11 Action Figure Lines That Changed the Collecting World
Action figures have become a cornerstone of pop culture, and over the years, certain toy lines have reshaped the way we view and collect them. From iconic superheroes to fantasy characters, these figures have sparked a global collecting craze, captivating fans of all ages. The influence of these toys goes beyond just play; they’ve created lasting legacies, introduced innovative designs, and even inspired entire industries. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of action figures, these lines are recognized for their impact and continue to shape the market today.
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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, launched by Hasbro in 1982, marked a pivotal moment in the action figure market. The introduction of 3.75-inch action figures was revolutionary, offering a perfect balance of size, articulation, and detail. Each character came with a unique backstory, accessories, and vehicles, making it easy for collectors to immerse themselves in the world of G.I. Joe. The line’s success was also bolstered by the animated series, which brought the characters to life and expanded the brand’s storytelling aspect.
The G.I. Joe line’s impact on the collecting world was immense, as it set the foundation for the modern action figure. With its large cast of characters and wide variety of figures, vehicles, and playsets, it encouraged collectors to build expansive collections and fostered a community of dedicated enthusiasts. The figures’ designs, detailed accessories, and high playability make them highly sought after in the market, with some vintage figures reaching high prices.
Star Wars
Star Wars action figures, created by Kenner in 1977, revolutionized the toy industry and the collector market. These figures became the first major cross-media collectible, as they were closely tied to the release of the original Star Wars film. Unlike typical toys at the time, Star Wars action figures were designed with attention to detail and offered a wide variety of characters from the films, including iconic heroes like Luke Skywalker and Han Solo, as well as villains like Darth Vader.
The success of these figures launched an entirely new way for collectors to interact with their favorite franchises. The vast range of characters and the release of new figures alongside each movie installment kept collectors coming back for more, while the concept of variant figures encouraged enthusiasts to collect every version available. Today, Star Wars action figures remain one of the most valuable and sought-after collectibles, with vintage pieces continuing to command impressive prices in the market.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, launched by Mattel in 1982, became a revolutionary action figure line due to its unique characters and fantasy-driven universe. Featuring a wide variety of fantastical characters, such as He-Man, Skeletor, and Battle Cat, the line also introduced innovative features like interchangeable accessories and the iconic “Power Punch” action. The figures’ larger size compared to most contemporaries allowed for more intricate detailing and battle-ready action poses, which made them stand out on the shelves.
This action figure line was not just about toys; it created an entire universe with a cartoon series, comic books, and even a movie, expanding the market for these figures. He-Man encouraged imaginative play, but it also tapped into the collector mindset, with limited edition figures and rare variants increasing in value. As a result, He-Man toys are highly prized by collectors today, with rare figures and accessories still fetching high prices.
Transformers
Transformers, released by Hasbro and Takara Tomy in 1984, changed the way collectors approached action figures by merging two popular interests: robots and vehicles. These figures were innovative due to their transforming feature, allowing them to shift from robots to vehicles or animals and back again. This unique concept of “two toys in one” sparked a new wave of interest among kids and collectors, blending action figures with the appeal of model vehicles.
The Transformers line’s impact on the collecting world was amplified by its accompanying animated series, which fleshed out the characters’ personalities and backstories. With a focus on both Autobots and Decepticons, fans could collect and display a wide range of characters, and the evolution of new generations of Transformers kept the collecting world engaged. Today, Transformers figures are highly collectible, with rare and vintage models from the early years continuing to command premium prices.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures, launched by Playmates in 1988, brought a new level of fun and action to the toy world. Based on the popular comic series and animated show, the turtles and their allies came with various weapons and accessories, allowing for endless customization and play. The line’s success can be attributed to the unique blend of martial arts, humor, and memorable characters, making it a favorite among children and collectors alike.
Collectors quickly saw the value in these figures, not just for their playability but for their rarity and limited-edition releases. Playmates released multiple variations and specialized versions of the turtles, and some of these, such as the early figures or those tied to certain storylines, have become highly sought after in the collecting community. The success of the action figures laid the foundation for an ongoing TMNT franchise, keeping interest alive across generations.
Barbie
Barbie, introduced by Mattel in 1959, stands as one of the most iconic and longest-running action figure lines in history. Unlike typical action figures, Barbie’s appeal lies in her ability to represent a wide range of professions, lifestyles, and cultural backgrounds, making her relatable to children and collectors worldwide. The endless variety of outfits, accessories, and playsets available has allowed Barbie to become not just a toy, but a true collectible.
The Barbie line’s impact on the collecting world is profound, as some rare dolls and limited-edition releases fetch thousands of dollars at auctions. The nostalgia and cultural significance of Barbie also play a large role in her enduring appeal. Collectors often focus on specific themes, such as vintage or special edition dolls, ensuring that the market for Barbie collectibles remains strong.
Thundercats
Thundercats, introduced by LJN in 1985, made a lasting impact on the action figure market with its vibrant characters and fantasy theme. Based on the animated series, the figures featured intricate details and unique playsets that allowed collectors to create scenes from the show. Characters like Lion-O and Mumm-Ra became icons of 1980s pop culture, and the toy line’s popularity reflected the growing demand for fantasy and adventure-themed action figures.
The Thundercats figures were among the first to focus heavily on both articulation and visual storytelling, setting them apart from many other toy lines at the time. Collectors have maintained a strong interest in these figures, especially those in good condition or with original packaging. Today, Thundercats action figures remain highly collectible, with certain rarities fetching impressive prices.
The Real Ghostbusters
Based on the popular 1984 movie Ghostbusters, the Real Ghostbusters action figure line, released by Kenner in 1986, offered fans a chance to own characters from the beloved film. What made this line stand out was the sheer creativity in the design of the figures, with ghost characters and unique accessories like proton packs and ghost traps. The series was a hit with kids who loved the fun and spooky designs, but it also became a key collectible for adult fans of the franchise.
Collectors were drawn to the line due to the diversity of figures and the imaginative play possibilities, such as transforming the Ghostbusters’ vehicles and setting up elaborate scenes with their ghost-catching gear. Rare or hard-to-find figures and playsets from this series are still highly valuable today, making it an important action figure line in the world of collectibles.
DC Super Powers Collection
The DC Super Powers Collection, launched by Kenner in 1984, was a revolutionary line of superhero action figures based on iconic characters from DC Comics. Unlike earlier superhero figures, these had enhanced articulation and came with unique “power action” features that allowed for dynamic poses and moves. Figures like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman had accessories and features that made them stand out, reflecting their superpowers in fun and engaging ways.
This line was a defining moment for superhero toys, setting the stage for later iterations like the DC Universe Classics line. The DC Super Powers figures were highly collectible from the start, with their unique features and limited-run figures continuing to command high prices on the secondary market. The line’s influence on superhero-themed action figures cannot be overstated, as it showed the potential for superheroes in the action figure realm.
Marvel Legends
Marvel Legends, introduced by Toy Biz in 2002, helped redefine what action figures could be in terms of detail, articulation, and collector appeal. These figures are known for their high level of accuracy to the comic books, with detailed sculpts and multiple points of articulation. The line’s commitment to offering a broad range of Marvel characters, including obscure heroes and villains, gave collectors the opportunity to build vast, diverse collections.
The Marvel Legends series has had a major influence on the modern collectible figure market, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in terms of design and quality. The line’s mix of popular characters and deep cuts from Marvel’s history made it a favorite among both casual fans and hardcore collectors. Many rare and limited-edition figures from the series have become sought-after items in the collectibles market.
Power Rangers
Power Rangers action figures, based on the long-running TV series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, debuted in 1993 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The figures, made by Bandai, offered fans the chance to own their favorite Rangers and villains, as well as their Zords and playsets. The line’s unique feature was the ability to combine the Zords into a larger Megazord, which added an interactive element that made collecting even more engaging.
The success of Power Rangers action figures helped solidify the franchise as a key player in both the toy and entertainment industries. Collectors have remained loyal to the brand, with rare and exclusive figures holding significant value. The line continues to be popular, with new iterations and limited-edition releases keeping the collecting community active and engaged.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.