Today, if you browse the most popular section of a toy store, you’re going to come across action figures. Children love using these toys to act out scenes from movies or use their imagination to create new storylines. When did these small characters become a staple for kids? Toy Box in Mamaroneck, NY, shares some history on these iconic playthings.

Creation

Hasbro’s G.I. Joes® were likely the first action figures ever made. These small green army men were sold in toy stores across the world in the late 1940s during World War ll. They featured small coin-like bases to help them stand as kids played out their war-time fantasies. The originals were very basic with different stances and varying guns. Over time they took on more details like wrinkled uniforms and facial expressions.

Evolution

By the 1970s, Marvel® and DC® comic book characters became the most popular action figures. You could find Batman®, Superman®, Spiderman®, Wonder Woman® and Joker® super figures for under $3 at the time. Soon, some action figures took on a doll style with fuzzy hair, larger bodies, and detailed clothing.

Today

Action figures are still popular today due to the rise of movies based on comic books. Walk into any kids’ room today and you may spot Star Wars® and Avengers® action figures mingling. Even people who wouldn’t purposefully go to a toy store to buy action figures may leave with a Pop! figure from Funko®. These unique big-headed toys memorialize a wide range of characters from the Harry Potter™ universe’s Luna Lovegood™ to Marvel’s Jessica Jones®.

Whether you grew up playing with action figures or your young loved ones enjoy imaginative play with them, it’s no doubt these toys have played a major role in history. To check out a selection of the latest action figures, visit Toy Box on Boston Post Road. Call the toy store at (914) 698-7110 to learn how they’ve been making children’s dreams come true for over 40 years. Visit the website for information on their free gift wrapping and to browse their large toy catalog.