OPERATION: RECALL ROLL CALL!
Ron Rudat and Mark Pennington have completed all "year one" figure design work! They fleshed out 18 all-new character designs over a year and a half. To see the full process for one figure, check out the Retelo page. Also be sure to check out 3DJoes on YouTube, and the Operation: Recall character development playlist to see more of Ron and Mark's work!
DESIGN WORK BY RON RUDAT AND MARK PENNINGTON
The gallery below gives a look at Ron and Mark's design process - showing the final color study and the figure and accessory sculpt sheets for each character. Roll over the images below to find out more, or click the images to view them full screen.
FIGURE AND ACCESSORY SCULPTURE AND PAINTING
Once Ron and Mark completed their design work, Bill Merklein and Mike Good began the task of bringing these characters to life in action figure form! Using Ron and Mark's figure sculpture sheets, Bill and Mike hand sculpted the figures shown below. While Bill and Mike sculpted the figures, Mark Gerwig of Mark 2 Toys modeled the accessories in 3D using Ron and Mark's accessory sculpt sheets as a guide. Once accessory modeling was complete, we printed them in resin. Bill and Mike's figure sculpts were cast in resin by Scott Andrews of Lightbeam 3D. These figures and accessories were then hand painted by four amazing artists: Matthew LeCroy of LeCroy's Toys, Ray Murphy (@raymurphygijaf), Chris Scott of Grindhouse Toys, and Alex Huynh/Bainter. PLEASE NOTE: These hand crafted figures are referred to as 2up paintmasters. They are twice the size of the final product, and their proportions and details are not final. These are scanned at the factory and revised further.
BRAND AND PACKAGE DESIGN BY SHAWN AND ED MORRILL,
PACKAGE ART BY DOUG HART, AND FILE CARDS BY LARRY HAMA
Packaging is arguably the most important aspect of an action figure line. First impressions matter, and when done right, powerful packaging can distinguish a toy line from the competition. Action-packed artwork, bold colors, strong graphics, and captivating storytelling can draw in new collectors and win more shelf space.
The Operation: Recall brand and package design were developed by Shawn Morrill and directed by Ed Morrill. Ed Morrill is a legendary package design and brand identity executive. He completed his first G.I.JOE assignment in 1970 – rebranding the line as the Adventure Team. He would go on to serve Hasbro for 20 years, overseeing packaging design and illustration for countless brands.
Doug Hart joined Hasbro in 1984 as an illustrator – initially working on My Little Pony. He began working on G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero in 1987 and painted beautiful figure and box art until then end of the line in late 1994. Doug Hart has been recalled to active duty and has completed 18 all-new package paintings to date, with more on the way!
Larry Hama transformed action figures into a universe of entertainment as he authored hundreds of G.I.JOE comics and file cards from 1982 to now. His dossiers breath life into plastic, creating a world for the A.T.L.A.S. and Orthrus characters to live in, and setting up countless adventures to come!
The figures below are shown in the order they will be released, with one wave per two rows. The first wave of four figures are due to arrive in December 2025, with subsequent waves to follow in a regular cadence (4-6 months is the goal) in perpetuity.
The Operation: Recall brand and package design were developed by Shawn Morrill and directed by Ed Morrill. Ed Morrill is a legendary package design and brand identity executive. He completed his first G.I.JOE assignment in 1970 – rebranding the line as the Adventure Team. He would go on to serve Hasbro for 20 years, overseeing packaging design and illustration for countless brands.
Doug Hart joined Hasbro in 1984 as an illustrator – initially working on My Little Pony. He began working on G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero in 1987 and painted beautiful figure and box art until then end of the line in late 1994. Doug Hart has been recalled to active duty and has completed 18 all-new package paintings to date, with more on the way!
Larry Hama transformed action figures into a universe of entertainment as he authored hundreds of G.I.JOE comics and file cards from 1982 to now. His dossiers breath life into plastic, creating a world for the A.T.L.A.S. and Orthrus characters to live in, and setting up countless adventures to come!
The figures below are shown in the order they will be released, with one wave per two rows. The first wave of four figures are due to arrive in December 2025, with subsequent waves to follow in a regular cadence (4-6 months is the goal) in perpetuity.
Ron Rudat and Mark Pennington are back to work on all-new Year Two figures! As we work through manufacturing and shipping all 20 "Year One" figures with our manufacturing partners, we'll continue developing all-new figures in parallel... with the goal of shipping Year Two Wave 1 in the regular cadence established by Year One Waves 1-5. Let's ROLL!
