James de Simone - 30th Anniversary Sets - 12" Salute (1994)

12" Salute (1994)

in 1994, limited edition sets are released with recreations of the original G.I. Joe, using the HOF body and the head sculpt subsequently used for the HOF limited edition sets described below. The supplied accessories are all oversize, as with all HOF sets. A reproduction of the original figure box was included. These sets were marketed as collectibles, implying that they would have the high market value typically associated with the much sought after original G.I. Joe. The reality is somewhat different, since the value of the originals was largely based on nostalgia for the then 30-40 year-olds for the high production quality of the vintage line. The high play value content associated with the original was sadly lacking from the new out of scale, limited articulation figure; it was in many ways a step backwards in terms of quality and attention to detail. It seems clear that the intention of this product was simply to cash in on the expanding collectibles market.