I’m a sucker for good G.I. Joe artwork. As such, you can imagine my reaction when I saw the following poster on Larry Hama’s Facebook page a few days ago.
This image is literally a “who’s who” of the Joes that I grew up with. From Gung-Ho to Clutch to Keel Haul, it’s a complete roster of my favorite era of Joes. (1982 – 1987) This was the era of Sunbow and the time frame in which my attention was FIRMLY focused on the world of A Real American Heroes. It’s also the most “military” era of the 1:18 franchise IMHO.
Here’s what the artist has to say about this project– which was originally intended as gift to a few individuals at the 2013 G.I. Joe Collector’s Convention:
I wanted to create something as a Thank You for all the work that has gone into G.I. Joe, an inspiration for me since I was a kid. This composition was inspired by Michael Golden’s G.I. Joe Yearbook #1 cover, Joes included are from 1982-1987. I handed a few of these out at the convention, and I hope the recipients enjoyed them. Thanks to everyone who keeps the Joes going!
My wife calls this piece “Where’s Wal-Joe?” Can you spot the Joes that are missing? (I’m hoping to add them in an updated revision. I ran out of time!) Click the image to see a larger version.
Normally, if I want a copy of an image like this I have to find the highest quality version I can online and settle for it serving as my desktop wallpaper for a few weeks. However, the artist doesn’t seem content to leave my walls bare. He’s currently offering copies of this amazing image online– FOR COST! That’s right– for the cost of materials and shipping, a quality semi-gloss stock 11″ x 17″ copy of this image can adorn your wall– for a whopping $5.00. That’s less than the cost of an extra-value meal at your favorite fast food joint. Even better– Ian’s indicated that a Cobra version might be on the way.
To your order copy, visit IanFell.com and add this beauty to your wall!
I just ordered my copy. When it comes to G.I. Joe, the earlier the era, the better for me. Thanks for the heads-up!
That is absolutely beautiful! It has most of the most iconic Joe vehicles during the height of Joe popularity. Flint, Low Light and Sci Fi are the types of characters that took Joe from cool to super awesome for me. This timeframe was the best of ARAH for me. I just have so many fond memories of these groups of characters.
Simply Awesome. Can’t wait to see a Cobra one as well. I played the who’s missing game and here is what I came up with. If this is covering 82-87… Rock & Roll, Flash, Grand Slam, AIrborne (in the dragonfly perhaps), Tripwire, Payload, Hardtop, Steamroller, Rumbler, Mercer, Taurus, Red Dog, All six BF2000 guys, Starduster. l would guess that Ace, Wild BIll, Slipstream & Lift TIcket are in their vehicles and are present although not actually visible. Did I get them all??
That is awesome. Every single one of my favourite characters is on there.
Honestly– it’s my DREAM ERA of G.I. Joe!
GK, Rock & Roll is on the updated version. I thought that was a rather odd omission myself.