Action Figures of the 1980s (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) [Paperback]

John Marshall (Author)

Book Description

Series: A Schiffer Book for Collectors | Publication Date: May 1998

From G.I. Joe*t to Star Wars*t John Marshall has provided a thorough, informative, and entertaining look at the action figures produced during the 1980s. In over 430 superb color photographs, fans of the pocket-sized G.I. Joes*t, of movie and TV characters, of fantasy figures, He-Man*t, the Thunder Cats*t, super heroes, of those ever-popular quick change artists of the robot world--the Transformers*t, and even pro-wrestling fanatics will find figures here to warm their souls! Price listings are provided for every figure shown and for every known figure produced within a particular product line. Price ranges are provided both for figures that are mint-in-the-box and for those which, while running loose, have retained all of their accessories and lost none of their finish.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Marshall is a pop-culture anthropologist, toy expert, and widely-published author. Among his written works are the book G.I. Joe and Other Backyard Heroes (1997) and articles for such publications as Collecting Toys, FILMFAX Outre, Cult Movies, Oriental Cinema, International Doll, Collectible Toys and Values, and Film Threat.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Pub Ltd (May 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764304941
• ISBN-13: 978-0764304941
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #750,133 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Goos pictures, but irritatingly written., April 17, 2005

By 

Iain Fyffe - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Action Figures of the 1980s (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Paperback)

This book is certainly good for reference. However, the author obviously thinks very highly of himself and his humour, which is often childish. He is also convinced that he *knows* what is good and what sucks, and if you disagree, it's because you don't know as much as he does. This may be partly because he grew up in the 70's rather than the 80's, and as such views these toys as a collector rather than as a fan. He also occasionally shows ignorance of the subject matter. For instance, he refers to Sectaurs as Warlords of Symbion, rather then Warriors. He is also unaware of the fact there was a Defenders of the Earth cartoon in the 80's, evidenced by his puzzlement at the very existence of such an action figure line. The frequent typographical errors are also irritating.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad, but not really good either..., December 16, 2009

By 

Joseph M. Mudd "Doctor Mudd" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Action Figures of the 1980s (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Paperback)

This book does have a lot of information and some great photos but it seems lacking. Some toys lines are missing or not completely covered and some have no photos at all. My biggest gripe is the errors in the book... the author is supposed to be some kind of toy expert but he refers to Powermaster Optimus Prime as a "Pretender" and some figures have the wrong name assigned to their picture. All in all, it's not a bad book but not worth the price of it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book for 80's nostolgoic, May 5, 2008

By 

A. Gift For You "Lisa" (Cranford, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Action Figures of the 1980s (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Paperback)

I bought this book for a friend of mine and it's a great book for anyone into either toys, or the 80's. (My friend happened to be into both). It lists prices in the eighties, and then a price for today's market (which would be 10 years before today as the book is written in the 90's) Great book, great pictures. And I payed a great price. Can't beat any of that.