As 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 moreContinuing on with 1985’s GI Joe product catalog, it’s the bevy of battlefield stations, accessories, weapons and vehicles. Hasbro really had a hit with these small price point items. For me, the battle stations and accessories have been a reminder of the days of Marx toy soldiers and playsets. The accessories allowed a kid to build a battlefield on a
Read moreDrivers? Hey, cool. I could always use a few extras, especially a HISS Driver. That guy always lost his Cobra symbol too easily. What, you can’t order online? Great, where did I put my checkbook? And where the heck can I buy a stamp? It’s been so long…
Read moreOh man, I gotta run to Toys R Us 26 years ago and get some of these! And the prices are so reasonable! Now where did I put that flux capacitor…
Read moreJust one year after his debut, Lt. Falcon was back. I admit that in 1987, I thought the figure was pretty amazing, with its realistic green beret look, and stoic face sculpt. The accessories were very nice as well, inclusing a two-part backpack, and a great new shotgun mold that a GI Joe figure could actually hold. In a year
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After almost three years of daily GI Joe blogging, I’ve decided that a format change is in order. While I’ve enjoyed traveling the breadth and depth of the brand, things have gotten a bit stale for me. I felt like I needed a more dynamic focus, and wanted to look at my favorite toy line from a new perspective. At
Read moreDecades before Kre-O was a thing, the Real American Hero era Joes were shrunk down and available as micro figures, packed along with their “normal” sized brethren. Turns out, there was also a mail-in offer for a set in 1989. The pamphlet told the story of the Joes actually being shrunk by Cobra. Set up with some beautiful lab equipment,
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Straight arm or swivel? Seems an odd question to ask, since the 1983 figures are regarded as improvements to the first year offerings. Not only did the later figures offer the added poseability option of the swiveling arms, but the waists were also slimmed down. The new arms themselves also seem just a bit beefier. Even the rivets looked less
Read moreIt’s been a while since I’ve unleashed a haiku (or a joeadaiku, if you will). Submitted for your approval today is a little something based on an inspiring mail-in insert titled Attention Joes… Night Landing mission. Lamprey, Firebat, Jinx struggle. A typo frustrates.
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