Action figures are popular now, more than ever

In 1964, Hasbro coined the name action figure. This was because they had just produced the G. I. Joe figure, targeting the boys, but the boys wouldn't play with the action figures as they considered them to be dolls. After they gained acceptance, Hasbro went ahead and licensed the figures to companies in other markets, leading to their global popularity. The term action figure made them sound more masculine and appealing to the boys. Though still very popular among boys, girls and even adults love them too.

These figures could be superhero figures such as superman, batman Spiderman and ironman. There are also the greatest action movie figures for instance from the movie avatar or transformers. There are also action figure play sets such as the toy story play set. Action figures may also take the character of sports heroes. There are some that are collectibles too such as the Harry Potter collectibles.

Action figures are often marketed as children's toys with a bias towards the boys. It is arguable that it is because they represent masculine traits which are displayed by these figures such as superman and action movie heroes. But this is changing as there are also female superheroes such as wonder woman. Of late action figures are proving to be popular among the adults too but mostly as collectible items rather than toys. Collectibles are intended to be statuesque displays rather than play things, and even as they are designed, they are designed and produced based on the assumption that they will be bought solely for display. Even as the collectors buy these collectible they are aware that they are to be displayed and in fact get angry when someone gets them out of the display cabinet. Collectors really take their hobby seriously.

Designing figurines is a delicate, process which starts with the sketches, creation of a prototype, and finally the figures. Once the prototype is approved, it is used to make the molds that will form the plastic pieces for the mass production of the action figures.

Action figures have certain distinct features such as glow in the dark paint which is mostly featured in collectibles. There are also color changing features. There are also redressable and those whose clothes are molded on. The redressable ones are often referred to as action dolls. The first G.I. Joe had changeable clothes to suit the various purposes available.