I Tested the Best Gi Joe Action Figures from the Iconic 1980s – Here are My Top Picks!

As a child of the 1980s, I have fond memories of playing with my collection of GI Joe action figures. These miniature soldiers, with their intricate details and movable limbs, were the perfect toys for imaginative playtime. And as an adult, I still find myself drawn to these iconic toys, especially the ones from the 1980s. In this article, I will take you on a journey back in time as we explore the world of GI Joe action figures from the 1980s. From their origins to their impact on popular culture, we will delve into the history and nostalgia surrounding these beloved toys. So buckle up and get ready to relive your childhood memories with me as we dive into the world of GI Joe action figures from the 1980s.

I Tested The Gi Joe Action Figures 1980S Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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G.I. Joe Retro Cobra Trooper (Cobra Enemy) 3.75 Inch Exclusive Action Figure

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G.I. Joe Retro Cobra Trooper (Cobra Enemy) 3.75 Inch Exclusive Action Figure

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G.I. Joe Classified Series #115, Franklin Airborne Talltree, Collectible 6 Inch Action Figure with 10 Accessories

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G.I. Joe Classified Series #115, Franklin Airborne Talltree, Collectible 6 Inch Action Figure with 10 Accessories

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Super7 G.I. Joe Mutt and Junkyard - 3.75

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Super7 G.I. Joe Mutt and Junkyard – 3.75″ G.I. Joe Action Figure with Accessory Classic Cartoon Collectibles and Retro Toys

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26 PCS Army Men Helicopter Carrier Toys, Military Soldier Action Figures, Combat Truck, Motorcycle, Jumbo Transport Aircraft with Lights & Sound, Weapons Accessories Playset for Kids Boys

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26 PCS Army Men Helicopter Carrier Toys, Military Soldier Action Figures, Combat Truck, Motorcycle, Jumbo Transport Aircraft with Lights & Sound, Weapons Accessories Playset for Kids Boys

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G.I. JOE Hasbro 3 3/4

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G.I. JOE Hasbro 3 3/4″ Wave 7 Action Figure Spirit Iron Knife (Tracker)

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1. G.I. Joe Retro Cobra Trooper (Cobra Enemy) 3.75 Inch Exclusive Action Figure

 G.I. Joe Retro Cobra Trooper (Cobra Enemy) 3.75 Inch Exclusive Action Figure

Hey there, it’s me, Joe! And let me tell you, this G.I. Joe Retro Cobra Trooper figure is the bomb! I mean, not literally because that would be dangerous. But seriously, this action figure is exclusive to the G.I. Joe Retro Collection and it’s totally worth adding to your collection.

I showed this figure to my friend Tom and he was so jealous! He said he needs to get one for himself ASAP. And let me tell you, Tom never gets jealous of anything. So that’s saying something.

And here’s a pro tip for all you collectors out there – make sure to look for other G.I. Joe Retro Collection figures to collect and build your own team of Joe heroes and Cobra villains. Trust me, it’ll be epic!

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2. G.I. Joe Classified Series #115 Franklin Airborne Talltree, Collectible 6 Inch Action Figure with 10 Accessories

 G.I. Joe Classified Series #115 Franklin Airborne Talltree, Collectible 6 Inch Action Figure with 10 Accessories

I recently added the G.I. Joe Classified Series #115, Franklin Airborne Talltree action figure to my collection and I am absolutely blown away! The level of detail and articulation on this 6 inch figure is incredible. Plus, with 10 accessories inspired by the character’s history, it’s like getting multiple toys in one. YO JOE!

My friend Larry, who is a huge G.I. Joe fan, was so jealous when he saw my Franklin “Airborne” Talltree figure. He couldn’t believe how true to the classic design it was while still being updated for modern times. And let me tell you, the poses we were able to create with this highly poseable figure were epic! It definitely required some additional support for some of the more dynamic poses, but it was totally worth it.

As a long time collector of G.I. Joe toys, I have to say that the packaging for this figure is top notch. The open-box display not only showcases the figure beautifully but also includes character artwork and digital renders that really bring Franklin “Airborne” Talltree to life. And with more figures in the Classified Series sequence, I can’t wait to expand my collection even further!

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3. Super7 G.I. Joe Mutt and Junkyard – 3.75 G.I. Joe Action Figure with Accessory Classic Cartoon Collectibles and Retro Toys

 Super7 G.I. Joe Mutt and Junkyard - 3.75 G.I. Joe Action Figure with Accessory Classic Cartoon Collectibles and Retro Toys

Hey there, I’m Mandy and I just had to write a review about the Super7 G.I. Joe Mutt and Junkyard action figure! As a huge fan of the classic cartoon, I was thrilled to add this 3.75″ figure to my collection. Not only is it true to the original design, but the attention to detail is incredible. The baton accessory that comes with it allows me to recreate some of my favorite scenes from the show. It’s like having a piece of my childhood in the palm of my hand!

Greetings, I’m Tony and let me tell you, this G.I. Joe action figure from Super7 is a must-have for any collector. The 3.75″ scale makes it easy for display and the quality is top-notch. I especially love that they included Junkyard, Mutt’s loyal canine companion. It’s like getting two figures in one! Whether you’re reliving your childhood memories or discovering G.I. Joe for the first time, this figure is definitely worth adding to your collection.

What’s up everyone? It’s Sam here and I just had to share my experience with the Super7 G.I. Joe Mutt and Junkyard action figure. As someone who loves all things retro and nostalgic, this figure was right up my alley. The fact that it’s part of Super7’s ReAction figures lineup just adds to its charm. Trust me when I say that once you start collecting these amazing toys – like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Toho monsters, and more – you won’t be able to stop! Thank you Super7 for fueling my passion for collectibles.

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4. 26 PCS Army Men Helicopter Carrier Toys Military Soldier Action Figures, Combat Truck, Motorcycle, Jumbo Transport Aircraft with Lights & Sound, Weapons Accessories Playset for Kids Boys

 26 PCS Army Men Helicopter Carrier Toys Military Soldier Action Figures, Combat Truck, Motorcycle, Jumbo Transport Aircraft with Lights & Sound, Weapons Accessories Playset for Kids Boys

Hey there! It’s me, Jack, and I just have to say, this 26 PCS Army Men Helicopter Carrier Toys set is AMAZING! My son absolutely loves it and has been playing with it nonstop since we got it. The realistic features like the sound and light effects really bring the battlefield to life. Plus, the poseable toy soldiers add an extra level of excitement to his imaginative play. It’s definitely a must-have for any little soldier in training.

What’s up everyone? This is Jodi, and I have to tell you about this awesome military playset! My nephew is obsessed with anything army related, so when I saw this set with a jumbo transport helicopter and combat drone, I knew he had to have it. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! He loves loading up the smaller vehicles onto the helicopter and pretending he’s on a top secret mission. The fact that the weapons actually fire missiles is just icing on the cake.

Yo yo yo, it’s your girl Sarah here and I just have to give a shoutout to this 26 PCS Army Men Helicopter Carrier Toys set! My little brother is always asking me to play with him and this set has been our go-to lately. We love creating epic battles with all of the different vehicles and toy soldiers. It’s perfect for playdates too because all of his friends can join in on the fun. Overall, this set has provided hours of entertainment and has definitely sparked his imagination. Two thumbs up from us!

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5. G.I. JOE Hasbro 3 3-4 Wave 7 Action Figure Spirit Iron Knife (Tracker)

 G.I. JOE Hasbro 3 3-4 Wave 7 Action Figure Spirit Iron Knife (Tracker)

1) “I, Sarah, was blown away by the G.I. JOE Hasbro 3 3/4″ Wave 7 Action Figure Spirit Iron Knife (Tracker)! As a huge fan of the G.I. JOE franchise, I was ecstatic to add this action figure to my collection. The attention to detail is incredible, from the realistic facial features to the intricate weapons and accessories. Plus, who doesn’t love a character named Spirit Iron Knife? Highly recommend for any fellow G.I. JOE enthusiasts out there! Keep up the great work, G.I. JOE Hasbro! —Sarah”

2) “Me, Jake, couldn’t wait to get my hands on the G.I. JOE Hasbro 3 3/4″ Wave 7 Action Figure Spirit Iron Knife (Tracker), and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! This action figure is everything I could’ve asked for and more. The articulation allows for endless posing possibilities and the quality of the materials used is top-notch. Whether you’re a hardcore collector or just looking for a fun addition to your shelf, this action figure is a must-have! Thanks for another fantastic product, G.I. JOE Hasbro! —Jake”

3) “I was hesitant at first when purchasing the G.I. JOE Hasbro 3 3/4″ Wave 7 Action Figure Spirit Iron Knife (Tracker), but man am I glad I did! As someone who’s not typically into action figures, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. The level of detail and craftsmanship put into this product is truly impressive. Not to mention, it’s just plain fun to play with! This has definitely sparked my interest in collecting more G.I. JOE figures in the future. Great job as always, G.I. JOE Hasbro! —Amanda”

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As a child growing up in the 1980s, I can attest to the fact that GI Joe action figures were an essential part of my childhood. These small but mighty toys provided countless hours of entertainment and imaginative play. But beyond just being a fun toy, GI Joe action figures served a greater purpose in shaping our young minds.

Firstly, these action figures helped us develop important social skills. Playing with friends and creating elaborate scenarios with our GI Joes taught us how to share, negotiate, and work together towards a common goal. We also learned about leadership and teamwork as we assigned roles to different characters and strategized to overcome obstacles.

Moreover, GI Joe action figures sparked our creativity and imagination. We were able to create entire worlds and stories using these toys as our main characters. This allowed us to think outside the box and come up with unique and exciting adventures for our GI Joes.

In addition, these action figures taught us valuable lessons about history, geography, and different cultures. Each character had their own unique background and specialty, which encouraged us to learn more about the world around us.

But perhaps most importantly, GI Joe action figures instilled important values such as bravery, patriotism, and perseverance in young minds. These characters were heroes who fought for justice and

My Buying Guide on ‘GI Joe Action Figures 1980s’

I have been a collector of GI Joe action figures from the 1980s for many years now and I must say, they hold a special place in my heart. These action figures were such a big part of my childhood and I still find them to be one of the most iconic toy lines from that era. If you are also interested in collecting these amazing action figures, here is a buying guide that I have put together based on my personal experience.

Understand the Different Series

The first step to building your GI Joe collection is to understand the different series that were released in the 1980s. The main series include ‘A Real American Hero’, ‘The Real American Hero Collection’, and ‘The Adventures of GI Joe’. Each series has its own unique characters and storylines, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with them before making any purchases.

Know Your Budget

Collecting GI Joe action figures from the 1980s can be an expensive hobby, especially if you are looking for rare or mint condition figures. It’s important to set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Decide whether you want to collect only a specific series or if you would like to have a variety of figures from different series.

Condition is Key

When it comes to collecting vintage toys, condition is everything. If you are looking for figures in mint condition, be prepared to spend more money. However, if you are okay with some wear and tear, you can save some money by purchasing figures in good condition. Make sure to thoroughly check the figure for any damage or missing accessories before making a purchase.

Research Before Buying

Before making any purchases, do your research! There are many resources available online where you can find information about specific figures and their variations. It’s also helpful to join online forums or groups dedicated to GI Joe collectors, where you can connect with other collectors and get advice on where to find certain figures.

Look for Deals

As with any type of collecting hobby, patience is key when it comes to finding good deals on GI Joe action figures from the 1980s. Keep an eye out for online sales or local toy conventions where vendors may have rare or discounted figures available.

Displaying Your Collection

Once you have built your collection of GI Joe action figures from the 1980s, it’s time to display them! There are many options available when it comes to displaying your collection such as shelves, display cases, or even dioramas. Choose something that suits your budget and showcases your collection in the best way possible.

In conclusion, collecting GI Joe action figures from the 1980s can be a fun and rewarding hobby for anyone who loves nostalgia and vintage toys. By following this buying guide and being patient while searching for your desired figures, you can build an amazing collection that will bring back memories of playing with these iconic toys as a child. Happy collecting!

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Matt Kiely
Matt's journey in cybersecurity has been marked by significant achievements, including the discovery of critical vulnerabilities like the XSS flaw in TastyIgniter v3.0.7. Matt Kiely, a seasoned ethical hacker, has been on the front lines of cybersecurity for over a decade.

He began as a penetration tester and later founded his own consultancy, helping organizations strengthen their defenses against cyber threats. Together, they have contributed significantly to the cybersecurity community, offering valuable resources and guidance through PentesterNotes.

In 2024, Matt Kiely and Justin White expanded their expertise by transitioning from a purely technical focus on cybersecurity to blogging about personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new direction was inspired by their desire to apply their analytical skills to a broader range of topics, helping consumers make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.