Action Figures presents an alphabetical survey of each of the major toy manufacturers and the whole array of action figures they produced. Covering everything from old-school G.I. Joe and Action Man figures right through to the game-changing Star Wars figures of the 1970s and 1980s, this is the must-have reference guide for enthusiasts and beginners alike. It details the history of action figures arising from the launch of fashion dolls in the 1950s, it describes the industry and consumer reactions to the first action figures, and provides an essential guide to where to find gems, what to pay, and how to look after them.