In 1982, Hasbro introduced their G.I. Joe: A Real American hero line of action figures, beginning what would be a decades long run of popular military-based toys. To promote their toys, Hasbro released animated TV commercials, which were so popular that a five-episode miniseries aired in 1983. Another miniseries followed in ’84, and the ongoing cartoon series finally began in ’85.

The series followed the G.I. Joes, an elite branch of the US military populated by colorful characters like Duke, Snake Eyes, Lady Jaye, Snow Job, Lifeline, Scarlett, Dial Tone, Cover Girl, Roadblock, Flint, Sgt. Slaughter, and many others. Their mission is to defend America, particularly from the nefarious Cobra organization, led by the likes of Cobra Commander, Baroness, Storm Shadow, Destro, Dr. Mindbender, Zartan, and Zarana. Cobra attempted to gain power and destroy the G.I. Joes in ways both diabolical and humorous, but are always thwarted when the Joes show up to save the day.

G.I. Joe is a spotlight section in Hake’s current premier auction, featuring everything from card art to prototypes to rare action figures and other toys. The G.I. Joe items are led by preliminary card art of Big Boa (Cobra trainer) and Raptor (Cobra falconer) that is close to the final designs used on the blister cards. The image area of Big Boa measures 8” x 9-1/2” and Raptor is 9-3/4” x 11” on 15” x 20” Bainbridge board. They feature mixed media art and have attached vellum overlay with pencil notations.

The Iguanus wax 2-up sculpt prototype was part of the Manimals toy line that was planned for release in 1994. They were intended to be the next phase of the “Lunartix Empire Star Brigade” figures that are larger than the average G.I. Joe figures and had transforming ability. Hasbro canceled the toy line before figures were produced. The detailed wax sculpt features resin and metal interior parts and stands approximately 10” tall.

The Dreadnok Ground Assault Series 5 vehicle AFA 75 is a Sears exclusive motorcycle with cannon and 4WD vehicle with rockets. It is one of only four sealed examples graded by AFA.

Some of the highlights from the early toy lines include Baroness Series 3 32-back AFA 80 (peach file card), Spirit Series 3 34-back AFA 85 (peach file card), Storm Shadow Series 3 36-back AFA 80 (gray file card), and Snake Eyes (V2) with Timber Series 4 36-back AFA 80 (gray file card).

The variety of top material includes the Nightforce Series 1 tunnel Rat and Psyche-Out Series 7 AFA 85 two-pack Toys “R” Us exclusive, Cobra Ninja Viper Series 11 bagged mail-away figure AFA 85, Hasbro Europe G.I. Joe Tomahawk Series 5 vehicle AFA 60 with the helicopter and Lift-Ticket (G.I. Joe pilot) with an Italian/Spanish box, and Cobra Stellar Stiletto Series 7 vehicle AFA 85+ is the single highest graded example.

Hake’s Auction #241, featuring 2,120 lots of pop culture and Americana memorabilia, is closing next week on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 30-31, 2024.