Adventure Action Figures Buying Guide
sE9swm,vZ1BRY+LWHNnQ~~_35.JPG)
Action Figures Based on Popular Characters
The 1960s saw the rise of the action figure. Companies were looking for a toy as popular as the newly released Barbie doll that could be marketed to boys, and in 1964, G.I. Joe action figures were released. Like the Barbie, these early figures, also called "action dolls," were made of plastic, were 11.5 inches tall, and had removable clothing and accessories. The original G.I. Joe figures were modeled from characters in the 1945 film "The Story of G.I. Joe." Most action figures seen today follow the same tradition and are made in the likeness of characters from popular action adventure films and TV shows.
The 1960s saw the rise of the action figure. Companies were looking for a toy as popular as the newly released Barbie doll that could be marketed to boys, and in 1964, G.I. Joe action figures were released. Like the Barbie, these early figures, also called "action dolls," were made of plastic, were 11.5 inches tall, and had removable clothing and accessories. The original G.I. Joe figures were modeled from characters in the 1945 film "The Story of G.I. Joe." Most action figures seen today follow the same tradition and are made in the likeness of characters from popular action adventure films and TV shows.
Comics
Besides G.I. Joes, some of the early mass-produced figures were figures from Marvel and DC comic books. Superman, Spiderman, and Batman were some of the first superhero figures to be released. Today, versions of superheroes as depicted in darker graphic novels are some of the most popular collectible adventure action figures.
Besides G.I. Joes, some of the early mass-produced figures were figures from Marvel and DC comic books. Superman, Spiderman, and Batman were some of the first superhero figures to be released. Today, versions of superheroes as depicted in darker graphic novels are some of the most popular collectible adventure action figures.
Movies
The first adventure action figures based on a feature film were based on the original Star Wars film, which was released in 1977. These figures differed from G.I. Joes in that they were made completely of molded plastic, including their clothing, and were only 3 and ¾ inches tall. The immediate popularity of the Star Wars action figure changed the world of toys, and companies followed suit with similar products on into the 1980s and 1990s, marketing action figures based on action and adventure television shows and movies ranging from Transformers to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Indiana Jones. Modern adventure films have their own line of action figures as well. The success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy led to a line of collectible toys in the likeness of wizards, hobbits, elves, and men. These toys are made of moldable plastic, but the plastic is a bit more pliable than traditional material. LOTR collectible figures are unique in that their clothing is mostly molded on, but some characters have capes made of cloth. Sizes vary with these figures as sizes vary between wizards and hobbits.
The first adventure action figures based on a feature film were based on the original Star Wars film, which was released in 1977. These figures differed from G.I. Joes in that they were made completely of molded plastic, including their clothing, and were only 3 and ¾ inches tall. The immediate popularity of the Star Wars action figure changed the world of toys, and companies followed suit with similar products on into the 1980s and 1990s, marketing action figures based on action and adventure television shows and movies ranging from Transformers to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Indiana Jones. Modern adventure films have their own line of action figures as well. The success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy led to a line of collectible toys in the likeness of wizards, hobbits, elves, and men. These toys are made of moldable plastic, but the plastic is a bit more pliable than traditional material. LOTR collectible figures are unique in that their clothing is mostly molded on, but some characters have capes made of cloth. Sizes vary with these figures as sizes vary between wizards and hobbits.
Historical Figures
Perhaps many people use the word adventure to refer to battles in outer space or in other galaxies or worlds where sword fighting and horseback riding are common. But adventure could also refer to historical events, such as wars or contemporary space exploration. Shoppers can find action figures to accommodate those interests as well. Pose-able action figures can even be found in the likeness of Buzz Aldrin, Albert Einstein, Mozart, Ben Franklin, Shakespeare, and Michael Jackson, who can have adventures of their own or just grace a bookshelf for a unique conversation starter. Every U.S. president from George Washington to Barack Obama has an action figure in his likeness.
Perhaps many people use the word adventure to refer to battles in outer space or in other galaxies or worlds where sword fighting and horseback riding are common. But adventure could also refer to historical events, such as wars or contemporary space exploration. Shoppers can find action figures to accommodate those interests as well. Pose-able action figures can even be found in the likeness of Buzz Aldrin, Albert Einstein, Mozart, Ben Franklin, Shakespeare, and Michael Jackson, who can have adventures of their own or just grace a bookshelf for a unique conversation starter. Every U.S. president from George Washington to Barack Obama has an action figure in his likeness.
Athletes
Kids can even have adventures on the court or field with action figures depicting popular athletes of both today and yesterday. Babe Ruth can even battle Michael Jordan in the world of action figures.
Kids can even have adventures on the court or field with action figures depicting popular athletes of both today and yesterday. Babe Ruth can even battle Michael Jordan in the world of action figures.
Fantasy Characters
Some of today's popular adventure toys are not humanoid like those mentioned above. The popularity of children's shows such as Skylanders and Pokemon led to a different type of figure altogether. These figures tend to be smaller than even the early Star Wars toys, and many do not articulate at all.
Some of today's popular adventure toys are not humanoid like those mentioned above. The popularity of children's shows such as Skylanders and Pokemon led to a different type of figure altogether. These figures tend to be smaller than even the early Star Wars toys, and many do not articulate at all.
Features and Vehicles
Action figures usually have minor articulation. The neck, the arms at the shoulders, and the legs will move on these types of figurines. Some more basic figures only have arms that move or no moveable parts at all. Early action figures came with removable clothing, but later figures were made completely from hard plastic, and the clothing of those figures was part of the mold and not removable. Accessories are often included with toy figures - some come with weapons such as laser guns, swords, or bow and arrow sets. Action figures can come with more elaborate accessories such as horses or other vehicles, or perhaps the adventurer comes with tiny sunglasses, a backpack, and a canteen. From the initial release of the action figure, vehicles have also been available. G.I. Joes rode in tanks or helicopters, and these transportation options sometimes came with a figure included. Adventurers in Middle Earth have molded plastic horses, and action figures from a galaxy far, far away can ride in a wide array of flying vehicles. Superheroes also have transportation, sometimes even vehicles like the Batmobile that can transform into other vehicles. Small settings depicting a secret lair or mini areas of a city where superheroes can fight crime and defeat the villain can also be found. These are often called "playsets" and some are quite elaborate, with many rooms, reaching heights of more than three feet.
Action figures usually have minor articulation. The neck, the arms at the shoulders, and the legs will move on these types of figurines. Some more basic figures only have arms that move or no moveable parts at all. Early action figures came with removable clothing, but later figures were made completely from hard plastic, and the clothing of those figures was part of the mold and not removable. Accessories are often included with toy figures - some come with weapons such as laser guns, swords, or bow and arrow sets. Action figures can come with more elaborate accessories such as horses or other vehicles, or perhaps the adventurer comes with tiny sunglasses, a backpack, and a canteen. From the initial release of the action figure, vehicles have also been available. G.I. Joes rode in tanks or helicopters, and these transportation options sometimes came with a figure included. Adventurers in Middle Earth have molded plastic horses, and action figures from a galaxy far, far away can ride in a wide array of flying vehicles. Superheroes also have transportation, sometimes even vehicles like the Batmobile that can transform into other vehicles. Small settings depicting a secret lair or mini areas of a city where superheroes can fight crime and defeat the villain can also be found. These are often called "playsets" and some are quite elaborate, with many rooms, reaching heights of more than three feet.
Vintage and Collectible Action Figures
In the 1990s, collecting action figures became a hobby among young people, especially men. Today, action figure collecting is a lucrative pastime, and many of the most coveted vintage figures are of the adventure variety. Collectors may opt to buy their action figures loose without packaging, which is the most commonly seen way to purchase vintage figures. When Star Wars figures, for instance, were released, no one was concerned about keeping the toys in their boxes to save as a future investment. However, the occasional figure or adventure vehicle can still be found in original packaging, usually at a much higher price than a loose figure. Sellers will list the condition of their action figures if they are not in original packaging. Typical conditions range from poor to like new. Always ask sellers about included accessories if details aren’t mentioned in a listing. Collectors who already have a figure but who need accessories to complete the original appearance of an adventure action figure can find loose accessories as well, such as dog tags for G.I. Joe, belts for Batman, and swords for hobbits.
In the 1990s, collecting action figures became a hobby among young people, especially men. Today, action figure collecting is a lucrative pastime, and many of the most coveted vintage figures are of the adventure variety. Collectors may opt to buy their action figures loose without packaging, which is the most commonly seen way to purchase vintage figures. When Star Wars figures, for instance, were released, no one was concerned about keeping the toys in their boxes to save as a future investment. However, the occasional figure or adventure vehicle can still be found in original packaging, usually at a much higher price than a loose figure. Sellers will list the condition of their action figures if they are not in original packaging. Typical conditions range from poor to like new. Always ask sellers about included accessories if details aren’t mentioned in a listing. Collectors who already have a figure but who need accessories to complete the original appearance of an adventure action figure can find loose accessories as well, such as dog tags for G.I. Joe, belts for Batman, and swords for hobbits.
Action Figure Customization
If a collector wishes to find a more personalized adventure-style action figure, many companies market customized figures that will meet the buyer’s specifications. If a shopper wants an 11.5 inch articulated figure with a mask, cape, sword, elaborate shield, and snake-like mutation, they can get a figure made to their specifications. Collectors can also choose their favorite superhero in a one-of-a-kind costume via customization. Interchangeable action figures and their parts are also available so that a child can put Iron Man’s head on Wolverine’s body for a sort of body-snatching comic adventure, or a collector can choose to display a figure with a different head and facial expression depending on their mood or desired room decor.
If a collector wishes to find a more personalized adventure-style action figure, many companies market customized figures that will meet the buyer’s specifications. If a shopper wants an 11.5 inch articulated figure with a mask, cape, sword, elaborate shield, and snake-like mutation, they can get a figure made to their specifications. Collectors can also choose their favorite superhero in a one-of-a-kind costume via customization. Interchangeable action figures and their parts are also available so that a child can put Iron Man’s head on Wolverine’s body for a sort of body-snatching comic adventure, or a collector can choose to display a figure with a different head and facial expression depending on their mood or desired room decor.
Conclusion
Adventure action figures have been popular toys and collector’s items since their initial release. Collectors today have the advantage of the Internet to find rare adventure action figures, and shoppers who just want to find figures that will be played with have a variety of options as well. Children and adults with big imaginations can use action figures and their accessories to bring timeless tales of adventure to life.
Adventure action figures have been popular toys and collector’s items since their initial release. Collectors today have the advantage of the Internet to find rare adventure action figures, and shoppers who just want to find figures that will be played with have a variety of options as well. Children and adults with big imaginations can use action figures and their accessories to bring timeless tales of adventure to life.
- source -
