The History of GI Joe: A Real American Hero (1986 Edition)

[@mr.t8355]

I feel so fortunate to have grown up in this era! Rushing inside the house as a kid after school to watch Heman GIJoe, Thundercats Silverhawks was a dream come true, The lession and morals that were taught were priceless and dear to my heart . Thank you Michael! Yo Joe!

[@StryderK]

Love how his tape deck is Blaster from the Transformers. Lol.

[@oO-_-_-_-Oo]

Yes! 😊

[@rshipley21]

Can we all just take a minute and appreciate the amount of work that went in to naming each figurine, playset, vehicle and such. The more of these videos I watch, the more I realize how much effort was put in ahead of time. Thanks Ron Friedman and Hasbro! Edit: Hey, thanks for the love!

[@gabebx4038]

It really is the best in depth to every character and the detailed into the vehicles and storytelling of the cartoons it’s just crazy way ahead of its time

[@billsimms2511]

Yep I still go back and read the gi Joe character bios. It was technically kid stuff but in reality it was deeper. Lots of thought went into it I agree

[@CapitanJusticia]

@@billsimms2511 Thanks to the great Larry Hama!

[@SeanHowell]

This was the Golden Age of G.I. JOE. I will never forget those days and those toy shelves!

[@MarcdelaCruz1]

Agree!!

[@JoeSelf1982]

G.I.JOE ARAH 1982-1986 is the best five year run of any toy line in history. Like, it’s not even close. Great video as always, good sir. Nerdmaste and YO JOE!!!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Joe! My favourite era too!

[@reecejordan24]

Couldn't agree more! Yo Joe!

[@tmntmania]

i have to agree with you

[@fandabidozi3191]

Imagine if Hasbro could get their act together and get these toys back on shelves at affordable prices like Mattel has with their Masters Of The Universe Origins line

[@Barada73]

The introduction of Serpentor was when they started to lose me as a kid. That along with the move from realistic looking vehicles and uniforms to a more science-fiction setting. But I would hold on until about mid-1987 before my interests shifted over to comic books, then Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 1988. For me, the concept of GI Joe is strongest the more grounded in reality it is.

[@parlowderick]

I felt the same way. When I first started seeing the advertisement for Serpentor I thought he looked more like a Spider-Man villain than a G.I. Joe villain . For me it was the point that I noticed that they were moving away from what the line originally represented of a somewhat believable concept to more outlandish characters and vehicles. Personally I thought they started adding too many characters around this point and they became less distinctive from each other.

[@MSgt_0699]

Same here

[@CapitanJusticia]

I get what you mean but they already had some supernatural elements before Serpentor, such as ghosts. The creation of Serpentor was cool to me as a kid since it delved into history and science (DNA). The movie was what took it too over the top for me, but I still enjoyed it. I guess you must have liked the comics better since they were more grounded. except for the Transfomers crossover of course.

[@brandonr8269]

Yeah, I held on for another year I think and then briefly again in 88 but even solid offerings like Repeater didn't woo me back after 87 opened the exit door so wide.

[@drozwalker9]

1986 was an excellent year for GI Joe. Recently I just acquired a Thundermachine and a few Dreadnoks. I'm slowly reuniting the family. The Sears exclusive Dreadnok vehicles are very rare and can be considered grail pieces. Thanks for another great video.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Droz!

[@iNeverHadMercy]

1986-1987 was a helluva span from GI Joe, to Transformers, Thundercats, He-Man and on and on ! Miss the good ole days

[@parisite99]

The amount of editing in this was impressive. Hell of a video!!

[@lo1bo2]

Cobra Commander's line about being a great stand-up comedian is probably an inside joke, since the voice actor really was a stand-up comedian!

[@charlesdavis4887]

lo1bo2 Was thinking the same thing.

[@jokerproduction5135]

That’s what I was thinking lol

[@destini5799]

lo1bo2 he actually used to be on married with children.

[@SwivelAxl]

I love how both of the series Chris Latta voiced in made fun of his normal profession, both “this is bad comedy.” And “I should have been a stand up comedian!”

[@DasNordlicht91]

IMO, 1986's a top 5 year for GI Joe. Memorable characters and vehicles introduced, as well as the last full season of the Sunbow cartoon.

[@raulzavala9061]

I was ten years old in 1986 and I too was noticing a more sci-fi aspect with both G.I.Joe and Transformers because I was collecting both at the time and the shows were maturing as I was, 1986 was also when my friend introduced me to the Marvel G.I.Joe comic and I was blown away at seeing characters die that it reignited my comic collecting.

[@theinfofficial]

This was SOOOO GOOD, thanks for uploading. I'm 42 and recently started to want to recollect my joes from back in the day. This year (86) was the absolute peak for me and this video really locked that in for me. With all that there is too recollect (really wanting my Slice and Dice back lol) I was looking for a starting point with the serious recollecting and I have now decided on 86. I have some loose joes that I got from a comic store and I got a good deal (3 for $5) one of em is iceberg v2 and another is double blast who i didnt know wasnt roadbloc because i wasnt messing with joes at that point. then I have a cobra officer from the 2000s as well so the only one that is close to where i wanna be is the v2 iceberg. anyway, thanks again for making this video, loved the pace and use of clips and all the info. GREAT WORK , I subbed btw.

[@Trindal]

I spent every dime of allowance and birthday checks all on GI Joes. My dad bought me the aircraft carrier for Christmas but my mom would take any gifts he sent me and say it was her or “Santa”. For the longest time im3as only allowed to get Joes. My Stepbrother got Cobra when he stayed with us and both sides at his moms. That first night I had the carrier setup I think i slept on the thing my mom finally divorced that stepdad and for a while I didn’t have to worry about me or my mom getting hit. Unfortunately in remove most of my collection disappeared. Even the carrier got thrown in a shed with pieces lost. I always thought Cobra had some cooler vehicles. The aircraft that had the drone on its back like the SR-71 Blackbird(my favorite aircraft in the world) was really cool. We used to set up little track we could send guys down on skis. And of course every kid’s favorite thing, making paper clip grappling hooks and making zip lines from one side of the room to the other.. man I miss my G I Joes....... and really miss my micro machine collection.

[@evilsdemise1287]

That was my favorite year of GI Joe, those are the figures I remember most on the playground. Thanks for the awesome video!

[@dirtyd2316]

I remember getting the Tomahawk for Christmas and was so excited after I opened it I immediately started playing with it and didn’t even want to open the rest of my presents that year. Watching these videos brings back so many good memories I had as a kid.

[@mdkcerclear5510]

Thank You, Mom and Dad for making Great toys like GI-JOE when i was a kid, I like the WHOLE TOY COLLECTION and Cartoons to go with it , i was glad to be a boy , i Love when 🇺🇸 Christmas come around back in the 80s

[@slayer40sw]

My whole childhood revolved around G.I. Joe. It was my life. I grew up poor in East LA but I had a huge imagination with my only 4 figures. Flint, Gung-ho, Sgt Slaughter, and Beach Head. I always dreamed of seeing the USS FLAG in person but still haven't. I'm 42 now and just last week I found G.I. Joe socks and wore them with pride... but unfortunately my girlfriend didn't agree. She's gonna really lose it when I go on a shopping spree thanks to this video. When the newer movies came out I almost vomited...by the way, did everyone forget Sgt. Slaughter was supporting the Iraqis with General Mustafa (Iron Shiek in Iraqi uniform) in the WWF?🤔 There's gotta be a poll on how many kids enlisted in the military due to G.I.Joe's influence...

[@RavensAgenda1]

Beachhead made this wave for me, but it's so hard to pick a favorite lol. Great job as always!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Adam!

[@MichaelMercy]

G.I. Joe is still deployed at BIGBADTOYSTORE: bit.ly/BBTStoys

[@malaciczahkhav2480]

would you ever do more years of history of gi joe?

[@Mr.EmeraldTheGreen]

Please please please continue the history of GI Joe through the years!!! It’s been so awesome watching the 1982-1986, seriously reliving my childhood! And even seeing things released that I had never seen or heard of before, mainly the exclusives. But your videos are like little time capsules of my childhood! Thank you so much for that, and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE continue with the next year,and the one after that, and the one after that, and the one after that, and the one after that!

[@Tr0nzoid]

This was the year when I got fully into the toy line, later than most people my age. I got more vehicles and it's the only year where I got all the new figures. Sadly, I didn't get the Cobra Terror Drome though. Little playsets and vehicles like the L.A.W, the Surveillance Port and the Devilfish weren't just for "kids who couldn't afford the big" stuff, but for anyone filling out the equipment. I often wanted the small stuff just as much as the big stuff because it served a purpose.

[@keltrepes2534]

G.I. Joe- A Real American Hero is simply the greatest action figure line ever made.

[@nicolekoch1332]

This was brilliantly done. Your use of animation, staged skits, camera work (slow panning, zooming in, etc.) and editing are really professional. I would also like to note that your lighting is excellent as I never have to strain to see what you item of focus is as you go from character to character and vehicle to vehicle; all at a pace that is never too slow or feels rushed. Here's to looking forward to 1987 EDITION. It is comforting to know you already have the biggest items from that year in your museum, so gathering the smaller stuff should be easy by comparison. YOJOE!!🇺🇸🙏👍👍✌

[@Hammerhead547]

Fun Fact: Sgt Slaughter and his "battle battalion" of AWA wrestlers also defeated the legendary monster truck Bigfoot in a tug-o-war which was broadcast live during a USHRA show in minneapolis in january of '86, it would also be included on the Blood, Sweat & Gears video that was released that summer.

[@ericharris262]

Finally! The year I really got into G.I. Joe.

[@iwanttoseemrshow]

14:50 "Cobra's got a new hydro sled and that's real danger-ous for GI Joe" LOLOLOL that was awesome!

[@spanpt]

Wow! Thanks so much Michael! I’m stunned at your production quality! The special effects, the camera work amd lighting-it’s all awesome!

[@NateBreidenbaugh-gg7fs]

I love that a large part of these videos is actually playing with the toys. Brings back loads of memories. Thanks!

[@viper575theviperiscoming4]

My favorite Dreadknock quote...Destroy the foundation...and the rest come tumblin down

[@RetroRoamers]

Beach Head was my favorite figure out of the ones I owned for this year. Terror Drome I never had. That’s probably going to have to be added to my bucket list.

[@woodman29]

The time ,effort and love you put into your videos are recognized and absolutely appreciated Michael!! You never disappoint, U ROCK BUDDY!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks! 🙏

[@Mustaschy]

Love this G.I Joe history. I´m looking forward to some more and the Tiger Force Edition.

[@jq7169]

Tigerforce and Python patrol oh yeah Sky patrol personal favorites.

[@Trindal]

Man I remember getting my Sgt.Slauter

[@CarlBeatty]

Awesome review. Watched with the kids and my wife at breakfast. Just recieved the dvd set for the first season for my birthday yesterday! Love these years of joe! Yo Joe!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Carl!

[@ryanleatigaga7596]

True story: When I first saw the episode with Sergeant Slaughter a few years back, my testosterone levels increased by 5000%. Now I can benchlift weights with just my mind alone. YO JOE!

[@ShitaviousJenkins]

I find myself laughing way too hard at the reenactments and dramatizations! Fantastic work,had been looking forward to this! Great content, thanks from a new sub!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks! :D

[@sammylane21]

Dr. Mindbender..... the only Scientist with a six pack.😂

[@leiasolo1]

Looking forward to 87 and 88! Great work! I checked out by 89, still have all my childhood joes, replaced all their o rings as well a few years ago. Can't wait for new videos! Keep it up!

[@YodaPagoda]

People seemed to think Dr. Mindbender was crazy, but he had a dignity about him. Plus, that Cobra cape he wore was awesome! That Thunder Machine was completely Mad Max-inspired. I had all the Drednoks! Even Zanzibar! I had that Special Missions set with Claymore! The cassette it came with is downright bonkers.

[@thefantasticdrill788]

My absolute favorite year, I love 1990 and 1984, but this tops them all.

[@dustycrosley486]

I have always considered myself 'checked out' after 85 but after acquiring a minty fresh complete Beachhead I have newfound interest in the 86 line. Also, your videos always have a way of peaking my interest in things I would not have normally considered collecting. Thanks for another incredible review Michael. NERDMASTE!

[@tdfowler79]

86 has some great figures. Beachhead and Low Light are both 2 of the best figures in the whole line. Viper is the best army builder IMO alongside BATs. Serpentor is not widely loved... but I'm a fan of that figure. I thought that story arc was one of the better ones that GI Joe the show ever did. The show made that character interesting, because on its own, the figure is pretty weird/lame.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Dusty, glad you enjoyed it!

[@Scopay73]

The last good year of GI Joe. I still love the ‘82 team best but this was a good line up.

[@IM-xs3uv]

Awesome video. Really appreciate the lighting you displayed much of these with. The Night Raven and Serpentor particularly looked menacing.

[@abueloorgulloso]

Thank you for sharing this! I can tell a lot of hard work went into making this. It is very much appreciated. 😊

[@MichaelMercy]

Glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend.

[@cowpuddles4851]

Not my favorite year for GI Joe, but easily in the top four. I loved how much time you spent on Sgt. Slaughter. He was great as a character. Thanks for this video!

[@rickyspanish4440]

I agree. 86 was the BEST yr for G.I.Joe!

[@mulletboater]

bringing back some memories. Looking back, its strange how the toy designs utilized the foot pegs to accommodate passengers in spaces that would never have passengers. standing on the bumper of a moving truck, standing on the railing of a moving helicopter, standing on the ledge of a moving boat....

[@billpagan3070]

Michael, I absolutely love these segments!😁👍 I can see all the special attention and detail you put into these and it is awesome. Thank you for taking the time to make these. I can say I watch these multiple times because they are great. One request though, please continue through 1994 pretty please!!!😁😁😁

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Bill! Glad to hear it. For sure, '94 and beyond! Yo Joe!

[@torritaite2880]

My science teacher in Junior High knew all about, Serpentor back in the day!

[@MrGinoo1]

I was 10 years old In 1986. What a great time to grow up with all these cool gi joe figures and vehicle’s 👍🏻

[@LEEeveryday]

This was so fun to watch, and such a blast from the past... I'll never forget picking up a new action figure at Toys R Us or Childs World..

[@dehnermdeleon]

Great observation on the digital background. Me and my twin bro love Dialtone and Mainframe as a comms and IT expert back then. Got the Devilfish vehicle, Zandar and Zarana recolor. The collector showcase flag is still with me now I gotta go back home and check out my joe toys. We already got the 86 toys and was waiting for this to come out on air on Philippine Television (which came out very late). Good thing we had a Betamax rental store and "The rise of Serpentor" blew our minds since the new characters are already showcased there. Eversince they aired we record all episodes we can muster. But good thing Hasbro is now airing (even live) their animated series on KZbin. YO JOE!

[@dcdrew3]

This was so awesome to watch,...especially how you had the toys mimic the cartoons. & Sgt. Slaughter taking care of the trash like he was the terminator, & grunting / growling like Mr. T. LOL! I was LMAO the whole time. I bet it was a blast to setting them all up to make this video. Again, AWESOME Job.

[@invictus84]

Michael this was your best work yet in my opinion! That x35 cloud shot ❤️

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Mikey! Yo Joe! 💥

[@Gappasaurus]

3:12 “...I don’t USE any deodorant!” 😆

[@wendymcbride7728]

I loved my Night Raven! I got it Christmas '87 I was six. and my grand parents unboxed it and and set it up under a white snow covered (fake snow)Christmas tree with blue lit Christmas lights. And that G.I. Joe X-wing fighter but the Raven.. Man what a lucky kid! Thanks for the vid lots of positive nostalgia!

[@slowpoke96Z28]

8:34 “problem solved, problem staying solved...rangers lead the way.”

[@jamescraven4340]

Fantastic job my friend, I enjoyed reliving a few moments of my past!

[@calvinhobbes6118]

I got the Tomahawk for Christmas that year and it was easily one of my favorites, as was the Thunder Machine w/ its Trans Am front end! Loved the Dreadnoks!

[@jasonmoran1179]

The title says "The History of GI Joe 1986". I read: all the cool toys you had when you were 9. I click. Thank you.

[@AgentNevets]

This was so good. All your history of videos are my favorites.

[@EBUNNY2012]

1986 was the peak for the '80s line.

[@gregrandolph]

Most of my Joe figures and vehicles are from '86, so I've been looking forward to this retrospective for a while. I loved how Leatherneck and Wetsuit were going at it throughout. Fantastic job, and thank you for taking the time to share your great videos with us.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Greg! :D

[@arkits2460]

Got some major nostalgia vibes from this. Thanks for bringing back all the great childhood memories...

[@MichaelMercy]

Glad to hear it, Yo Joe! 💥

[@eightbit1975]

I owned almost all of the toys featured in this video. On my 11th birthday my parents took me to Child World and allowed me to pick out a large playset. They had two USS Flagg's there and I immediately ran over to it. Guess what, they said no way. Not only was it over $100 (it was $109.99 IIRC) but the bigger deal was that the box was too big they claimed to fit in the car. Right next to the Flagg was the Terror Drome for $49.99. I chose that. I loved the Terror Drome and played with it for a few years until it kind of sat in the basement for some time collecting dust. It was just so big and I had really nowhere in my room to store it, and it wasn't like I could easily move it around. After some years I got bored of it and it sat in a corner. Until one day when I decided when I was around 14 to have my OWN battle against Cobra. As much as it pains me to reveal this now, I shot the Terror Drome up with my newly acquired Crosman Air Rifle. I have no idea why I did that. I always took great care of my toys as a kid (most I did not even play with and they went immediately on display on shelving units...yeah...I was a weird kid) but for some reason I did this to the Terror Drome. I cannot recall what happened to it after that. My parents may have tossed it, or maybe it ended up being sold as is at one of our yard sales. So, if someone out there owns one with a few hundred BB holes (and a few embedded into the plastic)...now you know why.

[@everetth-top4760]

My brother had the Night Raven. It was such an awesome toy!

[@tednugent8200]

Love your videos! I was 12 in 86. Had all this stuff, including the Flagg. Remember rushing home to watch the cartoon!

[@YodaPagoda]

Oh man...that Sgt. Slaughter sequence was EPIC!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Yo Joe!

[@veritech1020]

'86 was a life-changing year for me. My family sold our ranch, and moved to a small town. The kids at the old school were huge Transformers and G.I.Joe fans. The kids at the new one weren't. Aside from just a few of them, the kids there were far more into sports and "just hanging out" than imagination or reading. It didn't help that the Joe and TF cartoons were changed to early mornings on weekdays, either. So for me, G.I.Joe peaked in '85, even though I did get a decent number of the '86 Joe's for birthday and XMas. It just wasn't the same after that.

[@Thyrialin]

Awesome job as always! Here in Finland we got Action Force instead, I dont think I ever saw single dreadnought toy on the shelf

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Teemu! Yo Joe! 💥

[@StoneyHoliday]

thank you for what you do michael mercy

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Joe! :D

[@vuxnut]

Oh man, I did not want this vid to end. All of your vids have Such fun editing on a subject near and dear to my heart.

[@rodimus371]

Man I loved my sgt slaughter figure ! The memories man. Thank you for posting and making such amazing videos . They make me feel so alive and young again . 🙏

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks, glad to hear it. :D

[@allopez907]

Best time of my life . Playing with my joes! Makes me so sad that the 80s were the best for kids and now it’s gone forever

[@magnumrex]

This was really good. I like the info and different takes on the toys I have/had as a kid.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks!

[@Menleah]

What a great video -- this must have been a huge amount of labor. Thanks for making it!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Colt, Yo Joe! :D

[@BubblegumCrash332]

This is the line of Joe's I grew up with I was born in 81 so I was two young for the early versions. But when the GI Joe movie came out I was all about GI Joe

[@tylongkicks8821]

Same with me. I was born in late 81

[@waskerbasket9601]

Im also a Texan who prefers cold over heat

[@bobbystickel5107]

Holy cow I just discovered this channel and it’s brilliant!!!

[@kibagami74]

Great video Michael, your editing is really top notch. Yeah 86 was the last big year for me too, sad to see Sunbow wrap up production but all good things must come to an end. I vividly remember that Christmas, I got the Terror Drome, most expensive and largest toy I ever got, think it was $50ish back in the day. I passed on some of the more outlandish vehicles, 87 would be the very last year I bought any new Joe toys, the combination of the outlandish designs and puberty kicking in spelled the end of G.I.Joe days, for a while anyway.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks! That was an awesome Christmas!

[@Ship-security]

I recently re-watched the old GI Joe cartoon, going back and watching it as as an adult, I loved how they made the team sniper the guy that always has nightmares.

[@gerainthorton8980]

I've seen video's of people discussing how the HAVOC was ugly or impractical but after only having a few MOTU vehicles it was great to something so big. Going through my box of toys recently I forgot I had a Thundermachine. Also think I saw a Swampfire all wrapped up which was another nice surprise. Great work again Michael.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Geraint!

[@benjaminkenobi21]

Just discovering this channel, and the G.I. Joe stuff is really enjoyable... excellent presentation where you pose the figures and go into detail about each... loving it

[@joebarrett2746]

A big salute to Mike. Thank you for the video. I recently had to sell my entire collection, so seeing this truly warmed heart. I'm hoping when the movie comes out next year I will be getting back into collecting again if the money is available. I miss my GIJOE bigtime. Keep cranking out the cool vids bud and thanks again.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Joe!

[@dalesanteford7432]

Saturday mornings with Michael Mercy Toy Museum GI Joe history 1986 my favorite year for GI Joe I also enjoyed the movie my favorite character Sergeant Slaughter and my favorite vehicle is the GI Joe havoc

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Dale. Yo Joe! 💥

[@wrp4955]

That was Joe Terrific! 👍 I rewatched all the other history of G.I. Joe earlier this morning with a big bowl of cereal. Haven't done that in years. Lol. Thank you for these videos.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Wes!

[@teslasuperdestinations]

86, the last great line! I was lucky enough that my mom & dad had a small toy shop as as well as my aunt . . . so I was indeed living the GI Joe access dream as a kid. great collection!!! envious!

[@MrPeterson74]

These history videos are awesome. Please keep up the great work!

[@facetina]

Great stuff man, you nailed it! This was more entertaining than watching an actual GI episode!

[@outtour2525]

Awesome video! As a kid I got into joes during the 25th anniversary and the rise of cobra toy line, might try and go back and collect some of my favourite characters!

[@redfin01]

I had a great time watching this video and going down memory lane. Thanks for all of your hard work in piecing this great video together.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks! Glad to hear it. :D

[@AlcheMinister]

2:02 Wow that was extremely cool how you did that; guess it helps to have all the Joes to realize that.

[@OldManTheseDays]

This is excellent!!! This year got some flak but it had some of my favourite figures... and as unpopular as he’s become because of the neon- I LOVED Sci-Fi. He stood out to me with those somewhat garish colours! His ultimate fate was getting repainted silver and becoming Robocop 😂

[@totalrobot]

It's weird, I Ioved SCI-FIs colors as a kid, but now not as much!

[@MichaelMercy]

Same here, loved Sci-Fi. I think it was because he was the anomaly instead of the rule.

[@domtaylor1887]

My favorite part is when the Sarge gave the beatdown on Skeletor, Mumm-Ra, and Megatron. Great video! You are one of the best channels on KZbin.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Dom! Yo Joe! 💥

[@rickzane6433]

I like the DNA anecdote with your teacher. Happened to me as well when my history teacher asked what was the USSR equivalent of the Nato Pact. I raised my hand and said "Warsaw Pact". Teacher asked me how I knew that. I said it was written on file cards of Cobra operatives.

[@Its.Chad.]

Thank you so much, Michael. Was well worth the wait 🙏🏼

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Chad! 🙏

[@_The_Worst_]

This was indeed another fine history lesson...💯✔😌

[@silverbackgorillagang8906]

We had all the Transformers, Star Wars, and He-Man collection also. Loved the DreadKnox, especially, the two twins who changed color in the sun.