Customer Reviews

Captain Action: The Original Super-Hero Action Figure (hardcover)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a fan of the toy line that Ideal introduced in the mid 60s I was excited to read this book to get some insight into a line that was slightly before my time. While it's beautifully designed with hundreds of color photos, merchandising materials, behind the scenes order forms and the like-- it lacks any real depth of discussion about the line-- outside of the development of CAPTAIN ACTION himself. When it comes to the characters whose identity he can assume, the author chooses to give us an overall history of each character rather than discuss why such and such a character was ever chosen for the line or get into some of the bizarre choices that were made with each character--

For example-- why is Krypto the Superdog an accessory for Superman when that was a character than was tied to Superboy. Why give Batman a drill in his utility belt? Why no gloves on any of the main characters? Were there other characters considered for the line? Steve Canyon and Sgt Fury seem obscure characters-were they chosen because of their military ties so the line could compete better with GI JOE?

The author mentions that the Spider on The Spider-Man's chest is not his normal logo-- but doesn't question why he's wearing a belt, or why Aquaman needs swim fins?

One of the charms of the Captain Action line is it's slightly dopey choices-- putting Flash Gordon in an outfit that looks nothing like he's ever been in through all of his film and comic strip appearances might have been to cash in on the space craze, but I'd like to have heard his expert opinion.

Instead, you get a very light read if you're familiar with most of these characters as their bios are readily available in multiple sources.

I just wish there was a little bit of information, critical analysis, etc in this book. Kudos for the excellent photos and great graphic design, but I'd loved to have learned something reading this.
Just not worth $30 if you know who these characters are and wanted this book to learn more about the Captain and the decisions Ideal made in making the line.

Among the old photos I have is a black & white picture from the 1960s. It's Christmas morning and my older brother is proudly holding up the new Captain Action set he just received from Santa...err...mom and dad. Captain Action was one of the great toys of the 1960s and history of the toy line is related in this fantastic book, filled with outstanding photography, and written by comic book historian Michael Eury.

Ideal was one of the iconic toy companies of particularly the 1950s through the 1970s. In an effort to compete with Hasbro's GH.I. Joe, Ideal created Captain Action in 1966. Like G.I. Joe Captain Action was an articulated, 12" action figure but it had one thing that made it unique to G.I. Joe and that was Captain Action could become anyone of a number of different comic book characters. Through the issue of uniform sets, complete with alternate heads, Captain Action could become Superman, Batman, Aquaman, Captain America, The Lone Ranger, Sgt. Fury, Spider-Man, and more.

Eury traces the evolution of the development of the toy through vintage Idea; documents from the 1960s and interviews with various toy executives including creator Stan Weston, who also created the initial concept of G.I. Joe. Weston provides insight on went what right and what went wrong for the toy. The highlight of the book is Eury;s look at all of the different Captain Action uniform/alter identity sets which include a history of each character, the accessories that came included, uniform variations, and common defects with each set. Thus the book not only works as a detailed history of the figure, but also a tremendously useful guide to toy collectors who will value the information about the accessories and variations.

The book also has chapters on Captain Action's arch-enemy Dr. Evil, the various female action figures introduced, accessories and vehicles, and fan-created custom outfits. A ton of fun and a classic toy!

Captain Action: The Original Super-Hero Action Figure has been newly expanded into a color hardcover and provides comics libraries with an excellent history of the comic book hero who was able to assume the identities of 13 fe4amous super-heroes. Two hundred photos pack a second updated edition offering a history and including photos of nearly every Captain Action product ever released.

I received my Captain Action book from Amazon and I sure do love this book. It's nice to be able to see all the variations that came out in the 60's and also to see the reproductions as well. I was only 3 when this doll came out so I do have the reproductions and I think they are very cool. I hope the new company and also castaway toys makes much more of these figures in the days to come! Get this book if you are a Captain Action fan it's worth every penny! Aaron Egawa

A wealth of information, coupled with beautiful photographs, make this the definitive CA reference. If you collect comic book action figures, it all starts with the Captain. Let justice be done!