I love G.I. JOE. Growing up in the 80s, I had such a ridiculously extensive collection of the figures and vehicles, and obsession no doubt driven by the cartoon series, which I watched religiously. I never did get that massive 7-foot-long aircraft carrier, though - but a kid down the street had it (I was always envious of that fact). While I don't know if my daughters will ever get into the world of G.I. JOE (though the cartoon has gotten some play), I still enjoy browsing the 'Joe section when we hit Toys "R" Us. That said, there's a new line of G.I. JOE toys coming out next year, and they've got a nod to the past.

It was just announced that Hasbro will create and release a new line of KRE-O building sets based on iconic characters and vehicles from G.I. Joe lore. The sets will be available exclusively through Toys "R" Us beginnning in February of 2013. The Rock Father has details on the sets, along with some early photos below...





The 372- piece KRE-O G.I. JOE BATTLE PLATFORM ATTACK





G.I. JOE "KREON" figures from Hasbro's upcoming KRE-O G.I. JOE line.

“The G.I. JOE brand and its deep roster of iconic characters are legendary in the toy industry and the KRE-O G.I. JOE line will be an exciting addition to the construction aisle at all of our retail locations. Hasbro has done a tremendous job of translating the epic saga of G.I. JOE vs. COBRA and favorite characters like SNAKE EYES and COBRA COMMANDER into a compelling line of construction toys, and we’re eager to bring KRE-O G.I. JOE building sets exclusively to Toys“R”Us customers early next year.” Lisa Harnisch, Senior Vice President, General Merchandising Manager, Toys“R”Us, U.S.



Tfollowing building sets, ranging from $2.99 to $39.99 will be available at or near launch:



KRE-O G.I. JOE KREON FIGURE PACKS



(Ages: 6 – 12; Available: Spring 2013)



Start your KRE-O G.I. JOE collection with these iconic G.I. JOE and COBRA characters! Each G.I. JOE KREON figure comes with a unique weapon and cool accessories, and is sold blind-bagged. The first wave of characters includes CRAIG "ROCK N' ROLL" MCCONNEL, KIM ARASHIKAGE, COBRA TROOPER, CRIMSON GUARD, SCARLETT, COBRA AXE NINJA, COBRA NINJA VIPER, QUICK KICK, ALLEY VIPER, EDWARD “TORPEDO” LEILOHA, and ADVENTURE TEAM COMMANDER. Each sold separately.



KRE-O G.I. JOE CHECKPOINT ALPHA set



(Ages: 6 & up; Available: Spring 2013)



Help defend the G.I. JOE base at Checkpoint Alpha from the villainous forces of COBRA! Build the checkpoint tower with push-fire missile as well as FIREFLY’S motorcycle in this 82-brick set, which comes with a FIREFLY KREON character, LAW & ORDER KREON character and a KREON dog.



KRE-O G.I. JOE NINJA TEMPLE BATTLE set



(Ages: 6-12; Available: Spring 2013)



Can SNAKE EYES save the G.I. JOE Dojo from COBRA’s ninja attackers? Build the Dojo, a weapons rack and a spinning blade training unit in this 100-piece building set, which also includes four KREON figures — SNAKE EYES, STORM SHADOW and two COBRA RED NINJAS!



KRE-O G.I. JOE SERPENT ARMOR STRIKE set



(Ages:7-14 ; Available: Spring 2013)



When COBRA attacks with its new SERPENT ARMOR MECH SUIT, it’s up to the G.I. JOE team to ride into battle in the VAMP 4X4! Build both mighty vehicles with this 175-piece building set, including an opening cockpit and opening and closing claw on the SERPENT ARMOR, and rotating wheels and opening doors on the VAMP. Also comes with two KREON figures — DOUBLE CLUTCH and COBRA MECH SUIT TROOPER.



KRE-O G.I. JOE DRAGONFLY XH-1 set



(Ages: 7-14; Available: Spring 2013)



COBRA has stolen the plans to the G.I. JOE team’s base and they’re flying away with them in the COBRA CLAW GLIDER. The only thing that can save the G.I. JOE team is the iconic G.I. JOE DRAGONFLY helicopter! The 152- piece building set builds a helicopter with opening hatch, push-fire projectiles and a propeller that spins with the push of a button! Also comes with two KREON figures — a COBRA TROOPER and WILD BILL.



KRE-O G.I. JOE COBRA ARMORED ASSAULT set



(Ages: 7-14; Available: Spring 2013)



Build the ultimate COBRA assault vehicle to battle the G.I. JOE team in their BATTLE QUAD with push-fire projectile. The COBRA ASSAULT VEHICLE features a rotating turret with two spring-loaded projectiles, six rotating wheels, an opening front hatch and an opening back to store weapons. The 246- piece building set also comes with three KREON figures — FLINT and two COBRA TROOPERS.



KRE-O G.I. JOE THUNDERWAVE JET BOAT set



(Ages: 7-14; Available: Spring 2013)



The battle between G.I. JOE and COBRA takes to the open water as the G.I. JOE THUNDERWAVE JET BOAT goes up against the new COBRA STING RAIDER. The THUNDERWAVE JET boat features a command center for interior play, spring-loaded firing weapon and a small land vehicle that can roll off the ship and down the opening ramp in the back. The 218- piece building set also includes three KREON figures— two G.I. JOE characters (LT. CUTTER and SGT. STALKER) and one COBRA character. Set is not intended for use in water.



KRE-O G.I. JOE BATTLE PLATFORM ATTACK set



(Ages: 7-14; Available: Spring 2013)



Yo, JOE! Build the G.I. JOE team’s battle platform base as it comes under attack from COBRA TROOPERS looking to spring COBRA COMMANDER out of jail! The 372- piece building set allows you to build the base and two COBRA vehicles, the TROUBLE BUBBLE and FANG, as well as a G.I. JOE RAM CYCLE. The base includes a command center for interior play, rotating flick-fire missiles and an opening jail cell. Also includes five KREON figures — CONRAD “DUKE” HAUSER, ROADBLOCK, COBRA COMMANDER and two COBRA TROOPERS, each with unique weapons and accessories!



What do you think about this news? Are G.I. JOE figures a staple in your house? Sound off in the comments section below!