davidd's A Doll A Day 2018

[davidd]

15 September – Say whaaaaat? A Bob Hope GI Joe?


Maybe Bob Hope shoulda been cast as Indiana Jones!

I just found out that this figure, of comedian Bob Hope (who was most popular from the 1940s through the 1970s), was released by Hasbro/Kenner as part of the GI Joe line in 1998. I found one on eBay for less than twenty bucks, mint in box. Because, like... a Bob Hope GI Joe? How bizarre is that?

The box indicates Bob was part of the "Hollywood Heroes" line. From all that I can find, the "line" of Hollywood Heroes began and ended with Bob. I assume the idea was to release figures of other Hollywood actors and actresses who entertained the troops or otherwise contributed to the war effort over the years, but that does not appear to have happened.

The head sculpt of "Old Ski Nose" is a pretty good likeness, particularly for a "playline" figure. The uniform is of very good quality, including the faux-leather vinyl flight jacket (with real knitted cuffs). The pith helmet is nicely detailed, although it is a bit too large for the figure.