My G.I.Joe CLASSIFIED Collection PART ONE

The Story about my brand new GI Joe Classified Collection. I have always loved GI Joe, so much so that I have a pretty extensive 25th Anniversary Collection. Which is why when GI Joe Classified started a few years back, I resisted since I felt I couldn't justify starting up another GI Joe Collection....well I lasted four years, before I finally caved...BIG TIME.

Brothers From Another Mother

The Story about the unlikely GI Joe buddy pair of Alpine and Bazooka? The GI Joe Alpine and Bazooka are best know for being partners with a lighthearted and comedic flair. Unfortunately, some very bad things happened to both Joes in the comics and cartoons. What exactly happened to Alpine and Bazooka? And more importantly, did they survive?

Up In Smoke

The Story about the Transformers Deceptive Tactician Autobot Smokescreen. The Transformers Smokescreen may be an Autobot, but that doesn't mean that he won't resort to underhanded tactics to achieve his goals of deceiving his enemies by leading them astray. True to his name, the Transformers Smokescreen can emit a dark cloud of magnetic smoke to confuse the Decepticons.

The Ladies Man

The Story about the GI Joe sailor Shipwreck and his trusty parrot Polly. The sailor Shipwreck is probably one of the most popular members of the GI Joe team, unfortunately though sometimes for the wrong reasons. Is Shipwreck really as incompetent as he is often depicted as in the cartoon? Or does this sailor have more positve qualities that make him invaluable to the GI Joe Team?

Osaka Toy Haul?

The Story about my very first trip to Osaka Japan and what toys I ended up getting for myself. Join my as I make my first trip to the central area for toys shopping in Osaka Japan, Den Den Town. Despite the limited time I think that I managed a modest toy haul and I'd like to tell you all about it, one toy at a time.

The Destroyer Of Nations

The Story about on of the most iconic enemies of GI Joe, Destro the maste of weapons. One the greatest enemies of GI Joe, Destro comes from a long line of weapons manufacturers. What is the long family history of clan Destro and why and how did the iron mask turn from a mark of shame into their badge of honor?

The First One

The Story about the Transformers Elita One. While there have been many versions of the Transformers Elita One, almost always consistent with all of them is that usually left by Optimus Prime on Cybertron. Why is this prominent Transformer more often than not left behind?

Enter Sandman

The Story about the GI Joe Desert Trooper Dusty. Aside from being a desert specialist, Ronald W. Tadur, code name Dusty is known for his loyalty to the GI Joe Team. So WHY did he end up leaving GI Joe and joining the Enemy?

Cars Good, Jets Better!

The Story about the FIRST Autobots to take to the SKIES! From the start the robot cars were the good guys. But the Transformers Aerialbots and Superion changed all that. This is the story of how this combiner flipped to the script on the "AUTO" Bots. As well as how the Aerialbots and Superion played a crucial role in the creation of the Transformers leader Optimus Prime!

Out Of The Frying Pan, Into The Fire

The Story about the Original 13 GI Joe Member Stalker and his shared connections with two of the most iconic characters in GI Joe. Despite being one of the first GI Joe characters ever made, Stalker has a history rooted deep in the ARAH lore that is often overlooked. What is the connection between GI Joe Stalker and two of the most popular characters in the line, Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow?

The Silver Snake

The Story of the Transformers Decepticon Air Commander Starscream. The Transformers Starscream may devious and untrustworthy, but it's these traits that puts the Decepticon Air Commander ahead of everyone else. Of all the Transformers, Starscream has survived through it all and not just lived to tell about it, but in many cases come out on top.

Brawny Points

The Story about one of the toughest Transformers, the little bot Brawn. Brawn may be one of the smallest Transformers around, but don't let his size fool you. He can pretty much take on ANY Decepticon that comes his way and beat the living crap out of them. Unless you want to be a recipient of a stolen fusion cannon blast or get a truck thrown at you, I would stay away from getting on Transformers Brawn's bad side.

Listen Up Maggots!

The Story about the first GI Joe based on a real life person, Sgt. Slaughter. The GI Joe Sgt Slaughter had it all as one of the most popular Joes of all time. Then just like that he disappeared. What happened to Sgt Slaughter and why did he turn his back on his country?

Tale As Old As Time: A Transformers One Review

The Story about my review of the new movie Transformers One. After watching the very first trailer, I knew that Transformers One was not exactly made for an older Transformers fan like myself. But does that mean I can't enjoy it as well? The reviews are in and here's what a longtime G1 fan thinks of this new chapter of the Transformers franchise.

Welcome To The Lazer Show!

The Story about the GI Joe laser troopers Flash & Sci Fi. The laser troopers Flash & Sci Fi were supposed to be the future of teh GI Joe team. But for some reason neither of them got very popular with the fans. What happened to Flash & Sci Fi? The soldiers of tomorrow who ended up becoming yesterday's news....

Decepticons Forever!

The Story about The Transformers Ravage, possibly the most loyal Decepticon ever. The Transformers Ravage has always been known for his unwavering loyalty to the Decepticon cause. But what happens when that loyalty is put to the ultimate test when his own leader Megatron switches sides and joins the Autobots?

Man Of Action

The Story about Duke who was created SPECIFICALLY to lead the GI Joe team. Duke may not be the flashiest, or coolest GI Joe, but when it comes to being the leader of America's daring, highly-trained special mission force, there is no one else best suited for the job. A true real American Hero! So WHY did Hasbro want to replace him?

Masterpiece Autobots Season One

The Story about how I show off my Transformers Season One Autobots Masterpiece Collection....and tell some stories along the way. Like any serious toy collector, I too have quite the sizable collection. And so in order to show it off, i've got to do a little at a time. And I'd like to start things off with what I consider to be half of my favorite display, the Autobots from my season one Masterpiece Transformers display. So here it is along with some short stories about the pieces in my collection.

Third Person Dinobot

The Story about the Transformers Grimlock and what makes him the greatest Autobot leader...or not? We all know the mighty Grimlock as the oftentimes arrogant leader of the Dinobots. But there have been times when he's been the leader of all the Autobots as well as the leader of nothing. So what events caused his rise to power and eventual fall from grace, and where does he ultimately end up? How did this Dinobot turn into a Scavenger?

Talking Race In Stereo

The Story about how two GI Joe members might have been considered racially offensive. Spirit and Quick Kick are two of the most popular GI Joe characters from the eighties, even if some may consider them to be negative racial stereotypes. But is this really a big issue? What are your thoughts on the matter? DO these Joes represent the best or the worst of their respective races? Or Are they all just Real American Heroes?

Everybody Loves A Grump

The Story about the Transformers Gears and an amazing little story you might not have known about. Almost everyone counts out the Autobot Gears as nothing but a grouchy grump. Which is actually further from the truth for this Transformers minibot. There is definitely more than meets the eye with this constant complainer that makes him one of the most pleasant Autobots to hang around with. At the very least, did you even know about his rather Amazing Friend?

The Ghost In The Machine

The Story about How Transformers Skywarp had no choice but to leave the Decepticons and switch sides. The Seeker Skywarp is often overshadowed by his brothers Starscream and Thundercracker. But this crafty and sneaky Decepticon also has an interesting story to tell. From his early American origins, nearly fading out of existence and finally joining America's daring, highly-trained special mission force, there is never a dull moment with this Transformer.

Living The Van Life

The Story about why I'm not a big fan of Transformers veteran warrior Ironhide. Despite arguably being one of the most popular original G1 Transformers, Ironhide has always been one of my least favorite characters. Whether it was due to his brash personality or lackluster toys, I never really got into this Autobot.

The NOT So Jolly Green Giant

The Story about the VERY FIRST and DEADLIEST Transformers Combiner Devastator.

It's A Dreadnok Life For Us!

The Story about a dreadful gang of mercenaries hired to fight GI Joe.....

Swiped To The Side Brother

The Story about the Transformers Sideswipe and his love hate relationship with his brother...

Don't Cross The Line With This Guy

The Story about one of Michael Bay's GREATEST ADDITIONS to the Transformers

It's All In Z Family

The Story about how the mysterious Zartan ROCKED GI Joe's world!

Does EVERY Transformers Collection NEED an Optimus Prime?

The Story about how every serious TRANSFORMERS collector needs a PRIME spot for this guy.

WHICH Transformers BRUTICUS Did I Add To My Toyshelf?

The Story about all the different options for Transformers Bruticus out there and which one I eventually ended up with....

How I Built An Ewok Village

The Story about a little Ewok pushed me down a Star Wars collecting rabbit hole.

Did We Really NEED Blackout For The Transformers Movie?

The Story about how writers decided to blackout on established characters and make up their own for the Transformers movie.

Was Transformers Jazz Made To Be Your Favorite Autobot?

The Story about how Transformers Jazz was intentionally made to be your favorite Autobot.

How Did The GI Joe Chuckles Rise Above Being A GI Joke?

The Story about the GI Joe Named Chuckles got the last laugh...

Is Transformers Arcee More Than Just A Token Female Character?

The Story about how a seemingly cliche Arcee became one of the most popular Transformers.

The Shocking Story Behind This Transformers ONE EYE!

The Story about the Transformers Shockwave and how he literally lost his face for having too many emotional outbursts.

He-man and Hisss Deadliest Enemy?

The Story about He-Man and Hiss Enemy The Snake Men

The Transformers Autobot Who Can Talk A Bluestreak

The Story about how for transformers Autobot Bluestreak, silver is blue and blue is silver.

The TRANSFORMERS Thundercracker, A DECEPTICON Seeker Who CHANGED HIS WAYS!

The Story about the TRANSFORMERS DECEPTICON Seeker Thundercracker and how he learned to LOVE living beings, even if they can't fly, especially his four legged buddy Buster!

The Explosive Firefly, Greatest Enemy Of GI Joe Not Named Storm Shadow

The Story about I chose the GI Joe Enemy Firefly over Storm Shadow as my favorite Cobra.

Transformers Mirage, The Autobot With Questionable Loyalties

The Story about the Transformers Mirage and which side of the war he stands, Autobot or Decepticon.

The Classic Decepticon Rumble Debate: Which Side Are You On?

The Story about how the Decepticon Rumble is red and Rumble is blue.

Are The Transformers Hound And Bulkhead The Same Autobot?

The Story about the Autobot Hound and how he lost his job as Spike's BFF.

Unravelling The Twisted Tale Of Marvel Alpha Flight: Sasquatch And Snowbird

The Story about the Marvel team Alpha Flight and their version of Beauty and the Beast

GI Joe Enemy Cobra Thinking Out Of The Box

The Story about how GI Joe enemy Cobra tried to counter Rocky Balboa with their own big bad Boa.

THIS Transformers Sociopath Is An Autobot?

The Story about how I like my Autobot Transformers sunny side up

What Happened To The Original Thirteen?

The Story about when Hasbro added more color to their little green men...

How To Put Together A Top Ten List

The Story about how I used a psychological thriller from the 90's to pick my top toys of 2023....

Fixing My Star Wars Black Series Action Figures

The Story about how I sliced the legs off my brand new Black Series figures....

The Fiery Power Of Transformers Dinobot Slag!

The Story about how I chose beryllium baloney over cesium salami...

Did You Fall for the Original Thirteen Too?

The Story about how little green men stole my heart....