GI Joe - A Guide to G.I. Joe & GI Joe Toys

G.I. Joe toys appeal both to modern day kids and to collectors of vintage G.I. Joe action figures.  The original G.I. Joe action figure began life in 1964 when he was first produced by the Hasbro toy company.  The toy's origins stretch back further though, all the way to a World War II era cartoon figure. 

There was even a movie in 1945 about G.I. Joe, but it wasn't until almost 20 years later that the merchandising potential of the character was unlocked.  Since the debut of the action figure in 1964, the name G.I. Joe has become a brand that describes an entire associated line of action figures, toy vehicles, and accessories. 

G.I. Joe toys can be divided into different eras, based on the products Hasbro was releasing at the time.  The current line of toys is the Sigma 6 line, and there is an associated cartoon series.  For collectors of G.I. action figures and memorabilia, important factors to consider are the condition and rarity of the toys being purchased.  As with most collectibles, toys sold in their original, undamaged packaging are usually the most valuable. 

There are a number of reference websites for collectors to help them identify and evaluate the action figures and memorabilia needed for a complete collection.  One good way to begin a collection is to start with a particular theme (e.g., the G.I. Joe Real American Hero figures that were produced in the 1980s and early 90s) and build a collection around it.  Considering that there were over 500 G.I. Joe Real American Hero figures produced between 1982 and 1994, that should be quite a project!