GRUNT (v1)
INFANTRY TROOPER (straight-armed)
Series: One (1982)
Grunt was one of the original figures released carded in the first series (1982). Like all of the original sixteen figures, Grunt was released with "straight arms."
Images
Accessories
Grunt came with a dark green helmet, a dark green combat pack, and a black M-16 rifle.
Packaging Information
Filecard Information
File Name: Graves, Robert W.
SN: RA52779623
Grade: E-4
Birthplace: Columbus, Ohio
Primary Specialty: Infantry
Secondary Specialty: Small Arms Armoror Artillery Coordinator
Familiar with all NATO and Warsaw Pact small arms as well as domestic civilian arms. Graduated: Advanced Infantry Training. Finished in top ten of his class. Qualified Expert: M-14; M-16; M-1911A1 (Auto-Pistol).
"Grunt is a highly motivated, systematic individual. He's a stand-up guy who doesn't blow his cool in a fire-fight."
Variations
Grunt was available either with thick thumbs or thin thumbs.
When Grunt was re-released in 1983, two major changes were made to his construction. The straight-arms were replaced with arms that could swivel at the bicep, and his bulky waist-piece was replaced by a slimmer one. Also, the date stamp on the figure was changed from "1982" to "82-83." While the changes are substantial enough for some to consider this a new version, it is still technically just a variation. Because of this, we have chosen to list this figure as version 1.5, rather than version 2.
The backpacks of Grunt and Grunt (v1.5) feature different backpack pegs - the backpacks of straight-arm figures will fit loosely in the backs of swivel-arm figures.
There are two versions of Grunt's filecard. The one that came from Hasbro Direct has a glossy red backing, while the one that came with the carded Grunt does not. Grunts included with the Sears or JCPenney's exclusive gift packs also had the red backing.
Featured In
Grunt was featured in several of the various media of GI Joe through the years, including Trading Cards, Comic Books, Cartoons and Commercials.
Body Construction
Most of the 1982 series figures and their swivel-arm counterparts re-used molds from each other, repainted slightly to make them seem more original.
The head of Grunt was re-used for Grand Slam, Zap, and in 1983 Grand Slam (v2). Grunt's arms were shared with Hawk, Short-fuze, Snake Eyes, Stalker, and Zap. Grunt's torso was shared with Breaker, Hawk, Snake Eyes, and Stalker. Grunt's waist-piece was shared with twelve of the original fifteen figures. Grunt's legs were shared with Breaker, Clutch, Hawk, Rock N Roll, Shortfuze, Stalker, Steeler, and Zap (and in 1984 Tan Clutch).
Note that the figure's head only turns left and right - it does not allow the head to look up and down. The heads only turned left and right until the the swivel ball head that was introduced in 1985 (Series Four).
The exact body mold of Grunt v1.5 was re-used for the second version of Tan Grunt (version 2). The same mold of the head, torso, arms, and waist were re-used in 1997 to create Grunt (v4).
International Releases
In Argentina, the straight-arm Grunt was released by Plastirama as Front. In Brazil, Estrela Toys released their own version of Front.
In Mexico, straight-arm Grunt was released as part of series 1 (1986) by the Auriken toy company, in a box instead of on a card, as Vagabundo (using Footloose's card art).
Reference Information
The below information contains information about references to various collector's guides, Hasbro references, original retail prices, and other reference material related to Grunt (v1).|
Original Retail: $2.99 Product Number: 6409 (Retail), 38100 (Sears 3-Pack) Lee's Guide: GIJ-82003 The Ultimate Guide: Pg. 10 (1st Ed.), Pg. 12 (2nd Ed.) |
Desimone Guide: #1 Tomart's Guide: #GI5001 RAHC/Rank & File: n/a Action Figure Archive Guide: n/a |
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