[HISSTANK]

Originally posted by: Shin Densetsu @ Hisstank.com

Quote:

First off, a huge thanks goes out to sculptor Bill Merklein for passing these images off to HISS Tank boards member Roshan to share with us. What we have here is a rare look into the past of the beloved GI Joe A Real American Hero line, the longest running line in action figure history that even managed to outlast Star Wars at retail! One thing has remained constant about 3-3/4" GI Joes; no matter how long they remain off shelves in retail they've always managed to return(and it looks like they're definitely here to stay). While we presently look forward to the GI Joe Pursuit of Cobra line, what started this 3-3/4" legacy was the A Real American Hero line, a line which Merklein sculpted figures for. Today we can see some of the very 1st sculpts of what went on to be fan-favorite figures!

Here's more information supplied by Roshan:

Same deal as the artwork, we were given these by Bill to show them off. The difference here is these are not for sale. These sculpts were all done by Mr. Merklein, and he is keeping the pictures, but he wanted them to be seen by everyone. Look closely at a lot of these many are first draft sculpts that were later changed. Some of the variation highlights:

• Dial Tone without the beret
• Golobulus, Fridge, Tomax and Xamot all with different heads than the final head sculpt
• Mercer sculpted with a Viper's uniform
• You can also see other little intricacies in the sculpts like Lightfoot and WORMS having their antennas made with not sculpy but with spun copper to deal with the small accessory.

Also, Bill does not have these 2-ups. These are just the photos of them. Bill would use these photos as insurance to prove he made them if they got lost in the mail between him and Hasbro.

So what are you waiting for, click on the title bar to check out a very welcome blast from the past!

Read More: Glimpse At Original GI Joe A Real American Hero Sculpts By Bill Merklein @ G.I. Joe - HissTank.com.