Stuff You Should Know SYSK's 12 Days of Christmas… Toys: A Partial History of Action Figures
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Dec 12, 2025 Discover the fascinating history of action figures, from their roots in Barbie's influence to the birth of G.I. Joe in 1964, which revolutionized the toy market. Learn how Mego capitalized on licensed superheroes, only to miss the Star Wars opportunity. Uncover the impact of cartoons as marketing tools in the Reagan era and dive into the intricate design and assembly of these collectibles. The allure of rare figures and the nostalgia surrounding them are also explored, making for a delightful journey into the world of toys!
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How G.I. Joe Was Born
- Stan Weston pitched a soldier doll idea and sold it to Hasbro for $100,000 in 1963.
- Don Levine coined the term "action figure" and pushed the idea into production.
G.I. Joe Invented The Modern Action Figure
- G.I. Joe converted toy soldiers into articulated, collectible figures that kids could customize and expand.
- That combination launched the action-figure industry and influenced every later line.
Flaws Became Legal And Market Tools
- Small manufacturing defects on G.I. Joe figures became legal hooks to fight knockoffs.
- Hasbro even released cheap knockoffs to compete with widespread imitation.
