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In the vast world of toy collecting, action figures have transformed from simple playthings for children into valuable collectibles that command high prices on the market. Their journey began in the mid-20th century and has since witnessed the birth of iconic franchises that have captured the imagination of generations.
The term action figure was first coined by Don Levine, a designer at Hasbro, in 1964 to distinguish their G.I. Joe line from traditional dolls med predominantly at girls. This series was one of the earliest examples of poseable figures designed for boys and introduced the concept of interchangeable clothing and military roles: Action Marine Marines, Action Pilot r Force, Action Slor Navy, and Action Soldier Army. The original G.I. Joe, standing 12 inches tall, quickly became a hit in 2004 when it was inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame.
In 1966, Mattel took on a new venture with their astronaut-themed toy series, Major Matt Mason. These figures were innovative for their time as they were based on NASA prototypes and came with miniature vehicles and playsets that significantly enhanced the play experience for young audiences.
The superhero genre entered the action figure scene in the early 1970s, most notably through Mego's pioneering effort. This company saw an untapped market when they decided to produce an original line of Star Wars action figures following the release of Star Wars 1977, laying a solid foundation for subsequent superhero waves.
The superhero boom was matched by the emergence of DC and Marvel characters as action figure subjects. Wonder Woman, Batman, and Spider-Man joined Star Wars figures on store shelves across America during this time.
The success of G.I. Joe inspired international adaptations and expansions beyond the U.S. Palitoy from the UK developed Action Man based on G.I. Joe designs, while Japanese toy company Takara produced Henshin Cyborg-1 with a similar concept but unique features, highlighting the global influence of this action figure tr.
The landscape shifted significantly in the late 70s when Martin Abrams decided to produce larger-scale superhero figures for Mego’s World’s Greatest Super Heroes line. This change was largely driven by economic constrnts caused by the oil crisis, which limited toy production materials.
While questions still linger about when action figures became collectibles in their own right, it's clear that this transition happened alongside the toys' rise in popularity. Today, valuable collectible action figures include original Kenner Star Wars figurines and other 70s and 80s Star Wars releases.
Today's major players like Mattel with DC Comics and WWE, Hasbro Marvel, Star Wars, and Transformers, Funko with their POP! vinyl line, and others continue to dominate the market. Yet, it is nostalgia for childhood experiences that drives the current fervor in collecting these figures.
Despite advancements in digital entertnment, action figures remn a cherished aspect of toy collections worldwide. Their evolution from simple play tools to complex collectibles with rich histories is a testament to their uring appeal and cultural significance across generations.
The story of action figures exts beyond toys; it’s a narrative intertwined with trs in media, technology, and the changing tastes of consumers over decades. This evolution speaks to the dynamic relationship between creativity, nostalgia, and commerce in the world of play.
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