Editing Action figure (section)

== Characteristics and features ==

=== Scale ===
Action Figures come in fixed scales to allow compatibility within (and sometimes between) toy ranges.

{| style="clear:both" class="wikitable" 
! Ratio !! Inches per foot!! Size !! Examples<ref>[http://www.actionfigurefury.com/action-figure-scales/ '''Action Figure Fury:''' '''''Action Figure Scales – All You Need to Know''''' (9 September 2012)]</ref>
|-
| 1:32 || 0.375" [9.5&nbsp;mm] || 2.125" [54&nbsp;mm] || 2.12-inch HASBRO ''Star Wars: Unleashed'' toy soldiers and [[Britains|Wm.Britain Ltd.]] plastic figures, farm animals and vehicles.
|-
| 1:30 || 0.4" [10.16&nbsp;mm] || 2.36" [60&nbsp;mm] || Used for detailed metal toy soldiers (King & Country, BlackHawk, Wm.Britain).
|-
| 1:24 || 0.5" [12.7&nbsp;mm] || 2.5" [63.5&nbsp;mm] || 2.5-inch mini Action Figures (Hasbro's [[Playskool]] and ''Star Wars: Galactic Heroes''). Also called ''1/2-inch scale'' for children's dollhouses.                                 
|-
| [[1:18 scale|1:18]] ||0.67" [16.93&nbsp;mm]|| 3.75" [95.25&nbsp;mm]  || 3.75-inch action figures (Kenner [[Kenner Star Wars action figures|''Star Wars'']], Hasbro ''[[G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero]]'', Mattel ''Jurassic World''). Also called ''2/3-inch scale'' for children's dollhouses.
|-
| 1:16 ||0.75" [19.05&nbsp;mm] || 4" [101.6&nbsp;mm] || 4-inch action figures. Also used for most plastic toy animal figures and [[Ertl Company|Ertl]]'s toy farm sets (animals, structures, and most vehicles). The Hasbro 3.75-inch ''G.I. Joe'' figures' vehicles are closer to this scale.
|- 
| 1:15||0.8" [20.32&nbsp;mm] || 5" [127&nbsp;mm] || 5-inch action figures (Kenner ''Jurassic Park'', Bandai ''[[Power Rangers]]''). 
|- 
| 1:12 ||1" [25.40&nbsp;mm]|| 6" [152.4&nbsp;mm] || 6-inch action figures (Toy Biz ''[[Marvel Legends]]'', Hasbro ''Marvel Cinematic Universe'', Playmates ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'', and [[DC Direct]] ''Action Figures''). Also used for "Classic scale" model horses and called ''1-inch scale'' for dollhouses.
|-
| 1:10 ||1.2" [30.48&nbsp;mm] || 7" [177.8&nbsp;mm] || 7-inch action figures (Mattel [[Masters of the Universe|"classic scale" ''He Man and the Masters of the Universe'']], [[DC Universe (toyline)|''DC Universe'']] and most [[National Entertainment Collectibles Association|NECA Figures]]). 
|-
| 1:9 ||1.33" [33.87&nbsp;mm] || 8" [203.2&nbsp;mm] || 8-inch action figures and dolls ([[Mego Corporation|Mego]] [[Mego Corporation#World's Greatest Super Heroes!|''World's Greatest Super Heroes'']]). Also used for "Traditional scale" model horses.
|-
| 1:6 ||2" [50.80&nbsp;mm] || 12" [304.8&nbsp;mm]  || 12-inch Articulated figures - Action Figures like [[G.I. Joe|Hasbro "classic scale" G.I. Joe]], [[Dragon Models Limited|Dragon Models]] ''New Generation Life Action Figures'', and [[Hot Toys]] ''Movie Masterpiece Series''. [[Fashion doll]]s like Mattel's [[Barbie]] or Volks' [[Dollfie]]. Also used for static display [[Model figure|figures]] (commonly of [[anime]] characters).
|-
| 1:4 || 3" [76.20&nbsp;mm] ||18" [457&nbsp;mm] || 18-inch highly detailed larger action figures and [[fashion doll]]s.
|-
| 1:3 || 4" [101.60&nbsp;mm] ||24" [609.6&nbsp;mm] || 24-inch highly articulated large [[Ball-jointed doll|ball-jointed]] fashion dolls (Volks [[Super Dollfie]]).
|}

=== Articulation ===
[[File:Fashion action figure.jpg|thumb|150px|A fashion doll figure with articulated parts]]
A common feature among action figures is body articulation, often referred to as points of articulation (POA)<ref>[http://www.mwctoys.com/REVIEW_052705b.htm Batman Begins Collector Edition action figure] MWCToys.com (2005). Retrieved on 5-07-09.</ref> or joints. The most basic forms of articulation include one neck joint, two shoulder joints, and two hip joints. Beyond these, rotating wrists, bending knees, and a swiveling waist are also common. Various terms have come into practice such as a "cut" joint, frequently used to allow a basic head rotation at the neck or arm rotation at the shoulder. The "T" joint at a figure's hips commonly allows up to 180° of front-to-back leg rotation; although, this may vary. Ball joints often allow more liberal movement than a cut, such as the figure's head being able to tilt in addition to a cut's strict vertical rotation. Basic knee articulation often relies on what is considered a pin joint.<ref>[http://www.mwctoys.com/REVIEW_041309a.htm Star Trek action figures] MWCToys.com (2009). Retrieved on 5-03-09.</ref><ref>[http://www.mwctoys.com/REVIEW_042909b.htm Terminator: Salvations T-600 and Marcus action figures] MWCToys.com (2009). Retrieved on 5-03-09.</ref><ref>[https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/review_watchmen_action_fi Review: These ''Watchmen'' action figures trade action for good looks] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427202757/http://scifiwire.com/2009/03/review-watchmen-action-fi.php |date=27 April 2009 }} SYFY Wire (March 2009). Retrieved on 06-06-20.</ref>

The amount and style of figure articulation used by toy designers have varied over the years. Two of the most popular figure lines of the 1980s, ''[[G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero]]'' and ''[[Masters of the Universe]]'', contrasted one another greatly in articulation; the former included several points in their small, {{convert|3+3/4|in|adj=on}} scale while the bulkier latter remained minimal. Both, however, used methods involving rubber cords at the hips that are little used today. In the 2000s, [[Toy Biz]]'s popular ''[[Marvel Legends]]'' line became known for its high rate of articulation, even boasting points at the abdomen, toes, and fingers.<ref>[http://www.mwctoys.com/REVIEW_053106a.htm Marvel Legends 13 Green Goblin action figure] MWCToys.com. Retrieved on 5-07-09.</ref>

=== Accessories ===
While not all action figures include accessories, the additional items often prove essential to characters and their effectiveness as interactive toys. Typical {{convert|3+3/4|in|adj=on}} scale G.I. Joe figures include several intricately sculpted guns or hand weapons that can be fastened inside the figures' hands. Missile launchers are also commonplace in military and comic book figure lines and usually involve a spring-loaded mechanism. However, possibly due to safety concerns, this method saw a decline in the mid-1990s. Some figures, particularly of the [[Joker (comics)|Joker]], have incorporated water-squirting weapons.<ref>[http://www.batmanytb.com/actionfiguresanddolls/actionfigures/movies/toybiz/figures/ Batman (Toy Biz) – Figures] BatmanYTB.com. Retrieved on 5-03-09.</ref>

More recently, Marvel Legends has popularized the [[Marvel Legends#Build-A-Figure|"build-a-figure"]] concept. Each figure of a particular series includes a body part to a larger-scaled figure. This encourages the consumer to purchase every figure of the given series, in order to complete the larger figure. The concept has spread into Mattel's [[DC Universe Classics]]. Figures intended to appeal to the collector market commonly include a display base<ref>[http://www.yojoe.com/reviews/figures/hoh/snakeeyes41.shtml Hall of Heroes Snake Eyes (v41)] YoJoe.com (29 April 2009). Retrieved on 5-06-09.</ref> and/or pack-in comic book. In such cases accessories may be designed more for display than play.

=== Types of packaging ===
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Manufacturers have packaged their action figures in a number of ways.

'''Window Box packaging''' Window box packages consist of a sturdy, but somewhat thin cardboard box that allows for easy stacking. The box has colorful artwork to draw one's attention. The front of the box will have an area of the cardboard that is cut out and a thin piece of soft plastic then fills the cutout area. This ensures easy visibility of the action figure inside of the box. This type of packaging was used by companies such as [[Mego Corporation]] in the early 1970s until they switched to the Carded Bubble style of packaging in the mid to late 1970s. Window Box packaging is still used today, often for figures that measure 10" or taller in height.

'''Carded Bubble packaging''' This type of packaging consists of a sturdy piece of thin cardboard backing known as a "Card." The card is decorated with colorful artwork to draw consumer attention. The action figure is placed on the card and a bubble of clear plastic is then laid over the top of the action figure and attached to the card. The figure is then clearly visible to consumers. Often the bubble will have several small, fitted compartments to hold the figure and its accessories in place. [[Kenner]] and [[Hasbro]]'s packaging of Star Wars action figures since 1977 are an example.

'''[[PVC]] packaging''' A more recent type of packaging that is common as of the 2000s decade is PVC packaging. With this type of packaging, the cardboard card is replaced by a clear [[PVC]] plastic backing. The front of the package is a different piece of [[PVC]] plastic that is molded to include a bubble that will house the action figure and all of its accessories. Any colorful artwork designed to help draw attention to the package will be printed on a thin piece of paper that is placed between these two pieces of [[PVC]], or will be affixed in sticker form to the front piece of [[PVC]]. This type of packaging is popular today and can be seen being used by [[McFarlane Toys]] for their [[Movie Maniacs]] line of action figures beginning with Series V. Other companies that utilize this type of packaging are NECA/Reel Toys ([[National Entertainment Collectibles Association]]) with their Cult Classics and [[Pirates of the Caribbean]] line of figures, and [[Toy Biz]] with its [[Marvel Legends]] action figures, which included a comic book placed between the two [[PVC]] segments.

'''Tube packaging''' Another recent type of [[PVC]] packaging is a tube-shaped piece of PVC plastic surrounding the action figure. The tube may be cylindrical or oval in shape. Artwork on the package is often in the form of a sticker affixed to the outside of the PVC tube. This type of packaging has been used by [[Hasbro]] for their [[Star Wars]] Galactic Heroes line of figures.

=== Action features ===
Figures of the original Masters of the Universe line included many unique "action features": Battle Armor He-Man and [[Skeletor]] had rotating chest plates to represent varying degrees of damage;<ref>[http://www.he-man.org/primary_sects/toys/html/collector_guides/motu_class/toy_pages/batarm_he-man.shtml Battle Armor He-Man] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227061458/http://www.he-man.org/primary_sects/toys/html/collector_guides/motu_class/toy_pages/batarm_he-man.shtml |date=27 February 2009 }} He-Man.org. Retrieved on 5-03-09.</ref> [[Leech (Masters of the Universe)|Leech]] featured [[suction cup]] limbs; [[Mantenna]]'s eyes would pop out using a lever on his back; and Thunder Punch [[He-Man]] would thrust a punch and emit a loud bang from the [[cap gun|ring cap]] in his backpack. Other features emphasized aesthetic rather than action, such as the [[flocking (texture)|flocked]] bodies of [[Grizzlor]] and [[Moss Man]] as well as the unique scents of the latter and [[Stinkor]].

The success of the many [[Transformers (toy line)|Transformers]] lines has relied heavily on their signature feature of shifting from vehicle to robot. The popularity of this carried into [[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (action figures)|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]' Mutatin' series among others.

In 1987, [[Mattel]] introduced figures for the television series ''[[Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future]]''. The line boasted an [[interactive television|interactive game]] where children could shoot at the TV screen. However, while an ambitious concept, it was not a long-term success.

[[Phosphorescence|Glow-in-the-dark paint]] and plastic have been utilized in various figure collections, particularly those of the early '90s including Ninja Turtles, [[Swamp Thing]], and [[Toxic Crusaders]]. Similarly, a color-changing feature has been demonstrated on some figures throughout the years. This concept involves dipping the character's head into cold water and revealing a [[thermochromism|temperature-sensitive]] paint. Examples include Kenner's Sky Escape [[Joker (comics)|Joker]]<ref>[http://www.batmanytb.com/actionfiguresanddolls/actionfigures/movies/thedarkknightcollection/series1/ The Dark Knight Collection – Series 1] BatmanYTB.com. Retrieved on 5-03-09.</ref> and Camouflage Swamp Thing, as well as Hasbro's Desert-Camo [[Sgt. Savage]].<ref>[http://www.yojoe.com/sgtsavage/dcsavage.shtml Desert-Camo Sgt. Savage] YoJoe.com. Retrieved on 5-03-09</ref>

The majority of figures in [[Kenner]]'s [[Super Powers Collection]] toted a punching action upon the squeezing together of their legs.<ref>[http://toyotter.com/sp/history.html History] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413201048/http://toyotter.com/sp/history.html |date=13 April 2009 }} ToyOtter.com. Retrieved on 5-07-09.</ref> In a more technically advanced method, the Ninja Turtles' Wacky Action series involved a wind-up gear that caused the [[Wind-up toy|motorized performance]] of certain actions like swimming legs or a rotating wrist.<ref>[http://www.ninjaturtles.com/toys/1990/washredder.htm Slice 'N Dice Shredder] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801221421/http://www.ninjaturtles.com/toys/1990/washredder.htm |date=1 August 2009 }} NinjaTurtles.com. Retrieved on 5-06-09.</ref> Two years prior also saw the release of [[Tyco Toys|Tyco]]'s [[Dino-Riders]], which featured battery powered, motorized dinosaurs.<ref name="praise">{{cite web | title=Dino Riders: The Toys | work=toyarchive.com| url=http://www.toyarchive.com/DinoRiders/DinoRidersToys.html | access-date=28 September 2006}}</ref>