Simplicity of design is one of the great strengths of the 1980s Joe line’s first year. We’ve seen already that even with an economy of parts, Hasbro was able to create a varied group of characters. Despite the fact that several figures shared head molds, the toys still read as individuals. Simple changes in uniform color, hair color, and accessories
Read more
If you had asked me who was my favorite Joe figure back in 1983, I would have said Flash. He’s still high on my list, but you can understand why things would change considering the constant release of amazing characters throughout the 1980s. Coming from the world of Star Wars, I imagine the mere concept of a guy with a
Read more
GI Joe wouldn’t be nearly as long-lived and remembered if it weren’t for the depth and breadth of toys available to spark kids’ imaginations. From the 1960s line’s plethora of gear and weaponry to the Adventure Team’s motor pool of fantastical vehicles and accessories, the brand had gained a firm foothold with a variety of product in the boys toys
Read more
Imagine if you will catching the commercial for the original assortment of the 1982 GI Joes on morning television. You’re outfitted in your favorite PJs (Empire Strikes Back, or course), enjoying a bowl of Cap’n Crunch while taking in the latest episode of The Great Space Coaster before getting ready to head off to school. What should catch your bright
Read more
Yesterday we covered Grunt, the Everyman figure of the initial 1980s series. Today we start to venture into the more specialized individuals. Versatility is the keyword for the mix of characters produced in the first year of the Real American Hero series. With just a few different body parts and key paint app choices, Hasbro was able to introduce enough
Read more
Okay, GH needs to get some sun. Milky and somewhat translucent, the odd skin color was symptomatic of the RAH collections years’ Caucasian figures. Some folks prefer the vintage plastic skin tones over painted skin, but it’s all subjective. While the early 2000s crew are a departure from their predecessors in terms of deco, I find them to be an
Read more
Clutch was my favorite character in the early Marvel comics issues. Rather than a cookie cutter personality, he was a colorful and opinionated (to put it mildly) presence among his teammates. His back and forth with his comrades made for the kind of character interaction that drew me into the world. As a figure, he’s also unique. It would have
Read more
By YT Lt Falcon was always a favorite of mine as a kid, even after his rather annoying appearance in the GI Joe animated movie. I guess I gravitated towards the more realistic aspects even back then. I also had a beret obsession, but that is a whole other story. The Sideshow Falcon was a great figure. They reused a
Read more
It’s been a few months in the making, and now the Joe A Day T-Shirts are here! If you’d like to wear a little bit of the blog on your back, they’re available now. The price is $24 shipped, and I accept Paypal payments. Each purchase helps maintain the site, and I’ll also be throwing in a few goodies with
Read moreOh boy, the Stars and Stripes set. What can be said about it beyond holy cow did Hasbro ever whiz a great opportunity down its leg? I’m sure others with inside knowledge of the inner workings of the GI Joe brand know why things were switched and swapped from the time of early press photos to final product. While the
Read more