Did the GI Joe Rawhides Save the Franchise… or Sink It?

Discover everything you need to know about the GI Joe Rawhides — from toys to comics to cartoons. A full GI Joe Rawhides retrospective exploring their history, mythology, and origins.

The Story of the GI Joe Rawhides — the rookie recruits who were meant to save the franchise, but may have doomed it instead.

By 1987, GI Joe was at its peak: a blockbuster toy line, a hit cartoon, and a massive fan base. Into this world came six fresh faces — Chuckles, Tunnel Rat, Big Lob, Law & Order, Jinx, and Falcon. Marketed as the Rawhides, they were supposed to lead GI Joe into a bold new chapter. Instead, they debuted in a movie that flopped, went straight to video, and marked the beginning of the cartoon’s decline. Were the Rawhides victims of bad timing… the wrong characters at the wrong moment… or simply not strong enough to replace legends like Duke, Snake Eyes, and Scarlett?

In this REDUX episode, I revisit every Rawhide — from toy origins to cartoon cameos and comic arcs — so you can decide for yourself: were they underappreciated gems, or the beginning of the end for GI Joe’s golden age?

#GIJoeRawhides #GIJoe1987 #GIJoeToys #GIJoeCollectors #80sCartoons #ActionFigures

🎥 Welcome to Stories from the Toyshelf, where I'll dive deep into the world of Transformers, GI Joe and other eighties toys. Each episode explores a different character, tracing their journey across media and merchandise. Whether you’re here for the The Basics on the Rawhides, a full Rawhides Retrospective, the History and Origin of the Rawhides, or the wider Mythology of the Rawhides, this video has you covered. From vintage toys to modern reimaginings, comics, cartoons, and beyond — i'll break it all down for fans and collectors alike.

🔍 Topics we cover include:
Transformers character history & lore explained
G.I. Joe character profiles from comics & cartoons
80s toy retrospectives and vintage figure breakdowns
Rundowns of vintage and new Transformers and G.I. Joe toys
Behind-the-scenes stories from comics and animation

💥 While my main focus is Transformers and G.I. Joe, I'll also occasionally spotlight other beloved toy lines from the 80s and beyond — including Masters of the Universe, Star Wars, superhero toys, and more.

Every toy in my collection has a story, how I came upon it, why I bought it or even just some random or obscure bit of info about it. Admittedly not all of them are amazing, funny or interesting...but I think some of them are, and I'd like to tell you about them...one toy at a time.

Welcome to Stories from the Toyshelf! Don't be a stranger :)

🧠 If you’re into 80s nostalgia, toy collecting, and the stories behind your favorite action figures, hit SUBSCRIBE and join a community of passionate fans keeping these legends alive.

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Intro & Outro Music: American Idle by RKVC
Episode Background Music:
Rest Easy - Vans in Japan
Get Yer Glow - Dan Lebowitz
Life is Good - Magic In The Other
Lone Wolf - Dan Lebowitz
Don't Fret - Quincas Moreira
Never You Mind - Dan Lebowitz

00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:11 Adding A Little Flower Power To The Team
00:14:56 Not Worth A Rat's Ass
00:29:18 Lob Actually
00:36:43 A Joe To Call My Own
00:54:56 Bad Luck Woman
01:13:33 Snake Biter