TIME Magazine has picked GI Joe as one of the top 100 most influential toys from 1923-present. Allie Townsend of TIME writes:
In 1964, during the Cold War, a new kind of “doll” emerged on the toy scene — and this one wasn’t sitting still. Marketed to boys, Hasbro’s G.I. Joe was a moving, talking “action figure” that came with a volume of war accoutrements that would make Barbie’s shoe collection seem frugal in comparison. Hasbro established the character as a macho war hero and, more importantly, the anti-Ken. Though they were nearly the same size, Hasbro’s marketing campaign couldn’t have been clearer: This was a boy’s toy. Depending on your household, G.I. Joe was either carrying out dangerous missions of war or driving Barbie around in her pink convertible, but he never suffered from an identity crisis. Along with the toy, Hasbro fostered a series of comics, a television series, video games and even a feature-length film.While the 12″ GI Joe figures started it all, the 3.75″ scale figures have been popular since their introduction in 1982, with even more companies embracing the popular scale now. Through the years, GI Joe has evolved over the years, and Hasbro will be kicking off the GI Joe 30th Anniversary(the anniversary referring to GI Joe A Real American Hero) line later this Fall, with modern interpretations of classic, iconic items mixed with toys from the ongoing GI Joe Renegades series. Through all the ups and downs, GI Joe is still here, nearly 50 years after its debut.
SilverOptimus says
"G. I Joe" has made it to the Time Magazine’s All-Time 100 Greatest Toys list, today.
"In 1964, during the Cold War, a new kind of "doll" emerged on the toy scene — and this one wasn't sitting still. Marketed to boys, Hasbro's G.I. Joe was a moving, talking "action figure" that came with a volume of war accoutrements that would make Barbie's shoe collection seem frugal in comparison. Hasbro established the character as a macho war hero and, more importantly, the anti-Ken. Though they were nearly the same size, Hasbro's marketing campaign couldn't have been clearer: This was a boy's toy. Depending on your household, G.I. Joe was either carrying out dangerous missions of war or driving Barbie around in her pink convertible, but he never suffered from an identity crisis. Along with the toy, Hasbro fostered a series of comics, a television series, video games and even a feature-length film."
G. I. Joe is not alone. Hasbro’s My Little Pony and Transformers also made it to the 100 most influential toys from 1923 to the present.
Check out the full list at Time.com.
Congratulations G. I. Joe!
D00MTR0N says
very cool
brock Samson says
Where is Lego? This writer is a moron.
RolandofGilead says
Legos - All-TIME 100 Greatest Toys - TIME
SilverOptimus says
joedelta says
Are parents and some grandparents had alot of the same stuff as we did as kids(legos, potatoe head, barbie, gijoe). So why do they bitch they didnt have toys like we did? lol
Red Herring says
What, no Inhumanoids?
RuckusJr says
This list loses all credibility with the inclusion of Zhu Zhu pets and Ferbie.
Red Herring says
I didn't actually click the link, did Visionaries make the cut?
Dawg99 says
no Thundercats hoooooooooooooooooooo
Keep reading: G. I. Joe Chosen As One Of The All-Time 100 Greatest Toys By Time Magazine - Page 2
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