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Captain Action: The Original Super-Hero Action Figure
Captain Action, the original super-hero action figure, was introduced in 1966 in the wake of the Batman TV show craze, and later received his own DC comic book with art by Wally Wood and Gil Kane. Able to assume the identities of 13 famous super-heroes, his initial career was short-lived, but continuing interest in the hero has led to two different returns to toy-store shelves. Lavishly illustrated with over 200 toy photos, the second edition of this critically acclaimed volume by author Michael Eury chronicles the history of this quick-changing champion, including photos of virtually every Captain Action product ever released, spotlights on his allies Action Boy and the Super Queens and his arch enemy Dr. Evil, an examination of his comic-book appearances, and Action facts that even the most-diehard Captain Action fan won t know! It features a foreword, cover image, and previously unseen package illos by Murphy Anderson, historical anecdotes by the late Gil Kane, Jim Shooter, Stan Weston (co-creator of G.I. Joe, Captain Action, and Mego s World s Greatest Super-Heroes), and Larry Reiner and Larry O Daly, formerly of Ideal Toys, plus never-before-published and classic Captain Action artwork by Gil Kane, Joe Staton, Carmine Infantino, Jerry Ordway, Paul Gulacy, Mark Sparacio, Ruben Procopio, and Tom Yeates. The revised second edition of this full-color hardcover includes behind-the-scenes material covering Captain Action s triumphant 2008 return to comics shelves in his new series from Moonstone Books, and spotlights on the new wave of Captain Action collectibles. Written by Michael Eury.
- GenresReference
176 pages, Hardcover
First published December 16, 2002
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
December 30, 2015
A book about a late 1960s toy line by a lifelong fan (Michael Eury) for toy collectors (not me - Captain Action is wayyyy too expensive) and pop culture aficionados who enjoy behind the scenes information on creation and marketing of these kinds of products (ah, here I am). Note that I'm reviewing the earlier edition of Mike's book, so some of my remarks may have been addressed in the newer version.
I'm about five years too young to really have been impacted during the first go-round by Ideal's Captain Action. No tears here, since I adored the amazing line-up of Mego's World's Greatest Superheroes that made the 70s such a fantastic time to be a kid with an equal fervor. Plus, we got Planet of the Apes and Star Trek figures and playsets!
Besides, the good Captain has a fascinating history and Mike does a great job of pulling together information, interviews and photographs - so what's not to love? Well, glad you asked ....
Minor quibble: I really think more color was needed - along with larger photos of some of the more obscure items. Another quibble: Less detailed history of the characters (I think if you love Captain Action, you are aware of the basic origins of the heroes on display), and more time spent on the collectors and the revivals of the line. I'm still in shock that the four Jonny Quest figures (Jonny, Hadji, Dr. Quest and Race Bannon) never made it past the prototype phase. I do have several photos of those doomed figures, but I'd like to think Mike's dug up more pictures in the decade between editions. : )
A five star recommendation for collectors and fans. And if you're not into comics and toys, why on earth did you buy this book in the first place?
I'm about five years too young to really have been impacted during the first go-round by Ideal's Captain Action. No tears here, since I adored the amazing line-up of Mego's World's Greatest Superheroes that made the 70s such a fantastic time to be a kid with an equal fervor. Plus, we got Planet of the Apes and Star Trek figures and playsets!
Besides, the good Captain has a fascinating history and Mike does a great job of pulling together information, interviews and photographs - so what's not to love? Well, glad you asked ....
Minor quibble: I really think more color was needed - along with larger photos of some of the more obscure items. Another quibble: Less detailed history of the characters (I think if you love Captain Action, you are aware of the basic origins of the heroes on display), and more time spent on the collectors and the revivals of the line. I'm still in shock that the four Jonny Quest figures (Jonny, Hadji, Dr. Quest and Race Bannon) never made it past the prototype phase. I do have several photos of those doomed figures, but I'd like to think Mike's dug up more pictures in the decade between editions. : )
A five star recommendation for collectors and fans. And if you're not into comics and toys, why on earth did you buy this book in the first place?
Displaying 1 of 1 review