This epic series focused on an elite group of special forces known as "G.I. Joe," spearheaded by Duke [Michael Bell] and Gen. Hawk [Ed Gilbert], a highly trained and diverse army with vast technology and global reach. Their mission was to put an end to Cobra, a terrorist organization headed by raspy-voiced tryant Cobra Commander [Chris Latta], whose mission was world domination through force.

The five part mini-series known as "G.I. Joe - A Real American Hero" ran in syndication from September 12, 1983 to September 16, 1983. Introducing the plot and characters for the first time ever - the series followed the Joe's exploits in racing around the world to thwart Cobra's usage of a stolen satellite to be used for teleporting resources from place to place, with thier M.A.S.S. device. With plans of building their own device, the Joes seek to recover three rare natural elements in time to foil Cobra.

Following the mini-series came the weekly syndicated after-school favorite, which ran for four healthy seasons from September 10, 1984 to November 20, 1986. It debuted with the five part series entitled "The Pyramid of Darkness." Utilizing a massive list of characters each with their own military speciality, skills, weapons and personalities, the Joes fought a seemingly neverending battle against world domination-minded Cobra Commander, Destro, and eventually the Dr. Mindbender's genetic frankenstein known as Serpentor. Episdoes of G.I. Joe closed with a quick lesson, featured by one of the Joes, that taught kids various tips in safety. Once the kid would state "and now I know!" the G.I. Joe member would follow up with "...and knowing's half the battle!"

Bringing the heyday of the series to its climax in 1986, G.I. Joe: The Movie involves Cobra's intentions to use a Broadcast Energy Transmitter to destroy human life and prepare the planet for rule by the underground serpent people - a feat not unsurpassed by the valiant G.I. Joe force. The movie brought about a different era for the cartoon series afterards, ultimately resulting in its demise as an executive decision was made, several years later, to drop Sunbow and hire DiC to continue the series in 1989. That particular season resulted in a noticeable change in character mannerisms, writers' style, and even animation quality.

Rhino released the DVD series of "GI Joe: A Real American Hero" in 2004.

General Hawk: "Yo Joe!"
He'll fight for freedom wherever there is trouble, G. I. Joe is there!
G. I. Joe (A Real American Hero), G. I. Joe is there

It's G. I. Joe against Cobra the enemy
Fighting to save the day,
He never gives up, he's always there,
Fighting for freedom over land and air

G. I. Joe (A Real American Hero), G. I. Joe is there

Narrator: "G. I. Joe is the codename for America's daring, highly trained, special mission force. Its purpose: To defend human freedom against Cobra, a ruthless, terrorist organization determined to rule the world."

He never gives up, he'll stay till the fights won
G. I. Joe will dare
G. I. Joe (A Real American Hero)
G. I. Joe!

• The original Cobra Commander was featured as the "masked" commander, but re-appeared wearing a hood with eyeholes in 1984...then reverted back to the chrome mask afterward.
• Contrary to popular belief, Destro is not a member of Cobra.
• Destro's origin and background story remained a mystery throughout the entire cartoon series, but is explained in the comic. The data card on the back of Destro's action figure packaging even lists his real name and birthplace as "Unknown."