Hello Dolly

'Son, would you like a Doll to play with'?
Er.. 'Yes please Dad' I said. Little did I know how much I'd enjoy Action Man - An anatomically incorrect soldier doll for boys. Who would have thought that dressing a doll up could be so much fun? Those uniforms! What do you want to be today?

Well there was so much choice; A WWII British Infantryman, a German Trooper, a Scuba Diver, a 17th/21st Lancer (my Grandad's WWI regiment) or perhaps go Commando? There were many others and they all had lovely fashion accessories; A sten gun, gas mask or maybe even matching stick grenades.

As an only child Action Man was a friend I could play with. Mine had 'realistic hair'. My neighbour's had 'eagle eyes' and 'gripping hands' (but the less said about those the better). Looking back now I'm wondering just what sort of psychological effect having this 'war' toy had on me. Have I grown up to be a violent man, wielding guns and knives? No. Perhaps having Action Man helped satisfy my inner desire to be a Stormtrooper. I'm not sure about that... but I do like a man in uniform.

In the mid '80s the Palitoy Action Man that a generation of boys had grown up was made redundant. He was eventually replaced in the '90s by (IMHO) a very poor Hasbro version:

Look at this recent Eco friendly goody goody Marine Action Man - he's using a Dolphin as a means of transport!
Judging by this picture it looks like he's being a little too friendly with that Dolphin.

Today it seems that kids have lost interest with the Hasbro Action Man. Hasbro Action Man is dead. Long Live... Action Man! Yes the real guy is back, revived under license by specialist shop Modellers Loft for collectors. They are remaking Action Man to the original specs with the original classic outfits. Great news for kids of all ages.

Check out the Unofficial Action Man HQ - the ultimate Action Man resource on the web.