Hawk (G.I. Joe) - Toys

Toys

Hawk was part of the first wave of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero action figures that were released in 1982, packaged with the Mobile Missile System playset. Although he held the rank of Colonel and his file card has flattering statements about his leadership abilities, his designated function is limited to the job description "Missile Commander", in contrast to the role he played in the Marvel Comics G.I. Joe series, where he was clearly the team's field commander. All of the original sixteen figures from 1982 were released with "straight arms". The same figure was re-released in 1983 with "swivel-arm battle grip", which made it easier for figures to hold their rifles and accessories.

In 1986, Hasbro released a new Hawk action figure who carried the rank of Brigadier General. Concurrent with that, he became overall commander following the death of Gen. Flagg in the comics, with the Sunbow cartoon also following suit. A new action figure was released in 1991, with a slight name change. No longer just "Hawk", the name was extended to "General Hawk". General Hawk was also released in 1991 as part of the "Talking Battle Commanders" line. In 1993, two new versions of General Hawk were released as part of the Star Brigade line.

When new G.I. Joe action figures based on the ARAH line were released in 2000, Hasbro could no longer release the character with the name "Hawk" attached. They had failed to renew their trademark claim to the name and he had to be released as "General Tomahawk", and maintained the rank of Major General. In 2004, Hasbro brought a new twist with the more realistic "General Abernathy". In 2008, Hasbro again gave his name a slight change and now call him "G.I. Joe Hawk."