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GI Joe Toys Are Usually A Boy's Toy |
By:
Lane Klein |
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GI Joe Toys
The term action figure came into common usage because boys would not want to be associated with dolls. The phrase was first used when GI Joe toys and figures came onto the market in 1964. Produced by Hasbro, they were immediately popular and influenced the next generation of toys for boys, including the British produced Action Man.
The franchise taps into American patriotism and a go get them attitude. Joe is assisted in his battles with enemies by equipment and gadgets. Adults are very nostalgic about their childhood GI Joe toys and pass their passion to their children. Hasbro are aware of this nostalgia and have brought back old lines, with some re-designing, for today’s generation. The arch enemy Cobra Commander was the brainchild of a writer on the Marvel Comics staff and his figure was first seen in 1982. Still intent on controlling the world, he reappeared in 2007 for a special 25th Anniversary edition.
The 1970s was a period when the martial art of Kung Fu was all the rage. Joe was given a Kung Fu grip, which enabled him to execute Kung Fu throws against his enemies. He was also able to do a Kung Fu kick. This figure was also reintroduced, using the original packaging design.
One of the most popular lines in the series is the Real American Hero GI Joe toys. The Cobra Medi-Viper Modern Army figures are front line medics who treat the wounded. The R.H.I.N.O (Rapid Heli-integrated Neutralizing Offensive vehicle) contains a Cannonball action figure, helicopter, weapons and missiles.
Vehicles and their accessories are a lucrative part of the range in GI Joe toys. The GI Joe R.O.C.C (Rolling Operation Command Center Vehicle) is an all terrain vehicle with a jet, Long Range action figure and missile launcher.
The Sigma 6 Mission: Ocean Attack set contains a Thunder Wave jet boat and a Wavecrusher, deployed to destroy the Cobra headquarters. There is also a torpedo launcher and a Duke figure. The Sigma 6 Arctic Vamp Multi Purpose Attack Vehicle also has Duke and Long Range figures and the equipment includes twin rocket launchers and a snowplow.
The toys have gone through various versions and themes, influenced by the political climate of the time, including the 1970s Adventurer line, which put the emphasis on adventure and spies rather than the military. Joe also appeared with a beard during that decade and the first African American Joe was introduced.
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Article Source: http://www.statssheet.com/articles/article63136.html |
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