As the old commercial said: here it is–the USS Flagg. Arguably the grandest playset ever made, and at least the biggest, the Flagg was the toy I think every kid in 1985 pined for the most. How could you not, based on this picture? The USS Flagg is impressive, if only considering its place in toy history, and the monumental
Read moreIt’s time for the Special Missions and Contenders! The next page of the ’85 catalog showcases the meat and potatoes of GI Joe vehicles. From jets to helicopters boats to battle platforms, they’re all here. The vertical design of the section makes for a dynamic showcase. The new rides get the most attention with inserts that call out detail and
Read moreThe small and medium vehicles (here dubbed the combat and battle series) get the spotlight in the next page of the 1985 catalog. Like the other sections, there’s a mix of old and new, and the Joes and Cobras are again cast about on the surface of a toy planet that mixes elements of Death Valley and Mars. It must
Read moreSince we’re beginning the fourth year of the blog, I thought it appropriate to cover the fourth year catalog of the Real American Hero era. Some fans consider 1985 the high water mark of the time, with an articulation improvement in the form of the ball joined neck, and a major expansion not only of the Joe team, but of
Read moreDrivers? Hey, cool. I could always use a few extras, especially a HISS Driver. That guy always lost his Cobra symbol too easily. What, you can’t order online? Great, where did I put my checkbook? And where the heck can I buy a stamp? It’s been so long…
Read moreEver thought about painting your face a la one of the members of the Joe team? I hadn’t, mostly because I can’t remember many of them who did so during my childhood collecting days. I guess there was Dusty in ’85 and Tunnel Rat in ’87, but that was it. Hit & Run got a big feature in this insert,
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