That’s an impressive feat for a toy line in only its second year. This ad, which I found in a 1965 issue of the Justice League of America comic, touts Joe’s sales success as well as his presence as a TV star. I think most folks have seen the vintage commercials that propelled the toys into the American consciousness. It’s no wonder that the toys were a smash hit, considering the amazing sets, memorable theme song, and wide variety of equipment and figures shown. Years later of course, Joe would rise again to take the toy and TV world by storm, and also add comics to his list of conquests.
The Real American Hero series had the distinction of being the first comic book advertised on television. It was also Hasbro's creative way of marketing its relaunched toyline without having to stick to the regulations of the day regarding animation and toys. Have we mentioned here how effective the 80s…
Inspired by the amazing newspaper toy ads that Phillip over at battlegrip.com regularly unearths, I thought I would do a little digging to locate a TV listing circa my favorite cartoon era. Getting more specific, I wondered if I could find a listing for the debut episode of GI Joe:…
In 1973, while the GI Joe line was well into its Adventure Team period, competitor Mattel introduced Big Jim, a less militaristic adventure and sports based 10 inch figure, as an alternative. Unlike Joe, Big Jim from its beginnings incorporated action features into the figures. The toys' biceps bulged when…
I love old ads like this–I have a framed kiddie ‘tv guide’ from a 1967 Captain America comic, showcasing ABC’s Saturday-morning lineup: the ’67 Spider-Man, the Hanna-Barbera Fantastic Four, the Rankin-Bass King Kong, Journey to the Center of the Earth, George of the Jungle, and the old Beatles cartoon. They didn’t call it “America’s Best TV Comics” for nothing!
I love old ads like this–I have a framed kiddie ‘tv guide’ from a 1967 Captain America comic, showcasing ABC’s Saturday-morning lineup: the ’67 Spider-Man, the Hanna-Barbera Fantastic Four, the Rankin-Bass King Kong, Journey to the Center of the Earth, George of the Jungle, and the old Beatles cartoon. They didn’t call it “America’s Best TV Comics” for nothing!
Lets go on an adventure! Ww2 movies must have made playing JOE fun.
Ahhhhhh, so that’s where “Let’s go with G.I.Joe!”
My favorite part is that it’s the Hassenfeld Bros company. Not even Hasbro, yet. Tells you what G.I. Joe meant to the company for sure.