GI Joe 1986

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GI Joe 1986

Hasbro had the top two selling toy lines in the world in 1986, with GI Joe and The Transformers, so things were looking good for the toy maker. They released 17 new figures, in addition to Sgt. Slaughter as a mail-order exclusive. The very first GI Joe Commander, Hawk, also made his debut. We got several new vehicles and accessories, as well as the Cobra Terror Dome playset. Despite all the success, the GI Joe animated series came to and end on November 20, 1986.

For more information about Hasbro’s GI Joe line from 1986, see bottom of the page for a complete summary.

GI Joe (1986): Basic Figures

The 1986 series of figures contained 17 that were released on cards and one mail order figure, Sgt. Slaughter. Nine additional figures were released with various vehicles and accessories as well.

B.A.T.S: Cobra
Android Trooper

Market Value:
Carded $350 – $450
Loose $45 – $65

File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Backpack, Hand, Gripper, Laser, Torch
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher
Notes: The main variation to BATS was the packaging having B.A.T.S on one and B.A.T on the other.

Beach Head:
Ranger

Market Value:
Carded $175 – $250
Loose $30 – $45

File Name: Sneeden, Wayne R.
Accessories: Sub-machine gun, Backpack, Ammo Case
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Beach Head from 1986 to 1987.

Dial-Tone:
Communications

Market Value:
Carded $175 – $250
Loose $30 – $45

File Name: Morelli, Jack S.
Accessories: Backpack, Sub-machine Pistol
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Dial-Tone from 1986 to 1987.

Dr. Mindbender:
Master of Mind Control

Market Value:
Carded $150 – $225
Loose $20 – $35

File Name: Dr. Mindbender
Accessories: Pistol, Cape, Generator, Electric Prod
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: Dr. Mindbender had a minor variation to his cape with one being shorter than the other.

Hawk:
G.I Joe Commander

Market Value:
Carded $150 – $225
Loose $25 – $40

File Name: Abernathy, Clayton M.
Accessories: Pistol, Helmet, Field Pack
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Hawk from 1986 to 1987 and G.I Joe finally gets a commander.

Iceberg:
Snow Trooper

Market Value:
Carded $150 – $225
Loose $20 – $35

File Name: Nash, Clifton L.
Accessories: Arctic Rifle
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Iceberg from 1986 to 1987.

Leatherneck:
Marine

Market Value:
Carded $200 – $275
Loose $30 – $45

File Name: Metzger, Wendell A.
Accessories: Rifle, Backpack
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Leatherneck from 1986 to 1987.

Lifeline:
Rescue Trooper

Market Value:
Carded $175 – $250
Loose $20 – $35

File Name: Steen, Edwin C.
Accessories: Backpack, Rescue Case, Handgun, Mask
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Lifeline from 1986 to 1987.

Low-Light:
Night Spotter

Market Value:
Carded $150 – $225
Loose $20 – $35

File Name: MacBride, Cooper G.
Accessories: Sniper Rifle, Uzi, Backpack
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher
Notes: Low-Light had no major variations from 1986 to 1987.

Mainframe:
Computer Specialist

Market Value:
Carded $150 – $225
Loose $20 – $35

File Name: Parker, Blaine L.
Accessories: Computer, Telephone, Backpack, Hose
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher
Notes: Mainframe had no major variations from 1986 to 1987.

Monkeywrench:
Dreadnok

Market Value:
Carded $150 – $225
Loose $20 – $35

File Name: Bill Winkie
Accessories: Harpoon Gun
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher
Notes: Monkeywrench had no major variations from 1986 to 1987.

Roadblock :
Heavy Machine Gunner (V-2)

Market Value:
Carded $200 – $275
Loose $25 – $40

File Name: Hinton, Marvin F.
Accessories: Machine Gun, Tripod
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher
Notes: Roadblock had no major variations from 1986 to 1987. The original version of Roadblock was offered in 1984.

Sci-Fi:
Laser Trooper

Market Value:
Carded $150 – $225
Loose $20 – $35

File Name: Fine, Seymour P.
Accessories: Missile Launcher, Laser Rifle, Backpack, Hose
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher
Notes: Sci-Fi had no major variations from 1986 to 1987. This is definitely one of my personal favorite code names.

Vipers:
Cobra Infantry

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $400
Loose $45 – $65

File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Rifle, Field Pack
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher
Notes: Cobra decided to upgrade their basic Infantry soldiers to something a little more modern looking, so the Vipers were introduced in 1986.

Wet-Suit:
Seal

Market Value:
Carded $250 – $325
Loose $40 – $55

File Name: Forrest, Brian M.
Accessories: Scuba Tanks, Mouthpiece, Flippers, Searchlight, Sled
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher
Notes: Wet-Suit had no major variations from 1986 to 1987.

Zandar:
Zartan’s Brother

Market Value:
Carded $150 – $225
Loose $20 – $35

File Name: Zandar
Accessories: Backpack, Rifle
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher
Notes: A few different minor variations exist for Zandar but there were no major variations.

Zarana:
Zartan’s Sister

Market Value:
Carded $200 – $275
Loose $30 – $45

File Name: Zarana
Accessories: Backpack, Cutting Weapon
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher
Notes: The major variation of this figure was Zarana’s head sculpt, which was completely changed during her release.

GI Joe (1986): Exclusive Figures

Hasbro continued their tradition of releasing fantastic new figures as mail-order promotions with their newest character, Sgt. Slaughter. Slaughter was also available with the Triple T vehicles released in this wave as well.

Sgt. Slaughter:
Drill Instructor (Mail Order)

Market Value:
With Packaging $450 – $600
Loose $70 – $95

File Name: Classified Top Secret
Accessories: Baton
Years Released: 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 (Mail Order)
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Sgt. Slaughter was an actual professional wrestler during the sport’s heyday in the 80’s. He portrayed a patriotic character, so I suppose it made some sort of sense to make him an official Joe. The Sgt. Slaughter mail order figure was available from 1986 to 1989 and he was also available with the Triple T vehicle.

GI Joe (1986): Accessories

Hasbro gave us another wave of four Battle Station mini-sets in 1986, along with another great accessory pack.

Accessory Pack # 4

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $45
Loose $8 – $14

Accessory Pack # 4
Accessories: Weapons, Backpacks, Stands, Exclusive Missile System
Years Released: 1986
Scarcity Factor: Not hard to find, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: This was the 4th in the Accessory Pack series released by Hasbro, which gave us additional weapons, Backpacks, Helmets, Figure Stands and lots of other accessories.

Cobra Surveillance Port
(Battle Station)

Market Value:
Boxed $100 – $150
Loose $40 – $55

Cobra Surveillance Port (Battle Station)
Accessories: Radar Dish, Antenna, Walls, Machine Gun
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Not hard to find but getting tougher
Notes: The Cobra Surveillance Port Battle Station had no major variations from 1986 to 1987.

L.A.W
(Battle Station)

Market Value:
Boxed $90 – $120
Loose $20 – $35

L.A.W (Battle Station)
Accessories: Rotating Turret, Gun Base, Seat, Console
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Not hard to find but getting tougher
Notes: The LAW Battle Station had no major variations from 1986 to 1987.

Outpost Defender
(Battle Station)

Market Value:
Boxed $90 – $120
Loose $20 – $35

Outpost Defender (Battle Station)
Accessories: Sandbag Walls, Wall, Roof, Heavy Machine Gun, Ammo Crate, Shells, Antenna
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Not hard to find but getting tougher
Notes: The Outpost Defender Battle Station had no major variations from 1986 to 1987.

GI Joe (1986): Playsets

After blowing everyone out of the water with last year’s playsets, Hasbro released only one in 1986, with the Cobra Terror Dome.

Cobra Terror Dome (with Firebat)

Market Value:
Boxed $900 – $1,200
Loose $250 – $350

Cobra Terror Dome
Accessories: Cannon Tower, Scanners, Ammo Storage, Prisoner Chamber, Cannons, Blast Door, Console, Silo, Cobra Firebat Jet (Rockets, Bombs, Canopy)
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Cobra Terror Dome was another in the continued tradition of massive playsets that Hasbro would release for the GI Joe toy line. This may not have been as big as the USS Flagg, but it really was a huge playset with tons of accessories and add-ons. The Terror Dome also came with the Cobra Firebat plane, which was the only way you could get it at the time.

GI Joe (1986): Vehicles

Hasbro released 11 more vehicles in 1986 with some new original concepts that really filled out a fantastic Joe and Cobra line-up.

Cobra Air Chariot
(with Serpentor)

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

Cobra Air Chariot (with Serpentor)
Accessories: Engine, Handlebars, Guns
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity factor: Not hard to find
Notes: The Cobra Air Chariot with Serpentor had no variations from 1986 to 1987, and was available as a mail order offer in 1988 as well. This was the only place to find Serpentor in 1986.

Cobra Firebat
(with A.V.A.C)

Market Value:
Boxed N/A
Loose $100 – $150

Cobra Firebat (with A.V.A.C)
Accessories: Rockets, Bombs, Canopy
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Firebat came with A.V.A.C and it was only available with the Cobra Terror Dome Playset. It was available as a mail order item in later years.

Cobra Hydro-Sled

Market Value:
Boxed $60 – $75
Loose $15 – $25

Cobra Hydro Sled
Accessories: Nose Gun, Torpedoes, Canopy
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity factor: Not hard to find but getting tougher each year
Notes: The Cobra Hydro-Sled had no major variations from 1986 to 1987.

Cobra Night Raven S3P
(with Strato-Viper)

Market Value:
Boxed $350 – $450
Loose $125 – $175

Cobra Night Raven S3P (with Strato Viper)
Accessories: Hatch, Cannons, Engine Covers
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity factor: Not hard to find but getting tougher each year
Notes: The Night Raven came with Strato Viper and had no major variations from 1986 to 1987.

Cobra S.T.U.N
(with Motor Viper)

Market Value:
Boxed $200 – $300
Loose $55 – $80

Cobra S.T.U.N (with Motor Viper)
Accessories: Guns, Engine Lids, Rockets
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity factor: Not hard to find but getting tougher each year
Notes: The S.T.U.N came with Motor Viper and there were no major variations from 1986 to 1987.

Conquest X-30
(with Slip Stream)

Market Value:
Boxed $200 – $275
Loose $60 – $80

Conquest X-30 (with Slip Stream)
Accessories: Missiles, Drop Tanks, Canopy, Covers
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity factor: Not hard to find but getting tougher each year
Notes: The Conquest came with Slip Stream and there were no major variations from 1986 to 1987.

Devilfish

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $225
Loose $45 – $65

Devilfish
Accessories: Missiles, Guns, Engine, Covers
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity factor: Not hard to find but getting tougher each year
Notes: Devilfish had no major variations from 1986 to 1987.

H.A.V.O.C
(with Cross Country)

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $225
Loose $45 – $65

H.A.V.O.C (Heavy Articulated Vehicle Ordnance Carrier)
Accessories: Canopy, Guns, Missiles, Missile Door
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity factor: Not hard to find but getting tougher each year
Notes: H.A.V.O.C came with Cross Country and had no major variations from 1986 to 1987.

L.C.V Recon Sled

Market Value:
Boxed $55 – $75
Loose $15 – $25

L.C.V Recon Sled (Low Crawl Vehicle)
Accessories: Canopy, Headlight, Machine Guns, Video Screen
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity factor: Not hard to find but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The L.C.V Sled had no major variations from 1986 to 1987 and was available as a mail order item in later years.

Tomahawk
(with Lift Ticket)

Market Value:
Boxed $325 – $425
Loose $125 – $175

Tomahawk (with Lift Ticket)
Accessories: Missiles, Bombs, Gun Turret, Machine Gun, Seats, Cargo Door
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity factor: Not hard to find but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Tomahawk came with Lift Ticket, and was the only place to find this figures. There were no major variations from 1986 to 1987.

Triple T
(with Sgt. Slaughter)

Market Value:
Boxed $115 – $165
Loose $50 – $70

Triple T (with Sgt. Slaughter)
Accessories: Engine, Engine Cover, Missiles, Towing Hook
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity factor: Not hard to find but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Triple T came with the new figure, Sgt. Slaughter, and was available as a mail order item in later years.

GI Joe (1986): Dreadnok Vehicles

Hasbro introduced a line of small vehicles made exclusively for the Dreadnoks in 1986. I’m not sure how many vehicles the Dreadnoks really need, but I guess they could use all the help they can get.

Air Assault
(Dreadnoks)

Market Value:
Boxed $750 – $900
Loose $300 – $350

Dreadnok Air Assault
Accessories: Rockets, Engine, Canopy, Cannon
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Air Assault Dreadnok vehicle had no major variations from 1986 to 1987.

Ground Assault
(Dreadnoks)

Market Value:
Boxed $750 – $900
Loose $300 – $350

Dreadnok Ground Assault
Accessories: Jeep, Rockets, Motorcycle, Cannon
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Ground Assault Dreadnok vehicle had no major variations from 1986 to 1987.

Swamp Fire
(Dreadnoks)

Market Value:
Boxed $100 – $140
Loose $35 – $50

Dreadnok Swampfire
Accessories: Blades, Rotor, Machine Gun
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Swampfire Dreadnok vehicle had no major variations from 1986 to 1987.

Thunder Machine (Dreadnoks)

Market Value:
Boxed $100 – $150
Loose $45 – $65

Dreadnok Thunder Machine
Accessories: Machine Gun, Windshield, Engine
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Thunder Machine Dreadnok vehicle had no major variations from 1986 to 1987.

1986 was a significant and important year for Hasbro and their top selling toy line. After running out of new movies and material, the Star Wars toy line by Kenner was finally at an end, with no new products released in 1986. This, meant that Hasbro now had two of the top selling toy lines in the world with GI Joe and The Transformers, and very little competition. After already having produced some massively popular and iconic stuff, the Joe toy line didn’t have to prove anything to anyone, but like the true American Hero they were, Hasbro released another amazing series of quality figures and vehicles in 1986. Despite all the success of Joe this year, it wasn’t all cherries and ice cream for our favorite heroes because on November 20, 1986, the last new GI Joe cartoon aired on television networks. Marvel Comics continued to print their comic book series until 1994, but Hasbro no longer had their cartoon series to advertise new characters and vehicles. The animated series would continue in syndication for a few more years.

Hasbro released more iconic and creative characters in 1986 with major Joe characters such as Dial Tone, Leatherneck, Low Light and a brand new version of Roadblock. We even got the very first “actual” GI Joe Commander with the release of Hawk. Cobra cranked out some pretty impressive characters as well, like Dr. Mindbender, BATS Android Troopers, Cobra Vipers and the brother/sister team of Zandar and Zarana. However, the most popular figure to make their debut in 1986 was definitely Sgt. Slaughter, who was available as a mail order offer and with the Triple T vehicle. This was the first celebrity personality that Hasbro incorporated into the Joe ranks and he became an overnight success with massive demand and popularity. We also got the Cobra Terror Dome this year, which was another massive large scale playset by Hasbro. This begs the question, Where would a kid put all these huge playsets and vehicles if they had gotten them all back in the mid 80’s? If anyone out there was lucky enough to answer that question, I’d love to hear from you.

Just like past years, The 1986 GI Joe packaging was almost identical to its previous years with very small differences here and there. Hasbro probably didn’t see much of a reason to change the packaging so why fix something that isn’t broken?