Action ManFrom ToyReview
[edit] The History of Action ManAction Man was developed from the US action figure G.I. Joe, which is still an extremely popular toy to this day. For sometime after Action Man was launched, the resemblance to G.I. Joe was clear, in fact he was almost a complete copy of the original model in terms of accessories and clothing. After a while, however, he was successfully modified and acquired his own style and features that were targeted more towards a UK market. The outfits worn by Action Man characters represented clothes worn during the Second World War, but were later adapted to follow military uniforms as new ones were introduced. The very first Action Man models to be sold in the UK were Action Man Pilot, Action Man Soldier and Action Man Sailor - all based on military influences. Later, figures tended to steer away from the military theme and concentrated more on adventure and extreme sports with a whole set environment. These included subjects such as Mountain Rescue and Sea Diving for which outfits and accessories of Action Man were dramatically modified in order to keep up to date with new and exciting activities. Nowadays Action Man figures are continuously evolving, with brand new accessories and vehicles, such as Action Man Turbo Bike and Action Man City Racer. Action man now even has an evil enemy who goes by the name of Dr X. These models are always up to date and often ahead of their time, which makes them more exciting and appealing to kids. Action Man has not only been manufactured as a children's toy, but also as a popular television cartoon that has been running for years. Merchandise, such as stationary can also be found in most toy stores. [edit] Appearance and DevelopmentAll of the original Action Man figures had funny painted heads and short stubbly hair and look quite different from the figures manufactured and sold today. The original sailor had a beard similar to the appearance of the hair, which was extremely course yet looked somewhat fluffy. Over the years a number of developments took place to the actual figure itself. One of the most important changes was the rubber hands; replacing the original plastic ones, this gave the characters much more flexibility, enabling them to hold certain objects and kids could interact with them more. Another important change was made to the eyes; to make the figures appear more lifelike, the manufacturers developed the eyeballs so they moved slightly rather that having a permanent stare. In addition, the figure was given a pair of coloured pants to replace the flesh colour and the body was made a little more muscular. Each figure's appearance is largely related to their clothes and accessories that accompany them. Action Man always has new outfits, which matches the theme behind each figure, e.g. Deep Sea Diver Action Man had a wetsuit and scuba gear so kids can really get into the adventure. [edit] A.T.O.M – Alpha Teens On Machines [edit] The Goodies[edit] Crey Kingston – KingKing has huge muscles and is strong enough to tear through most things with his bare hands. He has dark skin with a pointy beard and evil eyes – but this muscular character does have a softer side which is sometimes seen. He wears a grey suit with huge orange shoulders and his hands are about the same size as his face! [edit] Axel ManningAxel is an expert at Jo-Lan – a form of martial arts, which was taught to him by his dad. Axel's dad was killed in an explosion but Axel continues to practice his father's skills and is a natural born leader. Jo-Lan relaxes the body and mind allowing each move to send out powerful waves of energy on those it is used against. Axel also wears a grey and orange suit, but has far smaller muscles than King. He uses tactics and skills instead of force. [edit] Zach Hawkes – HawkHawk is full of confidence and completely loves himself, but he does have the skills to back this up. He prefers battles in the sky and loves flying planes (and jumping out of them!) Although he's a complete show-off, he can be counted on when needed. Hawk wears a blue suit with red shoulders and black gloves. He has bright red hair and a square jaw line that makes him look tough. [edit] Cat Leone – LionessLioness is always up for a challenge and her athletic ability ensures her martial arts moves are precise. She's also a gifted singer and songwriter, but don't be deceived by this – she's a natural fighter too. Lioness wears a green suit to match her eyes and has brown hair which is usually tied back. [edit] Ollie Sharker – SharkShark loves the ocean but is comfortable on land and in the air too. He has amazing balance and dexterity and heaps of energy – in fact he hardly ever sleeps! He often wears a yellow diving suit and mask. [edit] Mr. LeeMr Lee is head of Lee Industries Systems, who control automobile companies, private prisons and manufacturing plants. He wants to use his technology to protect innocent people from threats but needs the ATOM gang to test his weapons and vehicles to their limits. Mr Lee has a somewhat geeky appearance - which is not helped by his thick cardigans and huge glasses! He has blonde hair and is certainly the most intelligent hero. [edit] The Baddies[edit] Alexander PaineAlexander Paine originally worked with Axel's dad before turning into a traitor. An argument between Paine and Alex Manning (Axel's dad) resulted in an explosion which killed Alex. Paine creates havoc wherever he goes and will even put his own life at risk for the destruction of Landmark City. After the explosion Paine was sentenced to ten years in a maximum security prison, however managed to break out with a gang of other criminals. Paine has a huge, muscular frame and has red scars on his arms and face – his anger makes him crazy and he will stop at nothing. [edit] FleshFlesh was one of the criminals that broke out of prison with Paine. He has huge muscles, with veins popping out all over his body, but he's not the smartest character. With pumped-up muscles, Flesh often uses his bar-bell as a weapon and is capable of causing vast amounts of damage. He often wears torn clothes (ripped from his muscles) and has an evil look on his face. [edit] SpydahSpydah also broke out of jail with Paine and Flesh. His real name is Marcel but he was renamed after creating the insect-themed machine he uses in battle. He's a mechanical genius and his machine is equipped with six mini cameras, with night vision and infra-red, and eight arms, which provide him with strength and dexterity. [edit] DragonDragon is a master of Jo-Lan and a feared assassin. He uses traditional ninja equipment such as his sword and hands and undertakes each move with efficiency. Dragon seems to have no motive or history, but this makes him all the more dangerous. He wears a grey suit with yellow weapons on and a grey mask which hides his face. [edit] Action Man Toy Reviews
[edit] Action Man LinksLeave Your Own Review
Please note that the above comments are submitted by visitors to thetoyreview.com and are not the views of anyone working on this website or at Memiah Limited.
|
