Action figure facts for kids
A moveable man of action or action figure is a small model of a character. These figures are often made from plastic or other materials. They are usually based on characters from a movie, comic book, video game, or TV show. One of the most famous action figures is G.I. Joe.
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The Story of Action Figures
Before the 1960s, most toys didn't move much. In 1964, a company called Hasbro created a new toy they named the action figure. This toy was G.I. Joe, designed by Stan Weston. G.I. Joe looked like a military person and came with clothes and gear that could be changed.
Action figures were made to give boys a popular toy, just like Barbie was popular with girls since 1959. In the 1970s, comic book superheroes started becoming action figures. Companies like Marvel Comics and DC Comics made figures of popular superheroes for kids.
Hasbro spent many years researching and drawing military weapons and vehicles for their G.I. Joe figures. The first African American G.I. Joe was made in the second year these toys existed. In 1967, the first female G.I. Joe was released; she was a nurse. G.I. Joe later got a cartoon TV show in 1985 and a movie in 2009.
Over the years, Hasbro also made "men of action" figures of famous people like George Washington and John F. Kennedy.
In the 1980s, the demand for action figures grew a lot because of new TV cartoons. Shows like Masters of the Universe, G.I. Joe, and Thundercats grabbed the attention of young boys. This created a need for action figures of their favorite characters. Hasbro even got the idea for the Transformers from a cartoon in Japan. They brought it to the United States in 1984, and soon cartoon episodes and action figures followed.
By the 1990s, action figures also became popular with adults. These adults collected them for their value and as display items. These figures came from movies, TV shows, and even famous people like rock stars.
From the 2000s until today, many popular movies have released action figures of their characters. Not just movies, but also musicians, athletes, and other important people in the media have their own figures.
Today, the market for adult collectors of action figures is growing. Companies like McFarlane Toys, Palisades, and NECA create very detailed figures. These are often meant for display rather than playing. However, toy lines for children, like the Masters of the Universe revival and Justice League Unlimited, are also collected by adults. Comic book characters can also get figures made, even if they haven't appeared in movies or cartoons. Companies like Toy Biz and DC Direct mainly produce comic book figures.
Sometimes, adult-focused action figure lines are sold only in specific stores. Popular figures might also be available through mail-in offers or at comic conventions like Comic Con. This can make their value go up.
How Action Figures Are Made
Action figures are usually made of plastic. These toys are designed to move and hold different poses. Making an action figure starts with an idea and a drawing. Next, artists create models using wire and clay. Once a figure is approved, it is molded from plastic. Finally, paint and fabric are added to complete the toy.
Changes Over the Years
Action figures have changed a lot since they first appeared:
- Basic Action Figure: Early figures had limited movement. Only the arms and sometimes the legs could move.
- Moveable Action Figure: Later figures had more moving parts. This included the head, wrists, knees, feet, hips, arms, and legs.
- Removable/Clip-on Parts: Figures started to have clothes you could take off or put on. They also came with different guns, weapons, and even different faces.
- Sound: Some action figures gained sound effects. They could talk or make gun sounds.
Types of Action Figures
Action figures come in many different types:
- Military figures
- Comic Superheroes: Like Superman and Batman.
- TV/Movie Characters: Such as He-Man, WWF/WWE superstars, characters from Lord of the Rings, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
- Famous People: Including members of the band Kiss, US Presidents, Jackie Chan, and Russell Crowe.
- Women Action Figures: For example, Catwoman, Wonderwoman, and Sarah Michelle Gellar.
Action Figures and Gender
Action figures were first created to be a toy for boys, similar to how Barbie was a toy for girls. Unlike Barbie, G.I. Joe was designed to look strong and manly, which is why he was a military toy.
Just like Barbie, the bodies of some action figures can show an almost unrealistic body image for boys. For example, some WWE wrestler action figures have muscles that are much bigger than real-life muscles. These strong body images of wrestlers, superheroes, and G.I. Joe might suggest to boys that they should grow up to be big and strong, which isn't always possible.
Today, there are also action figures that are popular with girls. For instance, girls collect movie character action figures like Edward Cullen from the movie Twilight.
Images for kids
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A group of action figures
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A clay mannequin created by Albrecht Dürer, around 1525. Similar figures are produced today through modern action figure brands like Figma.
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See also
In Spanish: Figura de acción para niños
