G.I. Joe Night Striker (1988)

 

Overview

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The Night Striker was released in 1988 as part of the Night Force sub-team. It is a black-and-red repaint of the classic 1984 W.H.A.L.E. (Warrior: Hovering Assault Launching Enforcer) amphibious assault vehicle. It was a Toys “R” Us exclusive and, unlike some regular G.I. Joe vehicle releases, did not include a figure.

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Key Features

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• Night Force black-and-red color scheme

• Repaint of the 1984 W.H.A.L.E.

• Large amphibious hovercraft design

• Puncture-resistant air cushion

• Armored hull

• Two elevating 105mm “Pounder” cannons

• Multiple missile/weapon systems

• Rear propulsion system

• Removable and movable components

• Designed for both water and land operations

• No figure included with the original Night Striker release

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Fun Facts

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A Night Force W.H.A.L.E.
The Night Striker is essentially the classic W.H.A.L.E. transformed into a stealthy Night Force vehicle through its dramatic black-and-red paint scheme.

One of the More Valuable Night Force Vehicles
The Night Striker is considerably more collectible than many ordinary Night Force repaints. Older collector guides have valued a mint-loose example around $200–300, with boxed examples around $320–350.

No Figure Included
The box artwork shows G.I. Joe personnel operating the vehicle, but no figures were actually packaged with it. This is important when listing one for sale.

Part of the 1988 Night Force Line
The first Night Force assortment included five vehicles: Night Blaster, Night Raider, Night Shade, Night Storm and Night Striker.

A Large Display Piece
Because it uses the W.H.A.L.E. mold, the Night Striker is substantially larger and more impressive than many of the smaller Night Force vehicles.

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What Makes a Night Striker Complete?

For a vehicle-only complete Night Striker, check for:

• Night Striker main body

• Complete hovercraft skirt/cushion components

• Both 105mm Pounder cannons

• Cannon caps

• Missile systems

• Missile arms

• Vertical vanes

• Sled/launch doors

• Rear propulsion components

• All removable weapon components

• Original Night Force decals

• Original instructions/blueprints

No action figure is required for completeness.

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Recommended GIJoeForSale.com Price

For a 100% complete Night Striker in Very Good/Excellent condition:

€199.95–€229.95

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For an exceptionally clean Near Mint example with excellent decals:

€249.95–€299.95

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For a complete example with original box:

€329.95–€399.95

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Collector Appeal: 9.5/10

The Night Striker is one of the standout Night Force vehicles. Its large W.H.A.L.E. mold, dramatic black-and-red colors and relative scarcity make it particularly attractive to collectors building a complete vintage Night Force collection.