The Most Popular Action Figures of All Time

G.I. Joe: The Original Action Hero

G.I. Joe, introduced by Hasbro in 1964, is often credited as the first action figure. These military-themed figures represented various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. Initially available in a 12-inch size, a smaller 3.75-inch version was later introduced, complete with vehicles and playsets. G.I. Joe's popularity soared, leading to a franchise that includes comics, cartoons, and movies.

Interesting Fact:

• G.I. Joe was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2004. Source

Transformers: Robots in Disguise

Transformers, created by Hasbro and Takara Tomy, first appeared as a toy line in 1984. These figures, which transform from vehicles to robots, gained immense popularity through an animated series and later blockbuster movies. The franchise includes various sub-lines like Dinobots, which transform into dinosaurs rather than vehicles.

Interesting Fact:

• The Transformers franchise has generated over $25 billion in revenue since its inception. Source

Batman: The Dark Knight

Batman, created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, first appeared in Detective Comics #27 in 1939. Unlike many superheroes, Batman has no superpowers, relying instead on his intellect, detective skills, and an array of gadgets. Batman action figures vary widely, reflecting different comic book styles, TV shows, and movies.

Interesting Fact:

• Batman is one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time, with an estimated $28 billion in revenue. Source

Superman: The Man of Steel

Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, debuted in Action Comics #1 in 1938. Hailing from the planet Krypton, Superman possesses superhuman abilities, including flight, super strength, and x-ray vision. His action figures are instantly recognizable by their iconic red and blue costumes.

Interesting Fact:

• Superman's debut comic, Action Comics #1, sold for $3.2 million in 2014, making it the most expensive comic book ever sold. Source

Spider-Man: The Web-Slinger

Spider-Man, created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15 in 1962. Peter Parker, a teenager bitten by a radioactive spider, gains spider-like abilities and becomes Spider-Man. The character's popularity has led to numerous action figures, each reflecting different comic book and movie adaptations.

Interesting Fact:

• Spider-Man is Marvel's most profitable character, generating over $1.3 billion in global retail sales annually. Source

Star Wars: A Galactic Phenomenon

The Star Wars franchise, created by George Lucas, debuted in 1977 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The action figures, produced by Kenner (now Hasbro), include characters from the movies, TV shows, and expanded universe. Star Wars action figures are highly collectible, with some rare figures fetching thousands of dollars at auction.

Interesting Fact:

• The original 1978 Luke Skywalker action figure with a double-telescoping lightsaber sold for $25,000 in 2015. Source

Conclusion

Action figures have become more than just toys; they are cultural icons that reflect the stories and characters we love. From the pioneering G.I. Joe to the ever-evolving Transformers, these figures continue to captivate and inspire. Whether you're a casual fan or a dedicated collector, the world of action figures offers something for everyone.

This article provides a comprehensive look at some of the most popular action figures, enriched with interesting facts and statistics. For more information on the history and impact of these iconic toys, visit National Toy Hall of Fame and Forbes.