Before the Battle: How G.I. Joe Went Small and Won Big in ’82

Story By Mitchell Smith

Welcome to the Outpost. Today I’m dialing it back to 1981. As any G.I. Joe fan would know the once successful 12 inch Joe line had fizzled out and Hasbro had few intentions of bringing it back. There were several lines such as Megos 3-3/4 Chips figures and Fisher Price’s Adventure People that kids had, including myself, to create many adventures. If you have watched the series “The Toys That Made Us, you know the prototype Joes were some Chips figures painted green.

I so badly wanted those Chips figures but sadly never got any. With the makeshift concept figures and a long hard pitch, the Gi Joe 3-3/4 project was given the green light. The original 13 Joes were assembled using a handful of parts that were switched around and painted different colors to create an impressive amount of characters with so few parts to choose from. One of the biggest pulls for the 1982 success was the vehicles released that year. The Vamp is a vehicle I had and I love the unique design. I remember my brother got this for Christmas, but I watched on has he opens it up. I got the M.M.S so naturally he watched as I opened it. Both are 2 of my favorite vehicles to this day.

The detail and craftsmanship that was put into the first line was exceptional especially when the whole project was one huge gamble. Obviously the Vamp mold has been used many times to make other vehicles such as the Stinger. Who had a Vamp as a kid? Make sure to check back for our next discussion.