The History of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1987 Edition)

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[@BryanBassWME]

I collected up to 94. I only got a few by then. Yes, I was 17 and still buying toys. I'm 46 now and still buying toys. My basement tells my story. And I loved the movie(1987). The new toys feel like a reunion for me. And I love watching your history videos. My big 3 are star wars, Masters of the universe, and GI Joe.

[@lonewulf44]

I'm with you. Keep them safe. Lost all of my own collections and memories with a house fire in 2010. It's been rough even trying to regain some of the lost items. But toys never get old :)

[@alexisdeacon8727]

Same story here :)

[@Apena926]

You're the man....Lol.... I collected til I was 13...probably stopped in '91... '92

[@stevesleg]

Same here but I think I’m a bit older. My last Joe was Salvo in 7th grade.

[@michaelcarey3410]

I'm 47 and my extra room tells my G.I.Joe story

[@stormsigma]

I loved all the commercials with their songs that are basically 80's rock guitars while gruff-voiced studio hourly talent singers just sing the descriptions of the toys and how nobody can beat GI Joe. LOL

[@DethMetalMetrosexual]

The 1987 and 1988 years were probably my favorites. I was 8/9 and I remember reading the little booklets and wishing I could have every figure and vehicle.

[@BobHansenJokes]

So glad you did this; this was a fun look at 1987 Joe. Yes for all those who think 86 was the last great year, and those who say it's 85, and those who only like up to 84 (yikes guys, live a little), 87 was a huge all-out year. I think the lack of Sunbow representation for so many of those figures, vehicles and playsets hurts the memory a bit, which just goes to show: it's about the characters, not the plastic. :)

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Bob, happy to hear you enjoyed it. Agreed about characters, not plastic. Glad Marvel was still going and giving us a few glimpses at least of some of these characters.

[@rhysredin3030]

My cousins were three years older than me and had many 84, 85, and 86 GI Joes. My folks didnt think I was old enough to have toys with tiny parts until 87, so this is the GI Joe I remember.

[@cmataxis]

My daughter just watched 23 minutes of this, and the only reason we stopped is because we made it home. You, sir, are a magician, keep up the great work.

[@MichaelMercy]

Be sure to let her know her daddy helped a lot. Thank you kindly, sir.

[@stevenlaroche7800]

1987 was a better year than I thought! Some really great characters released that year! Great video!!!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@jonsamila8229]

Just picked up Taurus from the flea market, completed his gear, completed my Renegades, turned on the 1987 movie to celebrate, and then you release this!! So happy!!. These are the best. Thank you.

[@Hawkgold]

I actually think that this is your best GI Joe “year of” video that you’ve done. Delved deeper into some of the ancillary products to the toys. Well done.

[@damionchudleigh9244]

I remember sending in the proof of purchase coupons, and I got a GI Joe belt, a figure, and personalized dog tags.

[@filmandpage1138]

This line up had one of my all time favourite figures. Techno Viper! I got him for my birthday, and I loved him.

[@cowpuddles4851]

This was the end of my GI Joe tour of duty. I picked up a few characters here and there after, but ‘87 was the last year I seriously collected. Great review as always, Michael!

[@cquinn4555]

Mercy keeps getting better! Every time I add anything to my collection, ole Mercy talks me through the box opening and inspection! This channel has become mission critical in my acquisitions! Wouldn't be the same without him! Thanks brother truly!

[@KeldorTheWhite]

Really enjoyed this Gi Joe series. Can't wait for the next one as I discovered watching your videos that 87 & 88 were my peak years. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@paulmualdeave5063]

I've always felt overall this is the best year GI Joe had for toys.

[@dannycruz5446]

Same!

[@isaacliftsandcycles]

Just started collecting the few childhood gi joes I had, and started collecting all the Joes, he-man, and Transformers I wanted as a child. My Mom didnt have much money when I was growing up, and my Dad only bought me one toy- Rolling Thunder. I collect now for a few reasons- 1) I'm in a great financial position, 2) It's healing for me.. it allows me to give joy to the tender little boy that lives inside of me. It's brought much healing. I appreciate the toys in a different way. Thank you for allowing me to take a peaceful trip down memory lane. Where i can dream about those years, where i can re-live them in a different light. Where i can make those dreams possible.

[@mattyh.5992]

Wonderful job. Keep up the great work. My kids and I love the nostalgia!

[@Its.Chad.]

Awesome, Michael!!! Been waiting patiently for what felt like forever for another entry in this series!

[@lo1bo2]

If no one else has mentioned this yet, your custom commercial bumpers looked awesome! Having the slick animation in the background is much more exciting than what we watched as kids.

[@p.a.u.l.555]

Thank you so much Michael for this G.I. Joe 87" archive, your work is incredible,I appreciate the time and effort you put into these history videos...Nerdmaste, thank you Michael once again, peace ✌️😃👍

[@JasonKeane]

Another great GI Joe season review! Thanks Michael

[@Krommer1000]

Another informative / entertaining / relaxing tour down memory lane. Also, CONGRATS on passing 75K subs. WELL DESERVED!

[@tacoma171]

Love all the effort you put into your videos! Very well done! Awesome stuff!

[@xxbobsetsfirexx4269]

Thank you for including the commercials... oh man I'm dying. I forgot how great the jingles used to be and how everything had one..everything was so irritating and in your fsce..I miss those days.

[@leonardduitch8833]

Love these reviews, I've been patiently waiting for this one. Thanks, yo joe!

[@OGbobbyKUSH]

I loved the Joe movie when I was a kid, and still like to watch it every once in awhile now

[@farminglittlepeople9623]

Awesome! I always love all the hard work you put into these Mike! Have a blessed weekend!👍😁🙏

[@MichaelMercy]

Thank you kindly. All the best to you and the family!

[@nathanridgway7009]

Some great stuff, some not so great. But seeing an entire year's content covered in one video is always awesome. Thanks Michael!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Nathan. Cheers!

[@sorenandersen6832]

Such wonderful videos! The editing is really something special, and the final plug to keep playing with those toys is heart warming. That said, I found the bile rising inside me watching the 1987 edition. Apologies to the younger folks who started playing with GIbJoes around this time. In 1987 I was 12 and really shocked at the direction things were going with the crazy vehicles, outfits, and colors. Hasbro kept stringing me along until 1992 with a few good carded figures like Ambush, Red Star, and Big Ben. 1987 had Lt. Falcon, Tunnel Rat, and one of my favorite Joes of all time, Outback! But it was the first year we also felt embarrassed by what Hasbro was putting together for us buy and we were getting out.

[@shane3674]

I really have to admire the condition of your collection! They look fresh off the shelf 👍

[@joshua3732]

I have been waiting on this one. 87 was the last year I played with Joes. Great video!

[@robseman5212]

Oh man ... the faux late-80s hair metal soundtracks of those commercials brings back a lot of strange feels. What a time to be a kid.

[@bobbystickel5107]

This has been the only thing that has changed my perspective on the '87 line. Thanks for making it!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks! Making it gave me a whole new appreciation for '87. Despite the cartoon ending, it might have been the most merch they ever put out.

[@orcsmash9]

This video was awesome. Not just for the good nostalgia boost but seeing the things my brother and I missed out on. I absolutely loved the ‘86 line as my favorite but ‘87 is a close close second. How can you hate when joes like Outback and Tunnel rat came out in ‘87 and the Ice Wolf?

[@tyeohno]

Great video! '87 was the last year I was into G.I. Joe...lots of great memories from it.

[@tomhur1]

So glad you made another one of these. Yo Joe!

[@drozwalker9]

This is a pretty cood deep dive of GI Joe 1987. It was fun to see all of the commericals and other merchandice made. I can't resist saying "Joes in Space!" when thinking about the Defiant. I loved those action packs too.

[@jedijunior420]

WOW. Such nostalgia. I had about 90% of these toys. I wish I would have held on to this stuff. Great video!

[@DannyOfOurTime]

Excellent video @MichaelMercy ! 87’ was a phenomenal year!

[@co81385]

I love these videos! I hope that you continue on with these videos, up through the DIC cartoon/early 90's era of G.I. Joe- I still have fond memories of those toys!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks. Planning on it.

[@porkchopsandwiches3606]

Awesome video! Some of my absolute favourites this year! Especially the pogo, falcon and techno viper....but Especially big boa, command centre and Croc master....actually all of this year is just fab! From military to crazy all have their unique charm

[@john_petroliagkis]

Awesome video Michael! Law & Order and Croc Master were my first ever G.i.Joe figures i ever owned. This one is a little more special to me for that reason...

[@dsanchez9703]

Gijoe Rocks!

[@DavidSamuelBl10]

Absolutely, D Sanchez!😄

[@gidad7213]

Marvelous Job! You are very talented and creative in making videos. Yo Joe! Please make lots more.... !

[@markmierau5189]

I remember filling out the form for the steel brigade figure hoping that the weapon specialties would matter in that we'd get weapons we wanted with it. I was so mad when it arrived with a gray crimson guard rifle.

[@tubby4388]

I just watched the movie and stumbled upon this video. THANK YOU!

[@stephaniehazell2651]

Keep those awesome videos coming! I hope you are having a great week! Nerdmaste! 🙏

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Stephanie! Hope you're doing well. Nerdmaste!

[@mstrider80]

Most excellent my friend!

[@T7nowhere]

87 was the year that I got into G.I. Joe the most, before 87 is was all Transformers. I didn't have many, but I did have a Mamba, and a few figures such as Battle Armor Cobra Commander and Tunnel Rat were among my favorite. Always wanted the Cobra la, pack but never managed to get it. Awesome Video, thanks for making my Saturday morning great!

[@dennisrounds1996]

I don’t know what’s sweeter about those toy commercial, the amazing animation or the rad groove hip hop/rap jingles

[@BradyBanta]

1987 Dress Blues Gung ho was my favorite, because my two copies were the last two figures my late uncle repaired with me before his passing in April 2020 due to Covid

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

🕯

[@lcmthehawkeye5589]

1984-93 was my collecting of GI Joe. I had about everything. I used the money selling my collection to move out in 1999. I made pennies to the dollar then, but it gave me at the money at the time that I needed. Although nothing was still boxed, but everything was kept nice and together. Its a fortune today. I look at it as it would have been a burden to lug around or keeep nice and I wouldn't have much today anyways. I had three boys and a few GI joe vehicles and figurines that I kept from my collection they finished off palying with. I bought them newer GI joes growing up so I was always was loyal, but they never was in love, infatuated with GI joe like I was.

[@clobberonline6812]

Another successful mission General Mercy !! Excellent job !!!

[@OldManTheseDays]

DUDE. This is an amazing video!!! I always considered 87 the Swan Song for Joes. I had a few figures from this line, the Cobra Commander, Zanzibar and the Skiff, and Jynx. I drooled over that Defiant Shuttle complex in the toy catalogs. It all just seemed to go sharply downhill in 88.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks! Indeed it did after 87, but I'm looking forward to doing some 'panning for gold.' There are some great nuggets in the next few years.

[@finalsecretofchrono1339]

I never saw the movie and I didn't see the cartoon much either, but I had a decent collection of Joes from 83-89 growing up. All these guys had their own importance to me based on their designs and what inspired me. With that, Blocker was always one of my favorites. He was slightly taller than the other Joes so I had him lead a lot of battles in the back yard-guess I was a 'height-ist.' I had no clue he had a variation with a visor until years later. Other faves from this series are Tunnel Rat and Chuckles-great designs. Vehicle-wise, I really liked the Cobra Wolf-so badass. Anyway, enough of my rambling-I should pick up a Fridge figure-hardcore 80s, I love it. Thanks to Michael!

[@falconhellinga4540]

Thanks Michael, love your work

[@JAC3DG33K]

If they remake the Defiant it should come with older Flint and Marissa Faireborne figures along with a Quintesson ala The Killing Jar episode. In hind sight that was huge missed opportunity on Hasbro’s part.

[@thajo310]

Been waiting on this 🙌🏿

[@owenthenutscrambler4996]

Micheal god bless your channel man teaching me all I need to know about being a 80s kid love you dude 🤘

[@vliegpaul]

As a 7 year old huge Gi Joe fan in 1987. I loved the movie. I have a good Joe Collection and have all the 87 figures. The Sunbow cartoons were excellent. I did not watch many of the cartoons after the movie. I like a bunch of Kids merged to TMNT.

[@jaimesplahn1579]

My First Big Collection Year. I Had So Many Of These. What I remember first though was having those Joe Trailers. It seems Funny now but I remember them being towed in tandem by a 1:24 Scale Gold 911 Porsche Carrera model that fit the Figures Perfectly. Later I Added A Black Mercedes Convertible and Thus Started My Mad Max Style G.I Joe Adventures.

[@a.barron16]

A lot of memories from that year. Was a big G. I. Joe fan and collected many figures and some of the vehicles. ‘87 sure produced a lot. I wish there was a soundtrack to the movie. It was once here on KZbin but got taken off. When you mentioned Big Lob missing, I was expecting a reference to Pythona who also didn’t get a figure at that time of the movie. That was something I was looking forward to as a kid. I usually had the worst luck of finding any of the female action figures back then. Anyway, great video. And looking forward to seeing more of what you’ll do in the future. Yo Joe!!!!! Or Cobra-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la!

[@wessmith6367]

I loved my Steel Brigade figure. Totally fell for it. I see the grift, but it’s still one of my favorites.

[@daviddorward7684]

Very informative and great vlog, as usual!

[@xazylsclubhouse]

Yo Joe 😎 87 was one of my favourite years for GI Joe!

[@jay-jose9952]

Chuckles was my favorite figure. The shoulder holster, only a single weapon, and the Hawaiian shirt- love it.

[@prophet924]

I bought quite a few figures still in 1987 but did not buy many of the vehicles outside Searay that remember. Maybe the Snow Wolf. I never got the big vehicles. Largest I had were Raven and Tomahawk. I probably had a Pogo and Slam. Those were in my vehicle size range. I disposed Cobra La as a kid. I’m not too broken up about it now. I’d take a Classified Nemesis Enforcer. I definitely want Tunnel Rat. He, Law & Order, Outback, and armored Cobra Commander were sone of my favorites. Great video!

[@PatrickVeronica-ru9tx]

This was done very well!👍 It is so cool to see all the different vehicles from back then and wondering which one Hasbro will pick next for the HasLab. I am not missing this year's HasLab (I missed out on the first two 😢)! I can't wait for the Cobra La figures for Classified even though they are a lil crazy. Once again, excellent vid/review ✌️

[@aidanacebo9529]

I've got the special missions issue with the Skystriker and the Night Raven on the cover, it's one of my favorites. it was like 3$ and it's just so awesome. it's framed on my wall. love the art.

[@puekawNEpuyrruh]

I was there in 1987 ... Great times to be 7 years old.

[@miguelchamorro4572]

Excelente Video , always continue with all the acttitude, saludos desde lima-Perú

[@LastBastian]

I was definitely hooked on Joes by 87! Some of my favorite figures came from that line.

[@vincently1995]

Amazing!

[@shoked99]

Outside of a few figures in 1988 and 1989, like the new versions of Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow, 1987 was my last year with G.I. Joe as a kid. I don't remember the movie too much but I enjoy it now. Good times. Great video series. Thanks.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@PeeNCee]

I haven't revisited or looked back at these toys till now.. I had every vehicle and figure in this episode.. it's destroyed me watching it, lol.. all of it's gone. Excellent videos I need to look back at other videos

[@gerainthorton8980]

I'm pretty sure we didn't get GI Joe in my part of the world until 86 or 87. As I recall after the MOTU and Transformers movie it was like they were swept aside and it was all GI Joe. I would of still been into GI Joe here but only had 11 of these figures. Some favourites like Falcon, Outback, Tunnel Rat. The Drednok cycle was a nice surprise when I pulled out my Joes a few years ago. I forgot I had that. Big Boa didn't miss leg day.

[@cobra4life324]

Awesome review you make me want to take out all my collection right now

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks!

[@elonmusksellssnakeoil1744]

I never saw Worms before, but they are a new instant favorite.

[@Nerdsonearth]

So good, I think your best yet. I’m an unrepentant 84-86 guy but I have to admit you opened my eyes to some good 87 stuff I’ve overlooked.

[@MichaelMercy]

Thanks Clave! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@cfhcowboy9292]

I loved the gi joe movie as a kid still do watched it yesterday lol

[@xtort1220]

1987 was a definitely a sillier year compared to previous line ups but there were some really great figures and vehicles. And of course the year of my childhood favorite, the alarm system specialist turned gator wrangler Croc Master! Very much looking forward to you doing 1988, it's probably the strongest year after the classic 82-86 period.

[@labnoise]

I agree, 87 felt way too ahead of its time and somewhat goofy direction, seems like 88 they had a better balance of military and futuristic. Also I felt 87 they had very little accessories like Gung Ho, but 88 they rectified it by adding so many cool accessories

[@kushviper]

Good stuff! 👍

[@Mr.Sinister84]

1994 was the last great/ ok year I feel. ❤ your setup. I've been buying up and restocking my collection this past year much like yourself.

[@carlosjavier4886]

My favorite off all times

[@asbjrnandersen4222]

That was my entry-year, more or less!

[@VancoreAMVs]

I got into GIJoe around 88 or 89 (Although my first joe was a cobra viper) but looking back on the selection I'm not surprised. 87 may have been a very big year for Joe but their selections were not great. Seems most the effort for vehicles were put into the two big ones, which I never owned but heard about, since most of the vehicles were really just small stuff or really awkward things like the coastal Defender and cobra pogo. Both were super lame, I broke the defender pretty quickly and the pogo was shrugged off. Most the figures were so so in design as well and the battleforce 2000 was a hard pass. Also the snake guys were horrible, really not GIJoe material in my mind. My collection of Joe's at the time was pretty small though and looking back on this reminded me it wasn't just because I was young. While most people who collected joes probably think the hobby died in 86 my year the hobby died (the parady on venture bros I think has that year as the date as the end of the war for its joe parady funny enough) was 90 or 91 just before they started coming out with gimmicky stuff like sound packs and ninja's with karate chops. I was pretty into Joe and before it died and that love lasted until 95 when I got my computer.

[@RetroRoamers]

I had a few figures out of this line. Jinx, Tunnel Rat, Chuckles, Big Boa. Didn’t have any of the vehicles/play sets. But there are some cool stuff here.

[@jarellano1014]

Thank you I also always thought the Cobra Wolf was an awesome snow vehicle!! Ice Viper was one my fav Vipers, I even plan on customizing one my Classified Snow Serpents into one when released!

[@pixelforge4858]

such a great wave. 87 and 88 were my favorite.

[@michaelpalmer5351]

Great video, Mike!

[@MichaelMercy]

Thank you Michael. All the best!

[@justinforrest1613]

Cobra LA LA LA LA! Was my and friends childhood chant!!

[@jayeckberg774]

I'm so happy that I came across this video. Thank you for the walk down memory lane. This makes me happy that I got the Fridge rather then the personal Joe. I'm surprised that you didn't mention that Crystal Ball's file card was written by Stephen King.

[@raulzavala9061]

Nice recap of the '87 line, I would've been 11 at this time and did still manage to get me a handful of figures that year but there was just so much stuff coming out and an 11 year olds allowance wasn't gonna cut it. 1988 was my last dib on buying Joe's when I noticed the figures felt somewhat smaller in my bigger hands. Watching the toy commercials with the newest animation showing off the new toys that year had me anxiously waiting for a third season of fresh G.I.Joe episodes but come Fall '87 and nothing came out.

[@MissingLinkMTB]

Battleforce 2000.... remember seeing them appear once in a comic and they were immediately killed off. I was so pleased.

[@31leoceara]

Lol

[@paloso23]

Great video …..I’ve waited for this video for a couple of years I want to say….1987 was the first year I had my own Joe’s ….my older brother got Mindbender and Iceberg a year before from my aunt and my Mom said all I did was ask for Joes until Christmas

[@charlesltk2099]

Ya know, just imagine King Hiss vs Serpentor while Cobra Khan vs Cobra Commander....

[@neoknight3320]

YO JOE thanks for this, love it!!!!!

[@jermainemorton5635]

When it comes to toy reviews or collectible action figures I'm going to start checking your channel first because I was looking for a website like botch the crab for transformers except I was looking for one for GI Joe

[@luther1546]

Outback was my all-time favorite figure. Still very awesome.

[@Ironhistory1138]

Mine too. Best fighter in the world

[@TonySalazar933]

'87 was they year I really started getting into GI Joe and I had a lot of these figures. Sure, they weren't great but they were my Joe's. And Gung Ho in that dress uniform is still one of my all-time favorites.