Today, it’s another entry focused on GI Joe toy packaging. Over the years, my interest in toys has evolved from an appreciation of the playthings themselves, to their marketing and packaging. The situation is a bit odd for me, considering that I generally open new toys when I buy them. I have a few choice items that I’ve bought with
Read moreWhat sort of non action figure product did Hasbro license out during the years between the Real American Hero years and the small Joes relaunch? How about horribly sugary and absolutely unhealthy drink snacks? Yeah, thanks for the diabetes, guys. Is this the stuff Outback drinks when he’s out in the wilderness? I’m sorry, he most likely drinks water. But
Read moreAs mail-ins go, the later issue Steel Brigade figure is pretty interesting. The original is by no means a slouch, and by the 90s had been quite a novel approach to offering kids a special figure. Though no parts were chosen by the young fans, the bio and specialties were generated from choices marked on the order form. I can’t
Read moreby KansasBrawler I don’t know why, but I’ve always been fascinated with the Night Viper. I remember seeing it on the card back when I was a kid and hoping I’d find it someday. Alas, that never happened. So you can imagine how excited I was when I learned that the Night Viper was going to be in the last
Read moreRolling on from Day 1 and the initial era of GI Joe, it’s time to get shrunk down and check out the Real American Hero age. Again, this is not meant to be my exhaustive “best of” list, but rather a musing of the 50 years of GI Joe’s history. With thousands upon thousands of figures, vehicles, playsets and other
Read moreIt’s the most wonderful time of the year! I’m hoping Santa will bring me at least one new Joe this year. Speaking of Santa, the right jolly old elf looks ready for battle in this ad. Remember, Corporal Kringle, don’t take that brain bucket off your head. It’s rough out there–at least in the toy stores. By the way, I
Read moreHey kids, tell mom and dad to run you down to the local K-Mart (you know every neighborhood has at least one or two) and grab the latest American Defense figures by Remco! They play with ALL 3 & 3/4 inch soldiers! Choose from pilots, infantry, flamethrowers, karate and ninja fighters, even guys who vaguely resemble Rambo! K-Mart, the Savings
Read moreThere’s a horrible affliction that strikes over 4 in every 10 white or light grey plastic toys produced in the 70s and 80s. It’s a condition with which many collectors of GI Joe and Star Wars are particularly familiar. I’m talking about yellowed plastic syndrome or in medical terminology, color jaundicia mutationem. While not as debilitating a condition as Gold
Read moreJoe A Day wishes all those who have served their country in the past and present a happy Veterans Day. We don’t say thank you enough to those who sacrifice for the sake of others. Yo (real) Joes!
Read moreTonight I was surprised beyond anything I could imagine. It’s not often that I’ve been speechless here at the blog, but this had me searching for words. I can say that I am truly grateful to my amazing wife for putting this “special mission” together, and for her sister in being an amazing behind-the-scenes contributor. You are incredible! And my
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