Action figure is a doll with movable joints that allow it to be posed in many positions. Most action figures are marketed to boys. Action figures range in size from about 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 centimeters).
The first action figure was G.I. Joe, a military figure introduced by the Hasbro Toy Company in 1964. G.I. Joe had jointed wrists, ankles, elbows, hips, knees, neck, shoulders, torso, and upper arms. Hasbro released many accessories with the figure, including additional uniforms, survival equipment, guns, other weapons, and vehicles. G.I. Joe was originally sold as Action Man in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. After being briefly discontinued, the line was successfully relaunched in 1982 as a series of 3 3/4-inch (9-centimeter) figures. G.I. Joe continued to be a popular brand in the United States in the 2000’s.
The popularity of G.I. Joe led other companies to produce action figures. The Ideal Toy Company manufactured Captain Action from 1966 to 1968. Captain Action could be dressed as various comic-book heroes, including Aquaman, Batman, Flash Gordon, Green Hornet, Spider-Man, and Superman. Ideal also made a series of figures called Comic Heroines in 1967. Dolls in this series included Batgirl; Mera, queen of Atlantis and wife of Aquaman; Supergirl; and Wonder Woman.
Mattel, Inc., the maker of Barbie, introduced an action figure called Big Jim in 1971. The original Big Jim was 10 inches (25 centimeters) in height. He could be dressed for a variety of careers, including astronaut, athlete, cowboy, crime fighter, and spy. Another popular action figure from the 1970’s was Action Jackson from the Mego Corporation. Action Jackson was 8 inches (20 centimeters) in height and could be dressed in many outfits, including a military uniform and scuba diving gear. Mego also made action figures based on characters from movies and comics.
Action figures continue to be a popular category of toys. In addition to military action figures, many modern action figures depict comic-book characters, characters from film and television, and celebrities. Many adults collect action figures.
Some child-rearing experts have criticized the use of action figures as toys because they believe such play may encourage violent behavior in boys. Other experts, however, believe that action figures allow children a safe outlet for expressing aggressive feelings.
