October 1985 Dynamite Magazine

By Hit & Run

Dynamite was a magazine for children published by Scholastic from 1974 until 1992. The magazine became the most successful publication for Scholastic. The first issue, Dynamite #1, was dated March 1974 and the final issue, Dynamite#165, was dated March 1992.  The magazine really seemed to catch its stride during the 80’s with the plethora of cartoons, toys and comics.

For me, I kind of remember the magazine, but never subscribed to it or bought an issue, until last weekend when I found this issue.  I was at a huge Flea Market in Upstate, NY when the Star Wars cover caught my eye.  While I am not a huge fan of Star Wars, two of my friends are Star Wars nuts so I am always on the lookout for them.  Picking the magazine up originally for them, I quickly spotted the word G.I. Joe.  Inside the issue (see attached pictures) was a small article, 2 page centerfold poster and a comic style version of “False Alarm” and “Live Wire” PSAs.  You will notice on the cover is says there is also a Wham! poster, this was more like an actual poster compared to the Joe centerfold.  The women had about 2 years worth of issues, so I dug in hoping to find another issue with either GI Joe on the cover or at least mentioned, this was the only issue I could find.  Had the Joes actually been on the cover this would have been gold, but for $3 it was good enough for me and the magazine was added to my collection.  It is always fun to see the artwork used and to notice if anything looks different or was fudge by the magazine publisher.

This Dynamite issue, while not the quintessential G.I. Joe item, is what keeps me digging through other people’s stuff.  Up until I found this issue, I had never seen or even heard this existed, just makes me wonder what else is out there?  Pieces like this in my opinion add an element to your collection, something to spice things up and give you something to talk about with your collecting friends.  Does anyone have any more information on Dynamite Magazine?  Did GI Joe ever appear on the cover?