7 Action Figure Brands You Need To Know

Collecting action figures is a fun and popular hobby. Whether you're a kid or an adult, there are plenty of action figure brands to choose from. Here are seven brands that you need to know about.

G.I. Joe: A History of the World's Most Popular Soldier Doll
- The Original G.I. Joe Figure
- The Impact of G .I .Joe on the Toy Industry
21ST Century Toys - The G.I. Joe Toy Lineup
- The History of 21ST Century Toys
- How 21ST Differs from Hasbro's G.I. Joes
BBI's History and Innovations
- BBI's Biggest Innovations
- BBI's Current State
The History of DID's 1/6 Scale Movable Figures
Hot Toys and the 1/6 Soldier Model
- The Impact of Hot Toys on the 1/6 Soldier Model
The Rise of Dragon Action Figures
- What Sets Dragon Action Figures Apart?
The Different 1/6 Scale Action Figure Brands Available on the Market
Conclusion

G.I. Joe: A History of the World's Most Popular Soldier Doll

Chances are, you had a G.I. Joe doll when you were a kid. Or maybe you had a Barbie doll, or a Hot Wheels car, or a Transformers toy. If you grew up in the late 20th century or early 21st century, there's a good chance that at least one of your toys was made by Hasbro. And there's an even better chance that your toy was inspired by a G.I. Joe doll.

Invented in 1964, G.I. Joe was the world's first action figure. Standing 12 inches tall and featuring 21 movable parts, the original G.I. Joe figure was an instant hit with kids all over the world. The success of G.I. Joe paved the way for a whole new category of toys, and today action figures are some of the most popular toys on the market. Let's take a look at the history of G.I. Joe dolls and their impact on the toy industry.

The Original G.I. Joe Figure

G.I. Joe was created by Hassenfeld Brothers, Inc., which would later become known as Hasbro Corporation. The company had been in business since 1923, but it wasn't until after World War II that they began to focus on toys as their primary business venture. In 1959, Hasbro released its first line of action figures: "The Mighty Atom," "The Incredible Hulk," and "The Mighty Thor." These 3-inch figures were based on popular comic book characters and were a huge success with kids all over America.

Encouraged by this success, Hasbro set out to create an even more popular action figure: one that would stand 12 inches tall and feature 21 movable parts. The result was G.I .Joe, who made his debut in 1964 .G .I .Joe was an instant hit with kids all over the world ,and he remains one of the most popular toys ever made .

The Impact of G .I .Joe on the Toy Industry

G .I .Joe's success ushered in a new era for toys .Prior to G .I .Joe's debut ,most toys were designed for girls and were focused on domestic activities such as cooking and cleaning .G .I .Joe changed all that by appealing to boys' interests in adventure and excitement .G .I .Joe also showed that toys could be more than just playthings ;they could be collectibles ,with different figures and accessories available for purchase .

Today ,G .I .Joe dolls are sold all over the world and have become a cultural phenomenon .There have been several movies made about G .I .Joe ,and the character has even been featured in video games and television shows .For generations of kids ,G .I .Joe has been more than just a toy ; he's been a part of their childhoods .And thanks to his enduring popularity ,he looks like he'll be around for many years to come .

Invented in 1964, G.I Joe was the world’s first action figure – paving the way for an entirely new category of toys which are now some of the most popular items on store shelves worldwide! The original 12-inch soldier figure became an instant sensation due to its 21 movable parts, allowing kids to pose him in any number of positions – making him much more than just another doll among Barbie’s vast array of friends and fashion accessories! Today there have been several movies made about GI Joe, cementing his place in popular culture – ensuring that this beloved toy soldier will continue to bring joy to children (and adults!) for generations to come!

21ST Century Toys - The G.I. Joe Toy Lineup

When it comes to soldier toys, 21ST Century Toys is a name that has been around for quite some time. They were originally a part of Hasbro, helping to develop the G.I. Joe toy line. However, they eventually separated from Hasbro and created their own brand of soldier toys. Here is a look at the role 21ST played in the development of the G.I. Joe toy line as well as how they have established themselves as their own separate entity.

The History of 21ST Century Toys

21ST Century Toys was founded in 1984 with the goal of creating highly detailed and accurate military action figures. They were acquired by Hasbro in 1991 and played a major role in the development of the G.I. Joe toy line. In particular, they helped to create the 3 3/4" scale figure which became the standard for G.I. Joe toys (and many other action figure lines).

However, 21ST eventually parted ways with Hasbro and struck out on their own. They continued to produce military action figures, but also expanded into other areas such as dinosaurs, aliens, and horror movie characters. Today, 21ST is best known for their 1:18 scale military action figures which are some of the most realistic and detailed on the market.

How 21ST Differs from Hasbro's G.I. Joes

One of the main ways that 21ST differs from Hasbro's G.I Joes is in terms of scale. As mentioned above, 21ST primarily uses a 1:18 scale for their figures while Hasbro has stuck with the 3 3/4" scale that was originally used for G.I Joes (although they have experimented with other scales in recent years). This change in scale means that 21ST's figures are much more realistic and detailed than those produced by Hasbro. Another key difference is that 21ST offers a wide variety of figures from different time periods and conflicts while Hasbro has primarily focused on World War II and modern day conflicts such as Afghanistan and Iraq.

If you are looking for highly detailed and accurate military action figures, then 21ST Century Toys is definitely a brand worth checking out. They have a long history of producing high-quality figures and continue to innovate with new designs and concepts. While they may not be as widely known as G.I Joes, they are quickly making a name for themselves in the world of soldier toys!

Relate: HOW TO START TO COLLECT WWII ACTION FIGURES

BBI's History and Innovations

BBI is the third largest soldier brand in the United States. The company has a long and detailed history, dating back to 1999. In that year, BBI launched six more realistic soldiers, which included a movable mouth on the head sculpture (which was later abandoned). With the onslaught of HT, TS, ACE and other Soldier brands in 2003, BBI launched refreshed SEAL 8 and SEAL 3 teams. All of the former rubber tactical bags were replaced with cloth, and the vegetal body used a taller and more movable 3G vegetal body (soon improved to 3.5G vegetal body), with a more realistic head sculpture and a more detailed gun using all plastic and molded. However, after this big innovative reform of BBI went into a long depression and even faded out of the soldier players' view for a while.

BBI's Biggest Innovations

BBI's biggest innovation came in 1999 when they launched six more realistic soldiers. These soldiers included a movable mouth on the head sculpture (which was later abandoned). With the onslaught of HT, TS, ACE and other Soldier brands in 2003, BBI launched refreshed SEAL 8 and SEAL 3 teams. All of the former rubber tactical bags were replaced with cloth, and the vegetal body used a taller and more movable 3G vegetal body (soon improved to 3.5G vegetal body), with a more realistic head sculpture and a more detailed gun using all plastic and molded. However, after this big innovative reform of BBI went into a long depression and even faded out of the soldier players' view for a while.

BBI's Current State

BBI is currently in a state of flux. The company is trying to find its place in the market after years of decline. However, there are signs that BBI is beginning to turn things around. The company has released several new products in recent months that have been well-received by the public. Additionally, BBI has been working hard to improve its online presence and marketing strategy. Only time will tell if these efforts will be enough to help BBI regain its place as one of the top soldier brands in the United States.

BBI is a company with a long history dating back to 1999. The company has gone through many changes over the years, most notably in 2003 when they refreshed their SEAL 8 and SEAL 3 teams. All of the former rubber tactical bags were replaced with cloth, and the vegetal body used a taller and more movable 3G vegetal body (soon improved to 3.5G vegetal body), with a more realistic head sculpture and a more detailed gun using all plastic and molded. However, after this big innovative reform of BBI went into a long depression and even faded out of the soldier players' view for a while. These days, BBI is trying to find its place in the market after years of decline. The company has released several new products in recent months that have been well-received by the public. Additionally, BBI has been working hard to improve its online presence and marketing strategy. Only time will tell if these efforts will be enough to help BBI regain its place as one of the top soldier brands in the United States.

The History of DID's 1/6 Scale Movable Figures

In 2001, a new type of 1/6 scale figure was introduced by the Hong Kong based company Dragon in Dreams (DID). These figures were the first of their kind in that they were fully articulated and came with a huge array of accessories. They quickly became popular with collectors, but production was halted after only two waves of figures due to copyright issues. In 2003, DID made a comeback with a new line of figures that featured simulated head sculptures. Finally, in 2004, DID released a series of World War II themed figures that cemented the company's place as one of the premier manufacturers of 1/6 scale collectibles.

The First Wave of Figures

DID's first wave of figures was released in 2001 and included characters from a variety of popular licenses such as Batman, James Bond, and The Lord of the Rings. These 12-inch tall figures were fully articulated and came with an impressive array of accessories. They quickly became popular with collectors, but production was halted after only two waves of figures due to copyright issues.

The Return of DID

In 2003, DID made a comeback with a new line of figures that featured simulated head sculptures. These figures were based on characters from licenses such as Batman Begins, The Matrix, and Pirates of the Caribbean. The use of simulated head sculptures allowed DID avoid any potential copyright issues and resulted in some truly impressive figure designs.

The WWII Figures

Finally, in 2004, DID release a series of World War II themed figures that cemented the company's place as one of the premier manufacturers of 1/6 scale collectibles. These highly detailed figures featured accurate uniforms and equipment, and many came with vehicles and other accessories. The release of these figures proved that DID was here to stay and cemented its reputation as one of the leading producers of 1/6 scale movable figures.

DID is one of the leading producers of 1/6 scale movable figures. The company's first wave of figures was released in 2001 and included characters from a variety of popular licenses such as Batman, James Bond, and The Lord of the Rings. Production was halted after only two waves due to copyright issues, but DID made a comeback in 2003 with a new line of figures that featured simulated head sculptures. Finally, in 2004, DID released a series WWII themed figures that cemented the company's place as one the premier manufacturers 1/6 scale collectibles.

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Hot Toys and the 1/6 Soldier Model

In the early 2000s, Hot Toys was praised for its unique take on the 1/6 soldier model. The company's dazzling accessories, tall and handsome more realistic vegetarian head sculpture, exclusive pioneering cloth glove hand, and superb workmanship were all selling points. Even though Hot Toys has been taking the high-end route, players can't help but rush to buy their products. Some even purchase boxes of them at a time. If BBI's innovation has contributed to the rapid development of 1/6 soldier, then Hot Toys is undoubtedly the opening of a new chapter of 1/6 soldier.

The Impact of Hot Toys on the 1/6 Soldier Model

Today, Hot Toys is still one of the most popular brands when it comes to 1/6 soldiers. The company's products are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Thanks to Hot Toys' commitment to quality, we can expect even more great things from them in the future.

The Rise of Dragon Action Figures

In the 1980s, a new kind of toy was born. These toys were designed to be collected and displayed, not played with. They were highly detailed and carefully painted, with intricate sculpting that made them look like they had leapt off the pages of a comic book. Of course, we're talking about action figures. And one company ruled the roost when it came to this new breed of toy: Dragon.

Dragon Action Figures was founded in 1984 by four partners who pooled their money to buy a small factory in Hong Kong. The company's first line of figures was based on Marvel Comics characters, and it was an instant hit with collectors. Thanks to the high quality of their products, Dragon quickly established themselves as the premier manufacturer of action figures. They soon began branching out into other pop culture properties, including Star Wars, Aliens, and Predator.

Today, Dragon is one of the most respected names in the action figure world. Their figures are prized by collectors for their attention to detail and craftsmanship. If you're looking to start your own collection, there's no better place to start than with a few pieces from Dragon.

What Sets Dragon Action Figures Apart?

One of the things that makes Dragon Action Figures so special is the level of detail that goes into each figure. Every aspect of the figure is designed to be as accurate to the source material as possible. For example, take a look at their Spider-Man figure. This figure captures all of the intricate details of Spider-Man's costume, from the webbing on his gloves to the spikes on his boots.

Another thing that sets Dragon apart is their use of high-quality materials. Their figures are made from durable plastics that can withstand years of play or display. And their paint jobs are second to none, with each figure being hand-painted to ensure that every detail is captured perfectly.

Finally, Dragon Action Figures always includes a wide range of accessories with each figure. This ensures that collectors have everything they need to create dynamic displays or stage epic battles between their favorite characters.

If you're looking for high-quality action figures, there's no better place to start than with Dragon Action Figures. Thanks to their attention to detail and use of high-quality materials, their figures are some of the most sought-after by collectors around the world. So whether you're just getting started in your collecting journey or you're looking to add some new pieces to your existing collection, be sure to check out what Dragon has to offer!

The Different 1/6 Scale Action Figure Brands Available on the Market

Next, we'll be discussing the different brands available on the market for 1/6th scale action figures. We'll also be giving our recommendations for those just starting out. If you're new to the world of 1/6th scale action figures, then this blog post is definitely for you!

There are a wide variety of brands available on the market for 1/6th scale action figures. Some of the most popular brands include Soldier Story, Hot Toys, Dragon, and DID. Each brand has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.

Soldier Story is generally considered to be the best brand for newcomers to the world of 1/6th scale action figures. This is because Soldier Story offers a wide variety of high-quality products at relatively affordable prices. However, some experienced collectors may find Soldier Story to be lacking in terms of innovation and originality.

Hot Toys is a brand that specializes in modern military-themed 1/6th scale action figures. HT's products are known for their realistic details and accurate representations of military equipment. However, HT's products can be quite expensive, so they may not be the best option for those on a budget.

Dragon is a Hong Kong-based brand that was once considered to be the top choice for World War II-themed 1/6th scale action figures. However, Dragon has been slowly overtaken by DID in terms of quality and craftsmanship in recent years. Nevertheless, Dragon still has an advantage over other brands because of their wide variety of World War II products.

Dragon is another popular brand that is known for its excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. Dragon's products are typically more expensive than those offered by Soldier Story, but they are definitely worth the extra cost. Dragon's WWII-themed products are particularly popular among collectors.

DID is a brand that is known for its extremely high-quality products. DID's products are typically very expensive, but they are definitely worth the money if you're looking for the best of the best.

There are a wide variety of 1/6th scale action figure brands available on the market, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. If you're new to the world of 1/6th scale action figures, then we recommend checking out Soldier Story or Dragon. Both brands offer high-quality products at relatively affordable prices. For those with a bit more experience, DID offers some of the highest quality products available, but you'll have to pay a premium for them. No matter which brand you choose, we're sure you'll enjoy collecting 1/6th scale action figures!

Conclusion

These 7 action figure brands are proof that the world of collectibles is ever-changing and always growing. With new technologies, materials, and manufacturing methods, there's always something new to check out in the world of toys. What's your favorite brand? Have you followed any of these brands on social media or checked out their websites? Let us know in the comments!

7 Action Figure Brands You Need to Know