Perhaps one of my favorite annual geeky events takes place this weekend on March 17. Joelanta is an Atlanta-based G.I. Joe and action figure toy show that not only fires a blast of nostalgia, but warmly introduces new generations to the fun and joy of toy collecting and customizing.
So what makes Joelanta different than your average con? It’s the people behind it. You won’t find a troop of more kind hearted hobbyists than the Joelanta organizers. These aren’t a group of toy-hoarding collectors looking after themselves with their snake eyes firmly fixed on profits. These are genuine sweet-spirited people who welcome everyone with sincere hospitality. And every kid through the door at the Marriott Century Center walks away with a free toy.
The event starts early on Saturday, March 16. Those who snag the Commander’s Package not only get an exclusive figure and other goodies, but score access to Saturday activities including the Joelanta Film Festival, the lobby parachute drop and a concert by toy-loving rock band Radio Cult.
The toy show itself takes place on Sunday, March 17 with oodles of dealers, and special appearances by G.I. Joe comic book mastermind Larry Hama, G.I. Joe comic book artist Tom Feister, and pro wrestling stars Raven and my pal Amy “Lita” Dumas. Guests can peruse the dealer’s room from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. It costs $6 to attend, but if you come in costume, admission is on the house.
All of this talk of Joelanta has bits of G.I. Joe trivia floating around my cranium. Here are a few:
Yo, Joe!
Hasbro, the makers of Joe, have brought several celebrities into the world of G.I. Joe. Rocky Balboa, the beloved boxer brought to life on the big screen by Sylvester Stallone, was to join team Joe in 1987. Rocky made a cameo in Marvel's G.I. Joe comic book to promote his entrance into the Joe ring. Negotiations, however, fell flat after Stallone lent his image to Coleco's Rambo toy line. A prototype figure was made, and a rendition was drawn by Herb Trimpe and a filecard was written by Larry Hama. If you have a chance to chat with Hama at Joelanta, see if you can jog his memory.
Joe Gets Rowdy
WWE wrestling legend Sgt. Slaughter was enlisted into G.I. Joe in the ’80s and immortalized as an action figure, and in comic book and animated form. The Official G.I. Joe Collectors’ Club resurrected the wrestling theme at its 2007 International G.I.Joe Convention in Atlanta. An exclusive figure depicting wrestling icon Rowdy Roddy Piper was offered, and Piper was on hand at the convention to sign figures for guests. These figures are known to go for astronomical bucks on eBay, and they currently range in price from $250 to $1,000.
“The Lieutenant”
The G.I. Joe toy line was inspired by a TV show called “The Lieutenant,” which ran on NBC from 1963 to 1964. The series starred actor Gary Lockwood and was created by Gene Roddenberry, the man behind “Star Trek.” Interestingly enough, Lockwood’s character’s middle name was Tiberius, the same middle moniker of Captain James Kirk on “Trek.”
That Scar
G.I. Joe 12-inch figures are known for having a scar on their right cheek. Yet, it’s more than just the mark of a tough guy. It was the only way Hasbro felt it could trademark the face. Names originally considered for G.I. Joe include Salty the Sailor, Ace the Pilot and Rocky the Marine.
Learn more about Joelanta and order a Commander's Package here: www.joelanta.org
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