Stuff You Should Know SYSK's 12 Days of Christmas… Toys: A Partial History of Action Figures
32 snips
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!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Barbie Created The Collectible Template
- Barbie's success proved the profitable model: sell a core doll plus endless add-ons and outfits.
- That merchandising template inspired the creation of a "doll for boys" that became action figures.
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.
