Before they took over the pages of comics or dazzled audiences on the big screen, many of pop culture’s most enduring names got their start as action figures. Between G.I. Joe and the Transformers to He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, transitioning from toy to new media is a popular theme. One such action figure is preparing to make the leap onto the TV screen himself. Do you know who this is?
Following the success of Hasbro’s G.I. Joe, considered to be the first action figure, toy developer Stan Weston took his idea for a new articulated, 12” action figure to Ideal Toys. Originally proposed as Captain Magic, this you would serve as a “many-in-one hero,” able to adopt the guise of heroes whom Leisure Concepts represented. Of which there were many. After changing the toy’s name to Captain Action, the figure was officially launched in 1966. Along with his slightly misshapen head, in order to keep the masks of the various heroes in place, the figure itself has a detailed musculature and a pensive expression. His personal costume was a blue and black uniform, with a lightning sword and ray gun.
The first wave of costumes and accessories featured Superman, Batman, Lone Ranger, The Phantom, Flash Gordon, Captain America, Sgt Fury, Steve Canyon, and Aquaman. Subsequent waves included costumes for Spider-Man, Buck Rogers, the Green Hornet, and Tonto, with a Blue Lone Ranger variation and collectible flicker rings included in each box. As the line’s popularity grew, Ideal was able to expand by adding Captain Action’s sidekick Action Boy, his archenemy Dr. Evil and a line of female figures called the “Super Queens Posin’ Dolls.” Additional accessories for Captain Action were also released, including the “Silver Streak” car, Action Cave, parachute, jet mortar, jet pack, and a weapons arsenal.
Ideal Toys discontinued Captain Action in 1968, but after 30 years off the market, Captain Action was revived in 1998 by retro toy company Playing Mantis. Unfortunately, the line met with lackluster results and was disbanded in 2000. The retro toy was once again called to action by Captain Action Enterprises in 2005. Since acquiring the licensing rights, Captain Action Enterprises has been producing an array of new merchandise, including statues, toys, comics, trading cards, collectibles and apparel. Recently, CAKE and Atomic Toybox have announced plans for a forthcoming Captain Action television series.
More information on the action comedy series aimed at younger ones can be found on Scoop.
