Are G.I. Joe/Action Man Figures Still Popular in the Era of Sensitivity?
The G.I. Joe franchise, renowned for its loyal fanbase and frequent releases, has seen a considerable decline in public favor over the past decade. Various factors have contributed to this waning interest, particularly the growing sensitivities surrounding the ongoing armed conflicts and the perception of these "war" toys.
Factors Causing the Decline in Popularity
The most critical issue is the sensitivities related to real-life conflicts, which have led many people to become wary of purchasing such toys. In this climate, the G.I. Joe line itself has faced several setbacks:
1. The “Renegades” Cartoon
The “Renegades” cartoon, meant to restart the franchise, was effectively dead on arrival due to its broadcasting mishaps and the decision by the Discovery Family to air several episodes out of order, preventing the Christmas special from being shown on Christmas day.
2. The Divisive “Resolute” Series
The divisive “Resolute” series faced a year-long delay in the production of the second live-action movie, leading to a surplus of stock on store shelves without a promotional campaign to drum up interest. This situation left retailers with large quantities of unsold merchandise, adding to the franchise's woes.
3. Controversial Comic Books
The controversy surrounding the comic books produced by IDW and the behavior of a toxic writer who openly attacked the fans added to the franchise's negative publicity, further pushing away potential customers.
But Is It Really That Bad?
Despite the decline in popularity, there is evidence that G.I. Joe/Action Man are still popular among collectors. The brand currently has two main lines: the Retro Lineup and the 6-inch scale Classified line. The Classified line has a Target/Toys R Us exclusive Cobra Island subseries that has been particularly well-received.
Retro Lineup
The Retro Lineup, while not a new product, retains its appeal among collectors for its traditional style and iconic elements. However, the distribution of these figures has been absolutely shit. Some retailers manage to stock up, while others see months of empty shelves, making it difficult to gauge popularity based on in-store availability alone.
Classified Line
The 6-inch scale Classified line, on the other hand, has seen enthusiastic reception. Preorders for this line often sell out in under an hour, and the figures are frequently resold on platforms like Marketplace and eBay at significantly inflated prices (3 to 5 times the original price).
Future Prospects
A live-action movie is planned for late 2021, but recent developments suggest that it may not be the panacea many fans were hoping for. Due to public statements made by the star actor and the advanced publicity materials, it has become clear that a core fan favorite character will be heavily and needlessly altered. Many fans have expressed skepticism about the movie's ability to revitalize the franchise.
Conclusion
While the G.I. Joe/Action Man franchise faces significant challenges, especially in terms of its public perception and consumer confidence, it still holds a strong position within the collectible toy market, particularly among dedicated collectors. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the brand fares in the coming months and years.