Big Jim

Produced from 1972 to 1986 by Mattel for the North American and European markets, Big Jim was a poor cousin of GI Joe, so kids could still afford him on a newspaper delivery boy’s salary.

The 9½ inch Jim had a button in his back that, when you pressed it, made his arm karate chop. He also had very well-crafted thigh muscles.

Multiple accessories included the Big Jim Ambulance, Big Jim Rescue Rig (for rescuing other Jim’s who fell over cliffs or into canyons), the Big Jim Sky Commander (a sort of multipurpose ‘Airforce One’ for Jim and his pals) and the Big Jim “Lazervette “- a corvette replete with laser guns that popped up from the hood (‘bonnet’ for our Brit readers).

Big Jim was joined by his buddies Big Josh (who had a beard), Big Jeff (a blonde Australian, apparently), the African-American Big Jack, and Jim’s Native American friend, Chief Tankua (later renamed as ‘Warpath’). There was also a villain named Dr Steel (who – quite appropriately – had a steel right hand).

Other characters introduced later included The Whip, Torpedo Fist, Zorak, Astros, Dr Alec, Baron Fangg, Vektor, Agent 004, Joe, Professor O.B.B, and Boris (based on Oddjob from Goldfinger).

A number of Big Jim accessories and Adventure Sets were also produced, including the Big Jim Rescue Chopper, the Safari Truck (with a rhinoceros and a net), the Devil River Trip (featuring a swamp fan-boat and mechanical alligator), Dirt Bike, Sports Camper (basically Barbie‘s Country Camper in a different coloured plastic), the Baja Beast Camper (the Safari Truck with a removable top) and a Boat and Buggy Set.

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