Lifelike Muscle Body

1976 saw a complete redesign of the GI Joe figure. The new figures had a lightweight fragile plastic body consisting of fifteen movable parts. Unlike the earlier figures where most of the parts were easily removed and replaced, such as the hands and feet, the new muscle body figures had an integrated banding system where all of the parts were interconnected and non-removable. This prevented small children from removing and swallowing small pieces. Whereas the original figure was based on a wooden mannequin and bore only a passing human resemblance without clothes, the new figures had a muscular physique and molded blue plastic trunks. Unfortunately the arms and head of these figures were attached with rubber bands that deteriorate over time and it is extremely rare to find one of these figures intact today. If you do find one intact be aware, it will not stay that way. The only way to have an intact muscle body Joe is to restring it. Unfortunately, even though you can restring them it won't be perfect and will suffer some in both appearance and articulation.

The talking figures were also reissued with major changes. The pull string was relocated from the chest to the top of the left shoulder and the sound holes were moved from the chest to the back keeping with the lifelike appearance. One of the reasons to track down a muscle body talker is the phrases in the talk box are new. Instead of "I've got a tough assignment for you", the muscle Joes say "Welcome to the Adventure Team". All of the talkers have the new talk box so the Man of Action finally gets over his "soldier" identity.

Despite the fact they have deteriorated into loose pieces the carded muscle bodies are in high demand. To me it's pretty humorous to see a headless and armless Joe still sealed on the card selling for $200.

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