GI Joe

In 1964 Hasbro created GI Joe. Inspired solely by the success of the Barbie Doll, Hasbro believed that they could target boys to also enjoy the doll like figures, however, they had to make them manly. They did this by calling the dolls action figures and modeling them after men from all the branches of the US military. Action figures had beards and scars, they were shaped like men and they were 12" tall, much taller than Barbie. Unlike Barbie who had fashionable clothes, shoes and purses the GI Joes accessory packs included an arsenal of weapons and vehicles. Hasbro did indeed succeed in their goal, they created a phenomenon that most men today can relate to.

******************************************

My son played with GI Joe’s when he was a kid in the 1980’s, however, they were not the 12” variety modeled after the originals. GI Joe Action figures were reduced to 3 3/4”, they were modeled after the star war figures that were so popular in the 1980. That particular size GI Joe became a huge line that was even more profitable than the earlier Joe’s.

******************************************

Over the years several accessories have been added to both the 12” and the 3 3/4” action figures. Caps, dog tags, boots, field bags, tools and weapons are just a few. Vehicles, themed figures and exclusive limited time figures have also been added. There was even a pull cord talking GI Joe at one time, however, most of them I have come across do not work properly.

*****************************************

The above picture is of the 25th Anniversary GI Joe, it was a 2007 Wal-Mart Exclusive, a set of five called the Adventure Team Figures. The complete set includes five 12" figures, Sea Adventurer, Air Adventurer, GI Joe Adventurer, Land Adventurer & Man of Action. These all have Kung Fu Grip and have the original fuzzy head and some even have beards. These were very limited and they were exclusive, they originally sold for $9.96 each. Today you can only purchase them on eBay or through other GI Joe collectors.

*****************************************

Hasbro has an official GI Joe Club, like Barbie collectors, GI Joe collectors are very serious collectors. They have conventions where you can buy, sell and barter and just enjoy the company of fellow collectors.

*******************************************

There are even GI Joe Repair men who can fix up GI Joes with severe problems. One guy that was recommended to me was: The Medic, Joe Degrella, PO Box 281, Buckner, KY 40010, gijoemedic@worldnet.att.net. If you do a google search you'll probably come up with many more.

*****************************************

Most people have a realm of memories when it comes to toys they played with as children. It doesn’t matter which gender or age you are there is always some affection for toys of our childhood.

Check out my eBay Store: http://stores.ebay.com/Madison-Place-Flea-Market