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Like most blokes his age, Graham grew up with Action Men. I know my brothers, albeit it slightly younger than him, loved them as well. I think, like Barbie dolls, they are a toy that you can look back at with fondness and nostalgia, so you can imagine how excited Graham was when we were sent two of the new retro Action Man dolls in time for Father’s Day. I didn’t tell him they were coming, so when he opened them and saw them, his face was a picture. Straight away, he was telling the kids (and trying to hide his new toys from them!) all about his childhood collection.
The new retro ones are based on the very early Action Man/G.I. Joe figures from the 1960s, predating the ones that Graham would have had as a child. The range includes an Action Sailor, Action Pilot, and Action Soldier. We were sent the Soldier and Sailor.
The 12inch Action Man figures each come with dog tags and vintage-style outfits. They are made from hollow plastic with rubberized, flexible limbs, which are articulated at the shoulders and legs as well as the head and they can bend at the knees. Of course, being based on the 1960’s version of the toy, they lack the fuzzy hair of the versions I remember playing with my brothers. The clothes can be removed, which the kids loved. I remember as a kid the fun we had dressing up our toys and undressing them. They especially loved the tiny little dog tags that came with them, which is iconic of the Action Man brand.
The retro Action Men figures have an RRP of £14.99 and can be purchased in-store or online from large retailers including The Toy Shop and Amazon.
The new retro Action Man range will encourage play between generations and make the perfect Father’s Day gift. The dolls are suitable from 3 years +, which has meant hours of fun for the four-year-old, six-year-old, seven-year-old – and 37-year-old!
*We were sent these items free of charge for the purpose of this review. All words and thoughts are our own and have not been influenced in any way.
