The Rodney Dangerfield of action figures, Action Jackson just didn’t get the respect he deserved. Legions of GI Joe fans considered him a second-rate poser, a rip-off. And true, his hairdo left a little to be desired and the accompanying array of gadgets and transportation proved a little less flashy but isn’t there room in this world for more than one action figure? Must they all be held to the high standards of Grand Daddy Joe? How pale the world would seem without variety, without choices. And some kids just happened to choose the path less traveled, one that led to their good buddy, AJ.

In the early 70’s, The Mego Company, known for their toys and novelties decided to take on the action figure competition with a less expensive alternative they dubbed Fighting Yank. Unfortunately, Fighting Yank tanked and it was back to the drawing board. Next up, the slightly smaller adventurer named Action Jackson. With a variety of hairstyles and complexions available, AJ (as he was affectionately known) could be purchased in black, white and even a Hispanic version named Amigo. There was no shortage of accessories to accompany AJ on his missions - everything from sports attire, to mountain climbing and scuba diving apparel were available - for an additional cost, of course. AJ had a fine assortment of transportation to choose from as well, snowmobiles, motorcycles, a state-of-the-art remote controlled Jeep and even a motorized horse (batteries not included) gave Action Jackson plenty of ways to get from here to there.

 

 

Sadly, Action Jackson’s journey was somewhat short-lived. He just couldn’t snatch enough of the market share from his commando competitor. But while his face might not grace the toy store shelves any longer, his body stayed in production, albeit with a variety of new heads. As Mego acquired the licensing for such desirable franchises as Star Trek, Dick Tracy and The Green Hornet, they simply affixed new noggins on good ol’ AJ’s body. Sales of these new dolls were more respectable but would they have been without the fine physique of underdog action figure, Action Jackson? The world will never know.

 

But one thing is undeniable; some props are due to a plastic man who might not have been an original, but was certainly an inspiration nonetheless. In the immortal words of Action Jackson, “think of what you want to be, and call on me." The world called and AJ answered – the embodiment of a true American hero.

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