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OF COURSE YOU KNOW THIS MEANS WAR

THE HISTORY OF "GI JOE"

1964

G.I. JOE makes his debut as an 11-1/2 inch "doll" with 21 moving parts. He is named Joe after the movie "The Story Of G.I. JOE." G.I. JOE becomes the first boy's "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 two 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.

1999

The Adventures of G.I. JOE is introduced, with adventures of Save the Tiger and Challenge at Hawk River. The Greatest Heroes are introduced with replicas of Ted Williams, Buzz Aldrin and Theodore Roosevelt are launched. In celebration of G.I. JOE's 35th Anniversary, a Then & Now 2-pack is released with a replica of the original G.I. JOE.

2000

Talking G.I. JOE returns! The Navajo Code Talker, a WWII Pacific Theatre Marine that actually speaks 7 phrases in Navajo and has English translations, is launched. Also, a military police figure is launched who could speak 11 different phrases! Along with these figures a couple of new exciting features are introduced, a Bomb disposal G.I. JOE with exploding bomb that detonates if disarmed incorrectly, and Jungle Recon with a machete slashing arm. Later in the year, G.I. JOE launches its special 3.75 inch figure 2-packs commemorating the original G.I. JOE of the 1980s.

2001

A special series of 4 Pearl Harbor figures are introduced commemorating the 60th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The first Hispanic figure is launched earlier in the year. Two Congressional Medal of Honor recipients are celebrated: Roy Benavidez and Audie Murphy. A series of 4 figures are launched with mission specific duties that come with all the gear and accessories to complete two missions with the launch of Double Duty figures. Finally, G.I. JOE is back on TV with two commercials airing in the fall.

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