I've always enjoyed them. Even the much maligned Stars & Stripes set gets a thumbs up from me, as I enjoy seeing variations on the basic 82 uniform. I thought (and still do think) the softer plastic was superior to the harder variety used on the originals. The only one I seriously remember disliking was Duke.

One of my fondest memories of this era was the sheer attainability of the figures. There were about as many releases in '97 as there were in '82, and the pricing was much more favorable than it is today. I was easily able to justify purchasing two of everything, keeping at least one of each specimen carded/boxed to this day.

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The ones I own, they are in a box with my old Joes.

I actually remember mailing the Lady Jaye (with the white spot on her neck) to a friend of mine (who was in the army at the time) as a gag gift in a care package.

I'm at the point where 25th Ann is GIJoe to me, it solves a lot of problems. My 25th Ann Joes are on display, ARAH/neo-mold are all boxed away.

The blue armor CC is one of the worst takes on Cobra Commander ever in my view.

Now, because of you guys, I need more 1998 Vipers and Officers. I'm now also looking for ACE! Why when we reach a point that we own everything we needed, a new need just pop-up?

So, from the 1997/1998, I think the Viper and Officer are my best with the Thunderbolt (GI Joe Rattler).

Martin

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I think the 97/98 Joes have aged fairly well. The line wasn't perfect, but it came along when my interest in SW was waning. I actually like a big chunk of those figures and whatever else leftover makes for good LBC fodder. The only glaring flaw that really drags down the era for me was Snake-Eyes with the Roadblock waist. I could never understand how Hasbro could not correct that in subsequent releases of the SE ver1 mold. I've had to canabalize a few vintage Snake-Eyes figures over the years just for that waist piece.

I've taken a liking to the Slugger and the Night Landing. They're vintage molds that Hasbro has not abused like the HISS and are relatively affordable. I probably would've gotten the Thunderbolt by now, but it's better served as a Rattler. In the end, I think this era would've been better remembered if the Stars and Stripes boxed set came with the figures as pictured or if the line was released as presented at Toy Fair that year.

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I find it funny, I own a Thunderbolt and Tiger Rat but never have owned a rattler. My thunderbolt and slugger from this era suffered from the I don't care what happens to my toy phase.The slugger was under a bed who leg broke one day snapping all of the axles. I have yet to try to fix it I wouldn't know where to start. I am pretty sure I still have all the wheels, hatches and Mg for it.

Now that I think about it any suggestions?

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Honestly those wheel pegs are pretty unrepairable once they break. Your best bet is to get ahold of a shell that is missing the removable pieces and transfer them. Other than that, epoxy and don't plan on playing with it afterwards.

I only own one 97-98 figure: COBRA Commander.

I love the battle armor design. In fact it's my favorite of all of the Commander's outfits. But when I look at the classic silver/blue outfit, I don't see the Commander... I see Fred VII. With the armor in blue, he LOOKS like the commander, leading his troops when needed on the front lines. I don't exactly get it myself, but I just LOVE that figure.

I guess I'm just weird like that.