Stuff You Should Know Selects: A Partial History of Action Figures
Apr 9, 2022
Dive into the fascinating history of action figures, from G.I. Joe's rise to cultural icon status to the nostalgic reminiscences of childhood play. Discover the evolution of toy design and marketing, and how the toy industry responded to changing consumer preferences. The podcast also spotlights missed opportunities in the action figure market, particularly around the Star Wars line. With a mix of humor and personal anecdotes, listeners reflect on the impact of these collectibles and their place in pop culture.
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Soviet Childhood
- Chuck Bryant's sister grew up in the Soviet Union and likely had a Martina doll, not a Barbie.
- This contrasts with Josh Clark's experience growing up with sisters who owned Barbies.
Barbie's Influence
- Barbie's success stemmed from the continuous stream of accessories available for purchase.
- Toy companies aimed to replicate this model for boys' toys, but lacked a comparable "doll for boys."
Action Figure Origins
- Stan Weston, a military history buff, pitched the idea of soldier dolls to Hasbro.
- His boss, Don Levine, coined the term "action figures."