1982 was a big year for toys as Hasbro changed the game with the release of its groundbreaking G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (ARAH) collection of action figures, vehicles, playsets, and more. Of course, there were also cartoons, comic books, games, and other cool merch that kids could enjoy to fully immerse themselves in the battle between G.I. Joe and Cobra.
A lot has changed in 40 years, but the battle rages on as the characters of ARAH continue to inspire new merch that collectors covet.
During a nearly two-hour-long live stream event, Hasbro’s G.I. Joe team kicked off a 40th anniversary celebration for the brand by unveiling a host of new toys, games, comics, and collectibles that fans can look forward to over the next year or so.
Unsurprisingly, the presentation leaned heavily into the current 6-inch scale G.I. Joe Classified series of action figures, but also included some new 3.75-inch Retro Collection action figures, 3.75-inch O-Ring action figures, and the line of 3.75-inch ReAction Figures produced by Super7 under license.
UPCOMING DATED G.I. JOE PRODUCTS (2022-2023):
- G.I. Joe Classified Series Vipers and Officer Troop Builder 3-Pack (March 2023)
- G.I. Joe Classified Series Tomax Paoli Action Figure (May 2023)
- G.I. Joe Classified Series Xamot Paoli Action Figure (May 2023) – preorder at Entertainment Earth
- G.I. Joe Classified Series Lonzo “Stalker” Wilkinson Action Figure (May 2023) – preorder at Entertainment Earth
- Transformers Collaborative G.I. Joe Mash-Up Megatron H.I.S.S. Tank with 3.75-inch O-Ring Cobra Baroness Figure (January 2023) — preorder at Entertainment Earth
- G.I. Joe Retro Collection Cobra Officer & Cobra Trooper 2-Pack (August 2022)
WALMART COLLECTOR CON EXCLUSIVES (SPRING 2022)
- Retro Cardback Classified Series 6-inch Baroness
- Retro Cardback Classified Series 6-inch Destro
- Retro CardbackClassified Series 6-inch Gung-Ho
- Retro Cardback Classified Series 6-inch Lady Jaye
UPCOMING LONG-LEAD PREVIEWS (TBD):
- G.I. Joe Classified Series Zarana
- G.I. Joe Classified Series Dusty
- G.I. Joe Classified Series Crimson Guard
- G.I. Joe Classified Series Python Patrol Viper
- G.I. Joe Classified Series Tiger Force Recondo
- G.I. Joe Classified Series Bazooka
- G.I. Joe Classified Series Kamakura
- G.I. Joe Classified Series Dr. Mindbender
SUPER7 G.I. JOE REACTION FIGURES WAVE 3 (2022)
- Firefly
- Snake Eyes
- Baroness
- Cobra Commander
- Roadblock
- Flint
- Troop Builder Assortment (TBA)
For the gaming enthusiasts in the house, Hasbro also previewed the new Brawlhalla x G.I. Joe mobile game collaboration and served up a first look at Renegade Games’ G.I. Joe: Mission Critical. The cooperative tabletop game will go live for preorders beginning in April, but you can get a look at the action below!
Finally, IDW continues its publishing efforts with G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero — Saturday Morning Adventures, a special send-up of the classic cartoon, a monthly miniseries from the creative team of writer Erik Burnham, artist Dan Schoening, and colorist Luis Antonio Delgado.
IDW will also publish a 40th anniversary special comic that includes 22 artists reimagining Larry Hama’s G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero No. 21.
One important detail to note is that the world is still in the midst of a global shipping crisis and many of today’s reveals are very, very long-lead. Look for most of the new action figures to begin hitting stores between January-May of next year. Yes, 2023!
