Episode
Selects: A Partial History of Action Figures
1:22:25
Published: Sat Apr 09 2022
Description
Action figures have a long and glorious history. From GI Joes to Star Wars figures, these offshoots of dolls came along at just the right time to capture the hearts and minds of children everywhere. Learn all about the partial history of action figures in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chapters
The podcast briefly touches on the inspiration behind action figures and suggests that podcasts on action figures already exist.
00:00 - 03:59 (03:59)
Summary
The podcast briefly touches on the inspiration behind action figures and suggests that podcasts on action figures already exist.
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Learn about the origin and history of GI Joe action figures, which served as the template for action figures of all kinds, from superheroes to religious figures.
03:59 - 10:01 (06:02)
Summary
Learn about the origin and history of GI Joe action figures, which served as the template for action figures of all kinds, from superheroes to religious figures.
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
By the 70s, there were so many knockoffs that Hasbro released its own line of knockoffs, of cheaply made G. I. Joes, to compete with the knockoffs.
10:01 - 11:56 (01:55)
Summary
By the 70s, there were so many knockoffs that Hasbro released its own line of knockoffs, of cheaply made G. I. Joes, to compete with the knockoffs.
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
A discussion about collectible toys which included a mention of a jet pack toy with a string that simulates flying and another collectibles that can be bought.
11:56 - 14:08 (02:12)
Summary
A discussion about collectible toys which included a mention of a jet pack toy with a string that simulates flying and another collectibles that can be bought.
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Machetes were rebranded as adventurer tools and given names like "aquanaut" and "adventurer" to appeal to a wider audience beyond soldiers.
14:08 - 16:42 (02:34)
Summary
Machetes were rebranded as adventurer tools and given names like "aquanaut" and "adventurer" to appeal to a wider audience beyond soldiers. They were also made smaller in size.
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Montgomery Ward sold non-superhero versions of superheroes like Peter Parker and Bruce Wayne, while Migo released a line of famous superhero action figures in the 1970s.
16:42 - 23:30 (06:48)
Summary
Montgomery Ward sold non-superhero versions of superheroes like Peter Parker and Bruce Wayne, while Migo released a line of famous superhero action figures in the 1970s.
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The hosts discuss the evolution of action figures from G.I.
23:30 - 28:00 (04:29)
Summary
The hosts discuss the evolution of action figures from G.I. Joe and Barbie to MeeGo, and how toy designers would base playsets and characters on TV shows and movies. They also mention that some toy companies were hesitant to invest in new ideas, leading to missed opportunities.
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
This episode discusses how the original big GI Joes were replaced by the second wave of small GI Joes and eventually evolved from eight inches to three and three-quarters inch figures.
28:00 - 31:28 (03:28)
Summary
This episode discusses how the original big GI Joes were replaced by the second wave of small GI Joes and eventually evolved from eight inches to three and three-quarters inch figures.
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
A ban on warlike cartoons and toys and regulation on advertising to children were introduced, taking into account the expert testimony from child psychology, health and nutrition, deeming it unfair and deceptive to children.
31:28 - 36:28 (04:59)
Summary
A ban on warlike cartoons and toys and regulation on advertising to children were introduced, taking into account the expert testimony from child psychology, health and nutrition, deeming it unfair and deceptive to children.
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The podcast discusses the evolution of advertising in cartoons, citing examples from the seventies such as G.I.
36:28 - 41:46 (05:18)
Summary
The podcast discusses the evolution of advertising in cartoons, citing examples from the seventies such as G.I. Joe, and the implementation of regulations intended to limit advertising in programming.
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The Star Wars line of action figures sold 300 million units between 1978 and 1985 and generated $100 million each year from 1978-1979 alone.
41:46 - 44:53 (03:06)
Summary
The Star Wars line of action figures sold 300 million units between 1978 and 1985 and generated $100 million each year from 1978-1979 alone.
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The Man Who All Caves is a podcast that explores the relationship between our brains and our experiences by tackling unusual questions for a better understanding of our lives and realities.
44:53 - 49:40 (04:46)
Summary
The Man Who All Caves is a podcast that explores the relationship between our brains and our experiences by tackling unusual questions for a better understanding of our lives and realities.
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The podcast host and guest discuss the complexities of designing clothing and hair for toys, including GI Joes that were originally sold with raincoats that didn't look like raincoats, and the challenge of meeting client demands while maintaining creative vision.
49:40 - 55:22 (05:42)
Summary
The podcast host and guest discuss the complexities of designing clothing and hair for toys, including GI Joes that were originally sold with raincoats that didn't look like raincoats, and the challenge of meeting client demands while maintaining creative vision.
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The rotational molding technique uses a mold on a computerized arm that spins inside an oven to create smooth surfaces, while injection molding pumps materials into two pieces and applies pressure, but provides better detail at the expense of surface texture.
55:22 - 59:01 (03:38)
Summary
The rotational molding technique uses a mold on a computerized arm that spins inside an oven to create smooth surfaces, while injection molding pumps materials into two pieces and applies pressure, but provides better detail at the expense of surface texture.
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The speaker talks about collecting GI Joe trading cards, the packaging, and the additional cards on the back that contained the character's code name, specialty, and backstory.
59:01 - 1:02:00 (02:59)
Summary
The speaker talks about collecting GI Joe trading cards, the packaging, and the additional cards on the back that contained the character's code name, specialty, and backstory.
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The unique look of sports cards from the 70s and 80s, including fitting afros in the frame, make them highly collectible.
1:02:00 - 1:05:28 (03:27)
Summary
The unique look of sports cards from the 70s and 80s, including fitting afros in the frame, make them highly collectible. Although there are numerous rare and valuable cards from this era, certain ones stand out as the Holy Grail of sports figures.
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The speaker reminisces about the value of old Star Wars toys and questions who still has an interest in the franchise, declaring their own fandom of the franchise.
1:05:28 - 1:08:02 (02:33)
Summary
The speaker reminisces about the value of old Star Wars toys and questions who still has an interest in the franchise, declaring their own fandom of the franchise.
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
In this podcast, the speaker discusses the 1979 Boba Fett action figure that shot a missile, which was a choking hazard for children, and the high value of this toy to collectors.
1:08:02 - 1:10:50 (02:48)
Summary
In this podcast, the speaker discusses the 1979 Boba Fett action figure that shot a missile, which was a choking hazard for children, and the high value of this toy to collectors.
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Discussing old lightsaber toys and their mechanics, including the use of a telescoping plastic piece and a groove on the bottom of the arm to activate the "lightsaber".
1:10:50 - 1:14:32 (03:42)
Summary
Discussing old lightsaber toys and their mechanics, including the use of a telescoping plastic piece and a groove on the bottom of the arm to activate the "lightsaber".
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Kiva is a micro lending website that allows individuals to help people in need through lending small sums of money, which in turn can be re-loaned many times over.
1:14:32 - 1:19:01 (04:29)
Summary
Kiva is a micro lending website that allows individuals to help people in need through lending small sums of money, which in turn can be re-loaned many times over. Donations often come in the form of awkward infomercials or grocery store checkouts, making Kiva a refreshing way to contribute to those in need.
EpisodeSelects: A Partial History of Action Figures
PodcastStuff You Should Know
This transcript contains promotions for iHeartland's gaming event featuring Two Dudes in a Kitchen and a podcast called Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman.
1:19:01 - 1:20:34 (01:33)
Summary
This transcript contains promotions for iHeartland's gaming event featuring Two Dudes in a Kitchen and a podcast called Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman.