2. Early Recruits

The toy line was originally launched on 2nd February 1964, based around a World War Two theme - despite the fact that some of the uniforms actually represented Korean War fatigues.

With 12-inch-tall dolls, the first range featured four types - the three armed services from the prototypes and the US Marine Corps.

And of course, accessories - such as rifles and other gear - were sold separately.

1965 saw the first black soldier introduced, though not nationally, while female Joes would have to wait until 1967, and the poorly-selling Action Nurse.

1967 also saw the first talking action figures, while around the same time a space version and foil-suited astronaut Joe was launched to capitalise on US enthusiasm for the space race.

The early days were successful and profitable for the line, but nothing lasts forever.

In the wake of the Vietnam conflict, Hasbro began to downplay the war theme, fearing that people would be put off by the idea.

So the line switched to the name The Adventures Of G.I. Joe, before the company settled on the title Adventure Team, ditched much of the army trappings and relaunched the toys.

As the 1970s wore on, the Joes were updated with new features including kung fu grip (thanks to Bruce Lee, the martial art was huge at the time).

And in 1976 the troops got one of their most famous selling points - eagle eye vision, where the glassy-globed soldiers could be made to look around.

Oh, and the range got a new look, thanks to "life-like" hair and beard stubble.

Who do the Joes have to thank for that? Try their British cousin...

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