G.I. Joe, the world's first action figure, is turning 50.
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| Original 1964 G.I. JOE Action Figures |
Toy company Hasbro first introduced G.I. Joe at the annual toy fair in New York City in early 1964, and since then has remained a popular brand. G.I Joe came in four variances representing the four branches of the U.S Military.
Here's five things you need to know about G.I. Joe:
His birthday.
G.I. Joe was introduced in either February or March 1964, depending on whom you ask. Collectors and the manufacturer, Hasbro Inc., say it was February at the American International Toy Fair in New York. But fair organizers say it was held in March that year.
Toy as tribute.
Don Levine, Hasbro’s head of research and development, came up with the idea while returning home from combat as an Army infantry sergeant in the Korean War. “We protected each other and loved each other. Something had to be done to honor these people.”
40 years to fame.
G.I. Joe hit shelves in time for Christmas 1964, going on sale for $4 apiece in boxes identifying him as “America’s Moveable Fighting Man.” It was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2004, six years after Barbie was enshrined.
A death and rebirth.
Sales sank in reaction to the Vietnam War as parents shied away from military-related toys, leading to an “Adventure Team” line that played down the military connection. Into the ’70s, G.I. Joes featured “lifelike hair” and “kung-fu grip” and were outfitted with scuba gear to save the oceans and explorer’s clothing for discovering mummies. Production was halted later in the 1970s. In the early 1980s, G.I. Joe was reintroduced as 3 3/4-inch figures, the same size as figures made popular by “Star Wars.”
Passionate fan base.
Over the decades, G.I. Joe has spawned comic books, cartoons and two movies starring Channing Tatum. The action figure has an official G.I. Joe Collector’s Club, which holds an annual “GIJoeCon” convention. This year it’s in April in Dallas.
Hasbro said it intends to announce details of its 50th anniversary plans during this year’s fair in New York on Feb. 16-19.--Source: The State (SC)