GI Joe 1987

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GI Joe 1987

Hasbro released several new figures, accessories, and vehicles in 1987, in addition to the first GI Joe sub-series with the introduction of Battleforce 2000. This year gave us some great new Joe characters such as Outback and Falcon, as well as a 3rd version of Cobra Commander. We also had the debut of the Fridge action figure, and the 2nd largest GI Joe playset ever, with the Defiant. The Defiant had the distinction of being the most expensive toy ever created at the time of its release.

For more information about Hasbro’s GI Joe line from 1987, see bottom of the page for a complete summary.

GI Joe (1987): Basic Figures

The 1987 series contained 17 new figures released on cards, and three new mail order figures. We also go 2 different multi-packs, the Cobra-La Team and Sgt. Slaughter’s Renegades.

Big Boa:
Cobra Trainer

Market Value:
Carded $200 – $250
Loose $30 – $45

File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Boxing Gloves, Mouthpiece, Bag, Stand
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Big Boa from 1987 to 1988.

Chuckles:
Undercover

Market Value:
Carded $200 – $250
Loose $30 – $45

File Name: Provost, Phillip M.
Accessories: Pistol, Harness
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Chuckles from 1987 to 1988.

Cobra Commander:
w/ Battle Armor (V-3)

Market Value:
Carded $325 – $375
Loose $40 – $55

File Name: Classified
Accessories: Backpack, Pistol, Mouthpiece
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Cobra Commander. He becomes the first Joe figure to have 3 different versions.

Crazy Legs:
Assault Trooper

Market Value:
Carded $125 – $175
Loose $25 – $40

File Name: Thomas, David O.
Accessories: Parachute, Rifle, Stock
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Crazy Legs from 1987 to 1988.

Croc Master:
Cobra Reptile Trainer

Market Value:
Carded $200 – $250
Loose $30 – $45

File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Crocodile, Whip, Leash, Hose
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Croc Master from 1987 to 1988.

Crystal Ball:
Cobra Hypnotist

Market Value:
Carded $85 – $115
Loose $15 – $25

File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Hypno-Shield
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Crystal Ball from 1987 to 1988.

Falcon:
Green Beret

Market Value:
Carded $325 – $375
Loose $35 – $50

File Name: Falcone, Vincent R.
Accessories: Shotgun, Backpack, Knife, Antenna
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: Falcon got a promotion in 1988. when Lieutenant was added.

Fast Draw: Mobile
Missile Specialist

Market Value:
Carded $175 – $225
Loose $30 – $45

File Name: Brown, Eliot
Accessories: Backpack, Controls, Missiles, Hoses
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: Fast Draw was offered as a mail-order item in later years.

Gung-Ho:
Marine Dress Blues

Market Value:
Carded $200 – $250
Loose $35 – $50

File Name: La Fitte, Etienne R.
Accessories: Sabre, Decals
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to this 2nd version of Gung-Ho from 1987 to 1988.

Jinx:
Ninja/Intelligence

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $350
Loose $35 – $50

File Name: Top Secret
Accessories: Backpack, Swords, Naginata
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: Jinx was offered through mail-order in later years.

Law and Order:
M.P & K-9

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $350
Loose $30 – $45

File Name: Lavigne, Christopher M.
Accessories: Order, Uzi, Helmet, Leash, Nightstick
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Law & Order from 1987 to 1988.

Outback:
Survivalist

Market Value:
Carded $350 – $450
Loose $50 – $80

File Name: Selkirk, Stuart R.
Accessories: Backpack, Rifle, Flashlight, Belt
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Outback from 1987 to 1988.

Psyche-Out:
Deceptive Warfare

Market Value:
Carded $150 – $200
Loose $30 – $45

File Name: Rich, Kenneth D.
Accessories: Handgun, Backpack, Radar, Box, Antenna
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Psyche-out from 1987 to 1988.

Raptor:
Cobra Falconer

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $25 – $40

File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Falcon, Cape
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Raptor from 1987 to 1988.

Sneak Peek:
Advanced Recon

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $25 – $40

File Name: King, Owen
Accessories: Tower, Handle, Radio, Binoculars, Rifle
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Sneak Peek from 1987 to 1988.

Techno Viper: Cobra Battlefield Technician

Market Value:
Carded $150 – $200
Loose $30 – $45

File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Backpack, Rifle, Claw, Wrench, Hammer
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Techno Viper from 1987 to 1988.

Tunnel Rat: E.O.D

Market Value:
Carded $225 – $300
Loose $35 – $50

File Name: Lee, Nicky
Accessories: Rifle, Backpack, Bag, Flashlights
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Tunnel Rat from 1987 to 1988.

Cobra – LA Team

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $375
Loose $35 – $50

3 Pack – Golobulus, Nemesis Enforcer, Royal Guard
Accessories: Rifle, Wings, Tentacles, Scythe, Antenna, Handgun
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: The Cobra-La 3-Pack was released in 1987. This was the only time each of these figures were offered at retail.

Sgt. Slaughter’s Renegades

Market Value:
Carded $275 – $350
Loose $35 – $50

3 Pack – Mercer, Red Dog, Taurus
Accessories: Backpack x 3, Pistol x 3
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: The Sgt. Slaughter Renegades 3-Pack was released in 1987. This was the only time each of these figures were offered at retail.

GI Joe (1987): Battleforce 2000 Figures

Cobra had the Dreadnoks, so Hasbro gave us our first Joe sub-set with all new characters called Battleforce 2000. This line was made up of high-tech and futuristic looking Joes, along with their vehicles.

Avalanche: Dominator Snow
Vehicle Driver (Battleforce 2000)

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $15 – $30

File Name: Costello, Ian M.
Accessories: Rifle, Microphone
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Avalanche was also available as a 2-pack with Blaster in 1988. There are no major variations to Avalanche.

Blaster: Hovercraft Pilot
(Battleforce 2000)

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $15 – $30

File Name: Davis, Brian R.
Accessories: Gun, Mouthpiece
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Blaster was also available as a 2-pack with Avalanche in 1988. There are no major variations to Blaster.

Blocker: Eliminator 4-Wheeled
Vehicle Driver (Battleforce 2000)

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $15 – $30

File Name: McCarthy, David B.
Accessories: Pistol, Visor
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Blocker was also available as a 2-pack with Maverick in 1988. There are no major variations to Blocker.

Dodger: Marauder Half-Track Driver (Battleforce 2000)

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $15 – $30

File Name: Renwick, Richard
Accessories: Rifle, Microphone
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Dodger was also available as a 2-pack with Knockdown in 1988. There are no major variations to Dodger.

Knockdown: Sky-Sweeper Anti-Aircraft Driver (Battleforce 2000)

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $15 – $30

File Name: Gonsalves, Blaine M.
Accessories: Pistol, Helmet
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Knockdown was also available as a 2-pack with Dodger in 1988. There are no major variations to Knockdown.

Maverick: Vector Jet Fighter Pilot (Battleforce 2000)

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $15 – $30

File Name: Kiley, Thomas P.
Accessories: Gun, Helmet
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Maverick was also available as a 2-pack with Blocker in 1988. There are no major variations to Maverick.

GI Joe (1987): Exclusive Figures

Hasbro released not one, not two, but THREE brand new mail-order exclusive figures in 1987. These new figures were highlighted by the second Joe celebrity figure, The Fridge.

StarDuster:
Jet Pack Trooper (Mail Order)

Market Value:
Carded $750 – $900
Loose $125 – $175

File Name: Skylar, Edward J.
Accessories: None
Years Released: 1987 – 1990 (Mail Order Only)
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Starduster went through several variations from 1987 to 1990 with most of them involving his clothing and color scheme. Starduster was never offered as a carded retail figure.

Steel Brigade:
Cobra (Mail Order)

Market Value:
Carded $400 – $550
Loose $75 – $100

File Name: Unknown
Accessories: None
Years Released: 1987 – 1994 (Mail Order Only)
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Steel Brigade went through several variations from 1987 to 1994 with most of them involving his color scheme. Steel Brigade was never offered as a carded retail figure.

The Fridge: Physical Training Instructor (Mail Order)

Market Value:
Carded $125 – $175
Loose $45 – $70

File Name: Perry, William
Accessories: Football Flail
Years Released: 1987, 1988, 1989 (Mail Order Only)
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found on secondary market, but getting tougher each year
Notes: William “The Refrigerator” Perry became the 2nd celebrity to join the Joe ranks, following Sgt. Slaughter. The Fridge had a couple minor variations involving his pants and belt.

GI Joe (1987): Accessories

In addition to the usual Accessory Packs, Hasbro introduced a new Vehicle Gear Pack as well to give kids even more small accessories to keep us with.

Accessory Pack # 5

Market Value:
Carded $30 – $45
Loose $8 – $14

Accessory Pack # 5
Accessories: Weapons, Helmets, Backpacks, Accessories
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Moderately easy to find
Notes: This was the 5th Accessory Pack issued for the G.I. Joe line, offering an assortment of various weapons, backpacks and other accessories.

Cobra Jet Pack

Market Value:
Carded $60 – $80
Loose $12 – $20

Cobra Jet Pack
Accessories: Missiles, Machine Gun, Engines, Panel
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Moderately easy to find
Notes: The Cobra Jet pack had no major variations from 1987 to 1988 and was sold as a mail order item in later years.

Vehicle Gear Pack # 1

Market Value:
Carded $20 – $30
Loose $5 – $10

Vehicle Gear Pack # 1
Accessories: Missiles, Rockets, Bombs
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Moderately easy to find
Notes: With the success of the Accessory Packs, Hasbro decided to release an accessory pack just for vehicles including various missile and rockets.

GI Joe (1987): Motorized Action Packs

Hasbro created a new series of accessories for the 1987 wave called Motorized Action Packs. They were basically small individual accessories with an action feature that could be activated with a wind-up switch.

Anti-Aircraft Gun

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $55
Loose $8 – $15

Anti-Aircraft Gun
(Motorized Action Pack)
Accessories: Anti-Aircraft Gun, Decals
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found on secondary market
Notes: There were no major variations to the Anti-Aircraft Gun from 1987 to 1988.

Earth Borer

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $55
Loose $8 – $15

Earth Borer
(Motorized Action Pack)
Accessories: Earth Borer, Decals
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found on secondary market
Notes: There were no major variations to the Earth Borer Action Pack from 1987 to 1988.

Helicopter

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $55
Loose $8 – $15

Helicopter
(Motorized Action Pack)
Accessories: Helicopter Unit, Decals
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found on secondary market
Notes: There were no major variations to the Helicopter Action pack from 1987 to 1988.

Mountain Climber

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $55
Loose $8 – $15

Mountain Climber
(Motorized Action Pack)
Accessories: Mountain Climber
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found on secondary market
Notes: There were no major variations to the Mountain Climber Action Pack from 1987 to 1988.

Pom-Pom Gun

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $55
Loose $8 – $15

Pom-Pom Gun
(Motorized Action Pack)
Accessories: Pom-Pom Gun, Decals
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found on secondary market
Notes: There were no major variations to the Pom-Pom Gun Action Pack from 1987 to 1988.

Radar Station

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $55
Loose $8 – $15

Radar Station
(Motorized Action Pack)
Accessories: Radar Station, Decals
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found on secondary market
Notes: There were no major variations to the Radar Station Action Pack from 1987 to 1988.

Rope Crosser

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $55
Loose $8 – $15

Rope Crosser
(Motorized Action Pack)
Accessories: Rope Crosser, Decals
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found on secondary market
Notes: There were no major variations to the Rope Crosser Action Pack from 1987 to 1988.

Rope Walker

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $55
Loose $8 – $15

Rope Walker
(Motorized Action Pack)
Accessories: Rope Walker, Decals
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found on secondary market
Notes: There were no major variations to the Rope Walker Action Pack from 1987 to 1988.

GI Joe (1987): Playsets

Hasbro released two more large scale playsets in 1987 to carry on their tradition of amazing, high-quality accessories for the GI Joe line. The Defiant was a HUGE space shuttle, complete with launch complex while the Mobile Command Center was another fantastic Joe Headquarters playset.

Defiant (with Hardtop and Payload)

Market Value:
Boxed $7,500 – $10,000
Loose $1,200 – $1,800

Defiant (with Hardtop and Payload)
Accessories: Way to many to list them all, but included Working Elevators, Blast Shield, Wall Ladder, Seated Gun Turrets, Control Rooms, Movable Guns, and so much more
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: This item is rare and does not come up for sale very often
Notes: The Defiant came with 2 figures, Hardtop and Payload, and had a few minor variations from 1987 to 1988. To say this thing was huge would be a massive understatement! Following in the footsteps of the USS Flagg, the Defiant is just plain big. This set had the distinction of being the most expensive toy ever created when it was released in 1987 and the price tag matched it, at a hefty $99.99. The Defiant had it all and still remains as one of the most complex action figure playsets ever made. I could write an entire article just on the Defiant but let it suffice to say that this was an amazing addition to the GI Joe line by Hasbro and one of the things that separate the Joe’s from other toy lines.

Mobile Command Center
(with Steam-Roller)

Market Value:
Boxed $800 – $1,000
Loose $175 – $275

Mobile Command Center (with Steam-Roller)
Accessories: Missile Bay Platform, Missile Turret, Missiles, Bunks, Chairs, Consoles, Weapons Rack, Laser Cannons, Escape Slide, Elevator, Detainment Cell, Searchlights, Machine Guns, Crane, Command Bay, Engine
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Mobile Command Center came with Steam-Roller and had no major variations from 1987 to 1988. The basic concept of this set was it served as a movable base for GI Joe. When it was stationary and all opened up, it was another in the line of huge Joe playset bases. It was big enough to accommodate several vehicles and figures. The really cool thing about the Mobile Command Center was that when it was all folded up, it was pretty compact.

GI Joe (1987): Vehicles

Hasbro released 11 more vehicles in 1987 with some new original concepts that really pushed the bar and continued to build a complete Joe and Cobra vehicle line.

Coastal Defender

Market Value:
Boxed $40 – $55
Loose $12 – $20

Coastal Defender
Accessories: Missiles, Radar Dish, Missile Rack
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Coastal Defender had no variations from 1987 to 1988.

Cobra Buzz Boar

Market Value:
Boxed $50 – $75
Loose $15 – $25

Cobra Buzz Boar
Accessories: Spinning Wheel, Missiles, Hatch
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Cobra Buzz Boar had no variations from 1987 to 1988.

Cobra Maggot
(with W.O.R.M.S)

Market Value:
Boxed $120 – $150
Loose $40 – $60

Cobra Maggot (with W.O.R.M.S)
Accessories: Laser Cannon, Laser Gun, Machine Gun
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Cobra Maggot came with W.O.R.M.S (Seems appropriate) had no major variations from 1987 to 1988.

Cobra Mamba
(with Gyro-Viper)

Market Value:
Boxed $120 – $150
Loose $45 – $65

Cobra Mamba (with Gyro-Viper)
Accessories: Missiles, Bombs, Machine Guns, Canopy
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Cobra Mamba came with Gyro Viper and had no major variations from 1987 to 1988.

Cobra Pogo

Market Value:
Boxed $90 – $120
Loose $20 – $30

Cobra Pogo Ballistic Battle Ball
Accessories: Cockpit, Canopy, Missiles, Machine Gun
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Cobra Pogo had no major variations from 1987 to 1988.

Cobra Sea Ray
(with Sea Slug)

Market Value:
Boxed $80 – $110
Loose $30 – $45

Cobra Sea Ray (with Sea Slug)
Accessories: Machine Guns, Canopy, Missiles
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Sea Ray came with Sea Slug (?) and there were no major variations from 1987 to 1988. It was available as a mail order item in later years.

Cobra WOLF
(with Ice Viper)

Market Value:
Boxed $90 – $130
Loose $35 – $50

Cobra Wolf (with Ice Viper)
Accessories: Cannon, Canopy, Missiles, Skis
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Cobra WOLF came with Ice Viper and had no major variations from 1987 to 1988. It was available as a mail order item in later years.

Crossfire
(with Rumbler)

Market Value:
Boxed $900 – $1,100
Loose $275 – $375

Crossfire (with Rumbler)
Accessories: Canopy, Guns, Missiles, Missile Door
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: This item is rare to find in package, and usually goes quickly
Notes: Crossfire was a very cool remote control vehicle, made in conjunction with Nikko. There were 2 different versions of Crossfire, Delta 49 and Alpha 27.

Persuader
(with Back-Stop)

Market Value:
Boxed $90 – $120
Loose $30 – $45

Persuader (with Back-Stop)
Accessories: Laser Gun, Missiles, Wheels, Main Gun
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Persuader came with Back-Stop and there were no major variations from 1987 to 1988.

Road Toad B.R.V

Market Value:
Boxed $60 – $85
Loose $10 – $20

Road Toad B.R.V (Battlefield Recovery Vehicle)
Accessories: Machine Guns, Turret, Missiles, Wench, Engine Cover
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There were no major variations to the Road Toad B.R.V from 1987 to 1988.

S.L.A.M

Market Value:
Boxed $90 – $140
Loose $35 – $55

S.L.A.M (Strategic Long-Range Artillery Machine)
Accessories: Cannon, Missiles, Rotating Turret, Seats
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There were no major variations to the S.L.A.M from 1987 to 1988.

GI Joe (1987): Battleforce 2000 Vehicles

With the new Battleforce 2000 line being introduced in 1987, we had to have some vehicles for these ultra hi-tech Joes to ride around in.

Dominator

Market Value:
Boxed $75 – $125
Loose $20 – $35

Dominator
Accessories: Laser Cannon, Laser Guns, Guns
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Although the Dominator did not come with a figure, but it was intended for the Avalanche figure, released separately on a card.

Eliminator

Market Value:
Boxed $75 – $125
Loose $20 – $35

Eliminator
Accessories: Cannon, Missiles, Missile Platform, Laser Guns
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Although the Eliminator did not come with a figure, but it was intended for the Blocker figure, released separately on a card.

Marauder

Market Value:
Boxed $75 – $125
Loose $20 – $35

Marauder
Accessories: Engine, Engine Cover, Missiles, Towing Hook
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Although the Marauder did not come with a figure, but it was intended for the Dodger figure, released separately on a card.

Sky Sweeper

Market Value:
Boxed $75 – $125
Loose $20 – $35

Sky Sweeper
Accessories: Laser Gun, Laser Cannon, Radar Dish, Missiles
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Although the Sky Sweeper did not come with a figure, but it was intended for the Knockdown figure, released separately on a card.

Vector

Market Value:
Boxed $75 – $125
Loose $20 – $35

Vector
Accessories: Missiles, Bombs, Laser Cannon, Rotating Turret
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Although the Vector did not come with a figure, but it was intended for the Maverick figure, released separately on a card.

Vindicator

Market Value:
Boxed $75 – $125
Loose $20 – $35

Vindicator
Accessories: Engine, Engine Cover, Laser Cannons, Missiles
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Although the Vindicator did not come with a figure, but it was intended for the Blaster figure, released separately on a card.

GI Joe (1987): Dreadnok Vehicles

We got 2 more Dreadnok vehicles in 1987, bringing the total to 6 different Dreadnok rides. There were actually more Dreadnok vehicles than Dreadnoks!

Air Skiff with Zanzibar
(Dreadnoks)

Market Value:
Boxed $70 – $100
Loose $20 – $30

Air Skiff (with Zanzibar) Dreadnoks
Accessories: Cannon Missiles, Rotating Propeller Blade, Tail Plane
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Air Skiff came with Zanzibar and had no major variations from 1987 to 1988

Dreadnok Cycle
(Dreadnoks)

Market Value:
Boxed $85 – $115
Loose $30 – $45

Dreadnok Cycle (Dreadnoks)
Accessories: Cannon, Missiles, Seat, Wheels
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Dreadnok Cycle had no major variations from 1987 to 1988

By 1987, the GI Joe toy line had a firm foothold in the international toy market with only the Transformers line (also a Hasbro property) to compete with. The GI Joe cartoon series had come to an end the year before, but they still had their Marvel comic book series and it was doing quite well. Since 1982, the GI Joe toy line had hit homerun after homerun, so it was about time for a small miss every now and then, just to keep Hasbro honest. Introducing…… Big Boa…….Chuckles…….Croc Master…….. not the powerhouse lineup that Joe fans were used to. It seemed like the code name think tank was starting to run out of ideas. Hasbro also gave us the first Joe sub-set with the introduction of Battleforce 2000. This was a futuristic looking Joe team with high speed lasers and such. It was a neat concept but it just didn’t really catch on with kids and collectors.

Fear not Joe fans, because it wasn’t all bad new in 1987. This year also gave us some great new Joe characters like Outback, Fast Draw, Falcon, Crazy Legs and a brand new version of fan favorite Gung-Ho all dressed up in his Marine dress blues. The Cobra team gave us a 3rd (armored) version of Cobra Commander, Raptor, Techno-Vipers and Jinx, a new female ninja for Snake Eyes to fight. I’d also be remiss if i didn’t mention this year was the debut of the Fridge action figure. Regarding this tidbit, please re-read the previous paragraph about Hasbro misses. But the biggest thing to happen to Joe in 1987 was the DE-freakin-FIANT (or just Defiant). This thing was really all that and then some. The Defiant had the distinction of being the most expensive toy ever created at the time of its release in 1987. At a whopping price tag of $99.99, the Defiant measured nearly 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide. This playset wasn’t as big as the USS Flagg, but once again, major kudos to Hasbro for having the stones to make something this big. This was definitely something I really wanted as a kid, but I guess my mom just didn’t see the investment opportunity that I saw. Nowadays, you could purchase a used car with the same price as getting one of these on the secondary market in a box.

Just like every year prior, The 1987 GI Joe packaging was almost identical to its previous years with very faint differences here and there. One new thing that Hasbro gave us this year was the Battleforce 2000 packaging. It still used the traditional GI Joe logo on the top of the card but now gave us a new Battleforce 2000 logo with a little more futuristic looking color scheme.