Reliving the Nineties: A Look Back at GI Joe’s Vibrant Evolution
Story by Mitchell Smith
Welcome to the Outpost. Today I’m taking a look back at the nineties as a whole but especially G.I. Joe. The colors started getting brighter, and funky mixed matched uniforms were a norm. Many people have complained about the figures and how they looked non military. Dissecting the pop culture at the time really makes GI Joe a real time capsule and nineties fashion was really captured in them. I was in high school from 90-94 and fashion took on a new look as we broke out of the eighties and the younger generation wanted something new to define their era. Looking back the first thing that comes to mind is the Fab Five. The Michigan basketball team that changed the game with baggy shorts and high flying show boating. Will Smith and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air introduced a new wild looking attire at times as well.
My self I had a pair of the Zumbaz, a funky looking jacket, and I even had a pair of pink Laguna shorts that I wasn’t afraid to wear, just to be different back then. GI Joe took on this new style of fashion and many figures were created using the crazy fashion that was popular at the time. I for 1 appreciate these years for what they are and the time they represent. It was a complex time in my life, a time when there were no GI Joes and my innocence of childhood had been left in the rear view mirror. When I got back into collecting I discovered a whole new world of Joes and it transported me to a simpler time in life and that is mostly why I appreciate the nineties Joes. Getting into a few of my favorites with those vibrant colors I’ll start with the Mega Marine Blast-Off. At first I thought he was an astronaut.
The name Blast-Off, the space suite and all, so even though he is labeled as a flame thrower I use him as part of my space team. Outback was another character that got a new version with some bright colors but he has that rock climbing vibe. Rock climbing was big at the time and many indoor walls started popping up all over the country. The Eco Warriors were cool in my book. I think this was a huge time for environmentalists and fighting back on large companies dumping chemicals destroying fresh water and natural habitats. By the end of the original O-ring run, we had ninjas, Street Fighters, and Star Brigade.
I feel each year and each sub team exemplifies that time period, much like the eighties did. Overall I love the nineties and I wouldn’t change anything, I’m just taking it at face value. Who is your favorite nineties figure? Make sure to check back for our next discussion.
