Classic Comics: Marvel G.I. Joe - A Real American Hero (#1 -10)

[@ba6428]

I’m the proud owner of the first 139 issues (original single-ish floppies) of Marvel’s GI Joe (along with complete runs of Special Missions and European Missions) and you’re right - there is a difference reading the originals versus reprints. Looking forward to your impressions of 11-20, where the story really gets going.

[@harbinger1861]

Hama G.I Joe is the only comics I collect anymore. Thanks for the video!

[@jameslynn7271]

So my first comic that I bought was GI Joe #3 off the shelf. And growing up it was really the only one I bought every month. I stopped collecting when they hit around 84-89, it just got too weird and sci-fish, plus college and the Army. But the first 50 issues were really top notch. I got back into collecting when I retired from the army and my first mission was to complete my GI Joe run, which I did. I eventually went to a comic con and got Larry Hama to sign some of my original books, including #3 which started it all. And now it's encased in a CGC holder and will be with me forever.

[@woodman29]

I’m with ya Michael, nothing like the look and feel of the original comics nostalgia. Great video ,enjoy your weekend!! Nerdmaste’ 😁

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks. You as well, Yo Joe! :D

[@tigerbread78]

@@MichaelMercy When you mentioned your face at the start I knew where you were going with this. I went through the same thing with Jack Kirby's Fantastic Four, his art pops with the old colouring best (the Thing's colouring looks way more nuanced) Thankfully with digital you can have both, that's what I did.

[@michaelmorales2979]

I still remember picking up issues here and there with my pocket money back in the 80s. Once I was in college, my youngest brother and I turned it into a joint collection and would hunt down issues in comic shops where ever we went. It was until about 5 or 6 years ago that he managed to track down the last few issues from the North American run. We have a couple of second print issues, but we have a complete collection we enjoy. Now, I'm sharing them with my sons. Thanks for doing what you do to rekindle the memories of all the greatness we got to experience in the 80s.

[@Cybertrontoys]

The characters are not rotated out, the comic is VERY different from the cartoon and the toyline, and that's due to the fact it was written by Larry Hama for it's ENTIRE run.

[@stinny72]

To me, the GI Joe comics were always "cannon". The cartoons were cool, and I loved 'em as a kid, but they were definitely the watered down, "kiddie" version of Joe. Larry Hama and his experiences as a Vietnam vet were on full display in the comics and the characters were fleshed out in a way that the cartoons just could never do. Plus-- Storm Shadow vs Spirit? No. Storm Shadow vs Snake Eyes? YES!

[@redvitaminblue]

I'm still floored by the fact that commercials for GIJoe comic books were broadcast on network television. I remember some of them, but it still seems unreal. Comic book culture is, for better or for worse, part of mainstream popular culture now, but TV commercials for comic books in 2020? You just don't see them. (maybe because most people/kids don't read for pleasure anymore)

[@MichaelMercy]

Here's an interesting tidbit on that from wiki: Since the commercials were technically promoting the comic books rather than the toys, they allowed Hasbro to circumvent television regulations mandating that toy commercials could not contain more than ten seconds of animation.[2] By not showcasing any characters and toys outside of the comic book context, they were able to include a full thirty seconds of animation.[17]

[@SamGuthrie1977]

I'm convinced it's "for the worse." I hate so-called geek culture; it's helped ruin comics. RVB, dude, I'm telling you -- you need to bring the channel back. That Demon Bear Saga video alone you did was worth keeping it up.

[@burtreynolds2969]

I have an original GI Joe #1 in mint condition. Not a reprint, and it doesn't have that grainy dotted look to the illustrations. It's very crisp and the ink almost looks wet and shiny. It is an original 1982 first print. I can't believe how bright the colours are. Almost glossy like.

[@lo1bo2]

Good points at the start of your video, Michael. Two more things I enjoy about owning the original issues - 1) Being able to read the letter columns. You get a feel of what readers thought at the time, along with what the editorial responses were. 2) Looking at the vintage ads. Old video games, TV cartons, etc. It kind of pulls you back in time, especially if you are old enough to remember that stuff.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks! I used to love reading the letters too. They were precursors to internet forums and comment sections. It's a shame they aren't included in the omnibus releases but luckily they're still there in the scans of the original comics.

[@SamGuthrie1977]

Agreed. I always collect in back issues because it's a more fun reading experience. Unless it's simply unaffordable to the buy the originals, that is.

[@GreyHulk2156]

I appreciate that you, and many others, prefer the look and feel of the original comics but I personally prefer these clean 'restored' versions myself.

[@RansomeStoddard]

The first 50 issues of that Marvel series were amazing!

[@agnethaladuff8559]

Nice video of the G.I. Joe issues 1 to 10 book, it look nice enough to have and read the first ten issues from the original comic book series. Thanks for showing the book, you so totally rock Michael Mercy.

[@littlewookiee7780]

This was a great Sunday morning watch 👍Thanks for putting this one together Michael. Hope you have a good day good brother ........ YO JOE!!!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Yo Joe! :D

[@sg7335]

The first issue of GI Joe was also released as a Marvel Treasury Edition.That was what I bought at a local drug store.It was really cool seeing the pages in larger format.A few of my classmates at the time also went out and bought the Treasury Edition.GI Joe was a pretty big deal when it came out and it gave us guys something to enjoy and bond over.Great memories!

[@MrEd20901]

Now i have to go back read these. Was trying to finish my star wars.i remember sitting in the magazine aisle of the grocery store reading these while my mom shopped. I thought it was a great run, definitely better than the cartoon. There are some issues where they do seem to be more "advertisement" for the toys but most were at the end of the run. Keep up the great content.

[@nathanielpercell5238]

Issue 2 is my favorite issue ever. I love the whole run and I think its great that it is still ongoing.

[@stephens4175]

Love this! back when they were new, I picked up issue 2, 6, 8,10. I love those so much, with the original paper and smell, gonna go hunt them down at a shop where I live that has a bunch of those, good reads. Wish I never got rid of them, had a lot of them as time went on. good vid, keep rollin with the 80's Yo Joe!!!!!!!!

[@ernieslair2992]

Thats right I have 8 long boxes of comics the majority are older books, nothing like the look and the smell of the books

[@alextaylor3815]

I was so lucky to read these comics as they came out brand new and having the play sets.

[@gerainthorton8980]

I brought volumes 1-3 a few days ago. Been in a rough spot lately been reading these to pass some time and to keep my mind occupied. It's working. It will be could to get through to volumes 2-3 to see how they develop the characters etc.

[@zzzombie888]

Before I even view this I'm gonna say that the first 10 issues were awesome and then issue 11 introduced all the second wave of characters/figures!

[@jC-kc4si]

Issue 1 showed a profile for 'shooter' a never seen in person Joe team member. I asked Jim Shooter about this character being a reference to him and he replied on his webpage that he didn't recall the character. The final episode of SPIDER-MAN and his Amazing Friends had the villian look exactly like Jim Shooter. Again Jim Shooter was unaware that he was made a villian and his likeness was used without permission.

[@evilsdemise1287]

I don't know how it happened but this channel along with RedLetterMedia and Robert Breaker are the only channels I find myself waiting for new videos everyday. And along with those channels I'm never disappointed. Thanks for the uploads Michael! Yo Joe!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks! Yo Joe! 💥

[@drozwalker9]

Great review of the first ten issues of GI JOE. I have always enjoyed turning each page filled with wonderful artwork and adventure. I would love to revisit reading them with a completely different perspective based on life experience.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Droz! I definitely appreciate them now more than when I tried to read them earlier in life. So true that the page as a whole is important. Reading either the original comic or a digital version on a tablet big enough to display the entire page instead of having to scroll through parts of it really adds to the experience.

[@WeareCreative360]

as a kid I always looked for the monthly newest edition. got kinda tough to collect when G.I. Joe: Special Missions and Tales of G.I. Joe came out right along with the regular series, but was awesome!

[@redvitaminblue]

You nailed it -- authenticity is the operative variable. I have digital versions of many comics from my childhood, and they absolutely lose a lot of the authenticity present in the original floppies from 30 years ago (the textured effects of newsprint paper, the old physical printing techniques that were used, the era-specific ads included in each issue, the smells). There is noticeably something sterile and homogeneous about the "improved" quality of these reproductions, especially if you have memories of experiencing the source material at the date of publication, fresh off the printing press. The thing about nostalgia is that we yearn for a sliver of the original experience we had with these remembered artifacts, not facsimiles. The original experience is transient, therefore intrinsically special; facsimiles are not, despite often being labeled "Special Edition."

[@MichaelMercy]

Beautifully written. Thank you. 🙏

[@rgsniper2]

Back when I was in school a "friend" of mine stole roughly the first 75 issues and some special missions from me. I actually saw them in his room tucked away (confirmed by sneaking a look at a cover I knew I had damaged), but I never said anything because I knew it would be the end of our friendship.... 30+ Years later, we don't talk at all (of course)..... man I wish I would have gotten my GI Joe comics back from him back then, friendship be damned.

[@neuromancerXL]

Love these comics and I love Larry hama

[@abrahamdeweese5882]

Love it. keep doing videos like this

[@TheNightBadger]

I only got into Joe comics when they were being reprinted over here in the UK as both back-up strips in Transformers, and within their own comic (later) when they were still called 'Action Force'. I also found the reprints missing the pulpy dot-matrix comic style printing off-putting. I still find - even when digitised - they look better with the imperfections. Sometimes it's the flaws that make something beautiful! For those people that don't know, but might be interested; the UK Action Force comic (it was a weekly that lasted about a year - 50 odd issues, and a monthly that also lasted about a year), contains a lot of original stories featuring Joe's that American's would never have read. Some of the UK Transformer stuff which was written after the US comic ended is considered among the best, and while I won't make that claim for the UK Joe stories, I think for completists they're well worth seeking out.

[@MrChristopoop]

My friend obtained some of those weekly Action Force issues. The covers were painted if I remember correctly and the books were printed in a larger magazine size. I enjoyed the few I got to read. I did not have the funds at the time to buy any issues.

[@eltenda]

Classic indeed

[@raulzavala9061]

I have the IDW trades but I could never part with the single issues, seeing the vintage ads and reading the letter columns were always fun.

[@DareDevilDave75]

I actually began watching the cartoon and collecting the toys because of my love on the comic as a kid. While most of my toy collection destroyed in hurricane Katrina, I was able to salvage all of my old comics. As I go back trying to reacquired my old favorite toy line, it’s been these original comics that have kept my love with this line going

[@shipped_my_pants_3000]

All of these collected issue trade paperbacks should be shooting up in value right now with the current renewed interest

[@RobberStormfire]

I got into G.I.Joe by the comics. I started out when issue 9 actually came out. Larry Hama had me and my friends enthralled. We all thought Quinn was so cool. To us, the cartoon wasn't real G.I.Joe. I still have like issues 1-100, the originals. The original comics if you can get them are definitely the way to go. Destro, the Baroness, and Cobra Commander were much better characters in the comics vs. cartoons.

[@christianbrix5211]

Great stuff, Michael! Will you be reviewing the whole Marvel run?

[@MichaelMercy]

Hopefully!

[@susanfit47]

G.I. Joe is part of the Marvel Comics banner line that ran for about 12 years, from June 1982 until December 1994, and joined its place in history, along side other titles like Conan the Barbarian, Kull, Ren Sonja, Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze, Elric, Fun Manchi, Fah Lou See, Adventures of the Planet of the Apes, 2001, A Space Odyssey, Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle, The Hands of Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu, Logan's Run, John Carter, Warlord of Mars, Star Wars, The Island of Dr. Moreau, Godzilla, The Human Fly, Battlestar Galatica, Rom: Spaceknight, The Micronauts, Shogun Warriors, Star Trek, Team America, Dragonslayer, Smurfs, The Dark Crystal, James Bond: For Your Eyes Only, Blade Runner, U.S.-1, Questprobe, The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones, Crystar, The A-Team, Tarzan of the Apes, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai: Across the 8th Dimension, The Transformers, Sheena, 2010, The Last Starfighter, Dune, Sectaurs: Warriors of Destiny, Starriors, Heathcliff, Labyrinth, Sledge Hammer!, ALF, Count Duckula, Willow, Solarman, Groo the Wanderer, Police Academy: The Comic Book, RoboCop, RoboCop 2, Camp Candy, Darkman, Mighty Mouse, Zorro, Barbie, Barbie Fashion, The Toxic Avenger, Double Dragon, Terminator 2, NFL Superpro, Captain Planet, Pirates of Dark Water, Bill & Ted's Excellent Comic Book, The Destroyer: The Adventures of Reno & Chiun, An American Tail: Fievel Goes West, James Bond Jr., Kid 'N Play, Defenders of Dynatron City, Hook, WCW World Championship Wrestling, Toxic Crusaders, TekWorld, Fish Police, Ren & Stimpy, Mad-Dog, Meteor Man, Transformers: Generation 2, Biker Mice From Mars, King Arthur and the Knights of Justice, Beavis and Butt-Head, Rocko's Modern Life, No Escape, Coneheads, the Disney-related comics series, The Disney Afternoon, Gargoyles, Skeleton Warriors, Phantom 2040, Disney Comic Hits!, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Ninja Rangers/VR Troopers, Earthworm Jim, Independence Day, the Star Trek-related comics, Casper, Men in Black, Kidz Water Hydrators, and the Muppets. Shortly after the final issue, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero Special #1 was released in February 1995, containing alternate art for issue #61 by Todd McFarlane. The cover of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero Special #1 is a reprint of that series’ issue #61, but with art by Todd McFarlane. It look like an homage to McFarlane’s Spider-Man Issue #1, published in August 1990.

[@nicolekoch1332]

FYI to all interested: seek out the IDW collected editions and pass on the Marvel Comics editions that collected issues #1-50 into 5 TPB/graphic novels because those particular volumes often left out pages of certain issues of comics. One volume even had pages printed out of order, but when IDW began reprinting from the very beginning they fixed that along with some color corrections whenever possible. They are great for reading while traveling and sharing with friends or kids. I have every issue in original comic form and those do not get handled by anyone else. The individual comics are immensely helpful with responses from Larry Hama to "in universe" storyline questions which is the ONLY thing I do not like about the IDW collected volumes. At least after G.I.JOE: A.R.A.H. #200 they brought back POSTBOX: THE PIT letters page and it is still a regular feature in every issue today. YO JOE!!🇺🇸👍👍

[@SamGuthrie1977]

Michael, I agree on the paper quality thing. Comics made before the digital age do not look right on the heavy paper stock with the new coloring. I was lucky and completed my run of original issues on this series back in the early 2000's before prices went really high. I hope you do the whole series, my friend. We seem to have the same tastes in pop culture, so I think you'll enjoy it. No spoilers, but in the 20's you start getting the backstory on Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow's relationship, 50 gives the origin of Serpentor, and in the 70's you'll get the awesome Cobra Civil War! After issue 100 or so, the story gets a little too ninja-centric for my tastes, but I gave Larry a pass on that. I figured that was Hasbro mandating selling of some of those new ninja Joe figures. It reminded me a bit of when you reviewed the art of GI Joe book and how weird the line became toward the end. But regardless, the first 100 issues or so are one of my favorite comic runs of all time. As much as I loved the cartoon, Larry's comic was awesome at setting up backstories, establishing deep lore, and creating long running subplots that kept me engaged. Keep up the awesome videos, brother. I watch them all.

[@jeff0247598]

Agree 100%. This is why digital comics will NEVER replace the tactile element of holding, smelling, feeling and reading a real comic book. I love buying older comics that I loved as a kid and reading them (carefully) and just getting lost in nostalgia. You can't replace the smell of opening a 30+ year old comic book. Probably sounds gross to people who aren't comic nerds but hey, to each their own!!

[@adammorris9429]

The MCU should re-do a real action GI Joe movie! After all its marvel comics.

[@maverick7291]

It's crazy how a few years makes a difference. 3 years ago, you could have gotten a mint condition gi joe #1 for 20$. Now you can easily spend over 200$ for the same thing

[@GanjaStarburst74]

13 "Real American Heroes" Fighting Against A Twisted Version Of The American Dream...Wrapped In Serpent Red, Sterling Silver,......& COBRA Blue. ALL. HAIL.

[@filmakerz]

It was post Vietnam America. The military was looked at as "dirty" and an all volunteer force was just established. G.I. JOE was trying to swim these waters. My question Mr. Mercy, as a fan and a writer, how would say a Buzz Dixon/Larry Hama do the Joes 2020?

[@MichaelMercy]

I think Larry's stories from the 80s are timeless and would resonate just as well today.

[@SamGuthrie1977]

Larry's still writing GI Joe. Issue #270 came out this week. IDW Publishing picked up the license a few years ago. They hired Larry to return as writer and pick up where he left off at the end of the Marvel run, which was #155.

[@nicolekoch1332]

@@SamGuthrie1977 you are absolutely right. The return of Larry Hama on G.I.JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO began in May of 2010 with the Free Comic Book Day issue of #155.5; and as of 2/5/2020 has reached issue #270. The storyline is also set in our present, so it isn't locked in the past or alternate universe to the Marvel run.🇺🇸

[@supremeasiaticallah2303]

I had a few of those comic books

[@peterang78]

Anyone used to think as a kid, the comics are set in the same continuity of the cartoons? Before we realize it in a different continuity.

[@MichaelMercy]

Yup! When I realized they were different, I started to be ok with parts of them overlapping and having 100% continuity.

[@zzzombie888]

LoL.. my biggest gripe with the cartoon was that air battles and exploding helicopters and planes always had little parachuting survivors.. I had read the comics way before the cartoon came so I was annoyed that the show was so lite on the actual violence that these conflicts actually would turn into. Also now I see what you were talking about in the beginning.. with the "enhanced" versions.. nothing besta the original smell.feel and coloring styles of the originals.

[@zzzombie888]

Issue 2 may be my all time fave of the entire run.

[@greenlanternhg5141]

After this I recommend you check IDW’s Devil’s Due run, it’s really good and it picks up where this series ends but like 10 years maybe 20 I don’t remember exactly after 🤔

[@171QA]

Yeah, I understand what you mean.

[@TurtleTrackin]

Nah. "Ranger" was what he was. Like "sailor" or "soldier." Regarding some of the ambiguities of Hawk's command, remember Vietnam is a close memory for Larry Hama as he writes GI Joe.

[@robertrains9819]

I wish hasbro films would respect GI-JOE

[@josephzanabriadelgado1210]

thanks for this amazing video !!! do you know how many volumes have GI Joe: A Real American Hero: Omnibus: Volume 1? I want to get them all

[@brett8481]

I read Marvel Joe run in original comic form and still have all the issues today, and have only read them in that form. Not sure I should try reading them in HD online now on Comixology? Now that you've read #1 thru #10, maybe now would be a good time to read the Devil's Due Declassified #1-#3. Hama wrote it so it should be canon to the original series, and it takes place before #1 showing how the team was assembled....and then shows events during #1 involving the mysterious 14th original Joe.

[@chewiep1976]

Did the copy of # 1 that you read not have the second story (Hot Potato) in it? I have the original issue from when I was a kid, and I remembered looking through different versions of the reprinted trades (and I agree, the recolored pages do not work) that didn't have that story reprinted.

[@MichaelMercy]

Yup, it was in there. Great story!

[@aquaticace4576]

I started owning Joes I would like info for how to take care.of em

[@tycondrius23]

is that a visionaries shirt ? kinda looks like Leorics Lion form ?

[@MichaelMercy]

It's a wolf by Liquid Blue.

[@jeenkzk5919]

I wonder why the reprints are always missing Hot Potato in number 1

[@MichaelMercy]

That is weird. It’s a great little story.

[@raulzavala9061]

The trades always leave it out but I think the reprint sister title Tales Of G.I.Joe has "Hot Potato" in it.

[@RecoilCDS]

I like to pretend they didn’t write issues 1-10. Even though the story lines from those issues, would be relevant in the plot of future stories.