GI Joe 1988

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GI Joe 1988


In addition to several new figures, accessories and vehicles, Hasbro also introduced the Night Force and Tiger Force lines in 1988. Tiger Force was widely available, but Night Force was only available as a Toys R Us exclusive. Hasbro gave us some great new characters to add to our Joe team, such as Blizzard, Muskrat, Shockwave, Hit & Run, and Charbroil. The Cobra team gave us Voltar, Toxo-Viper, Iron Grenadier and a new 2nd version of Storm Shadow.

For more information about Hasbro’s GI Joe line from 1988, see bottom of the page for a complete summary.

GI Joe (1988): Basic Figures

The 1988 series of figures contained 18 that were released on cards and one mail order figure, Super Trooper. There were also new sub-set figures released under the Night Force and Tiger Force lines

Astro Viper:
Cobranaut

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

File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Helmet, Backpack, Handles, Guns, Hose
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Astro Viper from 1988 to 1989.

Blizzard: Arctic
Attack Soldier

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

File Name: Natale, Gregory M.
Accessories: Helmet, Backpack, Ice Shoes, Skis and Handles, Machine Gun, Pistol
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Blizzard from 1988 to 1989.

Budo:
Samurai Warrior

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

File Name: Jesso, Kyle A.
Accessories: Helmet, Backpack, Swords, Sai
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Budo from 1988 to 1989.

Charbroil:
Flamethrower

Market Value:
Carded $80 – $130
Loose $20 – $35

File Name: Shannon, Carl G.
Accessories: Helmet, Backpack, Flamethrower, Hose
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Charbroil from 1988 to 1989.

Hardball:
Multi-Shot Grenadier

Market Value:
Carded $85 – $135
Loose $20 – $35

File Name: Duggleby, Wilmer S.
Accessories: Backpack, Grenade Launcher, Chamber
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Hardball from 1988 to 1989.

Hit & Run:
Light Infantryman

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $350
Loose $35 – $55

File Name: Scott, Brent
Accessories: Machine Gun, Knife, Duffel Bag, Hook
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: There are no major variations to the basic issue of Hit & Run from 1988 to 1989.

Hit & Run: Light
Infantryman (Target)

Market Value:
Carded $900 – $1,100
Loose $100 – $150

File Name: Scott, Brent
Accessories: Machine Gun, Knife, Duffel Bag, Hook
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: This item is rare and does not come up for sale very often
Notes: This version of Hit & Run was a Target exclusive and included a parachute.

Hydro-Viper:
Underwater Elite Trooper

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

File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Helmet, Fins, Scuba Pack, Harpoon, Hoses, Devil Ray, Dagger
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations from Hydro-Viper from 1988 to 1989.

Iron Grenadier:
Destro’s Elite Troopers

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

File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Sword, Machine Gun, Pistol
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Iron Grenadiers from 1988 to 1989.

Lightfoot:
Explosives Expert

Market Value:
Carded $85 – $135
Loose $20 – $35

File Name: Owens, Cory R.
Accessories: Helmet, Backpack, Mine Detector, Robot
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Lightfoot from 1988 to 1989.

Muskrat:
Swamp Fighter

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $20 – $35

File Name: Williams, Ross A.
Accessories: Shotgun, Machete, Swamp Skimmer
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Muskrat from 1988 to 1989.

Repeater: Steadi-Cam Machine Gunner

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $20 – $35

File Name: Therien, Jeffrey R.
Accessories: Backpack, Machine Gun, Stabilizer
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Repeater from 1988 to 1989.

Road Pig:
Dreadnok

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

File Name: DeLuca, Donald
Accessories: Hammer, Crossbow, Shoulder Pads, Shield
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Road Pig from 1988 to 1989.

Shockwave:
S.W.A.T Specialist

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $400
Loose $40 – $55

File Name: Faria, Jason A.
Accessories: Backpack, Machine Gun, Handgun, Knife
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Shockwave from 1988 to 1989.

Spearhead & Max:
Point Man & Bobcat

Market Value:
Carded $85 – $135
Loose $20 – $35

File Name: Millman, Peter R.
Accessories: Max, Helmet, Backpack, Rifle, Knife
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Spearhead from 1988 top 1989.

Storm Shadow:
Ninja (V-2)

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $400
Loose $35 – $55

File Name: Classified
Accessories: Backpack, Bow, Sword, Claw
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to this version of Storm Shadow from 1988 to 1989. Storm Shadow was originally made available in 1984.

Toxo-Viper:
Hostile Environment Trooper

Market Value:
Carded $85 – $135
Loose $20 – $35

File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Helmet, Backpack, Pistol, Hose
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Toxo-Viper form 1988 to 1989.

Voltar:
Destro’s General

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

File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Condor, Machine Gun, Backpack
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Voltar from 1988 to 1989.

GI Joe (1988): Night Force Figures (Toys R Us Exclusives)

After releasing Battle Force 2000 the year before, Hasbro gave us another new Joe series called “Night Force”. Any guesses on what the theme of this team was………yup, you got it, it was night time. Night Force was a Toys R Us exclusive series and is tough to find on the secondary market.

Outback/Crazy Legs 2-Pack

Market Value:
Carded $1,000 – $1,250
Loose $200 – $300

Night Force 2-Pack: Outback & Crazy Legs
Accessories: Parachute, Rifle x 2, Backpack, Flashlight, Web Belt
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: tough to find on secondary market
Notes: This Night Force 2-pack included Outback and Crazy Legs, and was a Toys R Us exclusive.

Sneak Peek/Lt. Falcon 2-Pack

Market Value:
Carded $1,000 – $1,250
Loose $200 – $300

Night Force 2-Pack: Sneak Peek & Lt. Falcon
Accessories: Backpack, Shotgun, Knife, Antenna, Tower, Binoculars, Walkie Talkie, Microphone
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: tough to find on secondary market
Notes: This Night Force 2-pack included Sneak Peek and Lt. Falcon, and was a Toys R Us exclusive.

Tunnel Rat/ Psyche-Out 2-Pack

Market Value:
Carded $650 – $850
Loose $150 – $250

Night Force 2-Pack: Tunnel Rat & Psyche-Out
Accessories: Backpack x 2, Handgun, Box, Radar, Rifle, Bag, Flashlights
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: tough to find on secondary market
Notes: This Night Force 2-pack included Tunnel Rat and Psyche-Out, and was a Toys R Us exclusive.

Ultimate Enemies 2-Pack: Muskrat/Voltar
(Target Exclusive)

Market Value:
Carded $250 – $350
Loose $75 – $100

Ultimate Enemies 2-Pack: Muskrat & Voltar (Target Exclusive)
Accessories: Condor, Machine Gun, Backpack, Shotgun, Machete, Swamp Skimmer
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: This Ultimate Enemies 2-pack included Muskrat and Voltar, and was a Target exclusive. It was not part of the Night Force line, but is included here due to being a retail exclusive two-pack.

GI Joe (1988): Tiger Force Figures

Hasbro gave us yet another new Joe team in 1988, with this one being called “Tiger Force”. The Tiger Force figures and accessories were not retail exclusives and a bit easier to find. They were actually very popular at the time and remain so, mostly due to the very popular cast of characters that made up the team.

Bazooka:
Missile Specialist

Market Value:
Carded $200 – $250
Loose $40 – $65

File Name: Katzenbogen, David L.
Accessories: Helmet, Backpack, Bazooka
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: There are no major variations to Tiger Force Bazooka from 1988 to 1989.

Duke:
First Sergeant

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $400
Loose $60 – $85

File Name: Hauser, Conrad S.
Accessories: Helmet, Machine Gun, Binoculars, Backpack
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: There are no major variations to Tiger Force Duke from 1988 to 1989.

Dusty:
Desert Trooper

Market Value:
Carded $275 – $350
Loose $50 – $75

File Name: Tadur, Ronald W.
Accessories: Machine Gun, Backpack
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: There are no major variations to Tiger Force Dusty from 1988 to 1989.

Flint:
Warrant Officer

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $400
Loose $60 – $85

File Name: Faireborn, Dashiell R.
Accessories: Shotgun, Backpack
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: There are no major variations to Tiger Force Flint from 1988 to 1989.

Lifeline:
Medic

Market Value:
Carded $200 – $250
Loose $40 – $65

File Name: Steen, Edwin C.
Accessories: Backpack, Handgun, Case, Air Mask
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: tough to find on secondary market
Notes: There are no major variations to Tiger Force Lifeline from 1988 to 1989.

Roadblock:
Heavy Machine Gunner

Market Value:
Carded $275 – $350
Loose $50 – $75

File Name: Hinton, Marvin F.
Accessories: Machine Gun, Tripod, Backpack, Ammo Box, Helmet
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: tough to find on secondary market
Notes: There are no major variations to Tiger Force Roadblock from 1988 to 1989.

Tripwire:
Mine Detector

Market Value:
Carded $150 – $200
Loose $40 – $65

File Name: Skoog, Tormod S.
Accessories: Mine Detector, Mines, Backpack
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: tough to find on secondary market
Notes: There are no major variations to Tiger Force Trip Wire from 1988 to 1989.

GI Joe (1988): Exclusive Figures

Hasbro continued their proud tradition of releasing fantastic and fun new mail-order exclusive figures, with the release of Super Trooper in 1988.

Super Trooper (Mail Order)

Market Value:
With Packaging $100 – $150
Loose $25 – $40

File Name: Latimer, Paul
Accessories: Helmet, Machine Gun, Shield
Years Released: 1988 (Mail Order Only)
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Super Trooper was only available for 1988 and was never offered as a carded retail figure. There were no variations to Super Trooper in 1988.

GI Joe (1988): Accessories

Although Hasbro released the Motorized Action and Vehicle Packs in 1988, the only non-motorized accessory they released was the latest Accessory Pack with new weapons for the figures to use.

Accessory Pack # 6

Market Value:
Carded $30 – $45
Loose $8 – $15

Accessory Pack # 6
Accessories: Weapons, Backpacks, Stands, Accessories
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: This was the 6th and final Accessory Pack released for the GI Joe line, which began back in 1983.

GI Joe (1988): Motorized Action Packs

Hasbro created a new series of accessories the previous year wave called Motorized Action Packs, and that was continued in 1988. They were basically small individual accessories with an action feature that could be activated with a wind-up switch.

Battle Axe

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $50
Loose $8 – $15

Battle Axe (Motorized Action Pack)
Accessories: Axe, Decals, Instructions
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There were no major variations to the Battle Axe Motorized Action Pack.

Double Machine Gun

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $50
Loose $8 – $15

Double Machine Gun (Motorized Action Pack)
Accessories: Machine Guns, Decals, Instructions
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There were no major variations to the Double Machine Gun Motorized Action Pack.

Machine Gun Nest

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $50
Loose $8 – $15

Machine Gun Nest (Motorized Action Pack)
Accessories: Stabilizing Arms, Decals, Instructions
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There were no major variations to the Machine Gun Nest Motorized Action Pack.

Mine Sweeper

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $50
Loose $8 – $15

Mine Sweeper (Motorized Action Pack)
Accessories: Arm, Mines, Decals, Instructions
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There were no major variations to the Mine Sweeper Motorized Action Pack.

Mortar Launcher

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $50
Loose $8 – $15

Mortar Launcher (Motorized Action Pack)
Accessories: Mortar Shell, Stabilizing Legs, Decals, Instructions
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There were no major variations to the Mortar Launcher Motorized Action Pack.

Twin Missile Radar

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $50
Loose $8 – $15

Twin Missile Radar (Motorized Action Pack)
Accessories: Missiles, Radar Dish, Decals, Instructions
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There were no major variations to the Twin Missile Radar Motorized Action Pack.

GI Joe (1988): Motorized Vehicle Packs

The Motorized Vehicle Packs were similar to the Action Packs, except these were made for a figure to actually ride. They were basically small individual accessories that could be activated with a wind-up action.

ATV

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $50
Loose $8 – $15

ATV (Motorized Vehicle Pack)
Accessories: ATV Bike, Decals, Instructions
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There were no major variations to the ATV Motorized Vehicle Pack.

Gyrocoptor

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $50
Loose $8 – $15

Gyrocopter (Motorized Vehicle Pack)
Accessories: Blade, Seat, Decals, Instructions
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There were no major variations to the Gyrocopter Motorized Vehicle Pack.

Rocket Sled

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $50
Loose $8 – $15

Rocket Sled (Motorized Vehicle Pack)
Accessories: Sled, Decals, Instructions
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There were no major variations to the Rocket Sled Motorized Vehicle Pack.

Scuba Pack

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $50
Loose $8 – $15

Scuba Pack (Motorized Vehicle Pack)
Accessories: Fins, Rudder, Hose, Decals, Instructions
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There were no major variations to the Scuba Pack Motorized Vehicle Pack.

Tank Car

Market Value:
Carded $35 – $50
Loose $8 – $15

Tank Car (Motorized Vehicle Pack)
Accessories: Gun Unit, Decals, Instructions
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There were no major variations to the Tank Car Motorized Vehicle Pack.

GI Joe (1988): Playsets

After releasing some of the most iconic playsets in action figure history, Hasbro decided to take the year off as they did not release any large scale playsets in 1988.

GI Joe (1988): Vehicles

Hasbro released 13 more vehicles in 1988 with new original concepts, and also introduced 3 Iron Grenadiers mini-vehicles as a brand new sub-set.

Cobra Adder

Market Value:
Boxed $100 – $150
Loose $20 – $35

Cobra Adder
Accessories: Missiles, Launcher, Guidance System, Tires
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Cobra Adder had no variations from 1988 to 1989.

Cobra Battle Barge

Market Value:
Boxed $55 – $80
Loose $12 – $22

Cobra Battle Barge
Accessories: Laser Guns, Controls, Radar Dish
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Cobra Battle Barge had no variations and was available a mail order item in later years.

Cobra BUGG
(with Secto-Viper)

Market Value:
Boxed $300 – $400
Loose $80 – $130

Cobra BUGG (with Secto-Viper)
Accessories: Anti-Aircraft Gun, Torpedoes, Cannons
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Cobra BUGG came with Secto-Viper and had no major variations from 1988 to 1989.

Cobra IMP

Market Value:
Boxed $85 – $125
Loose $15 – $25

Cobra IMP
Accessories: Missiles, Rack, Landmines, Laser Gun
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Cobra IMP came had no major variations from 1988 to 1989.

Cobra Stellar Stiletto
(with Star-Viper)

Market Value:
Boxed $125 – $200
Loose $20 – $35

Cobra Stellar Stiletto (with Star-Viper)
Accessories: Plasma Guns, Missiles, Canopy, Tail
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Cobra Stellar Stiletto came with Star-Viper and there were no major variations from 1988 to 1989.

Desert Fox 6 W.D
(with Skidmark)

Market Value:
Boxed $100 – $150
Loose $30 – $45

Desert Fox 6 W.D (with Skidmark)
Accessories: Pivoting Gun, Missiles, Wheels, Steering
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Desert Fox came with Skidmark and there were no major variations from 1988 to 1989.

Mean Dog
(with Wild Card)

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $200
Loose $40 – $70

Mean Dog (with Wild Card)
Accessories: Turret, Missiles, Pods, Laser Gun
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Mean Dog came with Wild Card and there were no major variations from 1988 to 1989.

Phantom X-19
(with Ghostrider)

Market Value:
Boxed $225 – $325
Loose $90 – $120

Phantom X-19 (with Ghostrider)
Accessories: Missiles, Canopy, Wings, Landing Gear
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Phantom X-19 came with Ghostrider and there were no major variations from 1988 to 1989.

R.P.V

Market Value:
Boxed $75 – $125
Loose $15 – $25

R.P.V (Remote Piloted Vehicle)
Accessories: Removable Nose Cone, Launch Rail, Tow Hook
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There were no major variations to the R.P.V from 1988 to 1989.

Rolling Thunder
(with Armadillo)

Market Value:
Boxed $250 – $350
Loose $90 – $125

Rolling Thunder (with Armadillo)
Accessories: Missiles, Launcher, Turret, Pivoting Gun, Radar
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Rolling Thunder came with Armadillo and there were no major variations from 1988 to 1989.

Skystorm
(with Windmill)

Market Value:
Boxed $70 – $100
Loose $20 – $35

Skystorm (with Windmill)
Accessories: Nose Gun, Missiles, Bombs, Blades
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Skystorm came with Windmill and there were no major variations from 1988 to 1989.

Swamp Masher

Market Value:
Boxed $70 – $100
Loose $20 – $35

Swamp Masher
Accessories: Laser Gun, Roll Bar, Missiles, Wheels
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There were no major variations to the Swamp Masher from 1988 to 1989.

Warthog A.I.F.V
(with Sgt. Slaughter V-3)

Market Value:
Boxed $200 – $250
Loose $75 – $100

Warthog A.I.F.V (with Sgt. Slaughter V-3)
Accessories: Missiles, Rack, Hatches, Machine Gun, Grenade Launcher
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Warthog came with the 3rd version of Sgt. Slaughter and there were no major variations from 1988 to 1989.

GI Joe (1988): Iron Grenadier Vehicles

A new series of vehicles was released for 1988 called the “Iron Grenadier” line. This initial wave featured three new vehicles catered to Destro’s elite Iron Grenadier force.

A.G.P (with Nullifier)
(Iron Grenadiers)

Market Value:
Boxed $70 – $100
Loose $30 – $45

A.G.P (with Nullifier)
(Iron Grenadiers)

Accessories: Laser Guns, Missiles, Canopy, Jet Engines
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The A.G.P came with Nullifier and there were no major variations from 1988 to 1989.

D.E.M.O.N (with Ferret)
(Iron Grenadiers)

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

D.E.M.O.N (with Ferret)
(Iron Grenadiers)

Accessories: Cannons, Seats, Laser Gun, Laser Cannon, Missiles
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The D.E.M.O.N came with Ferret and there were no major variations from 1988 to 1989.

Destro’s Despoiler (with Destro V-2) (Iron Grenadiers)

Market Value:
Boxed $125 – $175
Loose $20 – $35

Destro’s Despoiler (with Destro V-2)
(Iron Grenadiers)

Accessories: Missiles, Laser Gun, Stabilizers, Wings
Years Released: 1988, 1989
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Destro’s Despoiler came with the 2nd version of Destro and there were no major variations from 1988 to 1989.

GI Joe (1988): Night Force Vehicles (Toys R Us Exclusive)

Hasbro released 5 new vehicles under the codename, Night Force in 1988. These were Toys R Us exclusives, along with the figure 2-packs. These vehicles are very tough to find on the secondary market nowadays.

Night Blaster

Market Value:
Boxed $750 – $1,000
Loose $175 – $250

Night Blaster
Accessories: Laser Cannon, Laser Gun, Machine Gun, Engine Cover
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Night Blaster did not come with a figure and was only available as a Toys R Us exclusive in 1988.

Night Raider

Market Value:
Boxed $550 – $700
Loose $75 – $125

Night Raider
Accessories: Missiles, Side Guns, Towing Hook, Engine Cover, Grill
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Night Raider did not come with a figure and was only available as a Toys R Us exclusive in 1988.

Night Shade

Market Value:
Boxed $450 – $550
Loose $50 – $100

Night Shade
Accessories: Twin Cannons, Torpedoes, Rudders, Engine Cover, Canopy
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Night Shade did not come with a figure and was only available as a Toys R Us exclusive in 1988.

Night Storm

Market Value:
Boxed $700 – $900
Loose $125 – $175

Night Storm
Accessories: Missiles, Main Gun, Laser Gun Turret, Wheels
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Night Storm did not come with a figure and was only available as a Toys R Us exclusive in 1988.

Night Striker

Market Value:
Boxed $900 – $1,150
Loose $350 – $450

Night Striker
Accessories: Cannons, Machine Guns, Missiles, Missile Launcher, Engine Covers, Propellers
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Night Striker did not come with a figure and was only available as a Toys R Us exclusive in 1988.

GI Joe (1988): Tiger Force Vehicles

Similar to the Night Force line, the new Tiger Force line used existing Joe characters, except they are now wearing a tiger stripe print on their outfit. I know this may sound like a Hasbro money grab but……………no, this was totally just a money grab by Hasbro to re-use and sell old characters, but man! Those tiger stripes do look pretty darn cool.

Tiger Cat
(with Frostbite V-2)

Market Value:
Boxed $125 – $175
Loose $30 – $45

Tiger Cat (with Frostbite V-2)
Accessories: Missiles, Heat Seeking Missiles, Wiper, Canopy
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Tiger Cat came with the 2nd version of Frostbite and had no major variations during its run.

Tiger Fly
(with Recondo V-2)

Market Value:
Boxed $225 – $325
Loose $50 – $75

Tiger Fly (with Recondo V-2)
Accessories: Gun Cannon, Winch, Rotating Gun, Missiles, Flame Thrower, Rockets, Canopy, Blades
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Tiger Fly came with the 2nd version of Recondo and had no major variations during its run.

Tiger Paw

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

Tiger Paw
Accessories: Laser Cannon, Storage Cover, Flares, Nose Gun, Missiles
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Tiger Paw had no major variations during its run.

Tiger Rat
(with Skystriker)

Market Value:
Boxed $900 – $1,100
Loose $125 – $200

Tiger Rat (with Skystriker)
Accessories: Laser Cannon, Machine Gun, Canopy, Landing Gear, Fan/Jet Engines
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Tiger Rat came with Skystriker and had no major variations.

Tiger Shark

Market Value:
Boxed $125 – $175
Loose $30 – $45

Tiger Shark
Accessories: Machine Gun, Turret, Canopy, Laser Cannons, Torpedo, Engine Covers
Years Released: 1988
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Tiger Shark had no major variations during its run.

After a mixed year of hits and misses in 1987, Hasbro looked to bounce back in a big way, and bounce back they did. GI Joe was still among the top selling toy lines in the world and Hasbro wanted to keep it that way in 1988. They always say that diversification is the way to a sound investing portfolio, so that’s exactly what Hasbro did with the addition of two brand new Joe sub-sets, Night Force and Tiger Force. Tiger Force was sold in retailers across the globe, but Night Force was only available as a Toys R Us exclusive. Both of these lines basically used previously seen Joe characters, but jazzed them up a little with new uniforms and colors to match the line. They both turned out to be very popular with the public and gave the Joe’s some great new looks.

Hasbro gave us some great new characters in 1988 to add to our Joe team, such as Blizzard, Muskrat, Shockwave, Hit & Run, and Charbroil. The Cobra team gave us Voltar, Toxo-Viper, Iron Grenadier and a brand new 2nd version of Storm Shadow. There was still the occasional head scratcher (looking at you Hardball), but all in all, it was a great new crop of figures. We also got a ton of new vehicles to go with these amazing new figures. Night Force, Tiger Force and Iron Grenadiers accounted for 13 new vehicles by themselves, to along with the regularly released 13 vehicles and multiple Motorized Action Accessories. This really was a massive release year by Hasbro for the GI Joe toy line, and exactly what they needed. The one thing missing this year was a large scale playset release, but you can’t have everything, because where would you put it?

The 1988 GI Joe packaging was once again almost identical to its previous years with very faint differences here and there. The exceptions were the figures associated with the new sub-sets, Tiger Force, Night Force and Iron Grenadiers having their respective logos added to the card packaging.