on the Cobra Commander 5-pack version; black color-field instead of yellow

Big Easy Easier Than I Thought

I don’t know what’s wrong with me but most times I make plans in advance, as the deadline creeps closer, I start getting second thoughts about those plans; I entertain notions of making excuses or secretly hoping that the plans have changed and the responsibility of making a decision negatively impacting such plans has been taken from me.

For example, I was invited to attend some friends’ wedding in New Orleans this past weekend; now there were a couple of things about this event outside of my feelings for Dom & Izzy (both of whom I love dearly) that made me nervous.

• Unfamiliar Setting — a destination wedding and I’ve never been to The Big Easy before.

• Do I Know Anybody? — I only knew the bride and groom going into this event. No way in hell could I expect “Face-Time!” when they’re surrounded by family and other friends.

For me these are big signifiers of anxiety.

And yet this past weekend I had an amazing time. I mean Amazing. I think it was those very things that I thought would be a source of anxiety that actually served as a source of energy for me.

As soon as I hopped off the plane, Dom & Izzy showed up with her sister, Ellie and her man, Adrian, and they rushed me straight to the French Quarter where the French Quarter Festival was in full swing. And before I knew it, I was in the heart of New Orleans and meeting Dom’s siblings, their significant others and some of Izzy’s friends. In one fell swoop, without their even knowing it, my friends managed to erase my fears of being in a new environment and my nervousness of meeting new people. I really enjoyed meeting these people — there was no weird awkward context; I feel that if I were to meet them at the ceremony, the vibe could have been totally different.

The wedding itself was brilliant as well; I had so much fun — one of the best I’ve attended — from the music choice (Izzy walked down the aisle to “I’ve Got You, Babe” and they walked off husband and wife to “Rock the Casbah”), to the venue (a quail farm in Covington), to the all around good vibes that meeting Dom’s family (who really are Minnesota Nice!) and Izzy’s friends and family provided.

My favorite moments: Izzy introducing me to the Hand Grenade, putting hands on Dom’s Optimus Prime, trading quotes from There Will Be Blood with Lynn, saving Dom’s life with confectioner’s sugar and ice tea, crazy dancing with Ellie, watching Adrian’s smoov dance moves, Debris Po’ Boy at Mother’s, seeing Chris Owens from 1,000 yards out (thank god!)

I am very glad both Dom and Izzy got married, and I love being reminded that special people exist in my life.

Hello World?

So this is my first post. Monumental. I am not a blogger so I can’t guarantee frequent updates. Really this is all a cover because my workplace is interested in starting up a blog.

Now how the heck do I change those awful flowers in my widgets column?