We Had That

1986 G.I. Joe "Iceberg" action figure (Hasbro, 1986) After having more than 10 years of huge success with the original 12" G.I. Joe action figures that came out in 1964, Hasbro took a break from the line for a few years.  During the late 1970s, the popularity of Kenner's Star Wars figures made 3 3/4" the new standard size for action figures.  In 1982, Hasbro came back with the "Real American Hero" re-launch of G.I. Joe and it was a huge hit! Iceberg keeps watch in the snow for G.I. Joe  In 1982, I was the perfect age for G.I. Joe and I was instantly sold on these new 3 3/4" action figures.  I still remember how excited I was when I first saw them in the stores and the agony of trying to pick just two of these awesome characters.  The first several waves of figures were amazing!  Sure, not every idea could be a great one, but for the most part, the first four waves specifically were pretty solid.  By 1986, when the fifth wave arrived, there...

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero "Snow Job" action figure (Hasbro, 1983) Back in the 1960s and 70s, G.I. Joe was a groundbreaking 12" action figure.  The toys began in 1964 as a line of military figures in the 60s and dominated the Boys Toys market.  Unfortunately, the Vietnam conflict divided the country politically.  Hasbro wanted to stay as far as possible from any of that drama and gave G.I. Joe a very successful face-lift in 1970 turning him into a 12" action / adventurer.  This version of G.I. Joe lasted until 1976.  In 1977, "Super Joe" was introduced as the new, short-lived 9" version of G.I. Joe, but the Super Joe line was cancelled in 1978. (left) 1960s 12" "Painted Head" GI Joe in Ski Patrol outfit, (right) 1983 3 3/4" "Snow Job" After a few years with no G.I. Joe products on the shelves, Hasbro decided to give it another try.  The 1982 "Real American Hero" re-launch was a huge hit!  I was i...