Mint-in-Box-Marches-into-April:
The G.I. Joe Masterpiece Edition collection, released in 1996-1997, included four variations: Action Soldier, Action Sailor, Action Pilot, and Action Marine. A fifth version, Action Astronaut, was available as a limited edition from FAO Schwarz... and as we know from our e
erience with George Washington Barbie, those FAO Schwarz edition figures are highly sought-after collectibles!
The Masterpiece Edition supposedly offers an as-close-as-possible reproduction of the original 1964 G.I. Joe figure. The set includes a hardbound book on the history of the G.I. Joe action figure co-written by the designer, and a reproduction of the instruction booklet (or "military manual") that accompanied the original release figures in the 1960s.
The set is massive. The outer gatefold box measures 13-1/2 inches (34.25 cm) square and 2-1/2 inches (6.25 cm) deep. The box includes the 11-1/2 inch (29cm) figure and a hardbound book. The entire package weighs in at 4 pounds (1.8 kg).
Although impressive in appearance, in size, in weight, and in graphics quality, these sets are surprisingly affordable, or perhaps discouragingly worthless for current owners, on eBay. The cost of shipping for such a large package (approximately $22 for in-country shipping in the US right now) is higher than the price a mint-in-box example brings. The sets are currently selling for $15 to $25 with $15 to $25 shipping, so it is possible to find one with shipping for about $30.00 USD.
I only recently learned about the existence of these figures, so the one pictured here is a recent acquisition. While I absolutely love the detailed packaging, it actually represents a lot of wasted space. I eect to be de-boxing this figure soon. I shall take numerous photos of the packaging and then discard it. If I believed the figure was scarce or there would be any future value in it, I would of course keep the packaging, but the huge numbers of them currently available on the secondary market for reasonable prices indicates that this is a perfectly "play-worthy" figure.
I'M NOT A DOLL! I'M AN ACTION FIGURE: PART IV
![[Image: april4a.jpg]](http://www.puuikibeach.com/images/doll_a_day_2018/april4a.jpg)
![[Image: april4.jpg]](http://www.puuikibeach.com/images/doll_a_day_2018/april4.jpg)
4 April: Hasbro G.I. JOE MASTERPIECE EDITION – ACTION PILOT – 1996
4 April: Hasbro G.I. JOE MASTERPIECE EDITION – ACTION PILOT – 1996
The G.I. Joe Masterpiece Edition collection, released in 1996-1997, included four variations: Action Soldier, Action Sailor, Action Pilot, and Action Marine. A fifth version, Action Astronaut, was available as a limited edition from FAO Schwarz... and as we know from our e
erience with George Washington Barbie, those FAO Schwarz edition figures are highly sought-after collectibles!The Masterpiece Edition supposedly offers an as-close-as-possible reproduction of the original 1964 G.I. Joe figure. The set includes a hardbound book on the history of the G.I. Joe action figure co-written by the designer, and a reproduction of the instruction booklet (or "military manual") that accompanied the original release figures in the 1960s.
The set is massive. The outer gatefold box measures 13-1/2 inches (34.25 cm) square and 2-1/2 inches (6.25 cm) deep. The box includes the 11-1/2 inch (29cm) figure and a hardbound book. The entire package weighs in at 4 pounds (1.8 kg).
Although impressive in appearance, in size, in weight, and in graphics quality, these sets are surprisingly affordable, or perhaps discouragingly worthless for current owners, on eBay. The cost of shipping for such a large package (approximately $22 for in-country shipping in the US right now) is higher than the price a mint-in-box example brings. The sets are currently selling for $15 to $25 with $15 to $25 shipping, so it is possible to find one with shipping for about $30.00 USD.
I only recently learned about the existence of these figures, so the one pictured here is a recent acquisition. While I absolutely love the detailed packaging, it actually represents a lot of wasted space. I e
ect to be de-boxing this figure soon. I shall take numerous photos of the packaging and then discard it. If I believed the figure was scarce or there would be any future value in it, I would of course keep the packaging, but the huge numbers of them currently available on the secondary market for reasonable prices indicates that this is a perfectly "play-worthy" figure.
They're not dolls, they're action figures!