What are Action Figures?

Action figures are miniature figures that are often modeled after characters from popular movies, television shows, or comic books. They come in all shapes and sizes, from 3.75” action figures to 12” collector’s items. They offer a way for fans to immerse themselves even further into the stories that they love.

Action figures have become increasingly popular over the past few decades. They are widely recognized as some of the most popular collectibles on the market, and there are a variety of ways to collect them. Whether you choose to focus on a specific line of figures, or pick up one-off pieces, action figures offer something for everyone.

History of Action Figures

Action figures first emerged in the 1950s when Hasbro released GI Joe – a series of 3.75” plastic military figures. The figures were immensely popular, and it wasn’t long before other toy companies started creating their own versions of action figures.

The 1960s saw the introduction of larger 12” action figures, such as Big Jim and Major Matt Mason. The 1970s brought with it the introduction of superheroes, who quickly became the main subjects of action figures. Mego Corporation released figures of Superman, Captain America, and other well-known characters. Kenner followed suit with its own Star Wars figures in the late ’70s.

By the 1980s, action figures had become staples of pop culture. Companies began releasing figures based on popular movie franchises like Star Wars, Ghostbusters, and Transformers. The 1990s saw the popularity of collectible figures increase, as well as the emergence of some of the highest quality action figures to date.

Today, action figures have arguably become more popular than ever before. They continue to be released in a variety of sizes, styles, and iterations, and are beloved by fans around the world.

Early Years: GI Joe as the Pioneer

In the 1950s, a new toy was introduced which would become one of the most iconic toys ever made – GI Joe. Working alongside toymaker Don Levine, Hasbro released the 11.5 inch figure in 1964 as ‘America’s movable fighting man’. This was the first action figure which featured fully articulated limbs, creating an entirely new play experience.

GI Joe marked a huge change for toys – he was no longer a static figure which just sat on the shelf. Now kids could act out their own stories, creating adventures with GI Joe as the star! This was a revolutionary concept at the time, and it forever changed the way that action figures were made.

The success of GI Joe allowed for further improvements in the design and production of action figures, paving the way for more innovative figures down the line.

Transition to the Present: How Action Figures Have Evolved

Today’s action figures are a far cry from the GI Joe figures of the 1950s. Modern action figures come with more realistic sculpts and detailed articulation, allowing them to take on any action pose you can imagine. This transformation was driven by two main factors: advances in technology and the rise of superheroes.

Advances in technology led to the introduction of new materials and production methods. New materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) allowed companies to create more elaborate designs than ever before. CAD/CAM technology and rapid prototyping allowed for more accurate and precise designs. In addition, new painting methods were introduced, allowing for intricate detailing and shading.

The rise of superheroes in popular culture also greatly impacted the action figure industry. Companies like Mego began producing superheroes like Batman, Spiderman, and Wonder Woman in the 1970s. Kenner eventually took over the market with their Super Powers figures, which featured highly detailed sculpts and articulation. This eventually morphed into the highly articulated 6-inch figures that dominate the market today.

The 1960s and 1970s

The 1960s and 1970s saw the emergence of some of the most iconic action figures in history. The 12” GI Joe figures were among the first to appear during this time, with their realistic styling and range of clothing and accessories. Big Jim was a much simpler figure, but still featured a range of clothing and accessories for the adventurous boy. Major Matt Mason was one of the most advanced figures from this era, featuring posable arms, legs and head.

These figures provided boys with hours of adventure, as they could re-enact scenes from their favorite TV show or just let their imaginations run wild. This helped to popularize action figures even further and set the stage for the higher quality figures to come.

Superheroes Take Over

The world of action figures was forever changed in the late 1970s and early 1980s when superheroes started to take over. Mego, a retail toy company, produced 3.75” action figures based on the DC Comics and Marvel superheroes. These classic figures had limited articulation and were highly sought after by collectors. As their popularity grew, Kenner introduced a new line of high-end articulated superhero figures that were sculpted with great detail and featured multiple points of articulation.

Kenner also had success with their Super Powers toy line which featured amazing action figures that featured iconic Super Powers Action Grip technology. This technology enabled the action figure to grip and hold objects in its hands. Many collectors consider them to be some of the best superhero action figures ever made.

With the advent of these highly detailed figures, action figure collecting became more popular than ever before. Not only were action figures still being used for play purposes, but they were also becoming valuable collector’s items. While Kenner was producing superhero action figures, other companies such as Mattel, Hasbro, and Takara were also producing their own lines.

1980s & 1990s: The Influence of Pop Culture Icons

The 1980s and early 90s were a pivotal time in the history of action figures. During this era, pop culture icons profoundly impacted the industry. From movies to comics, fans suddenly had more thrilling characters to play with.

In 1984, Hasbro released the Transformers, based on the popular animated series. These transforming robotic figures quickly became a massive hit. They gave kids a chance to play with their favorite robots from the show.

Mattel’s Masters of the Universe line soon followed, inspired by the He-Man cartoon. This collection featured detailed figures with accessories and playsets, all based on the characters from the show.

These two franchises helped promote the concept that action figures did not have to be limited to superheroes or military personnel. They could also feature characters from films, TV series, comics, and video games.

Articulation & Posability

Modern action figures have come a long way in terms of posability and articulation. Articulation refers to the points on the body of an action figure that allow it to be moved and posed. This gives them a much more realistic look and can even allow for dynamic poses. Posability is a term used to describe how easy it is to change the position of an action figure’s body parts, thanks to articulation points.

In the past, many action figures were limited in terms of articulation and posability, as they usually had just a few points of articulation, such as the head, arms, and legs. This limited the range of motion and poses that could be created. However, modern action figures often feature up to 30 points of articulation, allowing for amazing poses and displays.

As well as greatly improving the visual appeal of action figures, having a wide range of articulation and posability also makes them more enjoyable to play with. This allows the owner to create their own stories and adventures with the action figures and bring them to life.

New Technology & Materials: Enhancing Articulation & Posability

Action figures have come a long way since the early days of GI Joe. Thanks to advances in technology and materials, modern action figures have much more detailed sculpts which render them incredibly lifelike. Today’s action figures also feature amplified articulation for highly posable poses.

The use of new materials has allowed for greater precision in sculpting. PVC plastic is now used instead of the earlier rubber or vinyl, which gives the figures a more realistic look and feel. This sturdy material also allows for more intricate sculpts, making modern action figures far more detailed than the original GI Joe figures.

Better Articulation & Posability

As well as the use of better materials, the level of articulation in modern action figures has also improved greatly. Posability used to be limited to simple arms and legs but now includes elbows, wrists, arms, and even neck articulation to create an impressive range of poses. The inclusion of ball joints also enhances the overall poseability of the figures.

The combination of materials and articulation leads to the creation of incredibly detailed and highly posable figures that are perfect for collectors and playtime. No matter your preference, you can find the perfect action figure to suit your needs.

Limited Edition Collectibles: Investing for Collectors

As action figures become more popular, limited edition collectibles have been released which have become valuable investments for collectors. Limited edition action figures are typically made up of a single sculpt with multiple variants. These variants are often painted in different colors or feature different accessories, making them highly sought after by collectors. Furthermore, limited edition figures are often released in extremely limited quantities, making them even more desirable to collectors.

One of the benefits of collecting limited edition action figures is that they often appreciate in value over time. Collectors can purchase these figures at their original retail price but may be able to sell them for significantly more if they become popular, scarce or discontinued. This is due to the limited number available, and makes it an attractive investment for those looking to make money from the hobby.

Limited edition action figures can also be hard to find and may require searching through stores, online listings, or attending conventions. While it can be difficult to track down the figures you are looking for, it can also be a fun and rewarding scavenger hunt. Many collectors enjoy the search for rare figures and will go to great lengths to find them, giving them a sense of pride in their collection.

Action Figure Culture

Action figures have a rich culture that has evolved over the years and still thrives today. They have become part of many fan cultures, which include Youtube channels, clubs, and conventions centered around these beloved figures.

The Youtube community is full of content creators who post videos of their collections and reviews of new action figures. Fans of different characters can also form clubs through social media or other online platforms. Through these clubs, members can trade and discuss their favorite items.

Many conventions are held all over the world which are dedicated to celebrating action figure culture. These events offer fans the opportunity to meet up in person and share their collections. They may also be able to purchase rare or limited edition action figures from vendors or other collectors.

The excitement surrounding action figures shows no signs of slowing down. People of all ages are discovering the joys of collecting these figures, bonding with fellow fans, and discovering the nostalgic feeling of owning something from their childhood.

Finding the Perfect Action Figure

Action figures have come a long way since GI Joe first hit the stores in the 1950s. We have gone from simple 3-3/4 inch army figures to detailed, highly articulated action figures with incredible paint jobs. With so many kinds of action figures on the market today, it can be hard to choose which ones to add to your collection.

Fortunately, there are some tips to help you find the perfect action figure that will fit into your collection. First, decide what kind of action figures you want to focus on. Are you looking for superheroes, movie characters, or classic toys? Once you’ve narrowed down your search, you can begin researching the different brands and collections that offer the kinds of figures you want. Read reviews online for a better understanding of each action figure, and get an idea of its size and articulation.

You should also consider your budget when shopping for action figures. Some high-end action figures can be expensive, while others can be found at bargain prices. If you’re just starting out in the world of action figures, it may be wise to start with the cheaper figures first and upgrade as your collection grows. You’ll also want to look for limited edition collectibles if you want to make an investment for the future.

Finally, keep up with action figure culture. Follow YouTube channels and join collector clubs and conventions to stay informed about the latest trends and releases. With a little research and patience, you’ll soon find the perfect action figures to add to your collection.

Final Thoughts

Action figures have come a long way since their original debut in the 1950s with G.I. Joe. From simple articulated figures to highly detailed, posable figures, action figures have become an integral part of fan culture and collector market. Today’s action figure collectors have access to an enormous variety of figures and companies such as Hasbro, Mcfarlane Toys, NECA, and Mezco ensure that there will always be something new and exciting for fans to collect.

Whether you’re a casual toy collector or a passionate enthusiast, action figures offer something special, and it is exciting to think about where this hobby will take us in the future. With so many amazing action figures available, and with the technology used to make them only getting better, it’s no wonder why fans of all ages enjoy collecting these unique figures.

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