G.I. Joe Gung-Ho Action Figure Review 1983
By: Karl Stern (@dragonkingkarl, @wiwcool, karl@whenitwascool.com)
The second wave of G.I. Joe action figures hit in 1983. The first "straight arm" figures debuted in 1982 and were updated with "swivel arm battle grip" in 1983 but a new wave of figures hit the stores later that year and Gung-Ho, the G.I. Joe United States Marine Corps representative was among them.
As as kid, I thought this figure was amazing. As an adult, I realize he is rather ludicrous. A big old mustache, no shirt, giant Marine Corp insignia tattoo on his chest, and a grenade launcher as a weapon. Everything about this action figure screamed overkill. Not to mention his questionable aqua-blue camos. I'm not sure in what environment that would be appropriate.
Still, as a kid, in my imagination, many Cobra troopers were blown to smithereens by that grenade launcher.
Gung-Ho came with a rather large BACKPACK.
Gung-ho cuts a mean profile with his pronounced mustache, sleeveless vest, and grenade launcher. there is nothing about this figure that is subtle.
Here is gung-ho with his 25th and 50th anniversary updates. the 50th anniversary update is one of my favorite figures. just look at that gun! they took an already ridiculous figure and made him even more over the top. mean while, the 25th anniversary figure seems rather muted despite giant ammo strapped to his leg.
