The Toy Collectors Wish Book Special Edition: G.I. Joe (Box Set)

The Ultimate Visual Archive of G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero — 1982–1994

THE BOOKS ARE COMPLETE AND HAVE BEEN SENT TO PRESS!

What began as a single-volume project has grown into an extraordinary two-volume hardcover box set totaling nearly 600 pages, created to document and preserve one of the most influential toy lines of the 1980s and 1990s.

The next chapter in our quest to document the golden age of toys has arrived! With The Toy Collectors Wish Book series, collectors now have a museum-quality visual archive dedicated to preserving the history of iconic toy lines.

This Special Edition chronicles G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero from 1982–1994. Featuring detailed photography, historical articles, and extensive reference material, the books examine the vast majority of U.S.-released action figures, vehicles, playsets, accessories, and notable variations.

Within these pages, the history of this incredible toy line is documented and preserved for generations of collectors to come.

ABOVE: Front and back views of The Toy Collectors Wish Book: Special Edition – G.I. Joe two-volume hardcover box set and slipcase.

ABOVE: A glimpse inside The Toy Collectors Wish Book: Special Edition – G.I. Joe, Book One, featuring a selection of pages from the finished book.

ABOVE: A glimpse inside The Toy Collectors Wish Book: Special Edition – G.I. Joe, Book Two, featuring a selection of pages from the finished book.

Two-book Archive — Nearly 600 Pages — One Incredible Box Set

• Nearly 600 pages spanning two hardcover books
• Two-volume premium hardcover box set with slipcase
• Premium 8.5 × 11-inch format
• Approximately 10,000 photographs
• 36 Retro Toy Quest Signature Hero Diorama images
• Comprehensive coverage spanning 1982–1994
• Action figures, vehicles, playsets, accessories, mail-away releases, and notable variations
• Detailed parts and accessory photography designed as an easy-to-use visual reference
• Historical features exploring the story and evolution of G.I. Joe
• Seven detailed pages dedicated to the U.S.S. Flagg Aircraft Carrier
• Seven detailed pages dedicated to the Defiant: Space Vehicle Launch Complex
• Coverage of the Sunbow and DiC animated series
• Special teams and sub-lines including Night Force, Tiger Force, Python Patrol, Slaughter's Marauders, Iron Grenadiers, Eco-Warriors, Star Brigade, and more!

Creating this Special Edition became one of the largest projects ever undertaken for The Toy Collectors Wish Book series.

Approximately two years in the making, more than 100,000 images were photographed, with approximately 10,000 photographs carefully selected, edited, and incorporated into the finished books. Countless hours were spent locating rare items and researching figures, vehicles, accessories, and variations to produce a comprehensive visual reference guide to this iconic toy line.

Among the most distinctive features are 36 original Retro Toy Quest Signature Hero Dioramas, created specifically for the books. Each scene was conceived, photographed, composited, and designed to celebrate the toys in the imaginative world collectors remember.

NOTE: All original photography, artwork, graphic design, and diorama imagery created for this publication were produced without the use of generative AI tools.

Collaboration with 3DJOES

Retro Toy Quest is proud to have collaborated with R. Carson Mataxis of 3DJOES throughout the development of this project. This collaboration significantly accelerated the development process, providing additional photography, research, and resources while helping both projects continue their shared mission of documenting and preserving the history of G.I. Joe.

Retro Toy Quest has also contributed product photography and resources to 3DJoes.com and its extensive online G.I. Joe archive.

Project Status

Pre-press is complete and the final books have been sent to the printer for production.

Backer fulfillment is currently anticipated for late 2026. Additional production and shipping updates will be provided as the books move through the manufacturing process.

Late Backer Pledges are Now Closed

The Kickstarter and Late Backer phases of the crowdfunding campaign have concluded.

If you supported the project through the Late Backer Pledge Manager, your pledge has been received and your box set is secured. No action is required from backers at this time.

To review your pledge or account information, sign in to your PledgeManager account. If you do not remember your password, select “Forgotten Password” on the sign-in page.

From Kickstarter to the Finished Books

This project was successfully funded with the support of the G.I. Joe collecting community through Kickstarter. What began with the support of our original backers ultimately grew into a substantially larger and more comprehensive publication than originally envisioned.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this project possible.

The mission is accomplished and development is complete. The next chapter in The Toy Collectors Wish Book is on its way.