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GI Joe 1990
Once again, Hasbro released several new figures and vehicles in 1990, but for the first time ever, no mail order exclusives, accessories or packs were released. Most of the previous sub-sets, such as Tiger Force, Night Force and Battleforce 2000 came to end, with only two new sub-sets (Sky Patrol and Sonic Fighters) being released. Large scale playsets made a return in 1990 with the new General set. Worst Codename of the year goes to Capt. Grid-Iron!
For more information about Hasbro’s GI Joe line from 1990, see bottom of the page for a complete summary.
GI Joe (1990): Basic Figures
The 1990 series of figures contained 18 new figures released on cards and no new mail order figures. Additional figures were released with the Sub-sets and various vehicles.
Ambush:
Concealment Specialist
Market Value:
Carded $85 – $125
Loose $15 – $30
File Name: McMahon, Aaron
Accessories: Rifle, Pistol, Helmet, Backpack, Tent, Tent Poles
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Ambush in 1990.
Bullhorn:
Intervention Specialist
Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $20 – $35
File Name: Ferreira, Stephen A.
Accessories: Rifle, Gas Gun, Bullhorn, Helmet, Backpack
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Bullhorn in 1990.
Capt. Grid-Iron:
Hand-To-Hand Specialist
Market Value:
Carded $90 – $130
Loose $20 – $35
File Name: Lydon, Terrance
Accessories: Helmet, Visor, Pads, Backpack, Missiles, Machine Gun
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Capt. Grid-Iron in 1990.
Freefall:
Paratrooper
Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $20 – $35
File Name: Arndt, Philip W.
Accessories: Rifle, Backpack, Helmet, Airmask, Hose
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Freefall in 1990.
Laser-Viper:
Cobra Laser Trooper
Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $20 – $35
File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Helmet, Backpack, Laser Gun Pieces, Base, Hoses
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Laser-Viper in 1990.
Metal-Head: Destro’s
Anti-Tank Specialist
Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $20 – $35
File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Helmet, Backpack, Missiles, Launcher, Hoses, Pistol
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Metal-Head in 1990.
Night-Creeper:
Cobra Ninja
Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $20 – $35
File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Crossbow, Kris, Sword, Backpack
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Night Creeper in 1990.
Pathfinder:
Jungle Assault Specialist
Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $20 – $35
File Name: Iannotti, William V.
Accessories: Machine Gun, Ammo Belt, Backpack, Blade, Weed Eater
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Pathfinder in 1990.
Rampart:
Shoreline Defender
Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $20 – $35
File Name: Felix, Dwayne A.
Accessories: Rifle, Stands, Missiles, Launcher, Cable
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Rampart in 1990.
Range-Viper: Cobra Wilderness Trooper
Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $25 – $40
File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Grenade Launcher, Grenades, Backpack, Knife, Missiles, Launcher
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Range-Viper in 1990.
Rapid-Fire:
Fast Attack Expert
Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $30 – $45
File Name: London, Robbie
Accessories: Helmet, Machine Gun, VHS Video Tape
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Rapid-Fire is a re-paint of Super Trooper from 1988. The VHS tape was GI Joe Episode, Revenge of the Pharaohs.
Rock-Viper: Cobra
Mountain Trooper
Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $20 – $35
File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Rifle, Pistol, Backpack, Grappling Hook, Hoses
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Rock-Viper in 1990.
Salvo:
Anti-Armor Trooper
Market Value:
Carded $90 – $140
Loose $20 – $35
File Name: Hasle, David K.
Accessories: Helmet, Missile Backpack, Missiles, Cache, Mines, Launcher
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Salvo in 1990.
S.A.W Viper: Cobra
Heavy Machine Gunner
Market Value:
Carded $90 – $140
Loose $20 – $35
File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Machine Gun, Bipod, Backpack, Ammo
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to S.A.W Viper from in 1990.
Stretcher:
Medical Specialist
Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $20 – $35
File Name: Larivee, Thomas J.
Accessories: Sled, Backpack, Antenna, Flare Gun, Radio
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Stretcher in 1990.
Sub-Zero:
Winter Operations Specialist
Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $20 – $35
File Name: Habershaw, Mark
Accessories: Machine Gun, Bipod, Ammo, Snowshoes, Mortar, Stand, Shells, Backpack
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Sub-Zero in 1990.
Topside:
Navy Assault Seaman
Market Value:
Carded $80 – $130
Loose $20 – $35
File Name: Blanchet, John
Accessories: Machine Gun, Helmet, Backpack Stand, Missiles
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Topside in 1990.
Undertow:
Destro’s Frogmen
Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $25 – $40
File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Mask, Hose, Flippers, Sled, Harpoon, Missile, Barracuda
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: There are no major variations to Undertow in 1990.
GI Joe (1990): Sky Patrol Figures
Hasbro introduced 2 new sub-sets in 1990. Sky Patrol was the newest Joe team with a focus on the skies. All the Joe’s now came with parachutes.
Airborne:
Parachute Assembler (V-2)
Market Value:
Carded $150 – $200
Loose $35 – $55
File Name: Six, Robert M.
Accessories: Rifle, Parachute, Parachute Case, Helmet
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Airborne was originally made available in 1983 with the Skystriker plane.
Airwave: Audible
Frequency Specialist
Market Value:
Carded $150 – $200
Loose $35 – $55
File Name: Mewett, Cliff V.
Accessories: Rifle, Helmet, Parachute, Parachute Case, Helmet
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: There were no major variations to Airwave in 1990.
Altitude:
Recon Scout
Market Value:
Carded $150 – $200
Loose $35 – $55
File Name: Jones, John-Edward O.
Accessories: Helmet, Pistol, Missile, Launcher, Parachute, Case
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: There were no major variations to Altitude in 1990.
Drop Zone:
Weapons Specialist
Market Value:
Carded $150 – $200
Loose $35 – $55
File Name: Delisi, Samuel C.
Accessories: Helmet, Visor, Gun, Parachute, Parachute Case
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: There were no major variations to Drop Zone in 1990.
Skydive:
Sky Patrol Leader
Market Value:
Carded $150 – $200
Loose $35 – $55
File Name: Felix, Lynton N.
Accessories: Helmet, Rifle, Handgun, Parachute, Parachute Case
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: There were no major variations to Skydive in 1990.
Static Line:
Demolitions Expert
Market Value:
Carded $300 – $400
Loose $45 – $70
File Name: Badducci, Wallace J.
Accessories: Helmet, Gun, Handgun, Parachute, Parachute Case
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Static Line is the hardest to find of the Sky Patrol figures. There were no major variations to him in 1990.
GI Joe (1990): Sonic Fighter Figures
The Sonic Fighters line was a new sub-set created in 1990 and gave the figures a new sound figure built into the large backpacks carried by the figures.
Dial-Tone:
Communications
Market Value:
Carded $50 – $75
Loose $15 – $25
File Name: Morelli, Jack S.
Accessories: Machine Gun, Pistol, Laser Gun, Grenade Launcher, Cylinder, Backpack, Battery Cover
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Dial-Tone was previously available in 1986. There were no variations to Dial-Tone in 1990.
Dodger:
Heavy Ordinance Operator
Market Value:
Carded $50 – $75
Loose $15 – $25
File Name: Renwick, Richard
Accessories: Rifle x 3, Sub-machine Gun, Backpack
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Dodger was previously available in 1987. There were no variations to Dodger in 1990.
Lampreys: Cobra
Amphibious Assault Trooper
Market Value:
Carded $50 – $75
Loose $15 – $25
File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Rifle, Sniper Rifle, Gun, Machine Gun, Backpack
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Lamprey was previously available in 1985. There were no variations to Lamprey in 1990.
LAW:
Military Police
Market Value:
Carded $60 – $85
Loose $15 – $25
File Name: Lavigne, Christopher M.
Accessories: Rifle, Machine Gun, Tripod, Pistol, Helmet, Backpack
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Law was previously available in 1987 as a dog handler with his trusty companion, Order. There were no variations to Law in 1990.
Tunnel Rat:
E.O.D
Market Value:
Carded $60 – $85
Loose $15 – $25
File Name: Lee, Nicky
Accessories: Rifle, Pistol, Machine Gun, Missile Launcher, Stand, Backpack
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Tunnel Rat was previously available in 1987 and 1988. There were no variations to Tunnel Rat in 1990.
Viper:
Cobra Infantryman
Market Value:
Carded $85 – $125
Loose $20 – $30
File Name: Unknown
Accessories: Machine Gun, Pistol x 2, Grenade Launcher, Backpack, Tripod
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Vipers were previously available in 1986 and 1989. There were no variations to Viper in 1990.
GI Joe (1990): Exclusive Figures
For the first time during the modern GI Joe toy line era, Hasbro did not release any new mail order exclusive figures in 1990.
GI Joe (1990): Accessories
For the first time since re-booting the GI Joe toy line in 1982, Hasbro did not release any accessory packs or accessory sub-sets.
GI Joe (1990): Playsets
After taking two years off from releasing large scale playsets, Hasbro bounced back in 1990 with the General, part vehicle, part headquarters playset.
General (with Major Storm)
Market Value:
Boxed $750 – $1,000
Loose $200 – $300
General (with Major Storm)
Accessories: Locust Helicopter, Missiles, Missile Launcher Stations, Shells, Machine Guns, Radar Dish, Cockpit, Gun Turrets, Landing Platform,
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The General was basically a large mobile Joe fortress that could accommodate several figures and vehicles when all spread out. It folded back up when you were ready to move out to another location. As far as playsets go, this one was rather small when compared to others in the past, but still had enough neat accessories and playability for kids back in 1990. General came with Major Storm and a Locust helicopter, with no major variations in 1990.
GI Joe (1990): Vehicles
Hasbro released 10 more vehicles in 1990, with 4 more as part of the Sky Patrol sub-set and a new Iron Grenadier vehicle as well.
Avalanche
(with Cold Front)
Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $200
Loose $50 – $70
Avalanche
(with Cold Front)
Accessories: Missiles, Launcher, Mines, Dispenser, Cannon
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Avalanche came with Cold Front and had no major variations in 1990.
Cobra Hammerhead
(with Decimator)
Market Value:
Boxed $1,000 – $1,250
Loose $125 – $200
Cobra Hammerhead
(with Decimator)
Accessories: Command Module, Chamber, Missiles, Launcher, Machine Guns, Radar, Torpedoes
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Cobra Hammerhead came with Decimator and had no major variations in 1990.
Cobra Hurricane VTOL
(with Vapor)
Market Value:
Boxed $400 – $500
Loose $90 – $120
Cobra Hurricane VTOL
(with Vapor)
Accessories: Canopy, Cannon, Missiles, Landing Gear
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Cobra Hurricane VTOL came with Vapor with no major variations in 1990.
Cobra Overlord’s Dictator (with Overlord)
Market Value:
Boxed $100 – $150
Loose $30 – $45
Cobra Overlord’s Dictator
(with Overlord)
Accessories: Lasers, Jet Pod, Missiles, Gun Cockpit
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Cobra Overlord Dictator came with Overlord (of course) with no major variations.
Cobra Piranha
Market Value:
Boxed $125 – $175
Loose $35 – $50
Cobra Piranha
Accessories: Machine Guns, Torpedoes, Floats, Depth Charges, Antenna
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Cobra Piranha had no major variations in 1990.
Cobra Rage
Market Value:
Boxed $85 – $120
Loose $30 – $45
Cobra Rage
Accessories: Battering Ram, Gatling Gun, Engine Hatch, Laser Cannon, Missiles, Mine Dispenser with Mines
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Cobra Rage had no major variations in 1990.
Hammer
Market Value:
Boxed $275 – $375
Loose $90 – $120
Hammer
Accessories: Machine Gun, Hood Cover, Side-Guns, Antenna, Missiles, Launcher, Gas Container, Tow Hook
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Hammer had no major variations in 1990.
Locust
Market Value:
Boxed $100 – $150
Loose $30 – $45
Locust
Accessories: Side Guns, Canopy, Landing Skid, Propeller Blade, Missiles, Bomb Bay Door
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Locust also came with the General playset. Locust had no major variations in 1990.
Mobile Battle Bunker
Market Value:
Boxed $125 – $175
Loose $30 – $45
Mobile Battle Bunker
Accessories: Twin Machine Guns, Missile Rack, Missiles, Mortar Cannons, Battering Ram, Driver Seats
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Mobile Battle Bunker came with no figures and had no major variations in 1990.
Retaliator
(with Updraft)
Market Value:
Boxed $175 – $225
Loose $40 – $65
Retaliator (with Updraft)
Accessories: Cannon, Hatches, Road Tools, Canvas Cover
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Retaliator came with Updraft and had no major variations in 1990.
GI Joe (1990): Iron Grenadier Vehicles
The Iron Grenadier series came to an end in 1990, with Destro’s Dominator being the last item ever released for the line.
Destro’s Dominator
Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $200
Loose $45 – $65
Destro’s Dominator
Accessories: Machine Guns, Missiles, Missile Launcher, Blades
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Destro’s Dominator was the last item to be released for the Iron Grenadier’s line. It had no major variations in 1990.
GI Joe (1990): Sky Patrol Vehicles
The Sky Patrol was a brand new series of Joe figures in 1990, and it included these four vehicles. They were all previously released from past years, but with new paint jobs for the Sky Patrol team look.
Sky Havoc
Market Value:
Boxed $450 – $550
Loose $75 – $125
Sky Havoc
Accessories: Missiles, Launcher, Scout Craft, Canopy, Forward Guns, Tracks, Driver Chair
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The original HAVOC vehicle was released in 1986. The Sky Havoc had no major variations in 1990.
Sky Hawk
Market Value:
Boxed $200 – $250
Loose $60 – $85
Sky Hawk
Accessories: Canopy, Machine Guns, Radar Fuselage, Missiles, Engine Pods, Skids
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The original Sky Hawk was released in 1984. This version of the Sky Hawk had no major variations in 1990.
Sky Raven
Market Value:
Boxed $300 – $400
Loose $75 – $125
Sky Raven
Accessories: Elevating Gun, Canopy, Engine Covers, Radar Fuselage, Bomb Rack, Bombs
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Night Raven was first released in 1986. The Sky Raven had no major variations in 1990.
Sky SHARC
Market Value:
Boxed $100 – $150
Loose $40 – $65
Sky SHARC
Accessories: Canopy, Torpedoes, Radar Fuselage, Engine Cover, Rudders, Twin Cannons
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: the original SHARC was first released in 1984. The Sky SHARC had no major variations in 1990.
1990 was an unusual year for the GI Joe toy line. Hasbro did not release any new mail order exclusives, no new accessories or packs and only included two new sub-sets (Sky Patrol and Sonic Fighters). Most of the previous sub-sets, such as Tiger Force and Night Force came to end. The sole playset released was the General, which had been seen before with other mobile bases and fortresses. As far as new product roll-out, this seemed to be a bit of an off year for the Joe line.
There were a few great characters added to the Joe lineup in 1990, such as Ambush, Freefall, Pathfinder, and Sub-Zero (not the Mortal Kombat one). There were also some not so great characters added, such as Bullhorn and Capt. Grid-Iron? I believe these guys would probably make any Joe fan’s list of worst codenames and design. For the Cobra side, once again, we got a lot of different Vipers, such as Laser Viper, Rock Viper, SAW Viper, but the coolest Cobra character introduced in 1990 was definitely Night Creeper. I mean how cool is that codename! The Viper thing seemed to be the new Cobra norm now, because they had a Viper for everything. There was the Laundry Viper, Chef Viper, Landscaping Viper……I could literally do this all day. As mentioned above, we got two new smaller sub-sets in 1990, the Sky Patrol and Sonic Fighters. We even got a new (but not so new) mobile fortress called the General.
For the first time since re-booting the GI Joe toy line in 1982, Hasbro decided to alter the packaging with a new color scheme. Instead of the standard black background with the figure in front of an explosion or other backdrop piece, they used multiple colors as a central color and ditched the plain black. The new sub-set lines also had different packaging the Sky Patrol having a sky blue/clouds background with the Sonic Fighters going with an all green card.
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