GI Joe Day

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Unleash the Adventure: Celebrating GI Joe Day on February 1

February 1 marks a day of action-packed excitement for fans of the iconic GI Joe action figures.

In this blog post, we’ll embark on a journey through the rich history of the GI Joe franchise, exploring its evolution from a military-themed action figure to a cultural phenomenon. Additionally, we’ll provide creative ways for kids to celebrate the enduring legacy of GI Joe on this special day.

The Birth of GI Joe

In 1959 Barbie was an instant sensation… But boys don’t play with dolls – or do they? Government Issue Joe took the world by storm in 1964, and the phrase Action Figure is coined! 

The GI Joe action figure of 1964 was a 12-inch articulated military figure, representing different branches of the armed forces. Created by Hasbro, GI Joe was designed to inspire imaginative play and capture the heroism of real-life soldiers. The figure’s popularity soared, becoming a symbol of patriotism and adventure during a time when military-themed toys gained widespread appeal.

Evolution of GI Joe

Over the years, GI Joe underwent significant transformations. In the 1970s, the figure evolved into the “Adventure Team,” exploring new themes beyond the military setting. The 1980s saw the introduction of the 3.75-inch action figures, accompanied by an animated series and comic books that expanded the GI Joe universe. The franchise continued to evolve, adapting to changing times and maintaining its status as a beloved toy for generations.

Interesting Facts:

A different figure was created for each of the 4 branches of the military. In its first two years, this new toy for boys made up almost 2/3 of Hasbro’s sales! 

G.I. Joe has been restyled a few times over the years and he was eventually downsized in 1979. 

The human form can’t be copyrighted or trademarked, so Joe has some unique features that allowed Hasbro to protect their design. 

Because you CAN trademark a distinct human face, Joe was given a scar on his right cheek. His second mark was an accident. Joe’s right thumbnail was accidentally put on the bottom of the finger. Hasbro decided to leave it, to have a second way to make GI Joe trademarkable. 

Ways Kids Can Celebrate GI Joe Day:

• Thanking someone you know who is actively serving or a retired military member
• Create a timeline of United States Wars and list a few facts about each
• Design your own Action Figure. What branch of the military would he or she serve and what accessories would they need? 
• Do you have an idea for a new toy? Design that. 
• Stan West invented, and sold his idea for GI Joe to Hasbro for $100,000. His other option was $50,000 and 1% royalty from the toy. What would you estimate his earnings to be if he chose the $50,000 and royalty option? * (see below for possible calculation)
• See if you can find the cartoon G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. It was on TV from 1983 – 1987
• Inspire creativity by having kids craft their own GI Joe comic strips, combining storytelling with artistic expression.

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GI Joe Day is a celebration of action, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of adventure. As we reflect on the history of these iconic action figures, let’s inspire a new generation of young minds to explore, create, and embrace the thrill of imaginative play. Unleash the adventure on February 1, and make GI Joe Day a memorable experience for kids who continue to carry the torch of this legendary toy franchise.

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• If Stan West had chosen the $50,000 and 1% royalty option for his invention of GI Joe, his earnings would depend on the total sales of the toy over time. The royalty would be a percentage of the revenue generated from GI Joe sales.

• Let’s calculate the potential earnings with the $50,000 and 1% royalty option:

• Assuming the total sales revenue (R) from GI Joe is represented by the variable R, Stan West’s earnings (E) from royalties can be calculated using the formula:

• E=0.01×R

• If we assume, for example, that the total sales revenue over time reaches $100 million, then:

• E=0.01×100,000,000=1,000,000

• So, in this hypothetical scenario, Stan West would earn $1,000,000 in royalties if he chose the $50,000 and 1% royalty option and the total sales reached $100 million. Keep in mind that the actual earnings would depend on the real sales figures of GI Joe over the years.

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Can’t celebrate this year – Mark your calendar and save this holiday for next year! 

You can also pin the image below to your Pinterest boards to save this fantastic holiday!

Return to main calendar HERE

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