But don’t you know that the said pack of action figures has evolved throughout the years? And this has made its classical debut way back in 1963? Here are some tidbits of history fans and supporters might want to know.

Stan Weston, a toy creator has viewed the warm success and embrace of the Barbie doll franchise for girls. It was at this moment that he came up with a franchise counterpart that will be marketed for boys. This will now be like a Barbie-line on a different theme, which would be a military one. The director of Hasbro at that time namely Don Levine approved the idea and named it “The Story of G.I Joe” inspired from the 1945 movie of the same name.

The first breed line of the G.I Joe action figures was launched in 1964. It was truly a Barbie counterpart because it is 12 inches as well. There are four figures then branching from each line of the Armed Forces. However the 12 inches toy figures ended in 1976.

In 1982, it was re-launched successfully when Hasbro created smaller scale figures to compete now with the Star Wars popular franchise. With such an innovation, Hasbro even made a variety of vehicles and even play sets. 12 years later the smaller G.I Joe action figures were cancelled and revived in 1998 exclusively by Toys “R” Us.

In 2000, the 3 ¾ inches came back to the toy shelves. It was then in 2002 that the G.I Joe was associated with G.I Joe vs Cobra. The releases then are closely associated with the said tag line. Then it was followed with “Spy Troops” and “Valor vs. Venom”.

In 2005 after a quick hiatus Hasbro then released Sigma 6 G. I Joe action figures which constitutes toys of 8 inches. The 3 ¾ came back but was referred to as direct-to-consumer line available at retails geared towards its avid collectors. 25 years later since its first release, Hasbro commemorated this silver achievement by releasing another collection. This is a newly sculpted small scale action figures replacing the classic “o-ring” waist with a swivel chest figure with more articulation points.

Since then, the G. I. Joe action figures have been circulating in the market. What was once a set of four figures became a full fledged line of US protectors and its soldiers. With such an achievement, the said line would definitely be a top toy market commodity especially amongst kids catering not only to boys but also to girls as well. This is indeed a perfect holiday gift come the season of sharing.

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