Action figure

An action figure is a poseable character model figure made most commonly of plastic. These figures are often based on characters from a film, comic book, military, video game, television program, or sport, whether fictional or historical. They are usually marketed toward boys and also attract adult collectors.

The term "action figure" was coined by Hasbro in 1964 when they introduced G.I. Joe to boys, differentiating it from what competitors called "boy's dolls."

While most commonly a child’s toy, action figures have become popular collectibles for adults. Some are made specifically for display, ensuring they remain in perfect condition for enthusiasts. Additionally, action figures are sometimes used in stop motion animation, bringing stories to life through movement.

History

Articulated dolls have been around since at least 200 BCE, with examples from ancient Greece and Rome. In the early modern period, artists used mannequins, and Japanese artists created dolls called ichimatsu. The modern ball-jointed doll was first made in Western Europe in the late 19th century. During this time, French and German companies made dolls with stringed bodies and ball-joints.

Toy soldiers have also been popular for a long time, with examples found in ancient Egyptian tombs. Tin soldiers were made in Germany as early as the 1730s. By the 1950s, polyethylene figures became common. One early toy that looked like modern action figures was Albert Schoenhut’s "Humpty Dumpty Circus," released in 1904.

The term "action figure" was created by Hasbro in 1964 to market their G.I. Joe figure to boys. G.I. Joe was an 11.5-inch military-themed figure with changeable clothes. Hasbro also licensed the product to companies in other countries, who made their own versions of the uniforms and accessories.

In the 1970s, Takara created a smaller version of the G.I. Joe figure called Microman, which stood at 3+3⁄4 inches tall. This smaller size and the use of interchangeable parts became popular. Mego began making figures of American comic book superheroes in 1971, which were very successful.

The 1980s brought many popular action figure lines, such as Masters of the Universe, G.I. Joe, Thundercats, and The Real Ghostbusters. Japanese robot anime like Gundam influenced Takara to create transforming robot toys. In 1984, Hasbro combined two Takara lines to create the Transformers.

By the late 1980s and early 1990s, many action figure lines were produced in large quantities, making them less valuable. In the mid-1990s, new lines like Star Wars and Spawn became popular. The Internet also helped collectors stay informed about new figures.

In the 2000s, companies like McFarlane Toys, Palisades, and NECA expanded the adult collector market with detailed figures of movie characters, musicians, and athletes. These figures are often displayed as statues rather than played with as toys. Some lines are exclusive to certain stores or available only through special offers.

Production

Modelling clay and special tools help make a model of the action figure. The figure is then made from strong plastic like acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Softer plastics and nylon are used for clothes and masks. Acrylic paints add colors, and some figures have tiny electronic components for lights and sounds.

First, artists draw sketches of the character. Then they build a clay model, sometimes using wax. They bend thin aluminum wires to create the figure’s shape, called an armature. Clay is added to the wires to form the basic shape. The sculptor shapes the clay with tools to add details. Sometimes the arms are made separately for better detail.

The sculptor works on the face carefully, making the eyes, nose, and mouth look real. The head may be made separately and then added to the body. After the whole figure is shaped, it is baked to harden the clay. The finished model is shown to the maker, and if approved, it is used to create molds for making many figures. The whole process can take a few weeks, and sometimes needs changes before it is finished.

Characteristics and features

Scale

Action figures come in set sizes so they can fit together well, whether they are from the same toy line or different ones.

Articulation

A special feature of action figures is that they can move. They often have joints that let them bend and turn. Basic moves include turning the head, moving the arms and legs, and rotating the waist. Over time, toy makers have added more ways for these figures to move. Some popular toy lines from the 1980s had different levels of movement, while newer lines in the 2000s added even more ways to move, like bending fingers.

Accessories

Many action figures come with extra items that help tell a story or make play more fun. These can include small weapons or tools that fit in the figure's hands. Some figures have special parts that, when collected, can be used to build a bigger figure. These extra items are often made to look nice on a shelf as well as for playing.

Types of packaging

Action figures are sold in different kinds of packaging. One type is a window box, which is a cardboard box with a cut-out front so you can see the figure inside. Another common style is carded bubble packaging, where the figure sits on a card with plastic wrapped around it. More recent styles use clear plastic packaging, which can be shaped like a tube to hold the figure.

Action features

Some action figures have special features that make them more fun to play with. For example, some figures can change shape, glow in the dark, or change color with water. Others have parts that move when you press buttons or wind them up. These features make each figure unique and exciting.