Action Figures

An action figure is a posable plastic figurine of a character from a movie, video game, or television program. These action figures usually are marketed as merchandise intended for boys. more...

Action figures are useful in making stop motion movies which are gaining popularity among children due to the availability of easy to use computer software for making animated movies.

History

The term "action figure" was first used by Hasbro in 1964, to market their G.I. Joe figure to boys who wouldn't play with "dolls", and the difference between them has since been a sensitive matter for the boys who play with them. G.I. Joe was initially a military-themed 11.5-inch action figure proposed by marketing and toy idea man Stan Weston. The action figure featured changeable clothes, with various uniforms to suit different purposes. In a move that would create global popularity for this type of toy, Hasbro also licensed the product to companies in other markets:

• Argentina – Joe Super Temerario by Verili SRL.
• Brazil – Falcon (early), Comandos em Ação (later) by Estrela.
• Britain – ACTIONman by Palitoy.
• Canada – G.I. Joe by Hassenfeld Bros.
• France – Group Action Joe by Ceji
• Germany - Action Team by Schildkroet
• Italy – Action Team by Polistil.
• Japan - New G.I. Joe by Takara.
• Mexico - Hombres de Accion by Ledy.
• Spain – Geyperman by Geyper.
• Uruguay – Hombres de Accion, and Chicas de Accion by Juguetes Iberia.

These different markets had a combination of uniforms and accessories that were usually identical to the ones manufactured for the US market by Hasbro, along with some sets that were unique to the local market.

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