Quick, everybody! Look! Get to Toys R Us! Oh wait, this is an old ad. Check out the name references here. I have to wonder whether the copy writer didn’t bother to use the names of the toys, or if the ad was produced before names were finalized. My favorite aspect of this ad is just how gosh-darn shiny that
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Here’s the first offering of the Real American Hero line in the JC Penney Christmas Catalog. I find these catalog shots fascinating for several reasons: the often missing or incorrectly assembled vehicles, custom made diorama elements, and non-Hasbro accessories. This setup looks quite hastily assembled in comparison to later gorgeous displays featured in 1983 and 1984. First off, the GI
Read moreTime to order an official GI Joe wristwatch! And hey–the battery is included! Win win!
Read moreIf you need any further proof that GI Joe was a big deal back in the 80s, check out this fantastic ad for the 1986 tie-in mail-in figure, the Fridge. I wonder what would happen if I called that 900 number? Maybe the Fridge would answer, and I could ask him if Mike Singletary really was a samurai. Thank you,
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 moreAs 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
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