With Action man uniforms on my mind I got to looking at another of my favourites, one of many favourites, the Palitoy Russian Infantry. I was in love with the box art as a kid.
There's just something about the bent leg and the turned body. Like all that early Action Man box art, it captures the movement brilliantly.
Googling a bit more about this box art I came across this amazing image on Reddit.
It features someone modelling for the original Hasbro GI Joe Russian Infantry box art! Its all there, the bent leg and the turned waist.
That someone turned out to be one Sam Petrucci, a name I've not come across before. You? Mr. Petrucci was none other than the GI Joe box artist! How cool is that!
I'm thrilled to know who the GI Joe/ Action Man artist was at last.
Sam sadly passed away in 2013 but his memory lived on on all the GI Joe forums and sites, not to mention his family's memorial site to his work.
Which was your favourite GI Joe-Action Man box art? What was the action doll called in your country?
Sam did much more besides GI Joe and I feel another post coming on!
Wow! I never knew who the man behind the art was. Thanx for posting this Woodsy!! My favorite would have to be the very first figure released: the infantryman running at crouch with rifle in front at hip level. It was my first figure. As much as I missed my G.I. Joe's and Stoney Smith's and all, I have resisted the temptation to collect them again! (and it hasn't been easy! LOL)
ReplyDeleteAny old snaps of your Joe's and Stones Ed? I never had a Stoney.
DeleteSorry Woodsy - I don't have any old photos of them - nothing from Christmas or my birthdays. Then. I gave them all to my nephew when I joined the Air Force in '78 and haven't seen them since
DeleteFantastic article, Woodsy. Sam's dynamic artwork captured the imagination of a generation of boys, all wanting in on the action. I really struggle to pick a favourite from the Soldiers of the Century (World) series. Although as a kid the German Stormtrooper was my treasured first choice. Looking forward to seeing Sam's other work.
ReplyDeleteYeshe Stormtrooper was just fabulous and I can see the artwork clearly, the bent leg, the stick grenade in his hand to the rear in throwing pose. What an iconic painting by Sam P. All of them, yes. I'd like them as big posters!
DeleteIt's a shame you can't see more of his work on that site, I'd like to see what the space image is about
ReplyDeleteI'll write a bit more soon. Done some more digging.
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