VANGUARD

HOW VALAVERSE CHANGED THE FIELD OF VIEW ON 1/12 SCALE MILITARY VEHICLES

INTRODUCTION

In 2024 Valaverse released a toy that redefined the standard for what 1:12 scale military vehicles should look like.

Enter the Vanguard, the official vehicle of the Action Force.The Vanguard is a true 1/12 scale replica of the Rezvani Tank, a real-world armored vehicle built on a Jeep chassis.

At just over twenty inches in length, it was initially offered in two colors, Tan and Stealth Grey. It featured adjustable front seats, functional front steering, two rear seats, opening doors, a cargo hatch, as well as a removeable gun turret.

It also included its own dedicated Action Force driver. When it was first announced it was known that this vehicle would not be offered in like manner as its competitors.

The Vanguard retailed for $184.99 and was opened for pre-order with a special bonus; an interchangeable rocket launcher that could be used in place of the gun turret.

Initially the rocket launcher was only available through pre-order, but later became available as a separate add-on that could be purchased from the company website, along with an up-armor package called the H.A.U.L.

In 2025, Valaverse made another move by packaging the Vanguard, missile launcher, and H.A.U.L. upgrade together as a package deal for the shocking amount of $109.00!

So, collectors could now own a true 1:12 scale military vehicle with all of the add-ons, for a fraction of what their competitor’s toys were selling for.

Well, unfortunately the awesomeness didn’t last, because just this week I learned that the Vanguard was sold out.

I reached out to a company rep through the website, where I was told that Valaverse has no plans to continue producing the Vanguard.

I have to admit that I was beyond disbelief on reading that email and left with more questions than answers.

Why would a toy company like Valaverse choose to discontinue their most popular product?

Why would they make the shocking decision to stop selling what many consider to be the greatest 1:12 scale military vehicle of all time? That is what I hope to answer within the context of this article.

Strategic Planning

To begin, we have to have an understanding of how things work in the toy industry.

From initial concept of a toy to seeing it on store shelves (or online) takes eighteen to thirty-six months.

That means that the cool action figures you like to collect that were just released, actually began as a discussion around a table somewhere about three years ago.

Now that you understand that let’s jump tracks for a moment and go spy on the other brand of one 1:12 scale military figures, the G.I. Joe Classified Series.

By far the most popular military themed line in the history of boy’s toys, G.I.Joe has flexed over all their competitors and walked away the winner every single time.

So, when Hasbro announced that G.I. Joe was being brought back as a new, 1:12 scale line in 2019, adult collectors and fans were excited.

Four years later, Hasbro releases the VAMP, the G.I.Joe’s signature vehicle. Marketed for adult collectors, the VAMP was a Pulse exclusive and retailed for $100.00 USD.

Did somebody call for some Freedom?

The VAMP was exciting, and it brought all of the nostalgia back from the eighties with it.

It quickly sold out and has since become the most sought-after vehicle in the Classified Series.

That same year, Valaverse unveils the Vanguard. It is also marketed to adult collectors, and unlike the VAMP it wasn’t a site exclusive.

Valaverse not only sold the Vanguard on its own website, it also marketed it through partnerships with select online retailers.

Doing so ensured availability, without over saturation of the product. The Vanguard is physically twice as large as the VAMP, and was initially priced significantly more as well.

The Vanguard stole the show with its immense scale and features. Best of all, there was no long wait to get one.

There was nothing else like it on the market, and soon one could find third- and fourth-party vendors getting in on the 1:12 scale vehicle madness.

Gridiron Studios, Ramen Toys, and Fans Hobby to name only a few have all designed and released 1:12 scale military vehicles, but none have been as sought after or successful as the Vanguard.

To date, only Ramen Toys and Fans Hobby have released mass-produced vehicles that are made like those from Hasbro and Valaverse.

All of the other competitors have relied on in-house 3D printing for their creations. In light of this, the key take-away here is that there was and remains a demand within the 1/12 scale collector’s market for vehicles (and playsets) that the action figures can be used in the play environment.

So it doesn’t take much to realize that someone shared Hasbro’s plans with Valaverse, allowing them to design and release their own vehicle as a direct competitor to the VAMP within a very small window.

BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER

I previously stated that the Vanguard was a true 1/12 scale military vehicle, and it is. It’s larger than the Classified Series HISS Tank, and can comfortably accommodate six action figures, plus all their kit.

Its loaded with features, and at first glance it looks like the beast that it was meant to be. Looks however, can be deceiving.

Somebody’s got an ego problem!

Underneath that slick body contouring was lurking a linchpin that no one expected. A design flaw that from a toy perspective seems unthinkable, and which ultimately may be the real reason why Valaverse discontinued their armored cash wagon.

Many fans eagerly monitored the periodic updates on their shipments, swaying to and fro from day to day in joyous glee.

Yes friends, many could not eat or play with their spouse for the convulsions of joy of what UPS would soon bring to their doorsteps.

When the day finally arrived however, there were some whose emotions turned sour.

For as they began opening their treasured shipment from Valaverse, many experienced abject horror and internal question marks.

Inside their new, glossy packaging there were those who found that their rolling machine of destruction was not rolling anywhere!

The back wheels on many of the Vanguard arrived broken out of the box.

Unlike the VAMP which is shipped unassembled, with the wheels to be attached to four independent pegs, the Vanguard arrived fully assembled.

It also had no sort of support tray between the vehicle and the flimsy cardboard outer box.

This, accompanied with the weight of these pallets stacked on another caused the poorly designed rear wheel peg to snap.

Now to be fair, Valaverse was quick to address the issue, and offer replacements, however the real damage was done.

It was not a good PR image for the company, and it spoke volumes about the lack of design and planning on their part.

They had obviously cut a lot of corners to make the Vanguard, possibly to rush it to production in order to coincide with its planned release date, in order to compete with the Vamp.

What many collectors had touted as the best new 1/12 scale military vehicle, became a crippled centerpiece for complainers and trolls across the Internet.

Even those of us who really liked the Vanguard couldn’t ignore the fact that the rugged playability of the Vamp with its independent suspension was sorely missing.

TIME FOR AN OVERHAUL

When I learned from the Valaverse customer service department that they had discontinued the Vanguard, I was both disappointed and understanding.

You can’t expect a company to continue to produce something with an existing quality control issue of that scale.

At the same time, I would not be so quick to throw it away, either. Those molds cost money, and just like with action figures, vehicle molds can also be re-used for future projects.

What is needed then, is a complete overhaul. To begin, the rear of the chassis needs to be improved by changing the rear wheel hubs.

The plastic hub and peg were made almost like an afterthought, with no real reinforcement or support into the rear chassis.

Lessons could be learned from both Hasbro and Fans Hobby here. Total independent suspension to match the front of the truck for structural integrity, and rugged play.

For the wheels, they would need to be shipped unattached like the Vamp if they were to improve upon the previous failures.

Next, I would address the body. Rezvani built the Tank on a Jeep chassis, meaning Valaverse could redesign the body of the truck either under license as a completely new vehicle like the Fortress, or create their own design that would not require licensing approval at all.

Doing so would provide great latitude in designing a toy that features both compatibility and modularity, which would translate into a successful marketing tool.

Finally, they would need to invest in areas which they previously marginalized. The design of the packaging, the thickness of the product packaging, internal supports, as well as supports in the shipper box would all need to be taken into account.

By eliminating the wall to wall contact of the toy to the packaging, as well as to the shipper box would decrease the likelihood of future parts failure in storage or transit.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Vanguard is a great toy, I still have mine and have considered buying two more from third party sources.

The reality is I’m all too aware of the risk of losing out financially if mine arrive broken. My hope is that Valaverse will learn from their mistakes, and come back with an improved vehicle that can bring Action Force to the battle, and not the boneyard.

A SHIP WITHOUT A CAPTAIN

REMEMBERING SIR PATRICK STEWART

INTRODUCTION

“Someone once told me that time is a predator that stalks us all our lives. I rather believe that time is a companion who goes with us on the journey, and reminds us to cherish every moment, because they’ll never come again.”

Those were words spoken by Captain Jean-Luc Picard, as he and Commander Riker stood amidst the remains of the Enterprise-D on Veridian III.

That was thirty-two years ago, and I think them to be most appropriate for this subject.

This past Wednesday evening I learned of the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart, and I immediately cried out, and began to weep uncontrollably.

I fell to my knees several times, praying for his family. It was a very surreal thing that left me with more questions than answers.

As I thought about why I had cried, I realized those emotions were real. There has always been a deep and heartfelt respect and love for Captain Picard.

He was a tremendous influence on me growing up, and was also one of the first people whom I learned about being a leader from.

As an adult, there have been many times when I have thought back upon the wisdom of Captain Picard, and how it applied to wherever I might be, or whatever I may be going through.

TO BOLDLY GO…

I was eight years old when Star Trek The Next Generation first aired on television in 1987. I do not recall if I watched it season by season.

What I do remember is watching it in middle school. My time there from 1990-1993 was a nightmare.

I was severely bullied on a daily basis. I was picked on, spat on, mocked, and kicked while sitting at my desk. I endured being assaulted in the bathroom, the cafeteria, and in the hallway.

At one point I was beat up on an almost weekly basis. I was jumped walking home, and on one occasion I suffered the permanent disfigurement of my nose.

Another male student began hitting me while standing outside waiting on my ride. He placed a metal bracelet across his fingers before hitting me in the face.

I did not know at the time that I was autistic; all I knew was I was afraid of everyone, and angry at them for being bullied.

I hated school, and everyone there. I did not want to go back. Every afternoon after I got home I would watch Star Trek The Next Generation.

It was one of my coping mechanisms, and it allowed me to escape the horrific abuse and torment that I was forced to live through.

It became not just a source of entertainment, but one of learning as well. I have always been passionate about science, and the show offered a glimpse into astronomy and physics that were mesmerizing.

AT THE HELM

At the center of it was Captain Jean-Luc Picard. I was impressed by him as a leader, but he was so much more than that.

He was a diplomat, an explorer, and a humanist. He never ceased to search for the best in those around him, and he never asked anyone to do anything that he wasn’t willing to do himself.

The wisdom that Captain Picard imparted to his peers and subordinates alike became the basis for a future book on leadership.

I saw in this character someone who cared, who inspired, and who was not afraid of the challenges which he and his crew often faced.

A LASTING LEGACY

There will be many who remember Sir Patrick Stewart in different ways. To those closest to him, he was their family.

For others, he was a fellow student, a colleague, or even friend. Others recall his many roles from his time in theater, while some simply nodded in affirmation of his presence while passing by.

He was I believe someone used by God, to be an example. To give hope, to inspire, and to entertain. Though his time in this life may be passed, the gravitas of his presence remains with us.

“He was a man. Take him for all in all. I shall not look upon his kind again.”

IMPORTING FUN OR FAILURE?

THE AFTERMATH OF TARGET’S NOT SO EXCLUSIVE OVERSIGHT

INTRODUCTION

As an adult toy collector, my passion for all things plastic began at a very early age. In later years, I began to learn everything possible about my favorite cartoons and toys. Not because I desired to be some self-righteous know it all, but because I began writing articles for various websites, and working as a consultant to the toy industry.

That learning curve has included the business aspects of the toy industry as well. It’s a facet of buying and collecting that many may not be aware of, but it plays a critical role in one of the world’s largest industries.

BY THE NUMBERS

The toy industry is a global industry, with sales in 2025 reaching $123 billion U.S. Dollars. Over $46 billion of that is attributed to sales here in the U.S. alone, which accounts for three billion individual units sold online, as well as at retail. From 2024 through 2025 toys sales increased by seven percent, with a twenty-four percent increase in sales over the last five years.

Collectible toys like action figures made up nineteen percent of all global toy sales in 2025, and those sales alone have increased thirty two percent over the last year. The largest toy company in the world is Hasbro, and they account for just under $3 billion of U.S. toy sales in 2025, which is just over nine percent.

By contrast, Hasbro also stated in 2025 that their sales consisted of 23.9 percent of the action figure market. What they do not report is the fact that adult collectors account for eighty percent or greater of all sales of their five largest action figure lines. So, while other areas of the economy are struggling, the toy industry doesn’t seem to be one of them, or does it?

THE TARGET DEBACLE

I hate Target, and I refer to it as the rich people store, because it is the opposite of Walmart. From the moment that you walk in the door, you can sense the self-righteousness like the Dark side of the Force. I have never seen people engaging in a conversation or talking loudly in a Target; it’s as if there’s some unspoken rule that you have to be quiet.

Most of the customers are rude and will walk right over you like they know that I’m disabled and don’t belong there. God forbid if you try to pay with cash at the checkout, and don’t dare think of inconveniencing anyone by having to wait on you while you count change to pay for that toy that you couldn’t afford to begin with.

No, I don’t like Target, and the only reason that I occasionally force myself to enter their wretched building is because they like other retailers have exclusive toys to their stores, that cannot be found on their website. They also mark stuff down, which means that they often have deals on collectible toys that you won’t find online, either.

STARSCREAM NO MORE?

Now that you all know how I feel about Target, let’s look at a recent example of how Target dropped the ball. Back in June we got our first look at the Transformers Studio Series 86 Starscream via the boards over on TFW2005. It’s an all new mold, larger scale, with really nice paint apps, and an all-new head sculpt.

This figure was and is a Target exclusive, and pre-orders went live the very next day for Target’s Friday Geek Out sale. Unfortunately, Many of the pre-orders ended up being cancelled, as existing stock of the figure on both the Hasbro Pulse and Target websites sold out quickly.

That however, was not the end of the story, nor was it all of it. There was a major issue behind the scenes being concealed from collectors, and one that Target is unlikely to ever acknowledge publicly. For that reason, I share this without any direct links to the sources who chose to disclose this information.

HOW IT WORKS

When a toy company like Hasbro reveals a new product to their retail partners like Target, they already have a marketing strategy in place for that toy. The retail partners select what they will buy, in what quantity, and then determine what the shelf cost will be per unit. They then place the order for the toy.

It is the retail partner like Target and not Hasbro, who incurs the shipping cost for those orders. On this particular action figure Target most likely purchased eighty thousand units from Hasbro. Both Hasbro and Target’s marketing teams already know the profitability of the Transformers brand.

There are established metrics for each brand that they modify based on demand, popularity, and sales. Their marketing teams even use forums and websites where they enroll and have accounts where they interact with the collectors to assist in their design and marketing strategies.

Transfomers are one of Hasbro’s top five toy brands, incredibly popular with adult collectors, and that’s who these figures are specifically marketed to. So, let’s look at some conservative numbers here, and for the sake of this article I can only guess the exact quantities based on my knowledge of store shipments that I’ve seen in person.

Target has two thousand and eight retail locations nationwide, and each store most likely received an initial shipment of three cases of Starscream, totaling twelve action figures per store. That means that they would have ordered twenty-four thousand and ninety-six figures for the stores alone, with another five thousand or so for online sales.

So, for the sake of argument let’s round that number to thirty thousand total units. These figures would be shipped four to a case, inside of a forty-foot trailer via water shipment. Shipping by sea is slower but cost effective for bulk quantities. Each of those forty-foot trailers cost between four and six thousand dollars each to ship, and if Target ordered thirty thousand units, they would be packed 400 cases per container.

That means that it would take seventy-five containers to ship Starscream from his birthplace in China, to the loving store shelves of Target, where he would await his new home. The total cost for his trip would be $450,000, before fuel and other surcharges billed to Target by the shipper. So, you can see from shipping alone one very important aspect of how they calculate the cost of a toy at retail.

THERE’S BEEN A MODIFICATION TO YOUR ORDER….

My hypothetical numbers are probably close to accurate IF the actual shipment had been made, but that isn’t the case. Remember all of those cancelled pre-orders that I mentioned? Well, that main water shipment never left the docks in China. That’s right, Target cancelled the shipment of their store exclusive Starscream figures, but why?

Why would one of the largest retail chains in America pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for a toy order worth $1.6 million in sales, and accept those losses? The unfortunate answer goes back to shipping. There are existing import tariffs on Chinese goods, including toys, and some of these tariffs are as much as 145%.

We may never know the actual amount, but if it were only fifty percent being charged, then that means that Target most likely was faced with paying more than one million dollars for a single shipment of toys. Now, I was not privy to the details of this being a single shipment, or if these figures were part of a larger toy shipment, as they get placed on a boat with other merchandise.

The shipping cost simply reflects the charge per container for being on that boat, and nothing more. Whatever the details, Target determined that the cost did not justify the order, and they cut their losses. So, what happens to the toys? They get sold to a Chinese distributor, where they will be auctioned off to third party vendors.

I have read that some of them will almost certainly show up on third party toy retailer websites, and possibly in discount stores like Ollie’s and Ross in the future. Needless to say, there are a lot of unhappy fans out there, because this was a store exclusive.

As of my research for this article, there were exactly 203 units of the Transformers Studio Series 86 Starscream in Target’s system. That’s 203 units across all of their retail locations. Some may have been on store shelves, but at least one Target location I learned about had something more fun going on:

If you wanted Starscream, you had to pay a certain employee fifty dollars, and then he would go in the back and get you one, that you would then take to the check-out up front. That store is currently under investigation. I guess scalping doesn’t work while you’re on the clock, then?

FINAL THOUGHTS

It is entirely possible that Target will find a work around and rectify a costly decision that could have more severe consequences for them in the long term. I’ve seen some folks on one site even state that they have pre-orders in the system, and I hope that they do.

In the end, it’s a long-term issue that requires some creative marketing, and at least in this case, it was not something that Target planned for. How and why is beyond me, when you know that those tariffs are existing, and will affect anything that you ship across the pond.

Hasbro has already made several price increases on their collectible toys like action figures in the last two years, while reducing accessories and points of articulation. This is just one more gaffe to throw wood on the fire for toy collectors.

Action Figure Fumble

How the G.I. Joe design team has lost the Classified Series

Introduction

When the G.I. Joe Classified Series was first announced back in 2019, one Hasbro executive stated that they expected the line to last around five years, or from 2020-2025.

I think it’s safe to say that the line’s popularity with adult collectors (who comprise eighty percent or greater of the line’s sales) have helped sustain it beyond that original projection.

That does not mean however, that the line has not seen its share of failures. In this blog post, I want to take a look at a few of the specific figures revealed going into SDCC this year, and then look at some of the sub lines in the series.

We’ll wrap things up by examining how some of these entries have affected the line in the larger context, as well as examining strategies that Hasbro could pursue in the future.

Facial recognition

One of the things that Hasbro has excelled at have been the portraits on the Classified Series. The continued evolution of their Photo-Real ink jet printing technology have given their action figures the most realistic life-like resemblance of any one twelfth scale line to date.

That is not to say however, that there haven’t been quality control issues along the way, and nowhere is that more evident than with Lt. Falcon.

Originally released in 2023, Lieutenant Falcon was voted the worst figure in the line by collectors due to the horrid head sculpt.

Hasbro wasn’t oblivious to the fan backlash, and they released an updated Falcon under the Night Force subline in 2024, as part of a deluxe two-pack with Quarrel.

Unfortunately, the latter figure’s success has been overshadowed by the recently revealed Retro Cardback version.

Let’s put a smile on that face!

The Retro Cardback figures are a sub-line within the Classified Series, first released back in 2022. They are variants that are identical to the original three and three quarter scale action figures from the eighties.

The Retro line are marketed towards adult collectors who grew up with the original G.I.Joe cartoon and toy lines, in an effort to capitalize on nostalgia.

They typically include very minimalist accessories that differ from their main line release, and have for the most part been received with mixed reviews.

The real issue here is over saturation of the market with variants. The initial release of Falcon was a flop, while the Night Force variant was a success. The Retro variant aims to release an improved version, to correct the problems with the first.

Personally, I don’t see it being a success for the line. Simply put, it’s nothing more than a repaint/retool of the original mold.

It doesn’t look good, and it retains that awkward appearance that the original is known for, in spite of the new head sculpt.

She’s got the looks

In 2023 Hasbro released a deluxe boxed set of two female Cobra troopers called Valkyries. They were a hot item among collectors, and have retained their value on the secondary market thus far.

During SDCC, it was revealed that these figures will also be receiving the Retro treatment, with the female Cobra Trooper.

This figure is intended to be an army builder, and though there are slight differences from the original, it’s one figure that I’m not opposed to.

This will no doubt be one of the more sought after figures in the Retro line by adult collectors, much like the mainline counterpart.

I will say that I’m not a fan of their choices for kit on these figures, and the remedy is simple: Replacing the cheap harness with a plate carrier from Valaverse.

Making this minor change, along with some minor paint apps will drastically improve the appearance and realism of this figure.

Retro Cardback Female Cobra Trooper.

Flash, Gambello!

New, from Worlds of Wonder! Okay, so it’s not a Lazer Tag commercial, but it is a laser trooper. Enter Anthony Gambello, call sign Flash.

If you’re looking for nostalgia, this figure is oozing with it, as he is a modern upscaled copy of the original figure.

The problem that I have with this reveal is complex. To begin, this is another example of over saturation of the line by releasing another laser gun figure.

Lazer Tag Champion

Sci-Fi was released in 2025, and is a much nicer figure than Flash. You also have to consider the cost of these figures, which was increased to $27.99 here in the U.S.

Adult collectors are going to look at this on the pegs, and these two things are going to immediately dictate their decision to pick or pass on this figure.

This isn’t going to be a major financial win for Hasbro in any sense of the word. They have already lost revenue on the Retro sub line, and it’s not a lesson that they seem to be learning from.

Less than honorable mention

Sergeant Slaughter has been a household hero since the early eighties, and his involvement with and contributions to G.I. Joe are nothing less than heroic.

The same can’t be said however, for the recently announced Triple T Tank. It is for the most part an exact replica of the early eighties toy, with the exception of the mini guns and canopy.

And herein lies the problem with this toy. The design team at Hasbro has ignored the call from fans to bring realism to this line.

They have consistently missed opportunities to balance nostalgia with real world military models, and that has translated into failed marketing strategies.

As previously stated, Adult collectors are the primary consumers of this line, and these “kidults” as we’re called, have grown up with the original G.I. Joe toys in the eighties and nineties.

We were inundated with playsets and vehicles that kitbashed real world technology, with fantasy and science fiction elements.

As adults we have become accustomed to seeing real world military technology, and that clicks with the child in us. The “wouldn’t it be cool if they made this as a toy?” mindset.

So naturally, there may be stuff from the original toys that we want to see made that we could play with, there’s also that nagging feeling of viewing G.I. Joe from a more gritty, grounded perspective.

The Triple T in my opinion looks like a tracked snow plow. The cockpit is cramped, and there’s nothing practical about it.

It’s the sort of thing you envision a disabled person driving out the back of their minivan at Walmart to buy groceries. Not exactly G.I. Joe material.

Since we’re already in the hundred dollar price range for every toy we buy, why not take the opportunity to improve upon the original design?

Increase the scale, lengthen the chassis. Give it a small troop carrier capacity in the rear, with a remote weapons station on top! Make it look like it came to destroy Cobra, instead of pulling your car out of the snow pile at work.

The one man short bus has arrived!

Mental health awareness

Finally, I have to go here because nobody else will. The Mad Marauders sub line sucks. Who wants G.I. Joe figures in bright Blue, Brown, and lime Green?

If there was ever a way to demoralize adult collectors and hurt sales, this was it. To date, Hasbro has released half a dozen figures in the Mad Marauders line, which is a reimagining of the original Slaughters Marauders.

They should probably check the sales of this crap, and find a better use for these molds, much like Valaverse does with their figures.

You don’t have to be a calculus major to figure out this is the least popular sub-line of the series, and it’s destined to become a favorite at Ollies and Ross.

The new approach to tactical fashion on the battlefield.

Conclusion

Like any toy line, the sales and success of the Classified Series are determined by a number of factors that marketing teams are constantly evaluating.

Somewhere along the line though, the design and marketing teams for the Classified Series have missed some major indicators as well as opportunities.

Ultimately, the longevity and success of this line will be determined by the direction that they continue to take it. At some point, someone needs to call for a tactical pause and reevaluate the line.

They need to take a very careful look at each figure and toy individually, and note what worked, and what didn’t.

They also need to drop the nostalgia, and listen to collectors. At least fifty percent of their consumers also buy the Action Force line of figures from Valaverse, and Hasbro needs to pay attention.

They have a more modern and realistic line of military figures, which is one of their major selling points.

Action Force figures are also highly customizable, due to most of the figures either using or reusing existing tooling.

This is a major attraction for collectors who liked to customize their figures. They also use a better grade of plastics for their molds, and all of their accessories are made from ABS with zero warping.

Their lone vehicle the Vanguard, is just as popular as the G.I.Joe VAMP. It’s larger, and far less expensive. Judging from it’s popularity, the Vanguard has probably surpassed the VAMP in sales.

Like the old saying goes, you can’t compare apples to oranges, but in this case there are takeaways that anyone in the toy industry should be paying attention to.

If I had to guess, I would argue that the Classified Series is on a downward trend, with 2027-2028 being critical, and I don’t make that analysis lightly.

The only way it could feasibly continue is if Hasbro were to make some very real changes to the line, including in how it’s marketed.

Then again, what do I know? I’m just a child trapped in a man’s body, who’s willing to work for more toys.

The price is wrong

Why the cancellation of Haslab projects in 2026 may be pointing to a downward turn for Hasbro

Introduction

Two weeks ago an announcement was made by Hasbro representative Ben MacCrae that there would be no new Haslab projects for 2026.

I’m certain there were many collectors who were taken aback by the news, while others have posted their relief in the decision.

I am more reserved in my conclusions as to why Hasbro may have made this call, and I don’t think that it is an indicator of anything good for the company.

Before I share my thoughts, let’s look back specifically at Haslab itself, as well as some other business decisions made by Hasbro that fans should be paying attention to.

Scalping the fan base 101

Haslab was founded in 2018 as a direct to consumer crowdfunding platform for premium collectible toys.

It is Hasbro’s solution for making insane stuff that would be cost prohibitive, and high- risk as a mass- retail production item.

They kicked things off with the Star Wars Vintage Collection Jabba’s Sail Barge that same year. The project required eight thousand backers to go into production, with a price tag of five hundred dollars per unit.

Each backer could purchase up to five units each, and many did (Scalpers go a step further, and use the names and emails of other relatives to buy more, in order to flip them for a profit on eBay).

The project closed with exactly eight thousand, eight hundred and ten units ordered, giving Hasbro a total of four point four million dollars in revenue from their first Haslab project.

What they didn’t disclose to consumers Is that each of those units cost Hasbro seventy five dollars to produce, at a total of six hundred and sixty thousand, seven hundred and fifty dollars!

That means that they raked in nearly three point eight million dollars in profits, at a five hundred percent profit over cost margin.

This makes Hasbro the biggest scalpers of the toy industry.

Jabba’s Sail Barge

Hasbro Pulse

So, now that we have had our math lesson for the day with the very first Haslab project, let’s talk about the other side of the coin, Hasbro Pulse.

Pulse is a direct to consumer hub, that is part of their e-commerce website. It is marketed exclusively to adult collectors, who comprise eighty percent of Hasbro’s revenue for their five largest brands.

Star Wars Black Series, Star Wars Vintage Collection, G.I. Joe Classified Series, Marvel Legends, and Transformers Studio Series all feature Pulse exclusives, that are not available through traditional mass retailers.

Both Haslab and Hasbro Pulse are similar in that they eliminate lost revenue, while maximizing profits on sales. They force consumers to buy from them directly, in order to get what they want.

Why it matters

Let’s pause for a moment and take a look at Star Wars as an example. In 2012 Disney acquires Lucasfilm in a four billion dollar deal, that gives the mouse total control over the greatest science fiction franchise of all time.

That control also trickles down to tie-in merchandising like toys. Disney, not George Lucas, now has the final say on what Hasbro gets to do with their new intellectual property.

From 2012 until 2015, Hasbro lost five hundred million dollars in lost revenue on its Star Wars brands alone, which was due primarily to poor sales from The Force Awakens toy line.

This prompted major changes from Hasbro, including the cancellation of the five POA basic assortment of figures in 2019, which were the back bone of the brand since 1977.

It also cancelled the 1/18 scale playsets and vehicles that had previously dominated every Star Wars toy line since the early days at Kenner, up until 2010.

All of these losses were instrumental factors that led to the creation of both Hasbro Pulse, and ultimately Haslab.

Cutting Corners

Now that we’ve taken a look back at some of the factors that led to the creation of Haslab, let’s talk about the here and now.

Hasbro’s current CEO Chris Cocks may become the fault in the company’s foundation. His new “playing to win” strategy is calling for a minimum of three to five percent revenue growth this year.

That strategy included cutting Hasbro’s global staff by twenty percent, or just over eleven hundred positions worldwide.

That may not seem like much for the world’s largest and most profitable toy company, but in reality it may be an indicator of things to come.

Another area that they are cutting costs isn’t just their staff, it’s also in production and assembly of existing toys.

Take for example, the Star Wars Black Series figures. Since 2023 Hasbro has removed points of articulation such as swivel hips, and replaced them with seamless leg joints.

They have transitioned to pinless, single elbow and knee joints, over double elbow and knees with greater range of motion.

By reducing the points of articulation in the line, Hasbro has cut the total cost of production and assembly.

They have also minimized the included accessories with each figure, while capitalizing on their perceived marketing strategy.

The savings to the company then are transferred to the consumer, by giving them a figure with less articulation, and a cost increase to twenty seven dollars and ninety nine cents for a basic figure!

So for the collector, we are paying more while receiving less. Hasbro’s marketing team have done their homework, and they know that collectors will continue to take the bait, as long as they give just enough to keep us hooked on the line.

The same holds true for Haslab. When you take projects like the Vintage Collection Cantina, it isn’t as great as it is made out to be.

Rather than being a Haslab project, they could easily have offered that same project as a mass retail or store exclusive.

It could have been marketed in multiple sections, drawing collectors to buy each one in order to build the full Cantina.

So, while some projects may necessitate being offered as a single, large unit, others may benefit from a different marketing strategy.

Haslab Cantina

Haslab’s future

To date, Haslab has funded and produced over a dozen projects, but they have also had at least six that did not receive enough backers to go into production.

Failed projects bring negative publicity, and that’s something that the leadership at Hasbro isn’t likely to allow to continue.

Furthermore, the overall success of Haslab is questionable at best. Support for the projects have declined, particularly in respect to the current economic climate and market.

Collectors are less likely to invest four or five hundred dollars in a project that they have to wait a year to receive, when they can invest that same amount in other toys that are readily available now.

Increased cost of existing lines also hasn’t escaped the attention of collectors, including social media influencers who have exposed it to the public.

When you take all of these factors into consideration, as well as the uncertainty and instability of global markets, it becomes clear that Haslab may be short lived.

Moving on up to the east side

The last thing that I will make note of is this: Hasbro is in the process of relocating its global headquarters from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to Boston, Massachusetts.

The new facility is considerably smaller, at just two hundred and sixty five thousand square feet, and will house seven hundred employees. It is a very confined location, with an extremely different footprint than its current home.

By comparison, the legacy facility in Rhode Island is a whopping three hundred and forty three thousand square feet. That’s a considerable amount of floor space that the company is giving up.

That in itself is very perplexing from a business standpoint. The reason is this: why would an established company make a high risk move into a multi-million dollar leased facility in another state, when they have an adequate facility that they already own?

If the leadership at Hasbro is so concerned over cutting costs and playing it safe in the current market, then why make this decision?

So, if they are going to such extreme measures to cut costs, then projects like Haslab would certainly be at risk for cancellation.

Conclusion

Haslab was conceived as a means to bring the fans collectible toys that would be deemed cost prohibitive for retail, while eliminating lost revenue, and maximizing profits for the company.

That model is beginning to be seen as a risk in itself, due to decreased interest and negative publicity on failed projects. What is needed then, is a new marketing strategy.

In my opinion, if Haslab is going to continue as a platform, then the answer for its success is a simple one: reduce the cost per unit for the consumer.

Hasbro has made it a point to market the Haslab projects on average at five hundred percent profit over cost per unit.

That isn’t just ensuring zero lost revenue, it is an unethical business practice that has and will continue to have negative consequences.

The issue here isn’t a business model, a supply problem, or shortage of stickers; it’s greed. It is the craving and love of money which corrupts and motivates individuals and companies alike.

The simple fact is Hasbro like any other company is run by people, and not everyone lives a life above reproach. There is a way to make a profit, and do it in a fair and just manner.

That is not unfortunately, what we have seen to date with Haslab, and that may be the very reason why the platform itself fails.

The other possibility, and one that I think they should have implemented from day one, is to do the opposite of what they are doing.

Rather than play it safe by limiting these toys to Haslab, would be to market them through select retailers. If you think that wouldn’t work, think again.

The Vintage Collection Razorcrest was almost a Disney Store exclusive, rather than a Haslab project!

The fact is Hasbro has the ability and the means to market these toys however they wish; they simply choose to limit our options in order to maximize their profits.

So for now Haslab may continue to be an option to bring fans the toys they want, but in the end does the cost justify it, and will the platform be sustainable into the future?

Not the Way

A review and discussion of The Mandalorian and Grogu live action motion picture

Introduction

When The Mandalorian first premiered on Disney Plus in 2019, we all had hopes that it would turn the page on an ugly chapter in the history of the Star Wars franchise.

The series was touted as being a galactic adventure of another bounty hunter clad in Beskar in a galaxy far, far, away. Many were the fans who clamored to its debut, drooling to be entertained by their new hero in a helmet.

Unfortunately, what we find is anything less than epic about the adventures of Din Djarin, and his new animatronic companion, but more on that later.

Right now I want to pull back the curtain on what so many have dismissed about The Mandalorian, and why their perspective is skewed by delusions of grandeur.

A moment of respite

In this, allow me to pause and provide some clarity and context for you the reader: I am writing this article strictly from the observations and perspective of an independent creative consultant and writer.

I have authorized dozens of articles during my time as a contributing columnist for Outer Rim News (who as agents of the Empire deleted them all as punishment for disagreeing with my views.

Well, I don’t bow to the dark lords of Disney, and I am not enslaved to the woke culture that has pervaded Lucasfilm, either.) I have also authored one manuscript for a Star Wars novel that was not published.

So, my opinion and perspective here is not influenced by allegiance, loyalty, or financial gain; I am not endorsed or sponsored by anyone.

This is rather, my own little autistic summary of the train wreck called The Mandalorian, being celebrated by the ignorant masses of misguided fans of Disney.

Lastly, no real spoilers will be provided here for those who have yet to throw away their credits on this hopeless tragedy of entertainment.

Galactic Gunslinger

To understand the errors made with the characters and show, we have to begin by going back to what the writer’s used as inspiration.

One of the primary sources that they drew from are the concepts found in the spaghetti westerns of old. The lone, stoic anti-hero who rides into town unannounced.

The protagonist who traveled alone or with few companions, used few words, who spoke in a hushed tone, and was also armed and well respected.

Din Djarin entering an off world Cantina. A direct call back to the spaghetti westerns of old.

These are all concepts which originated in Japanese film lore, such as that made famous by Akira Kurosawa, before being adopted by western film makers.

In addition, the creators of The Mandalorian also drew inspiration from the Saturday morning serials of the fifties, which were short, episodic live action films that were popular in their day.

They were a unique story telling platform that was used to introduce viewers to characters who engaged in stories of adventure and suspense.

These stories were broken down into ten minute segments over a period of three weeks. Each episode ended in a cliff hanger, until the final episode closed out that particular story.

It is from these same concepts that George Lucas drew much of his inspiration for various aspects in the original Star Wars trilogy.

So, for The Mandalorian, we find all of these concepts woven into the character of Din Djarin, as well as the show itself.

The story structure, the dialogue between characters, the pacing, and cinematography are all nearly identical to what you found in the old spaghetti westerns.

So when you look at The Mandalorian, what you should see is a galactic gunslinger, outcast on a new quest every episode or every few episodes.

This then would provide audiences with the appeal of returning week after week, looking for new adventures, with new characters, in different situations.

With that said, it would seem from a certain point of view, that the show did this from the beginning, and in many ways it did.

There is one element however, which would prove the show to be the failure that it was destined to become from the beginning.

The Macguffin

Not found in any McDonald’s happy meal is the Macguffin. What is a Macguffin you ask? Simply put, a Macguffin is a plot device that writers use to advance the narrative and plot of a story.

In The Mandalorian, the Macguffin is none other than a fifteen inch tall, fifty thousand dollar animatronic puppet called Grogu.

Your credits I want, have them I must.

From the very beginning, Grogu was meant to be both a Macguffin, as well as a marketing device for the series.

Disney capitalized on the attractiveness and mystery of this strange little being to do their bidding. Specifically, they introduced Grogu to make money, and lots of it.

This is ultimately the paradox of not only The Mandalorian, but also the Star Wars franchise as a whole, under the domination of Disney.

Long gone are the days of George Lucas, who used his gifts as a writer and director in order to tell stories. Specifically, Star Wars.

The heart of the franchise was found in the far flung reaches of Lucas’ creativity and imagination. Story telling in other words drove his success.

The reason is simple: Lucas focused entirely on content and quality, not marketing. He understood that financial gain could not be his motivation for making a movie to begin with.

It’s this originality that Hollywood has divorced, in favor of using nostalgia to attract viewers, in order to build an audience to market to.

Disney is first and foremost a marketing experience, and they are experts at it. They’ve had one hundred years to perfect it, and their portfolio of investments supports it.

They are the global leader in entertainment, with an annual revenue of just under one hundred billion dollars.

Their acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012 had zero to do with them wanting to become the care takers of the Star Wars franchise, but was and is about profit.

So when you see Grogu in literally every episode of The Mandalorian, that is not by chance or coincidence. It is not because he is needed there.

Take for a moment any episode, and remove Grogu from it. There isn’t one that couldn’t be adapted to progress without him.

When you view it from that angle, you begin to understand that he’s the bait for the viewer, and not just a plot device that’s an integral part of the story.

By all accounts, Grogu is one of Disney’s additions to the Star Wars universe that detracts from the mystery and uniqueness of it.

Not every thing in a movie needs an explanation; sometimes the criticality of a thing, such as the Force, is the fact that we don’t know everything about it, or understand it all.

That acceptance makes a character or a thing all the more unique. Yoda was given no back story by George Lucas, and no identity of his species or where he was from.

Grogu in many ways detracts from that unique aspect of the story as a whole. So you can see how he isn’t the cute little creature that Disney hopes you think he is.

Facts and figures

So, when you go out and watch The Mandalorian and Grogu in theaters, you are looking at a very lengthy television episode made for theaters.

In fact, Jon Favreau stated himself that he and the writers had penned a script for The Mandalorian season four, however Disney wanted a live action movie instead.

So they shelved season four and shifted to creating a movie. That movie as of this writing cost one hundred and sixty four million dollars to produce, and has earned less than that after four days at the box office.

That means it is the lowest grossing Star Wars movie to date, and has not broke even with its production costs. That is very telling of what fans think of this latest attempt by the mouse to use the force.

Conclusions

Yes, there were some cool moments in this movie. Seeing Sigourney Weaver as a New Republic Officer was cool. Starfighters being utilized to great effect, also cool.

Probably the best scene was the U-Wing being in the middle of a dog fight. Far be it from me to frown on a Hutt joining the New Republic, but the lack of creativity in that decision baffled me.

I began to wonder about the Expanded Universe? Has anyone involved with this film not read about the Hutt Empire? I guess not.

For me personally, I am past seeing any hope in Star Wars being what it once was. I collect the books and toys, and have played Battlefront in the days gone by. For now, I remain an Original Trilogy fan, and always will.

May the Force be with you.

Let’s make a deal

The pros and cons of buying collectible toys from online resellers versus brick and mortar retailers.

My precious…

Intro

I wanted to take a brief moment and share some insight into collecting toys for just a moment, and I want to talk specifically about buying from third party sellers online, versus buying from a brick and mortar store, such as a comic book store or privately owned toy reseller.

Toy collecting is an increasingly growing sector of the economy, accounting for nineteen percent of toy sales world wide in 2025, with a thirty two percent increase in sales that same yearhttps://toycycle.co/pages/toy-industry-statistics.

Here in the U.S. toy sales generated forty billion dollars in 2024 alone. Roughly thirty percent of that revenue is from adult collectors, who have become the largest consumer for the toy industry worldwide. https://sourcing.hktdc.com/newsbites/trend/adult-collectibles/.

So when we look at collectible toys, we are primarily talking about those that are out of production by the manufacturer. This includes both vintage as well as modern-era toys.

In either instance, collectors must search third party sellers on the secondary market to find what they want. This is primarily accomplished through online searches through sites like eBay, Mercari, and others.

It can also include searching for local resellers who operate brick and mortar businesses. Most common among these are comic book stores which offer a mixed inventory of collectible toys that tie-in with their comics.

There are advantages as well as disadvantages to both, and I want to point out some of these. First, I will begin with online resellers.

eBay

By far, eBay is the largest online shopping platform for toy collectors. The ease of creating a listing from home, minimizing interaction with buyers, and the overall features provided by eBay make both buying and selling a simplified process.

Collectors have the ability to review multiple listings for the same toy, look at images, and ask questions of the seller. You also have the ability to make offers on some listings, as well as choosing the shipping method that you want.

The drawbacks to eBay as well as other online resellers is simple: the collector does not have the ability to inspect the toy in person. This means that you have to rely solely on the images and information provided by the seller.

For serious collectors, it takes time to search through listings, narrowing down the best options, and then refining your selections based on the criteria that you use.

For myself, I almost never buy anything used; it must be sealed in the packaging. I also will not buy toys from anyone that smokes, or from the home of one. I do not want anything that someone else has touched.

Since I am a box collector, I will carefully inspect the images of the box for damage, wear and tear, or anything that would detract from its value.

The toys that I buy are in grade C7-C9 when I buy them, and they remain that way in my collection due to how I store them.

I am very picky about how a seller ships an item, and this is unfortunately, another aspect of buying online that you as the collector do not have any control over.

Most sellers on eBay that are selling collectible toys know what they are, and what collectors are looking for.

For the most part, they go above and beyond in the care they take to package and ship them. There are however, the few who are only interested in money, and they do not care about the toys themselves.

In cases like this there are ways to address this, but for the most part you are stuck with an item after you receive it, no matter what condition it is in.

A recent toy shipment from an eBay seller, and how it was packed.

Brick and mortar retailers

Now that we have discussed online purchases, it’s time to take a look at brick and mortar locations. These are typically comic book stores that have incorporated collectible toys.

Most adults who collect and read comics also collect toys as well, so it just makes sense to offer them in a comic book store. You’ll also find some locations that are strictly toy resellers, which are usually owned and operated by collector’s themselves.

Going into these stores provides collectors a rare opportunity to look at and inspect collectible toys in person. Often, you may find rare items that you are not aware of, or were not searching for.

It also gives a sense of connection and nostalgia that you don’t get to experience when shopping online, and I would encourage any collector to get out and find a store to visit.

That being said, there are some very important things that you need to be aware of. To begin, you need to understand where these toys originated from.

Not everyone who sells or trades items to these stores care about the toys, or the condition that they are in. More often than not, they are sold for money, and in that process things can be tricky.

Sometimes there are individuals who mislead the owners of these stores to make money. An example would be stating that a toy is sealed in the box, when in reality it was not.

I encountered a situation like this with several toys purchased from a well known comic book store. Items inside the box had been switched out in one instance, while pieces were missing in the other.

The most extreme example was a Star Wars Vintage Collection E-Wing in that collection that had dried blood on the side of it, even though it was supposed to be new in the box.

Though the owner made it right, it was the experience and the outcome that ruined it for me. In truth it was my error for not paying closer attention to the packaging.

I had become accustomed to trusting that particular business, that I had slacked off on how I inspected packaging. So, the lesson here is to first ask questions about where the toy came from, and then inspect the packaging!

Look at the corners of the box, look for signs of wear and tear, water damage, ext. You also need to inspect the tape sealing the package, and see if it has been tampered with, or has oil stains on it from someone’s fingerprints.

These are all tell-tell signs of it being opened or tampered with, which brings us to my next point about buying toys in a store: they get handled by everyone!

You do not know who touched it, if it was dropped, ext. and this is the most negative consequence of buying collectible toys from a brick and mortar retailer.

There are very few stores that sell collectible toys which keep them in some sort of display case where they cannot be handled. Most stores reserve those locations for their most expensive collectibles.

On the flip side of this coin, buying from an online reseller means getting a toy that typically has been owned by a single collector, in one location. That translates into less possibilities of damage.

So again, it is up to you as a collector to learn how to inspect toy packaging before you ever step foot in a store. It’s also up to you to be courteous to the owners, and wash your hands before going into their store and touching their product!

Last of all, I want to talk about cost. We have all encountered the evil scalpers who so wrongly buy bulk quantities in order take advantage of collectors, and truly there is a special place in hell reserved for them this very day.

No, what I wish to discuss is the cost of buying collectible toys in a brick and mortar store, versus buying them online. This is a touchy subject for some, but bear with me on this.

Gain versus loss

In reality, a toy is worth what you as the collector are willing to pay for it. By far, it is less expensive when buying them online from third party resellers, and the reason is simple.

Online resellers are typically selling their toys for a myriad of reasons, and will accept less, even if they know the current value of the toy they’re selling. Brick and mortar stores are the opposite.

If you sell a toy to them they typically offer forty percent of the average price the toy sold for on eBay, and I have a sneaking suspicion they always select the one that sold for the least amount.

They will then take said toy and flip it for a profit, marking it up as much as a hundred percent or more of the value! So you’re asking why?

It’s simple: these stores know they can get away with the price increase, because they have an established customer base. When they place a toy out for sale, they have customers in mind who they know will buy it if they can get them in the store to look at it.

It’s a scientific principal that all toy manufacturers marketing departments rely on. How they package and present a toy has as much to do with it being sold as the actual toy itself.

Brick and mortar stores who resell collectible toys rely on social media for fast advertising, and many also list items on eBay (shock, shock) to make money as well.

They are like sharks in the ocean looking for that autistic collector with ADHD and Schizophrenia who has to have their toys right now! That one child trapped in a man’s body who can’t stand to wait on the snails pace of the U.S. Postal Service is their best customer.

Poor bloke, he’s no idea it’s his money they’re after, and all he wants is his toy. That’s the reality you’ll find in a brick and mortar toy store.

They don’t care about you the collector; the reality is they’ll talk trash about you and laugh behind your back as soon as you walk out the door, and they start counting your cash towards that steak at Outback.

The other factor in cost is a more practical one. When you factor in how much it actually costs you to travel to said store and then buy a toy from them, compared to simply ordering it online, you can quickly see the difference in cost.

Where you choose to buy your toys and how can have a tremendous impact on your collection. The reality is it’s a lot of work! I typically spend hours going through listings, comparing them to stores that might have the item, to see which is the best offer.

In the end it’s up to you the collector how you go about searching for toys to add to your collection, and where you get them from.

Black Sails and Red Skies

An examination of the fractured reality within the Action Force storyline

Introduction

If you read my previous blog entitled , Divide and Conquer, I discussed the practicality of the events as described within the Action Force mythos.

Tonight I want to continue that by delving into the upcoming Series that Valaverse plans to release called The Black.

It’s a new series of figures from an all new faction that are comprised of former Naval Special Warfare operators. In short, they have taken over the U.S. Navy‘s fleet of warships, and now patrol our waters as modern day maritime mercenaries or pirates.

That’s all well and good for pretend, but it lacks the depth of what would really be occurring if the United States had dissolved to begin with.

Let’s be honest: this is a line of military action figures and comics marketed primarily for adult collectors, and within that fanbase are those who are and have served their country.

Anyone who has served looks at toys like Action Force, or G.I.Joe, and immediately begins critiquing the figures based on their appearance. They are looking for accuracy and realism, not what they played with in their childhood.

So it’s only fair to expect that same level of critique within a brand’s back story. What you’re looking for is consistency and continuity; a parallel to real world events with the appeal of action and adventure.

That’s why companies like Hasbro and Valaverse constantly release new comics and new figures; they are trying to sustain their brands through innovative and unique marketing strategies.

So what could that potentially look like with the new series from Valvaverse? Let’s find out.

The Black: What we know

Thus far, all we have been told is that The Black are a group of former Naval Special Operations operators who have somehow commandeered parts of or the entirety of the former United States Naval fleet of warships.

They use these ships to patrol the coastal waters of the former United States, offering safety and security, for a price. They also have their own agenda, that puts them at odds with both Action Force and New Colonia.

It sounds interesting, but from a writer’s perspective there are a lot of questions that immediately come to mind, with the first being the status of the U.S. Navy fleet itself.

Logic and logistics

To provide some context to this subject you have to understand that when you have an idea for a story, there is a tremendous amount of research that must be done.

For companies like Hasbro and Valaverse, they use technical consultants like myself who are experienced subject matter experts in a specific field like the military.

Talking to people like me gives the creative team a grounded reality check in how things work, which in turn allows them to flesh out their ideas, while making necessary adaptations or changes.

This is especially important in something like a military themed comic and toy line, particularly one being marketed primarily to adult collectors and fans.

Without that working knowledge of the real world model, the creative team will likely add elements that are inaccurate and unrealistic. G.I.Joe is one brand that has continued to do this time and time again in many areas.

Minute details may not stand out to younger fans, however adult collectors with experience and training will most likely notice these details, and be irked by them.

So when I think of a bunch of frogs commandeering the fleet, my mind immediately raises a flag of its own. This is particularly true when you consider how many personnel it takes to operate just one surface vessel.

Take for example, an Arleigh-Burke Class Destroyer. They are arguably the backbone of the United States Navy surface combatant fleet, with a total of seventy four ships in service as I write this.

Each of these guided missile destroyers has a crew complement of three hundred sailors! Compare that to roughly ten thousand sailors that comprise Naval Special Warfare Command.

Of that, roughly three thousand sailors make up the Seal teams. The remainder comprise SWCC (Special Warfare Combatant Crewmen), command, intelligence, and support personnel.

One carrier battle group comprises ten warships, manned by ten thousand sailors and marines, and there are eleven active carriers in the fleet. You do the math, and it becomes apparent that the frogs aren’t going to keep the entire fleet afloat.

Creating Compromise

Now that you know some facts and figures, it becomes apparent that The Black would be reliant upon former sailors to hop on board their recruitment program.

Greed speaks to the heart of many Americans, who have made material wealth and money their god. It would be reasonable to presume that The Black would seek to capitalize on the desire for money from those sailors still reeling from The Divide.

With no sense or purpose or direction, it would be natural for them to be attracted to the adventure of serving at sea as they once did for America, while being promised bounty beyond their imagination.

( A note here: Since we don’t know what type of currency is at play in the Action Force mythos, I would have to presume some form of cryptocurrency).

Just because the United States has dissolved, does not mean every country in the world has. On the contrary, there are nations who would be harmed financially, but who would recover in the long run.

Others however, would pounce on the opportunity to take advantage of the situation. With that, the seas are the primary trade lanes for commerce, which would make them a constant and lucrative source of income for would be pirates.

Companies looking to recover from financial loss would naturally seek out guaranteed security for their shipments going across insecure and uncertain waters.

Story-telling potential

It’s obvious that this new faction has the potential to expand the Action Force mythos by adding depth to an ever expanding story. What isn’t clear is how each of the existing factions will fit into this new narrative.

Obviously, all aspects of The Black cannot take place on the high seas. More than anything, I see their role being limited to coastal and littoral waters around the former United States.

From a writer’s perspective, you have to have an end planned from the beginning. In other words, there has to be an end goal established for each of these story lines to build up to.

That implies that with the creation of a new faction like The Black, that there exists an end goal for them, if in no other form than a sticky note on somebody’s desk.

For now, there are many more questions than answers, and I am anxious to see The Black make their first appearance in the pages of a comic.

Full Spectrum Warrior

Autism in the ranks of G.I. JOE

Introduction

In 2009 Hasbro released a brand new action figure as part of the G.I. Joe Rise of Cobra toy line. Agent Helix was a totally new character, and she would go on to appear in both the tie-in video game for the movie, as well as the comic series.

Everything about Helix is shrouded in secrecy, except for her skills. You always find her working alone, often on some covert mission for General Hawk.

It doesn’t matter what the mission profile, Helix is adept with both edged weapons, as well as firearms. She is an expert marksman, and martial artist. Though no one is invincible or unbeatable, Helix can take care of most problems on her own.

The other unique skill that makes her a savant is the fact that she can analyze an enemy, and instantly pick their strategy apart. It’s referred to as total organic battlefield awareness, and to date she’s the only known person with this ability.

All of these abilities and skills make Helix as deadly as she is beautiful, however she isn’t without her own Achilles heel. There’s a reason that she carries these gifts, and one for which she has endured ostracism and rejection.

Hidden wounds

Helix is neurodivergent, or in simplest medical terms, Autistic. It is the bane of her existence, and the weight that she struggles with when alone. She’s extremely capable on the battlefield, while remaining crippled by Autism in society.

Highly intelligent, socially awkward, with her own set of buttons you might unintentionally push. Before her time in G.I. Joe it crippled Helix in every area of her life. Now, she’s found a place that has allowed her to use Autism as an enabler.

Helix shows off her bandaid tattoo representing Autism

Defining Purpose

In my research for this little gem, I consulted with one of the leading experts on Autism in the Carolinas, who has extensive experience in both the U.S. and other nations. I have also consulted with prior service members who are on the spectrum. Due to their roles, I will not disclose their identity.

So what is Autism exactly? The Diagnostics and Studies Manual of Mental Disorders defines Autism as persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities with symptoms present from early childhood causing significant impairment.

As it was explained to me by the above unnamed psychologist, Autism is not a mental illness, but rather a physical one. It isn’t treatable with medication, because at its core there’s nothing mentally wrong with the individual.

In simplest terms, Autism affects the way and speed at which your brain processes information. This may include an inability to perceive and interpret body language and cues, a lack of empathy, and most predominantly social awkwardness or anxiety to name a few things.

Autism affects a person’s senses, at different times and in different ways. Where one person may be sensitive to certain sounds, others may be sensitive to seeing certain things, or being touched in a certain way.

To what degree a person is affected varies from one individual to the next; there is no definable correlation between individuals. Only a pattern of certain sensory responses that are associated with being on the spectrum.

Nearly everyone on the spectrum is attracted to order, in almost every area of their life. Objects positioned in a certain direction, rooms and houses arranged a certain way, and even cleaned a certain way.

You may find neurodivergents who don’t like people touching them or their stuff, and collecting things that others would find odd. Construction paper, paper clips, and pens are a few things that come to mind.

The defining negative aspect of Autism are meltdowns. Often misinterpreted as angry outbursts or temper tantrums, meltdowns are anything but the previously named culprits of society.

A meltdown occurs when too much information overwhelms the senses, and subsequently the brain is incapable of processing that information. The meltdown is an uncontrollable natural response that is triggered by the brain’s inability to cope with the information flooding the neural pathways.

An example might be an autistic individual is afraid of someone confronting them, and they may throw their hands up and yell not because they are angry, but because they afraid, and want that individual to stop what they are doing.

They cannot legitimately process what is happening, and from their brain the conversation may be perceived as a verbal attack on their character or credibility. If so, the resulting meltdown would only serve to solidify misconceptions to the inexperienced and untrained.

To further expound on this, there are individuals like Helix who are high functioning, meaning they can communicate, and live a mostly normal existence. Put another way, there is nothing wrong with them.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are those who are crippled by their brain’s inability to process information, and who require constant attention and care. They cannot control things like speech, with many being nonverbal.

In between are many combinations and variations on these two extremes. You may have an individual who is high functioning, and yet who has severe sensory overload.

For the most part, high functioning individuals were formerly diagnosed with what is referred to as Asperger’s syndrome, while more severe cases were diagnosed as full on Autism.

In recent years however, both have been integrated into what is now called ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder. The reason for this change is a simple one; because every single person is different, and so is their specific diagnosis.

Most adults who are high functioning would tell you they are not anti-social; they just abhor drama and having to put up with other people’s crap. They despise things like gossip and slander.

They are not in some cute contest to win a person’s favor; they simply want to live their life and be left alone. Over time many are able to compensate by learning their triggers and focusing on their strengths.

Others struggle to some degree or another. Those who endure constant abuse, bullying, and harassment often find themselves living in constant fear, crippled by the negative opinions and words of others.

Being mistreated at any age is interpreted as a sign of isolation and rejection, which further compounds and affects their ability to be productive and successful in life.

Scratching that itch

One of the most interesting things about Autism is the fact that nearly all high functioning individuals on the spectrum are extremely intelligent, with some having genius level IQs.

Though many may be crippled by specific areas, they are gifted in others. For whatever reason, Autistic individuals are often extremely analytical. They pick up on details that neurotypical individuals would overlook.

Some like Helix find that they are natural leaders, with an ability to flourish in austere environments. They have the ability to take what once overwhelmed their senses, and turn it into a tool to excel in specific areas.

One such area is pertinent to this blog, and that is the military. Though no official reports were available, there are many who have obtained waivers to enlist, while others simply don’t disclose it during their application process.

The structured environment of military life may appeal to some on the spectrum, providing an unintentional method of assistance to success through daily repetition and set routines.

Others however who have enlisted find this aspect of the military the least desirable. They loathe the closeness with individuals they do not like, and remain individualistic in their approach and mindset.

Many of these folks have ended up in the special operations community. The desire and need for purpose drive them to choose the most difficult paths, forging their character and personality to a razors edge.

Some go further still, and become designated marksmen and snipers. I have been told that some of the best long gunners in the special operations community were people found to be Autistic.

Their innate ability to focus on minor details such as those in Kim’s games, along with increased awareness and maturity have led many down this unique path.

During selection, unit psychologists are present to assist cadre with assessing the candidates ability to operate alone as well as in a team environment. They are constantly being assessed on their character, personality, and individual traits.

Specifically, they are looking for highly intelligent and mature individuals with passive aggressive personalities. That immediately makes an autistic candidate potentially attractive, because if they can harness the meltdowns, they can turn it to their advantage.

Whereas being on the spectrum was an obstacle in civilian life, it becomes the doorway to destiny in the military. Helix learned this lesson after General Hawk recruited her to G.I.Joe

Within a year she went from the day to day personal struggles, to being the tip of the spear in a special missions unit. To date, she is the only known member of G.I. Joe with no prior service.

The road ahead

The story of Helix should offer hope and insight into what is possible. The struggle as they say is real. No one will ever know how crippling Autism can be without experiencing it for themselves.

In that lies the potential for success, given the right opportunity. A door cannot be walked through without it first being presented as an option. As for Helix, let’s see where G.I. Joe takes her next..

Divide and Conquer

An in-depth discussion of the Action Force narrative

Introduction

I am a huge fan of the Action Force comics and figures produced by Valaverse, so naturally I am fascinated by the story behind it.

Bobby Vala has created a very interesting mythos for these characters, that in many ways has an eerily familiar parallel to modern day events.

The catalyst for the narrative is an event called “the Divide”, in which the United States of America is dissolved, with each state becoming its own sovereign republic.

In spite of reading the comics from the series, I find myself left with more questions than answers. How exactly did the United States cease to be? What caused it? What happens to the U.S. military, its assets, and infrastructure?

These are just a few of the immediate questions that one would be faced with in such a crisis of this magnitude. So, in this post I am endeavoring to fill in some of the unanswered aspects of the Action Force narrative, that may help casual readers as well as hard core fans to better understand the mythos.

I will preface this by stating that I am not endorsed nor have I received permission from Valaverse to write this post; I’m simply a fan having fun by delving into this exciting universe from my own experience and research.

Catalyst for crisis

In the Action Force mythos, a series of events leads to the dissolution of the United States of America. In its place are fifty independent states. Sovereign and fractured by the Divide, they now stand alone to pick up the pieces. The first question is, could this really occur, and if so, how?

In theory yes, the United States could be dissolved as a Republic, but it would not occur overnight. One possibility would be a series of catastrophic events that occur in succession.

An example would look like this: Economic collapse occurs, followed by riots, violence, natural disasters (like the earthquake of 2028 in the Action Force mythos), and even domestic conflict.

Whatever the events that begin the chain reaction, they must all lead to the same outcome: multiple states become fed up with the state of affairs in the federal government.

From there, two-thirds of the state legislatures could then call for a constitutional convention under Article V.

The only way that the republic could be dissolved then, is that two-thirds vote determines that the dissolution of the union is in the best interests of the American people.

At this point an amendment to dissolve the Union is drafted, and sent to each state for ratification under Article V. If three fourths majority sign it, then it would become accepted as a legally binding document and become law.

At that point on that day, the United States of America would cease to exist as a unified republic of fifty states. This would then require and begin the process of disposition in each state of federal assets and liabilities.

This would include any and all United States military assets and infrastructure within each state. The process would be daunting, as each state would most likely activate their National Guard and use it as a temporary command to carry out this process in a controlled and safe manner.

At the top of this list would be the United States nuclear arsenal. Based on International law, The U.S. could theoretically request international assistance from NATO partners prior to the dissolution, in order to provide time for these weapons to be secured, dismantled, and taken into the custody of allied partners.

They may even assign NATO forces to oversee this at current decommissioning sites stateside. This process would take months, if not years to complete, and would be the most high-risk aspect of the dissolution of the union.

The second and third tiers of responsibility for the states would be Air and naval assets, respectively. By all accounts, the bulk of these would cease to be utilized due to the fact that their operation requires tens of thousands of certified personnel across the country to do so.

Of greatest concern would be the security risk they pose to foreign enemies seeking to take advantage of the fallen union. Internally, there would be an unprecedented amount of chaos and lawlessness in most states.

Disease, hunger, and violent crime would skyrocket. There would food shortages, power outages, uncontrollable reactions from the worst in society. These events would most likely result in localized armed conflicts of themselves.

Local first responders and the national guard would be outnumbered and overwhlemed by the sheer number of incidents. Medical emergencies would overwhelm local emergency rooms, and the death toll would rise.

The world would watch America tear itself apart, while it too felt the effects across the oceans. Without the commanding presence of the United States and its leadership to guide the free world, other nations would also suffer.

There would be untold economic repercussions, while the wild cards like China and Russia would seize the moment for their own agendas.

Wars would ensue that would require the entire free world to band together in a way that they never thought possible. It would be a trying time for everyone.

In the midst of the chaos, some states in the union may seek safety in numbers and propose regional alliances with each other. State governors would undoubtedly seek to maintain stable economic ties, while ensuring continuity of commerce across borders.

Laws would be amended, or at least temporarily so, in order to reflect the state of the fallen Republic.While there may be a conservative effort to restore the Republic, there would most likely be resistance from liberal states and their leaders.

They may enjoy their newfound independence, and begin making laws which benefit the ultra-elite, rather than the common good of everyday citizens. It is from these crevices in society that the greatest threat may emerge.

Leaders from every sector of society banding together in what would formerly be criminal enterprise, sowing discord within, while forming allegiances with external enemies of the former United States of America.

Evil people who would do anything to capitalize on open access to the land of the free, with unrestrained ambition driving their every move. The only way to counter such a threat would be a clandestine and unified military organization on land, derived from former military personnel who could be vetted.

They would have to have a single objective, with unequivocal support. Their missions would be clandestine by necessity and would require unparallel cooperation across state lines.

It would be a daunting task, but not an impossible one. The key to success would be unity and the use of surgical operations aimed at exploiting intelligence.

Months if not years would be required, but there would come a point in the near future where if enough states unified under a single banner, they could reclaim what was lost.

This then, is an extremely hypothetical yet realistic scenario for what we have been made privy to in the Action Force mythos.

Through the use of multiple factions playing different angles, we are being given a glimpse into corruption fully conceived in this nation.

The answer then, is a response as unconventional and unanticipated as the evil that demands we respond to it.

Conclusion

What we see in the Action Force mythos is if anything, an eerie parallel to current global events. This isn’t our favorite action cartoon of yesteryear; it is rather a wake-up call to the reality around us.

If anything, playing with these action figures or reading the comics should motivate us to live lives that are above reproach, abiding by an ethical, legal, and moral code no matter the conditions around us.

It’s time for Action!