G.I. Joe

Originally, G.I. Joe was the name of a comic strip by cartoonist Irving David Breger (Dave Breger) an enlisted soldier during the Second World War. Published since June 1942 in Yank, The Army Weekly magazine. 

The next G.I. Joe comic was from publisher Ziff-Davis. Totaling ten issues, this unrelated comedic comic book series featured various stories about soldiers during the Second World War and beyond.

In 1964, the Hassenfeld brothers of toy company Hasbro released the first G.I. Joe action figures.

While inspired and designed as a militaristic male version of popular doll Barbie, G.I. Joe was branded an action figure, the first line of toys for boys to do so. As an action figure, G.I. Joe was about adventure, represented in the four initial generic characters from each major branches of the US military.

Quickly adapting to the times, in 1982 G.I. Joe became a popular 3 3/4 inch action figure line from its origin al 1960s and 1970s 12 inches format. No longer just a generic adventurer, G.I. Joe became the code name for America's daring special force, opposing Cobra, a ruthless terrorist organisation determined to rule the world.

G.I. Joe has continued to evolve and entertain kids and action figure collectors.

Hervé St-Louis, March 24, 2021.

Updated January 20, 2025.