The Retroist

The Retroist

Share this post

The Retroist
The Retroist
Destro Jumps out of my TV and into my Heart
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More

Destro Jumps out of my TV and into my Heart

Retroist's avatar
Retroist
Jun 17, 2013
1

Share this post

The Retroist
The Retroist
Destro Jumps out of my TV and into my Heart
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Share

In the year 1983, as the second series of 3¾” G.I. Joe action figures rolled out, a captivating presence emerged in television advertisements. The enigmatic figure, known as Destro, sported a silver-domed head and a bared chest, setting him apart from the norm. His unique visage struck a chord within me, igniting an unshakable desire to add him to my collection.

Destro's allure led me to frequent the local Five and Dime store with eager anticipation. Daily, I would wait, envisioning the day of his eventual arrival. Despite my financial constraints, a steadfast conviction held that our paths would intersect, and I would claim him as my own.

In due course, Destro did grace the shelves of the Five and Dime, yet fate had a twist in store. My sister, a keen observer of my persistent visits, extended an unexpected act of kindness. She journeyed to Toys-R-Us and procured Destro on my behalf. When she placed the prized figure in my hands, a surge of elation overcame me. Bursting with joy, I darted around the store, much to the amusement of my sister and her colleagues.

From that day forward, when my friends and I played GI Joe, Destro was always my first pick.


Subscribe to The Retroist

Launched 4 years ago
A Retro Podcast, Blog, and Newsletter.
1

Share this post

The Retroist
The Retroist
Destro Jumps out of my TV and into my Heart
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Share

Discussion about this post

User's avatar
The Mystery Of The Red Quarters…Solved!
Did you ever find a quarter painted red and wonder if that red served a purpose? It does.
Feb 11, 2017 • 
Retroist
45

Share this post

The Retroist
The Retroist
The Mystery Of The Red Quarters…Solved!
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
6
Remember when Mickey Mouse decided to commit suicide?
Unless you lived in the 1930s or are a fan of vintage comic strips you might not be aware of the attempted Mickey Mouse suicide.
Aug 30, 2017 • 
Retroist
9

Share this post

The Retroist
The Retroist
Remember when Mickey Mouse decided to commit suicide?
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Monkey’s Blood (Mercurochrome) for those boo-boos
Remember when you were a kid, and you would were out roughhousing with your friends.
Oct 23, 2019 • 
Retroist
4

Share this post

The Retroist
The Retroist
Monkey’s Blood (Mercurochrome) for those boo-boos
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
2

Ready for more?

© 2025 Retroist
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More

Create your profile

User's avatar

Only paid subscribers can comment on this post

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in

Check your email

For your security, we need to re-authenticate you.

Click the link we sent to , or click here to sign in.