Gerry Finley-Day (Battle Action Force & Rogue trooper writer) interview

video https://youtu.be/dn6A2ZfYxrM

audio only http://cast.rocks/hosting/15498/GFD-Interview.mp3

or at your podcast platform of choice https://talkingjoe.co.uk/#Podcasts

Mark and Brian Hickey sat down to talk with legendary British comics writer Gerry Finley-Day. Gerry was the writer of most of the initial run of Action Force in the pages of Battle Action Force so it was great to be able to speak with him about Action Foirce and much more besides.

About Gerry

Gerry Finley-Day (born 1947 Dundee) is a former Paratrooper, and writer of comics and books, prolific from the 1960s to the 1980s, best known as the creator of "Rogue Trooper". Rogue Trooper is a science fiction strip in the British comic 2000 AD, created by Gerry Finley-Day and Dave Gibbons in 1981 , 2 years before launch of Action Force in 1983 and is soon to be a major motion picture!

In 1974 he was drafted in by Pat Mills to help develop characters for Battle Picture Weekly, launched the following year, for which he wrote Rat Pack, The Sarge, D-Day Dawson, and more including Action Force. Finley-Day was also one of the mainstays of early 2000 AD, writing Invasion!, Dan Dare, Fiends of the Eastern Front, and created two key future war stories, first with The V.C.s, and then his most enduring character, Rogue Trooper.

Gerry Finley-Day Links

https://www.gerryfinley-day.com/

https://x.com/gerryfinleyday

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Men-Morgenland-Gerry-Finley-Day/dp/B0BK5F4FR3

About Brian Hickey

Brian Hickey is a multi-disciplined visual artist and International Design Award winner. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years and has self-published 5 books on collectible toys with Paddy Lennon, fulfilling the roles of art director, photographer and graphic designer for all.

under the Total Toys Books banner, Brian, with kind permission from Hasbro and in collaboration with Rebellion Publishing and Skeletron, has published an officially licensed reprint of the Action Force tales from Battle Action Force collected in a series of deluxe sized ‘treasury editions.’

Brian has also worked with acclaimed toy designers, Boss Fight Studio, designing the packaging for a number of their licensed products, including Bucky O Hare and Sam & Max. In March 2020, Brian’s image “Drive ’75”, featuring vintage M.A.S.K. toys, was shortlisted for inclusion in the 190th Royal Hibernian Academy’s Annual Exhibition. In 2023, his image "Falls Rescue" was accepted into the 193rd Royal Hibernian Academy’s Annual Exhibition. When not creating books, Brian designs award winning exhibitions for museums and visitor experiences in Ireland's tourism and heritage sector.

https://www.totaltoybooks.com/

American customers can purchase with cheaper shipping here: https://skeletron.com/en-gb/products/battle-action-force-treasury-editions-vol-1-3-bundle-set

Its a bonus episode! July 2025 Comics News roundup

Mark is joined by Jason from the Order of Battle Podcast to discuss some of the latest G.I Joe comics news.

Originally broadcast as YouTube livstream

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWnWWbeWkug

Also available as an edited audio only podcast https://talkingjoe.co.uk/#Podcasts

On the agenda in this episode:

Cold Slither comic book

GI Joe 7 Jason Howard 2nd print

GI Joe TPB Vol 3 Dreadnok War

Andrea Milana b&w art from Instagram

GI Joe #1 Mark Brooks Baroness SDCC variant

Void Rivals # 20 recap

Transformers # 22 recap

SDCC Panel News

Robert Kirkman is new Transformers writer with issue 25

Energon Universe Cartoon rumours

Diana Davis - Splash Emergency Vet costs https://www.gofundme.com/f/emergency-vet-costs-for-sweet-splash

Plus Jason talks about thre Order of Battle Podcast ( https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZehuWB2sL6OUAnsKjTmvF )

Kentuckiana GI Joe Toy Expo ( https://www.kygijoe.com/index.html )

ARAH 318 - SKYBOUND G.I. Joe a real american hero review - from Talking Joe

also available as livestream Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlENUfSBuxk&t=1665s

Mark and Tim are looking at G.I. Joe ARAH # 318 released Wednesday, July 2, 2025.

Synopsis: JOE NINJAS VS COBRA MUTANTS!

Storm Shadow and Dawn fight through Cobra’s monstrous forces in search of vital intel. But Cobra Commander is always one step ahead...or is he?

Creative team

Writer: Larry Hama

Penciller Paul Peleteier

Inker Tony Kordos

Colorist: Francesco Segala, with Sabrina Del Grosso (Flatter)

Letterer: Pat Brousseau

Editor: Alex Antone

Publication design Jillian Crab, Production Design Richard Mercado

Creative Consultant: Diana Davis

Cover –

https://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/comic/7556525/gi-joe-a-real-american-hero-318

Joefest Larry Hama interview panel - Sunday June 22, 2025

Mark & Tim hosted the Joefest Larry Hama interview panel - Sunday June 22, 2025 1pm to 2pm.

We aimed to ask some interesting questions and elicit some stories that you may not have heard before - and cover a large range of subjects, from starting out, through to modern day.

This panel was recorded with video - viedo version is available on YouTube.

TJ - Propstore GI Joe Auction with Chuck Costas

Originally YouTube Livestream https://youtube.com/live/ZStF6cbXn-E

Its just Tim as Mark is poorly for this episode.

Talking to returning friend of the show, Chuck Costas about the G.I. JOE movie auction from Propstore!

We last spoke with Chuck about his amazing GI Joe art collection - link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Jj_8DAuh4w&t=6998s

Mike Zeck Exhibit Chuck is hosting at Indiana University that has some G.I. Joe props in it as well as some of the artwork we had previously talked about. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1rX_CH9pJI

Yo Joe! Bidding is set to start over at the Propstore’s G.I. Joe movie auction event, where collectors and fans alike will have the opportunity to acquire one-of-a-kind items from the beloved franchise. Original costumes worn by the characters in iconic films such as G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009), G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013), and Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins (2021) are up for bidding. Each costume tells a story of action, adventure, and the creative talent that brought these characters to life on the big screen, making this auction a must-visit for every G.I. Joe enthusiast.

This Propstore auction has 184 lots in all, each featuring many screen-matched items that are sure to excite collectors and fans alike. Bidding begins on Monday, June 23, and runs until Monday, July 7 2025, offering a generous timeframe for participants to engage in this thrilling event. By registering now for Propstore’s G.I. Joe Movies Online Auction, you not only ensure your chance to bid on these unique items but will also be entered for a chance to win an exclusive collection of patches and pins from G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009).

Don’t miss your opportunity to own a piece of G.I Joe cinematic history, that has inspired countless generations and continues to resonate with both young and old fans through a rich tapestry of stories and adventures.

https://propstore.com/

TJ 319 - GI Joe 8 (Skybound Energon Universe) - Audio only review from Talking Joe.

Mark and Tim talk GI Joe #8 released Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

Synopsis: Major Bludd is back for revenge against the woman who took his eye—THE BARONESS. Now Baroness must decide if protecting herself means staying with G.I. Joe...

We recorded this episode ahead of Joefest , reading it from a preview PDF copy.

Youtube https://youtu.be/XXnU994m00w

Or from your podcast platform of choice, links at https://talkingjoe.co.uk/#Podcasts

Creative Team:

Writer Joshua Williamson

Artist Andrea Milana

Colorist Lee Loughridge

Letterer Russ Wooton

Editor Ben Abernethy

Publication design Andres Juarez

Production Ashby Florence

Cover – fave cover (shift+7)

https://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/comic/3973114/gi-joe-8

The full list of variant covers is below:

G.I. JOE #8 Cover A by Tom Reilly (Lunar Code: 0425IM341)

G.I. JOE #8 Cover B by Andrea Milana (Lunar Code: 0425IM342)

G.I. JOE #8 Cover C (1:10 Copy Incentive) (Connecting) by Alan Quah (Lunar Code: 0425IM343)

G.I. JOE #8 Cover D (1:25 Copy Incentive) by Marco Ferrari (Lunar Code: 0425IM344)

G.I. JOE #8 Cover E (1:50 Copy Incentive) by Rossi Gifford (Lunar Code: 0425IM345)

G.I. JOE #8 Cover F (1:100 Copy Incentive) by Howard Porter & Romulo Fajardo Jr. (Lunar Code: 0425IM346)

G.I. JOE #8 Cover G Energon Universe Second Anniversary Variant (Connecting) by Jason Howard (Lunar Code: 0425IM347)

G.I. JOE #8 Cover H Energon Universe Second Anniversary Variant (Black & White) (Connecting) by Jason Howard (Lunar Code: 0425IM348)

20B "Silence between Borders"

This is audio version with more tightly edited audio removing erms etc/129219494

We had a week where no new Joe comic was out so decided to talk about an old Joe comic. Given the recent Silent Missions month, we decided to turn to an older Silent story.

Today we will be looking at G.I. Joe ARAH # 21B / AKA 21.5 / aka “Silence Between Borders"

Released as a 25th Anniversary Comic Packs from Hasbro in 2008, then reprinted in "Complete Silence" and in the IDW Hardcover vol 2.

YouTube link : https://youtu.be/-bHyrdkczYM

For context this was around the time tat Devil's Due was wrapping up their run with G.I. Joe: America's Elite36, June 2008 , and IDW starting up with G.I. Joe #0 October 2008

Creative team:

Writer Larry Hama

Penciller Jeremy Dale

Letterer Jim Keplinger

Colorist Kieran Oats

Editor Aaron Hubrich of Conceptopolis

Talking Joe will be at Joesfest 2025. Mark and Tim have a quick discussion about what we will be up to.

We will be hosting a panel - Sunday June 22, 2025 1pm to 2pm Talking Joe with special guest Larry Hama

💫Talking Joe links💫

Talking Joe Website

https://www.talkingjoe.co.uk/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/groups/315524545720270

Twitter

https://twitter.com/Talking_Joe

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/talkingjoecomics/

🤜 Support us on Patreon 🤛

www.patreon.com/talkingjoe

About Talking Joe:

Talking Joe is a weekly podcast in which Mark, Tim & Jay and a revolving set of guests co-hosts review and discuss the ever evolving, always entertaining world of G.I. Joe comics. The journey began with Marvel's epic 155 issue run and continues through to present day IDW and Devil's Due eras.

👬Friends of Talking Joe👬

Tim Finn

https://arealamericanbook.com/

Jay Cordray's Break Room Sketches

https://m.facebook.com/groups/768057380503369/

Chief Stride & ArmaGEEKdon

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCergSOclqVJFwueULT8SdAQ

Chris "Diagnostik80" McLeod - Full Force

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs4PUlvRWXzaW8EAXDe-Jyg

Steve "SJubs7" Jubber

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0W3wPhykE4Z6NDF5WgdGew

It's a cool numerical co-incidence as for TJ ep 317 we talk ARAH 317!

Mark and Tim are talking G.I. Joe ARAH # 317 released Wednesday, 4th June, 2025. ,

Originally recorded as a YouTube livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5hTdyqd3RQ

This is the tidied up edited audio only version.Synopsis: Snake Eyes strikes! The G.I. Joe ninja team has infiltrated Springfield...but nothing is as it seems. Meanwhile, Dr. Mindbender has his revenge. Creative teamWriter: Larry HamaPenciller Paul PeleteierInker Tony Kordos Colorist: Francesco Segala, with Sabrina Del Grosso (Flatter)Letterer: Pat BrousseauEditor: Alex AntonePublication design Jillian Crab, Production Design Richard MercadoCreative Consultant: Diana Davis

GI Joe 7 (Skybound Energon Universe) - Talking Joe discussion

Mark and Tim discus GI Joe #7 released Wednesday, May 28th 2025.

Originally broadcast as a YouTube livestream with images

https://studio.youtube.com/video/9J0JJUFQFdk

Also available as a more tightly edited audio only version

Synopsis: A STANDALONE NIGHT FORCE COVERT OP! The FIRST APPEARANCE of the iconic BEACH HEAD! But is this really his last MISSION?! The new G.I. JOE epic STARTS HERE.

Creative team

Writer Joshua Williamson

Artist Andrea Milana

Colorist Lee Loughridge

Letterer Russ Wooton

Editor Ben Abernethy

Publication design Andres Juarez

Production Ashby Florence

covers: https://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/comic/8276824/gi-joe-7