GI Joe 1983

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GI Joe 1983

Following the massive success of the 1982 re-boot, the 1983 wave added nine new carded figures and one new mail-order, Duke. All previously issued figures from the 1982 line were also re-released for 1983 with new arm action joints for more flexibility. The GI Joe Headquarters playset, along with seven vehicles and several accessories were also released. The GI Joe animated series debuted in the Fall of 1983, to go along with the GI Joe comic book series released by Marvel in 1982.

For more information about Hasbro’s GI Joe line from 1983, see bottom of the page for a complete summary. 

GI Joe (1983): Basic Figures

The first series of figures contained 11 that were released on cards with Cobra Commander being a mail-away offer. Four additional figures were released with various vehicles and accessories as well.

Airborne:
Helicopter Assault Trooper

Market Value:
Carded $400 – $500
Loose $40 – $60

File Name: Talltree, Franklin E.
Accessories: Helmet, Assault Pack, Attack Rifle
Years Released: 1983, 1984
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Like many other figures, Airborne was later offered through Hasbro Direct.

Cobra Commander:
Enemy Leader

Market Value:
Carded $1,250 – $1,500
Loose $100 – $150

File Name: Classified
Accessories: Laser Pistol
Years Released: 1983, 1984
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Cobra Commander was previously released as a mail-away offer in 1982.

Destro:
Enemy Weapons Supplier

Market Value:
Carded $750 – $1,000
Loose $65 – $90

File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Laser Pistol, Briefcase
Years Released: 1983, 1984, 1985
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Destro was issued with two different file cards, with one having the GI Joe logo and the other having the Cobra logo.

Doc:
Medic

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $400
Loose $40 – $60

File Name: Greer, Carl W.
Accessories: Helmet, Flare Launcher, Stretcher
Years Released: 1983, 1984
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Like many other figures, Doc was later offered through Hasbro Direct.

Gung-Ho:
Marine

Market Value:
Carded $400 – $500
Loose $45 – $65

File Name: LaFitte, Ettienne R.
Accessories: Jungle Pack, Grenade Launcher
Years Released: 1983, 1984, 1985
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Gung-Ho would later see a formal dress uniform issue in 1987.

Major Bludd:
Mercenary

Market Value:
Carded $400 – $500
Loose $40 – $60

File Name: Bludd, Sebastian
Accessories: Machine Gun
Years Released: 1983, 1984
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Major Bludd was first offered as a mail-away offer at the beginning of 1983.

Snow Job:
Arctic Trooper

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $400
Loose $40 – $60

File Name: Moore, Harlan, W.
Accessories: Ski Poles, Ski’s, XMLR 33, Pack
Years Released: 1983, 1984, 1985
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Snow Job came with several different accessories, so finding a complete loose version is always difficult.

Torpedo:
Seal (Sea, Air, Land)

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $400
Loose $40 – $60

File Name: Leialoha, Edward W.
Accessories: Scuba Tanks, Harpoon Rifle
Years Released: 1983, 1984, 1985
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The packaging had no major variations from 1983 to 1985.

Tripwire:
Mine Detector

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $400
Loose $40 – $60

File Name: Skoog, Tormod S.
Accessories: Sweeper, Land Mine Detector, Backpack
Years Released: 1983, 1984
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The packaging had no major variations from 1983 to 1985.

GI Joe (1983): Exclusive Figures

Once again, Hasbro offered a fantastic new Mail-Order promotional offer, but this time it was one of the good guys. Duke would go on to get his own carded released the following year and would become one of the most beloved characters in the Joe line.

Duke:
First Sergeant (Mail Order Figure)

Market Value:
With Packaging $150 – $200
Loose $65 – $85

File Name: Hauser, Conrad S.
Accessories: Binoculars, Helmet, Assault Pack, Sub Machine Gun
Years Released: 1983 (for the mail order format)
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Duke was the second mail-order figure offered by Hasbro. He came with several accessories and of course, his file card. Duke was also available on a regular card in the following years from 1984 to 1985.

GI Joe (1983): Accessories

Hasbro would release TEN new accessories and packs for the GI Joe line in 1983, with three of them being part of a new sub-series called “Pac Rat”. The JUMP set from the previous year was re-released, but with a new pilot figure, Grand Slam.

Accessory Pack

Market Value:
Carded $75 – $90
Loose $20 – $35

Battle Gear Accessory Pack
Accessories: Weapons, Packs, Helmets
Years Released: 1983
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found
Notes: Keeping up with past Joe tradition, this was the first of several accessory packs issued by Hasbro through the years for the GI Joe line.

Cobra S.N.A.K.E

Market Value:
Boxed $125 – $175
Loose $35 – $50

Battle Armor S.N.A.K.E
Accessories: Armor Pieces, Neutralizer Weapons
Years Released: 1983, 1984
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found
Notes: The Battle Armor SNAKE was basically a set of armor that a figure could fit inside of. It was re-issued in 1984, but with new packaging and a darker color.

Cobra Viper Glider
(with Pilot)

Market Value:
Boxed $850 – $1,100
Loose $300 – $400

Cobra Command Attack Glider Viper
Accessories: Glider, Pilot Figure
Years Released: 1983, 1984
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find
Notes: The Cobra Glider included the pilot, Cobra Viper Pilot. It was made of foam, making it very fragile. The Cobra Glider is very tough to find on the secondary market.

Falcon Glider
(with Pilot)

Market Value:
Boxed $350 – $450
Loose $100 – $150

GI Joe Attack Glider Falcon
Accessories: Glider, Pilot Figure
Years Released: 1983, 1984
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find
Notes: The Falcon Glider included the pilot, Grunt, who was modified a bit with a new tan uniform. The glider was made of foam, making it very fragile.

JUMP (with Grand Slam)

Market Value:
Boxed $450 – $550
Loose $100 – $150

JUMP (Jet Pack)
Accessories: Grand Slam Figure, Jet Pack, Laser Blaster, Cord, Launch Pad, Panel
Years Released: 1983, 1984, 1985
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The JUMP set was previously sold in 1982, but without the pilot. Grand Slam was included only for the 1983 set onward.

Pocket Patrol

Carded Value:
$100 – $135
Loose $15 – $25

Pocket Patrol Pack
Accessories: Army Green Pack, Weapon Storage
Years Released: 1983
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found. but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Pocket Patrol Pack was a small case that could be worn on your belt to carry 3 Joe figures and accessories along with you.

Whirlwind

Market Value:
Boxed $65 – $90
Loose $25 – $40

Whirlwind (Twin Battle Gun)
Accessories: Twin Cannons, Control, Ammo Doors, Wheels
Years Released: 1983, 1984
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Whirlwind was a big gun, designed to shoot big things out of the sky. The Whirlwind had no major variations from 1983 to 1984.

Flame Thrower (PAC RAT)

Market Value:
Boxed $65 – $85
Loose $20 – $35

Flame Thrower (PAC RAT)
Accessories: Swivel/elevating Flamethrower, Base
Years Released: 1983, 1984
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Flame Thrower was part of a new sub-series called “Pac Rat”. It was later available as a mail-away from Hasbro Direct.

Machine Gun (PAC RAT)

Market Value:
Boxed $55 – $75
Loose $15 – $30

Machine Gun (PAC RAT)
Accessories: Swivel/elevating Machine Guns, Base
Years Released: 1983, 1984
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Machine Gun was part of a new sub-series called “Pac Rat”. It was later available as a mail-away from Hasbro Direct.

Missile Launcher (PAC RAT)

Market Value:
Boxed $55 – $75
Loose $15 – $30

Missile Launcher (PAC RAT)
Accessories: Launch Pad, Removable Missiles
Years Released: 1983, 1984
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Missile Launcher was part of a new sub-series called “Pac Rat”. It was later available as a mail-away from Hasbro Direct.

GI Joe (1983): Playsets

After releasing the flimsy Missile Command Headquarters the previous year, Hasbro stepped their game up for the 1983 wave with the new GI Joe Headquarters Command Center. This was an entire big box of Joe goodness with a ton of great accessories.

GI Joe Headquarters Command Center

Market Value:
Boxed $300 – $400
Loose $70 – $100

GI Joe Headquarters Command Center
Accessories: Multiple Plastic Pieces, Seats, Search Lights, Machine Guns, Cameras, Flag, Radar, Command Console, Weapons Armory, Stockade, Gun Racks, Generator, File Card Storage Compartment
Years Released: 1983
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: This playset was a major upgrade from the Missile Command Headquarters issued the previous year. Talk about playability! This set had just about everything a kid needed to have a proper GI Joe adventure, including lifts and storage spots for all those amazing looking vehicles, as well as a lot of different small accessories. This was the first of several incredible playsets that Hasbro would crank our for the GI Joe line.

GI Joe (1983): Vehicles

Hasbro really nailed it with this wave of vehicles. The Skystriker, Dragonfly and Cobra HISS are all considered modern day toy classics.

APC

Market Value:
Boxed $140 – $190
Loose $50 – $70

APC (Amphibious Personnel Carrier)
Accessories: Removable Top, Cannon, Tow Hook
Years Released: 1983, 1984
Scarcity factor: Tough to find
Notes: What better way to get several Joe’s from place to place in a hurry than the APC. There were no major changes or variations from 1983 to 1984.

Cobra F.A.N.G

Market Value:
Boxed $90 – $110
Loose $40 – $60

Cobra FANG (Fully Armed Negator Gyrocopter)
Accessories: Negator Bomb, Swivel Cannon
Years Released: 1983, 1984
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found
Notes: Cobra needed cool vehicles too, so they got a nifty gyrocopter. There were no major changes or variations from 1983 to 1984.

Cobra H.I.S.S
(with H.I.S.S Driver)

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $200
Loose $50 – $70

Cobra HISS (High Speed Sentry)
Accessories: Guns, Canopy, Turret Gun Mount
Years Released: 1983, 1984
Scarcity factor: Tough to find
Notes: The Cobra HISS vehicle was basically the standard Cobra tank, and it was awesome! It came with the HISS driver, who was never available as a carded figure.

Dragonfly
(with Wild Bill)

Market Value:
Boxed $275 – $375
Loose $75 – $115

Dragonfly (Assault Copter XH-1)
Accessories: Cannon, Missiles, Rockets, Canopy
Years Released: 1983, 1984
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found
Notes: The Dragonfly came with its pilot, Wild Bill, who was never available as a regular carded figure.

Polar Battle Bear

Market Value:
Boxed $70 – $90
Loose $25 – $40

Polar Battle Bear (Skimobile)
Accessories: Removable Engine Cover, Tow Hook, Laser Blaster
Years Released: 1983, 1984
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Polar Battle Bear was a decked-out Skimobile. There were no major changes or variations from 1983 to 1984.

Skystriker
(with Ace)

Market Value:
Boxed $275 – $375
Loose $100 – $150

Skystriker (Combat Jet XP-14F)
Accessories: Ace Figure, Missiles, Canopy, Removable Seat, Engines
Years Released: 1983, 1984
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Skystriker came with the Pilot, Ace, which was only available with the jet until 1988, when he was offered as a mail-away offer.

Wolverine
(with Cover Girl)

Market Value:
Boxed $175 – $250
Loose $65 – $90

Wolverine (Armored Missile Vehicle)
Accessories: Cover Girl Figure, 12 Stinger Missiles, Rocket Launcher, Engine Cover
Years Released: 1983, 1984
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Wolverine was a Armored Missile Launcher. It came with Cover Girl, which was strangely never available anywhere else.

Following the massive success of the 1982 Joe toy line re-boot, the 1983 line needed to put out some good stuff to keep up the momentum, and Hasbro did not disappoint. The 1983 line only had nine new carded figures and one new mail-order, but the area where Hasbro really shined were their vehicles and accessories. The GI Joe Headquarters playset, along with the Skystriker, Dragonfly, Wolverine and Cobra HISS vehicles are still considered modern day classics, and highly coveted by collectors nowadays. All previously issued figures from the 1982 line were also re-released for 1983 with their new arm action joints to allow them more flexibility when holding their weapons and accessories.

Another fun thing that happened in 1983, which helped the toy line tremendously, was the launch of the GI Joe cartoon series in the Fall of 1983. The GI Joe comic book series by Marvel had already launched in 1982, so the Joe hype machine was now in full effect and kids couldn’t get enough of GI Joe. The cartoon series and comic books really let you get to know the characters more, and brought them to life with their unique personalities. I mean, would anyone really have thought that Gung-Ho would have a Cajun accent by just looking at him? This really allowed for kids to get that extra playability factor that previous GI Joe lines just didn’t have. Hasbro must have had a lot of fun coming up with all the new and interesting characters. I would have loved to have that job!

The GI Joe packaging was virtually identical to the 1982 line with Destro and Major Bludd seeing the only real difference with “The Enemy” stamped on the top of the card instead of “Cobra”. This was of course due to neither character being an actual member of Cobra. Once again, the packaging was simple but very effective and eye catching.