12 Action Figures with Awkward Accessories That Defined a Series
When it comes to action figures, some accessories truly stand out though not always in the way you’d expect. While most toys come with weapons or tools to enhance their playability, some figures took a more unusual route with their accessories. These quirky add-ons became memorable parts of the toys, even if they weren’t always the most practical. Whether it was a bulky gadget, a strange companion, or something that seemed a little out of place, these accessories often defined the characters in unexpected ways. They may not have always made sense, but they certainly left a lasting impression.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Battle Armor He-Man
Battle Armor He-Man was one of the most iconic characters in the Masters of the Universe (MOTU) series, and his accessory definitely made him stand out. Instead of a traditional weapon like a sword or shield, Battle Armor He-Man came with a rotating chest armor. This unique feature allowed for a more interactive play experience, where kids could “damage” He-Man’s chest by rotating the armor after each battle.
The awkwardness of the rotating armor was that it often seemed out of place compared to the usual battle-ready accessories typical of other action figures. Despite this, it became a defining feature that made He-Man stand out in the toy aisle. The accessory was certainly a hit in terms of creativity, but it never really captured the true essence of the character as a warrior. Many fans recall the figure fondly for its original and somewhat strange accessory. The market value of Battle Armor He-Man today is around $50, depending on condition and packaging.
Boba Fett (Rocket-Firing Backpack)
Boba Fett’s action figure from the Star Wars series is one of the most beloved toys ever made. However, the original Boba Fett figure was released with an accessory that became both iconic and awkward: the rocket-firing backpack. Initially, the figure’s rocket was supposed to launch, but safety concerns led to the feature being disabled before the figure hit the shelves. Despite this, the figure remained incredibly popular, with collectors eager to find versions that still contained the working rocket.
The idea of a rocket-firing backpack was an ambitious accessory that tied in well with Boba Fett’s character but proved difficult to execute in a toy form. While the rocket never actually launched, it remains an interesting part of the toy’s legacy. The market value of an original Boba Fett action figure with the rocket-firing feature can reach upwards of $1,500 in mint condition, making it a sought-after collector’s item.
G.I. Joe (Mail-Away Serpentor)
G.I. Joe figures are known for their military gear and accessories, but one figure stands out for its unusual addition: Serpentor. The character was originally introduced with a “mail-away” offer that gave fans a unique accessory: a helmet and his infamous “floating throne.” The throne, which was supposed to emphasize his grandeur, was bulky and often difficult to display alongside other figures.
While the figure itself was a formidable addition to the G.I. Joe universe, the throne was awkward and out of place compared to the more battle-ready accessories typical of the series. Collectors remember the offer for the unique nature of the accessory, even though it wasn’t the most functional or practical toy addition. The value of a mint-condition Serpentor with throne can reach up to $150.
Superman (The Toy of the ’70s with a “Lifting” Accessory)
Superman’s action figures have seen many different versions, but one from the ’70s featured a unique and somewhat awkward accessory: a “lifting” action. The accessory consisted of a mechanism that allowed Superman to “lift” small objects, but the design felt somewhat out of place with the character’s usual powers.
Instead of focusing on his iconic flight or strength, this accessory emphasized a more domestic and non-action-packed feature. While the lifting feature was intended to show Superman’s strength in a more interactive way, it detracted from the action-packed potential of the figure. Despite its awkwardness, the figure remains a notable part of Superman’s toy history. The estimated market value for the Superman figure with the lifting accessory is around $30 today.
Voltron (Lion Parts that Turn into Legs)
Voltron, the giant robot made of five lions, was another beloved franchise. However, the original action figures came with a somewhat awkward accessory: detachable lion parts that were meant to transform into limbs of the robot. While this was an essential part of the Voltron toy, it was often tricky for children to assemble the robot, as some of the lion parts did not fit perfectly.
The accessory wasn’t as smooth or easy to use as some other action figure transformations, making it feel clunky at times. Despite this, it was part of what made Voltron so special, and collectors still seek out these figures today. Fans of the series still hold the combination of lions in high regard, despite the awkward assembly process. The current market value for a complete Voltron set with all five lions is about $250, depending on condition.
He-Man (Dragon Blaster Skeletor)
He-Man’s arch-nemesis, Skeletor, is a fan-favorite villain. The Dragon Blaster Skeletor was an action figure that came with a strange accessory: a mechanical dragon that attached to Skeletor’s back. The dragon’s purpose was to shoot “poisonous” mist, which was meant to add an element of surprise and danger. However, the awkwardness of the figure lay in the fact that the dragon itself was cumbersome and didn’t move freely as one might expect from a high-powered villain.
The dragon was large, heavy, and difficult to display with other MOTU figures. While it was a unique accessory for its time, it often felt more like a gimmick than a solid action figure addition. Today, the Dragon Blaster Skeletor is valued at around $75, depending on condition and whether the dragon’s mist feature still works.
Star Wars (C-3PO with Removable Limbs)
The original Star Wars action figure of C-3PO was designed with an unusual feature: removable limbs. While the idea was meant to reflect the character’s iconic scenes in the films where his limbs were taken off and reattached, it became one of the most awkward features of the toy. The joints and limbs were not as secure as they could have been, often leading to pieces falling off during play.
The accessory, while true to the film’s portrayal of C-3PO, didn’t quite live up to the expectations of other, more durable Star Wars figures. Despite this, collectors still find charm in the action figure’s unique approach to replicating C-3PO’s famous dismemberment. The market value for the C-3PO with removable limbs action figure is around $100, depending on condition and packaging.
Transformers (Action Masters with No Transforming Feature)
Transformers is known for its iconic ability to transform from vehicles into robots, but one version of the action figures, the Action Masters, was introduced without this key feature. These figures came with unusual accessories like guns, shields, and other weapons, but the fact that they lacked the transformation capability made them awkward in comparison to their predecessors.
The idea behind the Action Masters was to create a more poseable robot figure, but it confused fans who expected the transforming feature to be a core part of the experience. The awkwardness of these non-transforming toys did not sit well with die-hard fans of the franchise, even though the accessories themselves were well-crafted. Despite this, they hold nostalgic value and are collectible today. The current market value of an Action Masters Transformer figure is around $30 to $40.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pizza Thrower)
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise was known for its quirky accessories, and one of the most iconic and awkward was the “Pizza Thrower.” This accessory was a plastic pizza launcher that could fire miniature pizzas at targets. While it was fun and interactive, it also felt out of place in a series about crime-fighting turtles.
The awkwardness came from the fact that the pizzas didn’t exactly match the turtles’ usual combat style, making it feel more like a gag toy than a true battle accessory. Nonetheless, the Pizza Thrower remains a beloved part of TMNT history, and collectors still seek out this fun and silly accessory. The market value of the Pizza Thrower toy is estimated at around $50, depending on the condition and completeness of the set.
The Six Million Dollar Man (Bionic Arm)
The Six Million Dollar Man action figure, based on the popular TV series, came with a somewhat awkward accessory: a bionic arm. The figure itself was a great likeness of the character Steve Austin, but the bionic arm was a plastic attachment that could be swapped with the regular arm. The arm was intended to simulate the character’s enhanced strength, but it was somewhat bulky and didn’t quite fit with the rest of the figure’s more realistic design.
The awkwardness came from how out of place the oversized arm appeared on an otherwise proportionate action figure. Despite this, the figure’s unique feature and the connection to the beloved TV show made it a popular item for collectors. Today, the Six Million Dollar Man action figure with the bionic arm is valued at about $50, depending on condition.
The A-Team (Murdock’s Parachute)
The A-Team action figures were based on the hit TV show, but one of the more awkward accessories belonged to Murdock, the eccentric pilot. Murdock came with a parachute accessory, meant to reflect his airborne skills. However, the parachute did not fit well with the figure’s design, and it made the character look overly clumsy when attached.
The parachute was large and somewhat unwieldy for such a small action figure, often making it difficult to use for play. Despite its awkwardness, fans appreciated the attempt to make Murdock more interactive, even if it didn’t entirely work. The estimated market value of Murdock with parachute is about $50.
Spider-Man (Web Cannon)
Spider-Man has always been known for his web-slinging abilities, but the Web Cannon accessory that came with some versions of the action figure was an odd addition. Instead of a simple web-slinging feature, Spider-Man came with a cannon that shot out sticky web-like projectiles.
The awkwardness of this accessory lay in the fact that it was cumbersome and didn’t feel as fluid or natural as the traditional web-slinging action that fans had come to expect. The web cannon, while fun, didn’t capture the true essence of Spider-Man’s agility and skill, making it a strange departure from the usual accessories that came with other figures. Collectors still find value in this unique version, and it is worth about $40 in decent condition.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.