I Still Love Him…

G.I. Joe is a line of action figures produced by Hasbro, first introduced in 1964. The brand has evolved over the years, encompassing toys, comics, TV series, and movies. Here’s a comprehensive look at G.I. Joe:

Origins and Evolution

1960s: The Original G.I. Joe

• Introduction (1964): G.I. Joe was introduced as a 12-inch action figure representing four branches of the U.S. military: Action Soldier, Action Sailor, Action Pilot, and Action Marine.
• Innovations: The term “action figure” was coined to market the toy to boys, avoiding the term “doll.” The figures featured articulation and realistic uniforms and accessories.

1970s: Adventure Team

• Shift in Theme (1970-1976): Due to declining sales and changing public sentiment towards the military, Hasbro rebranded G.I. Joe as the Adventure Team, featuring less military and more adventure-oriented themes.
• New Features: Introduction of the Kung-Fu Grip, which allowed the figures to hold objects more securely, and the Eagle Eye, a movable eye feature.

1980s: A Real American Hero

• Reintroduction (1982): G.I. Joe was reintroduced as a 3.75-inch action figure line, “G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero.” This version included an extensive backstory and characters with unique personalities.
• Comics and TV Series: Marvel Comics launched a successful comic book series, and an animated TV series followed, both expanding the G.I. Joe universe and introducing characters like Duke, Snake Eyes, and Cobra Commander.
• Villains: The main adversary was Cobra, a terrorist organization bent on world domination.

Key Characters

• Duke: The field commander and one of the original leaders of the G.I. Joe team.
• Snake Eyes: A silent and skilled ninja commando, one of the most popular characters.
• Scarlett: An intelligence officer and skilled martial artist.
• Cobra Commander: The ruthless and enigmatic leader of Cobra.
• Destro: A weapons supplier and key ally of Cobra, known for his distinctive metal mask.

Comics and TV Shows

• Marvel Comics (1982-1994): The comic series by Larry Hama is highly regarded for its character development and storytelling.
• Sunbow Animation (1983-1986): The animated series introduced many fans to G.I. Joe and included iconic public service announcements ending with “Knowing is half the battle.”
• Other Media: G.I. Joe has also appeared in various other comic book series, animated shows, and crossovers with other franchises.

Modern Adaptations

• G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009): A live-action film introducing a new generation to the franchise. It was followed by “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” (2013) and “Snake Eyes” (2021), a spin-off focusing on the origins of the character Snake Eyes.
• Comics and Animation: The franchise continues with new comic series by IDW Publishing and updated animated series.

Cultural Impact

• Iconic Status: G.I. Joe has become a cultural icon, representing military heroism and adventure. Its impact extends beyond toys to influencing fashion, language, and media.
• Collector’s Market: Vintage G.I. Joe figures and accessories are highly sought after by collectors, often fetching high prices at auctions and conventions.

Social and Political Context

• Reflection of Military Sentiment: The themes and portrayal of G.I. Joe have mirrored the changing public attitudes towards the military and patriotism, from the Cold War era to the post-9/11 world.
• Diversity: Over the years, the G.I. Joe team has become more diverse, including characters of various ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds, reflecting societal changes and the importance of representation.

G.I. Joe continues to be a significant part of popular culture, adapting to changing times while maintaining its core themes of heroism, adventure, and teamwork.