The set includes the first three, five episode long story arcs, A Real American Hero: The M.A.S.S. Device, The Revenge of Cobra and The Pyramid of Darkness, as well as seven individual episodes. Each of the story arcs tells the story of Cobra’s new world-dominating invention and how the G.I. Joes must travel around the world using their own individual strengths to stop Cobra. As the first incarnation of what people now associate the G.I. Joe franchise with, The M.A.S.S. Device mini-series is probably the most well known and significant story arc in the DVD set. The story pits the Joe’s against Cobra to be the first to obtain all three incredibly rare elements to power their M.A.S.S. Devices (teleporter). These three elements are more rare and valuable than diamonds and it takes an entire team of America’s most elite trained fighters to track them down in the most obscure parts of the globe. Cobra’s up to their old tricks and you know who picks up the check? Hardworking, tax-paying Americans, that’s who. Not G.I. Joe, but Auto Industry Joe, Food Service Joe and DVD Review Joe. Anyway, this story is an everything-on-the-line scavenger hunt with giant, carnivorous, underwater worms, radioactive ninjas and a plot for world domination. Will Cobra Commander and Destro be successful in their immeasurably expensive plot? No, of course not. But will that stop them from trying again? And again? AND AGAIN?!
Extras:
As expected, Shout! Factory goes above and beyond, with nice packaging, menus and exclusive bonus features. The main extra is a three part feature of head writer, Ron Friedman, talking about different aspects of the series, toys and marketing. There are also vintage G.I. Joe toy commercials, the original 1963 Toy Fair presentation and, for some reason, a printable script for the episode, Jungle Trap. They even include a set of temporary tattoos that, as awesome as they are, will not get you any closer to the alternative girl in your chemistry class with all the Jhonen Vasquez merchandise.
By far, the best part of the DVD set is the “Knowing is Half the Battle” PSAs. These are the sole reason that I know better than to build a rickety tree house over a lake with a strange dog during a thunder storm while on fire. Thanks, Joes!
Overall:
The bottom-line is that if you were originally a fan of the show, pick this up. Shout! Factory put together an awesome box set that goes above and beyond my expectations. It’s a great way for the child of the 80s to relive their youth and get hyped for the new movie and 25th anniversary action figure reissues. If you weren’t a fan of the show or never saw it, I wouldn’t suggest diving on it on the recommendation of its original fans or toy enthusiasts, it’s a bit dated and, as badass as the Liefeld-sized weapons are, it’s still a show intended for kids.
ComicsOnline gives G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero Season 1.1 3.5 out of 5 time-outs for playing G.I. Joe in class.
