Chronology of GI Joe
an excerpt from GIJOE.Com
1964
G.I. Joe makes his debut as an 11-1/2 inch "doll" for boys with 21
moving parts. He is named Joe after the movie "The Story Of G.I. Joe."
G.I. Joe becomes the first boys "Action Figure" in the world.
1967
G.I. Joe line expands to include talking figures. Hasbro Canada produces the
Canadian Mountie set.
1969
G.I. Joe line expands to include all categories of U.S. armed forces and
numerous foreign armed forces. Hasbro decides the name "G.I. Joe" will
represent not only the action figures, but the entire product line - a brand is
born.
1970
Four allies assisting G.I. Joe are introduced. Together they make up the G.I.
Joe Adventure Team. Flocked hair is introduced.
1974
During the "Kung Fu" craze some G.I. Joe figures acquire a "Kung
Fu" hand grip.
1975
G.I. Joe introduces a bionic warrior "Atomic Man," More than one
million figures are sold in one year.
1976
G.I. Joe line is expanded to include "Eagle Eye" (with moveable eyes);
"Bulletman" (the first superhuman team member); "The
Intruders" (aliens from another world with "Crusher Grip" arms;
introduced as Adventure Team's arch enemies) and "The Defenders" (a
line of rotationally molded mannequins in G.I. Joe tradition).
1977
G.I. Joe "Super Joe" with laser lights is sent into the world of space
adventure to defend the universe in a new 8-inch size. G.I. Joe line is
strengthened by adding G.I. Joe with "1 -2 Punch," as well as numerous
super-hero allies and alien enemies.
1978
G.I. Joe's domestic marketing discontinued due to an increase in the price of
petroleum, a major component in the manufacturing of plastics.
1982
G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero re-introduced in new 3-3/4-inch size. G.I. Joe
line consists of 11 (9 Joe's and 2 villians) fully poseable action figures
complete with molded uniforms, weapons and vehicles representing modern army
designs of the future. Launched popular G.I. Joe licensing program with Marvel
Comics -- over 45 licensees secured by year-end.
1983
Expansion of G.I. Joe line is one of the most aggressive in toy industry
history. Includes introduction of Destro - primary G.I. Joe adversary. One of
two top selling toys in 1983.
1984
G.I. Joe brands sells over $150 million and $50 million in licensed product. The
USS Flagg, an aircraft carrier, highlights the year's introduction as the line
continues to expand into versatile vehicle and figure assortments.
1985
G.I. Joe introduces enemy Drednoks as adversaries of G.I. Joe. G.I. Joe ranked
best-selling toy in America according to Toy & Hobby World.
1986
Professional wrestler Sgt. Slaughter is first real-life person to become a
member of the G.I. Joe corps.
1987
William "The Refrigerator" Perry of the Chicago Bears becomes second
real-life hero to join G.I. Joe team. The Defiant Space Shuttle Complex is
introduced. This is the first year G.I. Joe is sold in the European market. The
first "G.I. Joe Search for Real American Heroes" is conducted to honor
heroic children around the country.
1988
G.I. Joe introduces Battle Force 2000 -- a futuristic combat unit equipped with
weaponry and vehicles. Also introduced are the Phantom X- 1 9 Stealth Fighter
Vehicle and the Tiger Force vehicle line.
1989
It's G.I. Joe's 25th Birthday!! G.I. Joe line is enhanced by increasing
state-of-the-art arsenal and adding Slaughter's Marauders combat unit and two
new Tiger Force vehicles. Cobra attempts to keep up by unleashing the Python
Patrol. The second "G.I. Joe Search For Real American Heroes" is
conducted.
1991
G.I. Joe Eco-Warriors are introduced to battle Cobra's destruction of the
Earth's environment. The figures carry water shooting accessories and have color
change features. Eco-facts are included on the back of every package. The third
"G.I. Joe Search For Real American Heroes" is conducted. Over 550
youngsters were nominated across the United States. First 12-inch figure since
the 1970's is introduced as an exclusive market test with Target stores. Entire
shipment of 25,000 pieces is sold-out in the first day. Live action advertising
is used for the first time.
1992
G.I. Joe called in to help the Drug Elimination Force (D.E.F.) to combat drugs.
This year, Cobra isn't the only enemy ... drug dealers are creating a new battle
on another front. Hasbro coordinates in-school program teaching children the
dangers of drugs as part of the National Federation of Parents' Red Ribbon Week.
The Hall of Fame collection marks the re-introduction of the 12-inch figure.
Duke, Stalker, Cobra Commander and Snake-Eyes are back and ready for full-size
action.
1993
G.I. Joe breaks into separate themed armies including Battle Corps (military),
Star Brigade (space), Ninja Force (martial arts), Hall of Fame (12-inch
figures), and Mega-Marines (Monsters). First video game characters. To date,
over 250 million G.I. Joe figures and 115 million vehicles have been sold.
1994
G.I. Joe marks 30 years with the "G.I. Joe 30th Salute" Celebration!
30th Salute commemorative figures are introduced in 3-3/4-inch and 12-inch
sizes. New TV and print advertising support blow-out first mail-in figure
promotion in six years.New introductions in Battle Corps, Star Brigade, Hall of
Fame and Ninja Force expand the line.
1995
A new line of G.I. Joe's are introduced and are centered on the latest Joe hero
-- Sgt. Savage. The new line of G.I. Joe action figures are 4-1/2-inches tall.
1996
G.I. Joe Extreme, standing 6-inches tall, is launched as the all new G.I. Joe
line, fighting the evil forces of SKAR (Soldiers of Kaos, Anarchy, and Ruin).
Support includes an animated television show and comic book line. Collectors are
thrilled as G.I. Joe, the All-American hero, is re-introduced into the main line
as the G.I. Joe Classic Collection. The new Classic Collection is similar to the
original 1964 toy with its 12-inch body, and full articulation (moving joints),
but is appealing to adult collectors with its wide range of authentically
detailed military themes and personnel from around the world. These new 12-inch
figures include the U.S. Airborne Ranger Parachutist, French Foreign Legion,
U.S. Army Infantry, British SAS, and the Australian O.D.F, all in exquisitely
detailed packaging with original hand-painted artwork and narrative stories
about the missions, history, and contributions of the particular G.I. Joe.
1997
The first G.I. Joe 12-inch female figure, a U.S. Army Helicopter Pilot is
introduced. It is the first female figure to be released since the 1967 G.I.
Nurse. Product packages contain the label "G.I. Jane". Also among the
15 Classic Collection figures released were tow Tuskegee Airmen (fighter and
bomber pilots) form WWII, General Patton and Eisenhower, a Mercury Astronaut and
Space Shuttle Astronaut Robert Crippen, a Fourth of July/D-Day Salute figure,
and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient figure -- Francis S. Currey.
1998
The third year of the G.I. Joe Classic Collection expands to offer 20 new
figures, released throughout the year in six assortments -- Armed Forces
Assortment, Modern Forces Assortment, World War II Assortment, Military Sports,
Hollywood Heroes, Historic commanders, and Holiday Salute. The Armed Forces is a
new segment of G.I. Joe offering a more basic entry for younger and new
collectors, with a 12-inch size, packaged on a blister card and sold at a $14.99
price point. Hollywood Heroes features Bob Hope from his U.S.O. days, and the
Military Sports Assortment showcases classic football rivals Navy and Army in
their game day uniforms. The second female in the Classic Collection makes her
appearance -- the 82nd Airborne Division. Also noteworthy are the 442nd RCU
Japanese-American soldier, and Generals George Washington, Colin Powell, and
Omar Bradley.