Rediscovering the Icon: A Retrospective on 1982’s Snake Eyes – The Commando That Sparked an Adventure

Story by Mitchell Smith

Welcome to the Outpost. Today I’m taking a look back to G.I. Joe 1982. A familiar figure with millions of stories and over 70 versions including 3-3/4, 12 inch, 6 inch, and many other scales over the past 40+ years. A figure I had never owned that started it all. The commando cast all in black to save money, but a mysterious character developed and Snake Eyes became one of the most popular characters over the years, expanded within an elaborate story of him and his Arashikage clan. I look at this figure I picked up recently and think of all the adventures he has been on.

His broken thumbs indicate some normal adventures, but the rest of his 42 year old body seems to be in good health. I’m trying to imagine sitting in the design room with legend Ron Rudat and the rest of the team. Trying to come up with a figure to compete with Kenner’s Star Wars figures. The original figures are simple but so elegant and the use of parts to create 13 different figures was genius. Just looking at this figure his mask holds a mysterious story in itself. Anyone who has ever taken a figure apart to replace an O-ring has seen the beauty of these original figures.

Every piece that fits together and every piece that doesn’t. I’m sure many of you remember the Frankenjoe days. I thought about repairing his broken thumbs as I have enjoyed restoring figures and vehicles over the years, but then I thought he earned those broken thumbs and decided to leave them be. Snake Eyes has remained a popular character over the years and I’m happy to have him captured in his dwarf stage, back when things were simple. Make sure to check back for our next discussion.