The Joecanuck meet is an event I recommend to every able bodied human being who is in the least bit interested in GI Joe. It combines all the fun of the "official" Convention with a bargain basement price. All the fun for half the cost.
DAY 1My trip began when I arrived at the Omaha airport. I checked my duffel and sent my suitcase (With Ryan's Sigma 6 figures) through the x-ray. Apparently the blinking lights with TWO double A batteries was enough to cause alarm because they sent the bag back through the x-ray at least a half dozen times and called over 4 examiners to look at the machine. It probably didn't help that I was laughing my butt off. . .
I was crammed into the smallest freaking plane EVER in Omaha. Like a canned ham I squished myself into the seat and took off for Detroit. At least the connecting flight was on a decently sized plane that wasn't packed like a clown car
Arriving in Canada my trip through customs once again took all of five minutes. I gave Raptor a call, but apparently he's too good to answer his phone
Luckily I had Lance Sputnik's digits and was able to get an answer. His lovely wife Chandra answered the phone and both were apparently amused that I asked for "Lance". Sorry man, calling you Jay just doesn't work for me, you'll always be Lance to me.
Then Raptor arrived to pick me up. He was so cool in his dad's minivan that had I been a chick I would have TOTALLY made out with him! As I waited for Moto-Viper, he made the loop (The circle NOT the artist) over and over. Luckily for us Moto recognized me, because he had a freakin trenchcoat on over the clothes I was supposed to be looking for. Pete the Australian (Moto-Viper) is a Bond Villain in training. He has the accent, all he needs is the cat. As we drove from Toronto to Raptor's house many things were discussed: cultural differences, cars, television, even a few Joes
Arriving at the nest I was greeted by faces familiar and not so familiar. Nova, Scramble, and Tank Girl I had met before. But the two giants I had not. Apparently they grow 'em big in Ohio because Lance and AmazonGrl are the two tallest people I've ever met. I was expecting (Based on his Myspace picture) Lance to be about my height. Between them, Nova, and Scramble I felt so short. . .
After a sumptuous taco dinner and birthday cheesecake (Happy Birthday Chandra!) we retired to the basement for various nerdly pursuits. We got our first look at Raps' create-a-wrestlers including the AMAZINGLY accurate Big Brawler. Watching him dry hump his opponents into submission was priceless. I also kicked Lance's ass in 4 TCG matches. It doesn't have a catchy name, but my yellow deck works OK
After a brief visit from THE Mike we retired for the evening.
DAY 2We rose and shone for Charles' eggs. Despite his doubts, they were FABULOUS! We dressed and loaded the MINIVAN!!! Then of course we we had to hit Tim Horton's for coffee. Personally I went for an energy drink instead, but with a convenience store that wouldn't take Visa
and lack of a USA compatible ATM it was a challenge.
Then we finally hit the Joe meet. I had read the numbers, but NOTHING prepared me for seeing the hall packed with vendors. We unloaded Raptor's van, checked in, and then the fun began. . .
Everytime I went near Lance and AG's table I spent money. I like to talk to them, but dang that was expensive! I got a TON of great deals, including a MIB Python Stun. I checked out the AMAZING customs table and the contest entries. I voted for Moto's figure (As did 64% of the other voters) based on the awesome paintwork. Then I was dragged onto the stage for wrestling. . .
I couldn't even move my character. Pete The Greek MERCILESSLY beat me into a bloody pulp and pinned me. It was the most embarrassing showing ever
Only a few Timbits and Pepperettes managed to console me. I LOVES me some pepperettes
Then came the speed painting. I bought my figure (I was disappointed that I didn't get the Serpentor headed one) and bought in one of the kids that was interested in what we were doing. There was some AMAZING paint work going on there. Hell I think even the little kid did better than I did! Plus my paint never fully dried. But it was fun! Again Moto took home the prize and again it was well deserved. I am AMAZED that he did that figure in under an hour.
Then came the big drawing for Black Ice and Joecanuck. I REALLY wanted Joecanuck but Ed won it. Mike later described the look on my face as if someone had kicked my puppy. But I'm glad that it went where it did. After a quick clean up and pictures a group of us retired to Mike's place to check out his AMAZING toy room. I REALLY wanted to just scoop his custom Star Trek figs into a bag and run like Hell, but I resisted.
Then it was time for dinner. While we waited for our food Loop, Scramble, Lance, and I put together my Python Stun in front of a stunned Mike. Silliness then ensued with balancing blueshirts, Skymates, and a BAAT. Loop and I had hotwings (Which Mike strangely rejected. . .) and everybody ate. We laughed, we conversed, it was great.
Back at Raptor's Scramble, Charles, Moto, and I examined eachother's hauls. I literally filled all my bags to bursting and once again split open my backpack. Exhausted we all collapsed into sleep.
DAY 3Due to a last minute flight cancellation I got to stay an extra day in Canada and see Niagra Falls. Scramble went into chocolate overload in the Hershey?s store, we all ate at the Hard Rock Cafe and enjoyed the LEGENDARY high prices. Before I knew it it was time to go. I stopped to buy some souveniers and Raptor, and Moto snuck off without saying goodbye. As Ed was taking me to the airport the next morning I stayed with him.
We examined his AWESOME collection, talked Joes, laughed, and discussed "Shivergate" while he called Mike. We stayed up until midnight before passing out.
DAY 45am comes early when you go to bed late. . . Ed surprised me during my final repack by giving me an Electric Eel 2-pack. He's a great guy. We hit the Tim Hortons (Of course) and headed for the airport. We actually avoided most of the traffic and were there in no time. I said my final goodbye, zipped through customs again, and boarded a plane for home. It was over.
I reitterate again: If you want to go and hang out with a GREAT group and not spend a ton to do it, the Canuck meet if for you. I enjoy the Master Collector cons, but this is as good if not better. A big thanks to everyone who made it all happen and I'll see everyone next year!!!
