The Pre RAH History of Joe Colton?

[Jay West]

I was introduced to Joe Colton as a mail away 3 3/4 figure and guest star back in the Marvel RAH days. I was told that he was the original 12 inch G.I. Joe and I also think some where it may have been in more recent Devils Due comics that he lead an "Adventure Team."

So my question is...is this true? Was the the original G.I. Joe - "Joe Colton?' Was the Adventure Team leader also "Joe Colton" or was this a retcon of sorts by Hasbro? If it was a retcon do 12 inch fans consider their toys to be Joe Colton and the same guy currently leading the RAH team in the pages of G.I. Joe America's Elite and the guy that was recently released in a 3 3/4 multi pack with GI Jane and a few Cobra Vipers?

[Jmacq1]

I was introduced to Joe Colton as a mail away 3 3/4 figure and guest star back in the Marvel RAH days. I was told that he was the original 12 inch G.I. Joe and I also think some where it may have been in more recent Devils Due comics that he lead an "Adventure Team."

So my question is...is this true? Was the the original G.I. Joe - "Joe Colton?' Was the Adventure Team leader also "Joe Colton" or was this a retcon of sorts by Hasbro? If it was a retcon do 12 inch fans consider their toys to be Joe Colton and the same guy currently leading the RAH team in the pages of G.I. Joe America's Elite and the guy that was recently released in a 3 3/4 multi pack with GI Jane and a few Cobra Vipers?

I think "Joe Colton" was a retcon made when Hasbro did the old 3 3/4" mail-away figure. Prior to that, I'm not sure that "G.I. Joe" had an official name/history. I could certainly be wrong though, as I'm not nearly as "up" on 12-inch Joe lore.

[bluestalker88]

according to the gijoe battle files

File name: Colton, Joseph R.
Birthplace: Springfield, MO
Grade: Brigadier General (U.S. Army Reserves)

Joe Colton was a Special Forces 1st Lieutenant in Vietnam when he was recalled to the 'states by President John F. Kennedy to personally head up a new, Elite Army unit that was to become the very first G.I.Joe? Team. He commanded the team (whose exploits are still classified) until his early retirement during a period at which the nation was in a period of military down-sizing. As a civilian (holding a reserve rank of Brigadier General and an ultra-ultra top secret clearance) he was appointed head of security for a "black" Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) weapons project covertly located in the top floors of a landmark New York City skyscraper.

"He's in terrific shape for a man his age. Gets up every morning with the sun and run five miles. Puts fifty rounds through his service pistol at the range every other week and puts in a hour of randori (free-sparring) at a goju-ryu karate dojo twice a week. Definitely not a guy you want to pick a fight with, armed or unarmed!"

Entry written by Larry Hama

from devils due G.I.Joe Battle Files Source book

Nick

[General Scarlett]

As far as I remember, 'G.I. Joe' was never actually pinned to one name way back then.......the moniker 'G.I. Joe' was in deference to the 'General Issue' of all G.I.'s...

I never remember hearing that his 'real name' was Joe Colton back then.......but that's just me......

Hell, in my Joeverse for the past 25+ years his last name has NEVER been 'Colton'........

[Jmacq1]

Wait a minute....Colton was born in SPRINGFIELD, Missouri?

That just has to be deliberate irony on Hama's part....

[General Scarlett]

Wait a minute....Colton was born in SPRINGFIELD, Missouri?

That just has to be deliberate irony on Hama's part....

What's so funny is that years and years ago.....in my Joeverse, Joe and CC started off as the best of friends....dammit, I KNEW I shoulda copyrighted that!!!

[Jmacq1]

Or maybe....he's Cobra Commander's FATHER! (And neither of them know it, of course)....Dum Dum DUUUUUUUM(B)!

[General Scarlett]

Or maybe....he's Cobra Commander's FATHER! (And neither of them know it, of course)....Dum Dum DUUUUUUUM(B)!

Ok, yeah.....thanks.......I just snorted ice coffee out of my nose and all over my desk.......you

[Jmacq1]

Glad to be of service, Ma'am!

[FuzzHead]

From this 1:6 scale fan's standpoint;

Yeah I see "Joe Colton" as the G.I. Joe I had as a kid. Then, (back in the 70's) there was no real story attached to the line. It was the same head sculpt with and without a beard, and different hair colors. The boxes the Adventure Team GI Joes came in said "Air Adventurer" or "Land Adventurer" and there were some mini comics that came with certain sets. But for the most part it was generic. My military Joes (before the Adventure Team) were the same way; painted hair, different uniforms but no real "unique" identity. They all had the same headsculpt. So for my part, it's really cool that the G.I. Joe I had as a kid, lives on in the later lines as Joe Colton.