1974 GI Joe Kung-Fu Grip Adventure Team

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GI Joe – Kung-Fu Grip Adventure Team 1974

The Adventure Team had become a big hit and Hasbro wanted to keep the momentum going. They introduced the newest feature in 1974, the Kung-Fu Grip. The basic concept was, the figure’s hands were made of a different plastic. This allowed more flexibility, but rigid enough to hold accessories. Like the flocked hair feature, the Kung-Fu grip was wildly popular and kid’s loved it. There were a few new vehicles and adventure sets released, but most items were the same as previous years.

For more information about Hasbro’s GI Joe Adventure Team from 1974, see bottom of the page for a complete summary.

GI Joe Kung-Fu Grip Adventure Team (1974): Basic Figures

Hasbro re-released 8 of the 9 original Adventure Team figures (no Talking Astronaut), with the new Kung-Fu Grip feature. This is generally considered “Wave 2” of the Adventure Team figures.

Adventurer

Market Value:
Boxed $250 – $350
Loose $70 – $120

Adventurer
Accessories: Dog Tags, Rifle
Years Released: 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Like all figures from this series, Adventurer was virtually identical to its previous release except for the new Kung-Fu Grip feature and a rifle now replaced the handgun weapon.

Air Adventurer

Market Value:
Boxed $250 – $350
Loose $70 – $120

Air Adventurer
Accessories: Dog Tags, Rifle
Years Released: 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Like all figures from this series, Air Adventurer was virtually identical to its previous release except for the new Kung-Fu Grip feature and a rifle now replaced the handgun weapon.

Land Adventurer

Market Value:
Boxed $210 – $300
Loose $60 – $100

Land Adventurer
Accessories: Dog Tags, Rifle
Years Released: 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Like all figures from this series, Land Adventurer was virtually identical to its previous release except for the new Kung-Fu Grip feature and a rifle now replaced the handgun weapon.

Man of Action

Market Value:
Boxed $250 – $350
Loose $70 – $120

Man of Action
Accessories: Dog Tags, Rifle
Years Released: 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Like all figures from this series, Man of Action was virtually identical to its previous release except for the new Kung-Fu Grip feature and a rifle now replaced the handgun weapon.

Sea Adventurer

Market Value:
Boxed $250 – $350
Loose $70 – $120

Sea Adventurer
Accessories: Dog Tags, Rifle
Years Released: 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Like all figures from this series, Sea Adventurer was virtually identical to its previous release except for the new Kung-Fu Grip feature and a rifle now replaced the handgun weapon.

Talking Commander

Market Value:
Boxed $250- $350
Loose $80 – $120

Talking Commander
Accessories: Dog Tags, Rifle
Years Released: 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Like all figures from this series, Talking Commander was virtually identical to its previous release except for the new Kung-Fu Grip feature and a rifle now replaced the handgun weapon.

Talking Commander (Black)

Market Value:
Boxed $250- $350
Loose $80 – $120

Talking Commander (Black)
Accessories: Dog Tags, Rifle
Years Released: 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Like all figures from this series, Talking Commander was virtually identical to its previous release except for the new Kung-Fu Grip feature and a rifle now replaced the handgun weapon.

Talking Man of Action

Market Value:
Boxed $300- $400
Loose $100 – $150

Talking Man of Action
Accessories: Dog Tags, Rifle
Years Released: 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Like all figures from this series, Talking Man of Action was virtually identical to its previous release except for the new Kung-Fu Grip feature and a rifle now replaced the handgun weapon.

GI Joe Kung-Fu Grip Adventure Team (1974): Adventure Sets

Hasbro released two brand new adventure sets in 1974 to the already existing sets, which were all re-released this year as well.

Mystery of the Boiling Lagoon

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

Mystery of the Boiling Lagoon
Accessories: Pontoon Boat, Divers Suit, Divers Helmet, Weighted Belt, Weighted Boots, Oxygen Pump, Hose, Buoy, Nose Cone, Pincer Arm, Comic Book
Years Released: 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Mystery of the Boiling Lagoon set was a new addition for the Adventure Team line in 1974. Like past Adventure Sets, it came with a ton of small accessories and was a fun set to have.

Search for the Abominable Snowman

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

Search for the Abominable Snowman
Accessories: Survival Suit, Belt, Boots, Sun Goggles, Gloves, Rifle, Skis, Ski Poles, Sled, Rope, Snow Shoes, Net, Supply Chest, Abominable Snowman, Binoculars, Comic Book
Years Released: 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Search for the Abominable Snowman set was a new addition for the Adventure Team line in 1974. Like past Adventure Sets, it came with a ton of small accessories and was a fun set to have.

GI Joe Kung-Fu Grip Adventure Team (1974): Accessory Packs

We got all previously the released accessory packs in 1974, with 2 additional packs being offered as well to the Small Card Uniforms and yellow window cards.

Market Value for Carded Small Card Accessory Sets: $110 – $190 each
Market Value for Loose Small Card Accessory Sets: $20 – $35 each
Scarcity Factor: Like most Adventure Team accessory packs, they can still be found from time to time, but it’s going to take patience to find certain ones.

Equipment Tester
  • Small Card Accessories
  • Chest Winch
  • Equipment Tester
  • Escape Slide
  • Laser Rescue
  • Magnetic Flaw Detector
  • Rocket Pack
  • Sample Analyzer
  • Solar Communicator
  • Sonic Rock Blaster
  • Thermal Terrain Scanner
  • Underwater Demolition

Market Value for Carded Small Card Uniform Sets: $110 – $190 each
Market Value for Loose Small Card Uniform Sets: $20 – $35 each
Scarcity Factor: Like most Adventure Team accessory packs, they can still be found from time to time, but it’s going to take patience to find certain ones.

Photo Recon
  • Small Card Uniforms
  • Copter Rescue
  • Dangerous Mission
  • Desert Explorer
  • Desert Survival
  • Fight for Survival
  • Hidden Treasure
  • Jungle Ordeal
  • Photo Recon (New for the 1974 line)
  • Secret Mission
  • Secret Rendezvous
  • Undercover Agent

Market Value for Blue Colored Boxed Sets: $150 – $250 each
Market Value for Loose Blue Box Sets: $40 – $65 each
Scarcity Factor: Like most Adventure Team accessory packs, they can still be found from time to time, but it’s going to take patience to find certain ones.

Hurricane Spotter
  • Blue Box Sets
  • Aerial Recon
  • High Voltage Escape
  • Hurricane Spotter
  • Radiation Detection
  • Volcano Jumper

Market Value for Yellow Colored Boxed Sets: $250 – $350 each
Market Value for Loose Yellow Box Sets: $50 – $80 each
Scarcity Factor: Like most Adventure Team accessory packs, they can still be found from time to time, but it’s going to take patience to find certain ones.

Infiltration
  • Yellow Box Sets
  • Dangerous Removal
  • Emergency Rescue
  • Infiltration (New for the 1974 line)
  • Jungle Survival
  • Secret Agent
  • Smoke Jumper

GI Joe Kung-Fu Grip Adventure Team (1974): Action Packs

Hasbro re-released 10 previously issued Action Packs for the 1974 Kung-Fu Grip line with no real variations to speak of. The only ones that were not re-issued were the Sears Exclusive sets.

Drag Bike

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $200
Loose $60 – $90

Drag Bike Action Pack
Accessories: Backpack, Bike, Handles, Wheels
Years Released: 1972 – 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Drag Bike Action Pack was a new release for the Adventure Team with minor variations during its run.

Escape Car

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $200
Loose $60 – $90

Escape Car Action Pack
Accessories: Backpack, Escape Card, Wheels
Years Released: 1971 – 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Escape Car Action Pack was a new release for the Adventure Team with minor variations during its run.

Fire Fighter

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $200
Loose $60 – $90

Fire Fighter Action Pack
Accessories: Backpack, Hose Nozzle, Hose
Years Released: 1971 – 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Firefighter Action Pack actually fired real water when you filled it up and had minor variations during its run.

Flying Rescue

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $200
Loose $60 – $90

Flying Rescue Action Pack
Accessories: Backpack, Chair, Controls
Years Released: 1971 – 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Flying Rescue Action Pack was a new release for the Adventure Team line and saw minor changes during its run.

Life-Line Catapult

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $200
Loose $60 – $90

Life-Line Catapult Action Pack
Accessories: Catapult, Grappling Hook
Years Released: 1971 – 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Lifeline Catapult Pack shot actual darts (Grappling Hooks) and saw minor variations during its run.

Rescue Raft

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $200
Loose $60 – $90

Rescue Raft Action Pack
Accessories: Inflatable Raft, Oar, Backpack
Years Released: 1971 – 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Rescue Raft Action Pack was a new release for the Adventure Team line with minor changes during its run.

Signal Flasher

Market Value:
Boxed $125 – $175
Loose $50 – $80

Signal Flasher Action Pack
Accessories: Signal Flasher Pack, Lever
Years Released: 1971 – 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Signal Flasher would emit a light beam that you could alter based on the Morse Codes printed on the pack.

Turbo-Copter

Market Value:
Boxed $125 – $175
Loose $50 – $80

Turbo-Copter Action Pack
Accessories: Backpack, Rotor Blades, Controls
Years Released: 1972 – 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Turbo-Copter Action Pack was a new release for the Adventure Team line with minor changes during its run.

Underwater Explorer

Market Value:
Boxed $125 – $175
Loose $50 – $80

Underwater Explorer Action Pack
Accessories: Sled, Rudders, Backpack
Years Released: 1971 – 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Underwater Action Pack was a re-release from previous GI Joe lines with minor variations to this version.

Windboat

Market Value:
Boxed $75 – $100
Loose $25 – $40

Windboat Action Pack
Accessories: Frame, Mast, Sail, Wheels
Years Released: 1971 – 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Windboat Action Pack was a new release for the Adventure Team line and saw minor changes during its run.

GI Joe Kung-Fu Grip Adventure Team (1974): Vehicles and Playsets

Hasbro gave us 4 new vehicles/playsets for the 1974 line to add to an already impressive arsenal. The Joe’s were definitely not lacking on cool rides and accessories.

Devil of the Deep

Market Value:
Boxed $500 – $650
Loose $200 – $275

Devil of the Deep
Accessories: Floating Swamp Craft, Pontoons, Storage Compartments, Propeller, Hammerhead Stingray, Capture Snare, Magazine
Years Released: 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Devil of the Deep was a new addition for the Adventure Team in 1974. It included a spiffy Turbo Swamp Craft, lots of small accessories and a wicked cool looking Hammerhead Stingray, which I didn’t know was a thing until this set. This is a tough set to find on the market in its box or loose versions.

Fate of the Troubleshooter

Market Value:
Boxed $300 – $400
Loose $75 – $125

Fate of the Troubleshooter
Accessories: Talking Communications Center, Viewing Screen, Tracked Wheels
Years Released: 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Fate of the Troubleshooter was a new addition for the Adventure Team line in 1974. It included a new updated version of the original Adventure Team vehicle, but with a few upgrades. It was a bright red in color, with a new front grille, but the coolest new feature was the talking communications center with six pre-programmed phases.

Sandstorm Survival

Market Value:
Boxed $275 – $350
Loose $60 – $90

Sandstorm Survival Adventure
Accessories: Jeep, Tent, Pith Helmet, Blinker Light, Knife, Supply Chest, Canteen and Cover, Mess Kit, Rifle, Shovel, Pick Axe, Life Raft, Paddle, Net, Crocodile, Poncho, Flare Gun, Map
Years Released: 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Sandstorm Survival set was mash up of pieces from previous sets with new paint jobs. Basically, it was just a re-brand of the Desert Patrol Adventure set with a few new variations and accessories. The tan jeep was also painted to a new military olive green color.

Shark’s Surprise

Market Value:
Boxed $500 – $650
Loose $175 – $225

Shark’s Surprise
Accessories: Aqua Sled, 3-Piece Scuba Suit, Swim Fins, Face Mask, Oxygen Tank, Spear Gun, Shark, Treasure Chest, Treasure Coins, Comic Book
Years Released: 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Shark’s Surprise was a re-release of a previous GI Joe set from past years. All of the accessories were from either the Depth’s of Danger or Eight Ropes of Danger sets. It should be noted the Aqua Sled in this set was not motorized, as in previous sets. The Shark’s Surprise also contained the Sea Adventurer figure.

The Adventure Team GI Joe line had become a big hit and Hasbro wanted to keep the momentum going. The only way to do that was to keep things fresh, so they needed to create a brand new feature to capture everyone’s attention and go along with the crazy popular flocked hair. So in 1974, Hasbro introduced the latest and greatest feature, and one of the most endearing GI Joe qualities of all time, the Kung-Fu Grip. This had already been used overseas with the European toy distributor, Palitoy. This basically involved making the Joe’s hands out of a different plastic, which allowed them to be more flexible, yet rigid enough to hold weapons and other accessories. Like the flocked hair feature, the Kung-Fu grip was wildly popular and the kid’s absolutely loved it.

The Kung-Fu grip feature was about the only new thing new to the 1974 line. There were a few new vehicles and adventure sets released but most of what was put out this year were just re-releases from previous years. The new vehicles in 1974 were Devil of the Deep, Fate of the Troubleshooter and Shark’s Surprise. New adventure sets included the Search for the Abominable Snowman and Mystery of the Boiling Lagoon.

The packaging for the Kung-Fu grip was virtually identical to the previouis years with the exception being the addition of the Kung-Fu grip logo to the front of the figure boxes. The vehicles, sets and packs packaging was the same as previous years. Once again, the new products for 1974 had some beautiful eye-catching artwork, so big kudos to Hasbro for that.

Adventure team Ad

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