Introduction to GI Joe
In 1964 the GI Joe was introduced as an 11.5 inch action figure. It came in the four basic branches of America"s fighting force: Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force. Each force also came with uniforms and equipment to suit Joe's needs. Later in 1965 the first African-American GI Joe was introduced. Later that same year, the first combat vehicle arrived and Joes everywhere were now mobile.
From 1966 through 1969 saw the advent of the Special Forces GI Joe. In 1966 Joe went international with the appearance of the six foreign soldiers from: Germany, France, Japan, Russia, England and Austrailia . In 1967 a female Army nurse was also added to what was earlier an all-male series. Also the talking Joe was introduced in 1967-1968. Starting in 1969 GI Joe changed from "action" to "adventure" to reflect America's changing political climate.
In my opinion,1970 through 1991 was when Hasbro lost the true idea of GI Joe. The sizes ranged from 11.5 inches to 8.5 inches to 3.75 inches then finally back up to 11.5 inches .During this time he was adventure Joe and super hero Joe and science fiction Joe. Some folks enjoy collecting GI Joes from this era, but it never appealed to me.
In 1991,Hasbro saw the light and the Hall of Fame GI Joes came out . They were still a little fiction-like but the main idea was there. In 1997 The Hall of Fame era ended and in 1995 Target released original type Joes with only one difference; they had the Hall of Fame Joe's body. And in 1996 the Classic Collection Joes were released. These Joes covered the WWII to present day period and are some of the sharpest Joes ever produced. The Classic Collection continues to be manufactured and sold. After many turbulent years GI Joe has finally returned to its origins.
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