G.I. Joe: Toys, Cartoons, & Trade Embargoes

What do you get when you combine a German fashion doll, lightsabers, and an energy crisis? You get G.I. Joe, of course! This is a look back on a toy that's not only one of the most successful in history but also a masterclass in marketing. The story of G.I. Joe goes all the way back to 1955, and over the decades, redefined how toys could be advertised. Despite marketing restrictions in the 80s, Hasbro still created an incredible demand for a dead toy line. Then, they took advantage of the lifting of advertising regulations, to create the blueprint for how to successfully market a toy franchise. So hit play and let's head back to when after-school cartoons were sacred and a resurrected toy line captured our imaginations. Support the show and get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices