Action Figures

Timothy Baghurst

Although action figures are an integral part of a boy's upbringing in the United States, this was not always the case. At one point in our history action figures were simply unheard of. This changed in 1964 with the introduction of G.I. Joe, considered to be the first action figure. The aim of Hasbro, its producer, was to create the toughest and most masculine doll ever made. These characteristics clearly delineated it from the dolls on the market at that time, and thus the action figure was born. Typically, an action figure must possess these characteristics: the figure is usually made of plastic, designed as a superhero, can be articulated, is intended to be able to stand on its own, and is designed specifically for males. These specifics help to distinguish the action figure from other male figures such as Ken, the accoutrement to Barbie. Although G.I. Joe sales have ...

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