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The guy that originally started this is GI JOE, America's first 12-inch, fully-poseable action figure. That's right, I said "Action Figure", not doll! Since the 1960's GI JOE has made a very large impact in a child's life. Many of the older "children" remember their first days with their Joe, and want to rekindle something of their youth, and so they search endlessly for a Joe, sometimes finding what they are looking for, and other times not so lucky. Habro, the makers of the figure, began an entirely new era with GI JOE, beginning with creating the larger version of their 3-3/4-inch line, and then progressing on into what is now called "The Classic Collection". Without getting into the vintage or Hall Of Fame figures, I am going to put the classic collection as far back as 1996 and on up to today's figure assortment. Sorry guys, I just don't have the room on my site for all the Joes. Besides, I can always add them later.
In 1996, Hasbro decided to bring Joe out into the market in a big way. A thoughtful line of current modern military soldiers was introduced and these included:
Each figure contained a limited accessory set and weapon, uniform, over-sized dog tags, and headgear. Also during this time accessory sets were released that carried the name, "Mission Gear". These included:
As before, in 1996, 1997 promised a whole new line of figures and accessories. The figures were the same quality and articulation as the 1996 line, and included basically the same number of accessories, weapons, and gear. Two new "Mission Gear" sets were also introduced in 1997. These figures and accessories included many new ideas and assortments.
Historical Commanders Series
World War 2 Series
Independence Day Edition Series
Modern Forces Series
Mission Gear Sets
1998 seen an entirely new line of figures and accessories, as well as a few new ideas, such as deluxe boxed Mission Gear sets, and exclusive limited edition figures. The 1998 line was also the first to see carded, NOT boxed, figures, in a new series entitled, "Armed Forces". These figures sold for less than $15 and did not include all the accessories that came with the boxed figures. Four new figures from the Modern Forces series also sprang out to life. IF that wasn't enough, four WW2 figures also joined the line. Plans to do a figure of Tom Hanks, for the movie Saving Private Ryan, were scrapped, and it was decided to make the figure a regular addition to the WW2 series, available to collectors only. Hasbro also continued the other series as well, bringing the total up to 24 figures and adding a few newer figures to the line. In addition two new Mission Gear sets, and two Deluxe Mission Gear sets were also added to the line.
Modern Forces Series
Mission Gear Sets
Historical Commanders Series
World War 2 Series
Independence Day Edition Series
Armed Forces Series
Deluxe Mission Gear Sets
