Built on a foundation of more than 260 original interviews, now in the works is the definitive “history of” and “art of” behind the scenes coffee table book on G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. Packed with rare and never-before-seen photos, drawings, paintings, letters, memos, and even an unpublished Marvel “G.I. Joe” comics story, this book is a must-have for Joe fans as well as a significant piece of pop culture journalism. Relive the creative choices and market forces that made G.I. Joe the hottest brand of a generation from the perspective of the toy designers, show writers, comics artists, advertising executives, and marketers who were there.
February 2023 update: Chapters 1-19 are written, and 2-10 need revising. Chapters 2-18 are designed, and also in need of revising. Chapter 20 is still heading to a first draft.Â
A Real American Book! 
Finally, someone is putting this book out! Thanks so much and I can’t wait to get it into my hands!
I appreciate the support, but I should clarify since your term “someone is putting this book out” frames the book as imminent. I’m still writing, and haven’t landed a publisher. But since I’ve already put ten years into the project, I’m taking the long view, so let’s say it’s a matter of when, rather than if. But as I make progress, I’ll announce it here.
My friend !
Knowing when the book comes out is winning half the battle !
I want one !
Tim –
My buddy has an original piece of 60’s pkg art if you need an image for anything… I love little joes, but I wasn’t sure if you needed anything at all from the vintage era. Looking fw to Flag Points w/ you. I’m teasing to your site/project tonight on #9.
I just want to say THANK YOU for gving the fans a definitive work on the less covered aspect from the immortal RAH brand. I have been waiting for decades for a quality book which chronicles the stories behind all the beautiful artwork that graced the packaging of our beloved Joes.
My very best wishes for continued success in bringing this project to fruition.
You’re welcome, Joseph. It’s a fun project to work on.
I’ve wanted someone to come out with something like this, possibly forever. Don’t stop what your doing, not for anything. You will find a publisher, just concentrate on the work. You have many a fan that will buy this up, so a publisher is only a matter of time.
Great ideas. If you ever need good art, let me know. I have a lot and am always buying from former Hasbro folks as well as collectors.
Just found out about your project today and I am stoked – I can’t wait to buy it. Just a thought though – instead of seeking out a publisher, why not self-publish and set up a Kickstarter campaign to pay for it? Best of luck in any regard.
That’s a good idea, Rob. One of the challenges is getting all the proper approvals, and going alone may not present that opportunity.
What was the date or time frame for the unpublished Marvel story? If it was early that would be very interesting. If it was towards the end not as much those issues were really not that great.
Around ’84.
Well that would fall into the interesting category. Thanks.
AWESOME! Just discovered your work. Can’t wait to read this book.
Thanks. Your work is great, too.
Sweet! This is exactly the sort of thing I love to read about. Can’t wait for it. 😀
Really cool. My grandfather used to design toys for Hasbro. I still remember the day I went to visit and he had the brand new, as yet released jeep along with a bunch of figures for me to play with. I was a toy tester for many years for Hasbro. Gi-Joe and Transformers. A couple of rock action figures too. I also remember the first time I played with a swivel arm clutch. He mixed him in with some other figures to gauge my reaction. I just about blew a gasket I was so excited.
Just stumbled upon this, and count me in the “can’t wait/can’t believe this hasn’t happened sooner!” category. Good luck, and thanks!
Any updates to your book release? Also, were you working at all with Daniel Klingensmith? Seems like a coincidence that his book is also available right now too. Thanks for the hard work!
Nothing new on my end, Mike. Still slowly plugging away. Interviewed a guy last night who worked on the DIC series, which helped firm up a paragraph in Chapter 10 that’s been too vague. As for Dan, we’ve met and chatted a bit, and I gave him a piece or two, but the projects are separate.
Thanks for the quick reply. Glad things are still moving along as I would hate for all this hard work to not be shared. Best of luck.
I am excited that it is finally 2019!
For those of you wondering about this comment, I used to have an expected date of completion for the book on this page. I had to keep pushing it forward. Once, I thought the book would be done in 2019.
Hi Tim, thank you for all of the work you’ve put into this project, and I wish you all the best on the work that’s still left. I eagerly look forward to getting the fruits of your labour in my hands, it’s going to be great. The photos, the interviews, ten pages of Rudat helmets… Even if it takes another decade to complete, it will be wonderful. It’s early to ask, but do you have any plans for releasing artwork / designs / interviews that don’t make the final cut? A youtube channel of audio interview bits, or downloadable content? Even pdfs-for-sale of extras? I want to see every one of those helmet sketches, haha.
All the best,
Kenten
Thanks, Kenten. Most of the audio isn’t great quality, so I don’t think I’ll ever post it, but I do have a notion to build a website of all the interview transcripts when the book is done. As for artwork that doesn’t make the cut, in theory it will all one day be here at the blog.
Thanks Tim.