Well, I am expanding this into looking at more iconic characters, outside of pure superheroes- it's worth looking at why characters like Dr. Who and Tarzan have longevity in the public mind.
As for G.I. Joe, outside of the cartoon series (which I could never stand), bear in mind that as a character G.I. Joe has been around since the 1960s (I got my G.I. Joe dolls around 1972 or so), and the antecedents date back to W.W.II. Obviously as an icon, he character has a high recognition factor.
I think you are onto something with the link between childhood and adult military- I can see G.I. Joe involving fantasies about being a soldier who's a heroic "good guy".
no subject
As for G.I. Joe, outside of the cartoon series (which I could never stand), bear in mind that as a character G.I. Joe has been around since the 1960s (I got my G.I. Joe dolls around 1972 or so), and the antecedents date back to W.W.II. Obviously as an icon, he character has a high recognition factor.
I think you are onto something with the link between childhood and adult military- I can see G.I. Joe involving fantasies about being a soldier who's a heroic "good guy".