Here’s another shot of early versions of some first series 80s figures, courtesy of the 1982 Hasbro catalog (thanks again, Flag Points Dave). This time, it’s The Enemy AKA Cobra Officer and Trooper. These guys look to be kitbashed from Mego o-ring figures, from Buck Rogers, the Black Hole, Dukes of Hazzard or CHiPs. Whatever their origins, they’re a couple of funky mock-ups, and bear some similarity to what eventually was released. Oh, and the fellow on the right has a broken thumb. I hate when that happens.
Many of the figures pictured in dealer catalogs are early mock-ups or prototypes. Case in point today are the Renegades from 1987. Whether it's the hand painted or rough head sculpt aspects of the figures, a peek into the production process is always interesting to see. Mercer in particular looks…
I've been fascinated for a while with the yearly Toy Fair catalogs that were common in the days before the internet. Paging through them is akin to a trip back in time, and at times even more enjoyable than looking through old Wish Book and Christmas catalogs. The industry catalogs…
Here they are, the original single carded lineup. And they are lined up, to an extent. The horizontal structure of this page of the catalog is even stronger than the previous entries, and the landscape format allows for the largest possible photos of the individual figures. The figures are placed…
I was always fascinated by these two, especially the Trooper with the large pistol across his chest. The helmets are a little more realistically sized, but the final versions turned out super-iconic – smaller helmet and pistol included.
I find it interesting that the Trooper appears to be carrying the assault rifle rather than the more specific sniper rifle. I wonder if my impression of the two figures would be different had the accessories been switched.
The fact that they kit bashed all the web gear and details on the figures shows the talent of the designers Hasbro had on the line back then, too.
I was always fascinated by these two, especially the Trooper with the large pistol across his chest. The helmets are a little more realistically sized, but the final versions turned out super-iconic – smaller helmet and pistol included.
Both men also appear to have their eyes shut; possibly on the asumption that if they cant see the Joes then the Joes cant see them
If you can see GI Joe, he can see you. If you can’t see GI Joe, you may be only seconds away from death.
I find it interesting that the Trooper appears to be carrying the assault rifle rather than the more specific sniper rifle. I wonder if my impression of the two figures would be different had the accessories been switched.
The fact that they kit bashed all the web gear and details on the figures shows the talent of the designers Hasbro had on the line back then, too.
I like the one on the left!
”Cobra :The Enemy-Watch Your Backs G.I.Joes!”