Evolution of GI Joe Action Figures

Boys Action Figures | July 29th, 2010 | G.I. Joe action figures

“I’m always on the lookout for good information on G.I. Joe  history and wanted to share this with you.  Not sure of the original author, if you know, please post it in the comments so I can give them credit”.

The story of G.I. Joe started with an American cartoon soldier created in 1942 and spawned a sizable industry over a few decades. GI Joe action figures have inspired many young American to serve the country and defend the nation. The Official G.I. Joe Collectors’ Club has held the annual meeting for ten years. The 10th annual convention was in New Orleans 2006 with Sgt. Slaughter in attendance as a special guest. The success of GI Joe story is both a commercial success and the evidence of American heroism. In fact, many recent G.I. Joe action figures are based on both military and civilian real-life heroes – Dwight Eisenhower , Bob Hope, John F. Kennedy, Colin Powell, Ernie Pyle, Theodore Roosevelt and George Washington.

On June 17, 1942, G.I. Joe was debuted as an American cartoon soldier created by David Breger in the military‘s YANK magazine. The name of GI Joe entered into household in America with the release of a movie The Story of G.I. Joe in 1945. Toy industry was the driving force behind the commercialization of GI Joe brand. For instance, The actions figures from Hasbro toy company featured the members from all four branches of the armed forces; Action Soldier, Action Sailor, Action Pilot and Action Marine. With the heavy promotion from toy industry, GI Joe had become a household name toy-line brand, the synonym of military and loved by young boys and male adults by the middle of 1960s.

The story of GI Joe has been influenced by every war that the United States has been involved. Even though in 1970 the Vietnam War, toy company Hasbro had re-branded GI Joe as adventure figures to downplay the initial war theme of G.I. Joe. The name of GI Joe frequently appeared in TV and newspapers when reporters traced war heroes who were fascinated with GI Joe action figures or GI Joe collectables before they served in the military.

A new line of GI Joe toy has been launched every year since the middle of 1970’s – solider GI Joe, adventure GI Joe, Kong Fu GI Joe and Star War GI Joe. The creation of new GI Joe action figures are influenced by both major military and cultural events in the states. GI Joe actions figures have become favorite gifts for boys. Many male adults are passionate about GI Joe collectables. Like engraved gifts, GI Joe action figures are unique and special when it comes to the gift giving.

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Are Boys Action Figures getting too buff?

Boys Action Figures | August 8th, 2009 | boys action figures

Are Boys Action Figures getting too buff?

Wolveriine-Boys-Action-Figures

If you’re a collector than I’m sure you have noticed your favorite action figures seem to have hit the gym and maybe the medicine cabinet.

Favorites like the G. I. Joe action figure have gone from equivalent measurements (that’s the scaled up version..as in if they were real humans) of 31.7″ waist, 44.4″chest , 12.2″ biceps in 1964 to a whopping 36.5″ waist, 54.8″ chest and 26.8″ biceps by 1988.  Now that’s some master buffing-up.

A lifesize equivalent of the Wolverine action figure would equal a 62″ chest and 32″ biceps.   Not your average guy.

So does all this bigger equate  to better?

Some studies have claimed that the increase in muscular physiques may explain the increase in Bigorexia, a condition akin to the more common anorexia that seems to inflict mostly teenage girls.  With bigorexia, it is boys and young men that are most affected.  The studies claim that the boys action figures put unrealistic expectations on young boys leading to Body Dysmorphic Order (BDD).

Many of the researchers have claimed that the increase in BDD correlates to the increase in the muscle mass of boys action figures.

My opinion is that it’s more likely that the increase in BDD correlates to the increase in Steroid use and availability in this Country and has very little to do with the kind of toys or action figures available.  Correct me if I’m wrong but doesn’t the use of steroids cause psychosis?  Have you ever heard of a toy causing psychosis?

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G. I. Joe Action Figures Invade Salvation Army

Boys Action Figures | August 6th, 2009 | G.I. Joe action figures, boys action figures

G. I. Joe Action Figures Invade Salvation Army

G. I. Joe Action Figures

G. I. Joe Action Figures

Capt Rick Ray of the Galesburg, Ill Salvation Army had a welcome surprise when an annonomous couple donated 79 G.I. Joe action figures to the Galesburg Salvation Army.

Included in the boys action figures dream collection are two boxed Classic Collection General Dwight Eisenhower figures and two Gen George Patton figures from the same collection.  Rare finds indeed.

But that’s not all…

The collection also included everything from US Navy Blue Angels to a parachute team from the Army Golden Knights and even a Battle of the Bulge Soldier.

Mercury and Apollo 13 Astronauts were also represented.

G.I. Joe action figure collectors everywhere will be taking notice and will want to follow the EBAY Auctions.

According to Capt Ray, the donation could not have come at a better time, although he could use some additional helping hands with the Ebay listings and research.

To learn about the G. I. Joe action figure collection or to volunteer to help Ray with his Ebay efforts contact :

Anyone wanting to volunteer should call 309-342-9168 and ask for Ray.

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