1983's single carded figure releases..

The class of '84..

1994




and, as a bonus , the Palitoy era Cobra Stinger

Gotta love the original years. I actually even liked the later years except all the dang rocket missiles firing pieces. The figures were really cool I thought but the oversized crap and all of them having rocket firing stuff was way over board. I also remember when they had some that had backpacks that were permanently attached to them that made sound, the size of the pack to the figure would crush a normal person in a real scenario. I think those were the worst figures I ever had of gi joe stuff.

Those later electronic backpacks & rocket launchers did reach loony-tune proportions It was the neon colours that put me off, it all got way too cartoon like for me.. there were some superb figure designs, in the early 90's, with great sculpting detail that were totally ruined by poor colour choices.

I really do like these 30th Salute figures as they're a nice no to the past..


Plus I think it's kind of ironic that Hasbro finished the G.I.Joe line opposite to how Palitoy started their Action Force range... i.e. scaled down versions of larger figures.

Long term goal achieved, I've found a replacement shell deflector shield (that's been missing from the gun barrel) for the Cobra A.S.P.

I had a few of these but almost all of them "snapped" in the middle. Wish there was a way to fix them... My favourite and still in one piece: Storm Shadow classic version. I will post photos later.

Do you mean the rubber ring gave way? That is an easy fix, if you mean the crotch piece snapped that can be glued back too, really they are pretty fixable all the way around. Held together via screws so opening them is easy. I am sure we can give you pointers if you need them fixed. I dont have any Joe's anymore except for the mail away brigade figure. I may have a handful of other random ones somewhere in the attic but I had all of them from 80s-late 90s and traded them in for credit at a local comic store back then. I am reluctant to get back into them because I know I would want them all again.

Those are wonderful news! Just to think of all my GI JOEs back to life again...!

The good folks over at Retroblasting made a great video on replacing the O-rings


O-rings are easily obtainable on e-bay, some sellers even sell kits that include the correct screws too.

The figures are easily taken apart to repair & replace broken parts..

OMG... where did I put all my figures?

Old Joe's are probably some of the best figures made in the way they can be taken apart and fixed. You can search around and find the size of o ring you need. They sell some exact copies in local hardware stores and many places online. Just make sure you get the right size as getting one to small can cause stress problems and i have seen people say they caused fractures to the waist of the figures by being to tight pulling the legs to the torso.

Not sure if the newer Joe's have the same breakdown as the older ones. Havent gotten any in a long time so don't know if they still have screw closure and stuff. I do think newer Joe's heads are different and now come on ball joints unlike the ones from my childhood. Though I may be wrong on that but have seen gracefully for sale for Joe's that appear to be missing the neck post like the ones I am familiar with.

Will have to look for something similar down here cause there is no Old Joe in the south of the american continent. lol

Joe figures are constructed much like the Star Wars Black Series figures, the small detailing can be amazing.. things like pistols & knives that can be removed from their holsters etc.

I'm not a collector of modern figures but did get this one (a G.I.Joe collectors club exclusive) as part of a special convention offer:

COBRA!

Modern Knock-Off/Factory Produced "custom figures"..





I've no idea why Hasbro haven't taken legal action against or had these figures banned from sale, maybe the design patents have lapsed or they're just not concerned by these

Wow, where did you find these bootlegs at? What country do they originate from?

The cobra above are these variants the middle back one appears to have different complexion to the left, the front has a gold.mark on hat, etc..I didn't know so many versions existed.

Hi Bryan,

The set of 5 (against the red background) are official Hasbro product, I think they were a Toys 'r' Us exclusive army builder set from either the late 90's or mid 2000's.. I got them second hand, I'm not very familiar about this period of G.I.Joe.. I think there should also be a sixth figure & maybe more weapons? (I believe there were G.I.Joe "Green Shirts" sets too)

Here's a couple of close ups,



The Knock-Offs can be found on e-bay, there's a couple of sellers the most famous going by the name "The Black Major". It started with the standard Cobra Trooper figure being produced in lots of different colours & camo's but now a wide variety of different figures & even parts combinations to create totally new figures are available. In hand the quality of the plastic is't as good as the originals (yet) but they're very good.

Here's a good starting place to discover more about these Knock-Offs..
https://repro-joes.blogspot.co.uk/

Here are the other two bootleg troopers in my collection:


Upon closer inspection both these figure include all of the correctly placed Hasbro trademarks & copyright dates..

(From, 2011) Lifeline: