Stan Weston, 84, Dies; Sent G.I. Joe Marching Into Childhoods of Millions

[JSngry]

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/11/business/stan-weston-dead-gi-joe-creator.html?_r=0

 

In 1963, Mr. Weston was a successful licensing agent who represented properties and personalities like the television drama “Dr. Kildare,” the comedian Soupy Sales and the Kingston Trio folk music group. When he approached the Hasbro toy company, he believed he might be able to replicate the success of the Barbie doll, the plastic fashionista that was introduced by Mattel in 1959 and was followed two years later by her boyfriend, Ken.

From Elliott Handler, a founder of Mattel, he had learned that a popular product could spawn a big, continuous business, like Barbie’s outfits and accessories.

“Stan, you’ve got to sell them the razor,” Mr. Weston said, recalling Mr. Handler’s advice in the book “Mego 8-Inch Super Heroes: World’s Greatest Toys!” (2007) by Benjamin Holcomb. “Then you can sell them a lot of blades.”

This is the one I had. The damn hat wouldn't stay on his head.

[catesta]

My first was the 60s G.I. Joe with the space capsule then I had 1970s G.I. Joe with the beard and Kung Fu grip. Lost 1966 Joe but till had the space capsule and could stuff 70s Joe in there too along with Evil Knievel. RIP and thanks Mr. Weston.

 

 

[JSngry]

This thing had battery-powered noise, made by two spinning plastic balls at the ends of two thin plastic posts. One of them broke, like, within a month, so I had a broke-down sounding jeep, but the rest of it all worked, and was some cool shit.

[Dan Gould]

I never had a GI Joe, with or without Kung Fu Grip. And those dog tags seem way out of proportion don't they?

Anyway, RIP.

[JSngry]

1 hour ago, Dan Gould said:

And those dog tags seem way out of proportion don't they?

Like Barbie's breasts, and about in the same place. Go figure.

[Jazzmoose]

I remember G.I. Joe.  He was a tough son of a bitch to the end, but that headfirst dive down the slide into the rocks (why did they put gravel in kid's playgrounds?) was too much even for him.  Broke his arm and he was never the same.

Edited May 17, 2017 by Jazzmoose