Hasbro: G.I. Joe

G.I. JOE BRAND STORMS THE COUNTRY WITH DOUBLE-DIGIT SALES GROWTH AND HUGE POPULARITY AMONG KIDS AND COLLECTORS - Hasbro Introduces New G.I. JOE Movie with 2003 Product Line

G.I. JOE, the brand that created the action figure category nearly 40 years ago, is ready for any mission in 2003 with an exciting new theme in the G.I. JOE VS. COBRA line and an exciting CGI movie for the fall. Hasbro's reintroduction of the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA theme was a tremendous hit with kids in 2002 and brought another year of double-digit growth for the G.I. JOE brand.

This year, kids will be introduced to the new SPY TROOPS -- an elite force of G.I. JOE members disguised as the enemy to stop COBRA from the inside fantasy through an action-packed product line. And, for the first time since the 1980s, Hasbro will introduce a new G.I. JOE movie! The 44-minute DVD movie, called "SPY TROOPS: The Movie," will be included with each NINJA SHOWDOWN 12-inch figure 2-pack and is sure to be a must-have this holiday season. Of course, a fleet of vehicles with brand new ACTION ATTACK electronic battle and engine sounds will also be available so kids can really get into the SPY TROOPS fantasy.

Another important segment within the G.I. JOE brand is the authentic military collection. Kids will find big action play with new realistic heroes in uniforms like the Navy SEALs COLLECTION, Navy SEALs HUMVEE vehicle and more.

Here's a review of Hasbro's 2003 G.I. JOE line of figures and vehicles, ready to bring more action, adventure and fond remembrances to kids and collectors (recommended for ages 5 and up, unless noted otherwise):

G.I. JOE vs. COBRA -- SPY TROOPS

SPY TROOPS NINJA SHOWDOWN (Approximate retail price: $19.99) A new generation of kids can enjoy an action-packed new G.I. JOE movie that's included with this pack of two 12-inch versions of the very popular ninja masters, STORMSHADOW and SNAKE EYES. Each will feature ninja-themed outfits and accessories. And, making this set an incredible value will be an exclusive 44-minute movie on DVD called "SPY TROOPS: The Movie" to fully bring them into the fantasy. Available in October.

SPY TROOPS MISSION DISC (Approximate retail price: $3.99) Each of the three collectible CD-ROM discs includes two classic G.I. JOE cartoon episodes, an interactive game, file card bios, an interactive comic, two 60-second CGI spots, and links to www.gijoe.com. Each set also includes one figure and accessories. The discs feature a unique technology from eGenie that allows the cartoon episodes to play full screen on a computer screen with no download time. It's like turning your computer into a TV! Six different figures will be available in the spring, along with three different Mission Discs. Six more figures will be available this fall.

SPY TROOPS 3-3/4" 2-Packs (Approximate retail price: $6.99) The battle between good and evil in every G.I. JOE vs. COBRA SPY TROOPS figures 2-Pack is taken to a new level with the element of disguise. One figure in every 2-pack comes packed with extra disguise gear to allow them to infiltrate the enemy undercover and complete their SPY TROOPS mission. A SPY TROOPS mini-comic is included in every pack. Throughout the year, 36 new and dynamically sculpted figures in 12 different 2-packs will be available including the following: Now: CROSS HAIRS vs. COBRA CLAWS COMMANDER figures, TUNNEL RAT vs. OVERKILL figures, HACKER vs. SCALPEL figures, TORPEDO vs. BURNOUT figures, RECONDO vs. IRON GRENADIER figures, and BARRELL ROLL deluxe figure with glider mini vehicle. April: DART vs. COBRA BAT figures, ROADBLOCK vs. DREADNOK RIPPER figures, FLINT vs. BLACKOUT figures, BEACHHEAD vs. SAND VIPER figures, SHIPWRECK vs. OVERKILL figures, and DEPTH CHARGE deluxe figure with WAVE CRUSHER mini vehicle. Twelve more characters will be available later in the year, six in July and six in October.

G.I. JOE SPY TROOPS 3-3/4-INCH ACTION ATTACK VEHICLES The battle action becomes even more intense as the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA vehicles add ACTION ATTACK, giving each kid more control and interaction than ever with their 3-3/4-inch figures and vehicles. Each vehicle has electronics that create battle and engine sounds in addition to other cool action features.

Alpha Assortment (Approximate retail price: $9.99) Kids can load their 3-3/4-inch figures into these action-packed vehicles and control the movement of their characters with hidden controls. Available at stores in Now: COBRA VENOM CYCLE and G.I. JOE BATTLE BLITZ vehicles; April: COBRA TREAD FIRE tracker, G.I. JOE MISSILE STORM copter. June: G.I. JOE DESERT COYOTE WITH DOUBLE CLUTCH and COBRA POLAR BLAST WITH SNOW SERPENT.

Bravo Assortment (Approximate retail price: $15.99) These deluxe vehicles have engine and weapon sounds, can transport more 3-3/4-inch troops, and have a secret second hidden SPY TROOPS vehicle to allow troops to go undercover for the ultimate SPY TROOPS mission. Retail availability is as follows: Now: SMOKE SCREEN Transport. February: SKY SWEEPER jet July: COBRA RINGNECK and G.I. JOE SPLIT FIRE.

PATRIOT GRIZZLY TANK (Approximate retail price:$34.99) the largest new vehicle in the assortment, the PATRIOT GRIZZLY TANK gives kids the ultimate experience with their 3-3/4-inch figures, creating battles with an electronic sounds and action turning turret and a missile hopper that holds and launches shoots 20 missiles. Available at retail in August.

HOVERSTRIKE RC (Approximate retail price: $39.99) Escape the enemy with style and speed aboard the new radio controlled G.I. JOE HOVERSTRIKE vehicle. The one-of-a-kind vehicle rides on a cushion of air -- as its real working fans propel it into action. When forced into combat, wind and launch the six rapid-fire missiles. The G.I. JOE HOVERSTRIKE comes exclusively with MIRAGE, a G.I. JOE figure who captains the Hovercraft from a standing platform. It requires one 9.6 C battery (not included) for vehicle and one 9 V battery for the radio controller (not included). The HOVERSTRIKE RC is recommended for ages 8 and up and is available in August.

12-INCH G.I. JOE vs. COBRA Figures These super-sized figures are also a hit with kids when recreating the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA fantasy, with gear and equipment they can really get their hands on. The new 12-inch figures include:

Basic Figures (Approximate retail price: $9.99) Available at retail in Now: DUKE and SHIPWRECK figures April: COBRA CLAWS and FLINT figures. July: CROSS HAIR and OVERKILL figures; August: DEPTH CHARGE figure. October: SWITCH GEARS and BLACK OUT figures.

Deluxe Figures (Approximate retail price: $19.99) A vehicle with every 12-inch figure means extra value and more play. New figures in 2003 are now at retail, including the AIR ASSAULT vehicle and BARRELL ROLL figure that has a real working parachute and projectile launcher. In June, the MOUNTAIN RECON with DUSTY figure rolls out at retail, and in October, the RAFT ASSAULT vehicle figure with CHIEF TORPEDO figure will be at stores.

G.I. JOE vs. COBRA 12-INCH BASIC VEHICLES (Approximate retail price: $13.99) To create complete battles with the large figures, every G.I. JOE vs. COBRA showdown needs a big vehicle. Hasbro offers five different 12-inch scale vehicles in 2003. Now: DESERT HOPPER and MOBILE ASSAULT vehicles. July: 4-Wheel AFV and Hovercraft. August: WAVE CRUSHER vehicle.

AUTHENTIC MILITARY 12-INCH FIGURES

Honor, courage, and patriotism are concepts that inspired the American toy icon from Hasbro that generations have known as G.I. JOE. Hasbro continues to bring this tradition to kids and collectors with the 12-inch collectible line that commemorates heroes in uniform. These G.I. JOE figures feature detailed uniforms and accessories in realistic tribute to those who defend our country in all branches of the service, as well as policemen and firemen. A special STRATEGIC OPERATIONS FORCE segment brings forward some of the today's most elite military figures. Most figures are available in Hispanic, African American, Caucasian and, new this year, Asian American versions. Additional highlights include an Army Ranger Collection a Navy SEALs COLLECTION and a WILLYS JEEP with a shooting rifle.

Navy SEALs COLLECTION (Approximate retail price: $19.99-29.99) Most kids have heard of the Navy SEALs, and know they are the best of the best on air, sea and land, but they might not know all the intriguing things they do to protect our freedom. These highly detailed and authentic Navy SEAL figures will be begin their duty at retail as follows in the Bravo Assortment: September: BEACH LANDING and SHORE SECURITY. October: RAPID RAPPEL. A fourth NAVY SEAL figure, a PARADIVER will be available in the Echo Assortment in September.

Navy SEALs HUMVEE VEHICLE (Approximate retail price: $59.99) Massive and ready to transport up to eight figures (figures not included), this AMC officially licensed signature vehicle will take the Navy SEALs to whatever corner of the world they need to go in 1/6th scale authenticity. Available in July.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS FORCES -- When trouble is developing anywhere in the world, a high-level group of strategists decides which military groups will deal with the situation. This calls for small, elite, highly mobile units that we have labeled the STRATEGIC OPERATIONS FORCE. The 2003 G.I. JOE line offers four 12-inch, authentically detailed figures in February, including: MOUNTAIN SEARCH and TACTICAL ADVISOR, at an approximate retail price of $14.99; MARINE MARITIME SPECIAL PURPOSE FORCE and ROYAL MARINE COMMANDO, at an approximate retail price of $19.99; and AIR FORCE FORWARD AIR CONTROL figure, at an approximate retail price of $29.99.

12-Inch BASIC ASSORTMENT (Approximate retail price: $9.99) Kids can build up their forces of heroes in uniform from all branches of the military with the G.I. JOE Basic Assortment -- from Police Officer (now) and Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement (October) to UNDERWATER DEMOLITIONS TEAM (July) and Navy Security Officer (April) and more. The other Basic Assortment figures that will be available in 2003 include: Now: 26th Marine Division and Basic Army. February: SPECIAL OPERATIONS TACTICAL ADVISOR and SPECIAL OPERATIONS MOUNTAIN SEARCH. April: Desert Army. July: DESERT OPERATIONS SEAL figures. Each basic figure offers enough gear for a fun adventure.

12-Inch ALPHA ASSORTMENT (Approximate retail price: $14.99) Featuring authentic detail plus value-packed uniforms and accessories, kids will be proud to both display and play with any of the new figures in the Alpha Assortment. Kids have always been fascinated with firefighters, a highlight of this assortment; The ROPE RESCUE FIREFIGHTER figure is a must-have hero for kids and collectors, featuring a rescue harness and rescue equipment for heroic fun. Another highlight, the AIR FORCE SPECIAL OPERATIONS figure with a new authentic camouflage pattern. Both are available in November. Also available are the ADVENTURE TEAM SINBAD VS. THE ROC AND ADVENTURE TEAM SINBAD VS. SERPENS from the upcoming DreamWorks animated feature film (May) and new MARINE DIGITAL CAMO (August).

12-Inch BRAVO ASSORTMENT (Approximate retail price: $19.99) -- In addition to the NAVY SEALs collection and SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES figures in the Bravo segment, an ADVENTURE TEAM SINBAD VS. SCORPIOUS figure will be available in May, featuring a classic confrontation from the DreamWorks feature film.

12-Inch ECHO ASSORTMENT (Approximate retail price: $29.99) -- The adventures get even bigger and more imaginative on the ground, under water and out in space with the highly equipped NAVY DEEP SEA DIVER (July), the AT(ADVENTURE TEAM) Astronaut with alien (November) and the SWAT TEAM SILENT ENTRY (May). Each comes with more gear and features for a complete heroic adventure.

WWII WILLY'S JEEP (Approximate retail price: $49.99) -- Since World War II, the rugged yet nimble JEEP has been a standard vehicle used to zip around the base and to the action. The WWII WILLY'S JEEP, with its adjustable windshield, removable tools and recoilless rifle cannon with projectile, will give kids the wheels they need to keep G.I. JOE moving through the back yard battle zone. Available in July.

ACCESSORIES FOR 12-INCH G.I. JOE -- Also available to keep the 12-Inch G.I. JOE troops in the G.I. JOE VS. COBRA SPY TROOPS, ADVENTURE TEAM and authentic military segments outfitted for action, are loads of extra gear, battle equipment and an authentic footlocker for storage. Available now.

Product names are subject to change.

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