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Action Jackson 1971-1974
Mego released their Action Jackson line in 1971, with multiple head sculpt variations of the same basic figure. This included a clean-shaven Action Jackson, a bearded version and an African-American version. The clean-shaven sculpt came with either, a black haired, red haired or blonde version. Each head sculpt also had a dark blue and light blue jumpsuit version. The figures were accompanied with several different accessories and vehicles, including two fun playsets. The Action Jackson line lasted four years, and laid the groundwork for Mego’s iconic lines released in future years.
For more information about Mego’s Action Jackson line, see bottom of page for a complete summary.
Action Jackson (1971-1974): Basic Figures
Mego released three basic sculpts for the Action Jackson line, but each sculpt had several variations. These are examples of each wearing the Dark Blue and Light Blue jumpsuits. A blonde/red haired variant of the basic non-bearded figure was also released with the light and dark blue jumpsuits, and are featured below.
Action Jackson White (Dark Blue)
Market Value:
Boxed $50 – $75
Loose $15 – $30
Action Jackson White (Dark Blue)
Accessories: Jumpsuit, Belt, Boots, Dog Tag, Stickers
Years Released: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: This version of the non-bearded figure was the basic Action Jackson figure that most people remember and is probably the easiest to find on the secondary market. There were many variants to this figure and this version has the clean-cut Action Jackson in a dark blue jumpsuit.
Action Jackson White (Light Blue)
Market Value:
Boxed $60 – $85
Loose $15 – $30
Action Jackson White (Light Blue)
Accessories: Jumpsuit, Belt, Boots, Dog Tag, Stickers
Years Released: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: This version of the non-bearded figure was the basic Action Jackson figure that most people remember and is probably the easiest to find on the secondary market. There were many variants to this figure and this version has the clean-cut Action Jackson in a light blue jumpsuit.
Action Jackson Bearded (Dark Blue)
Market Value:
Boxed $50 – $75
Loose $15 – $30
Action Jackson Bearded (Dark Blue)
Accessories: Jumpsuit, Belt, Boots, Dog Tag, Stickers
Years Released: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The bearded version of the Action Jackson figure was one of three head molds that were created for the line. This figure definitely has that GI Joe look about him, but a bit smaller. Like the others in this line, there were many variants to this figure and this version has the bearded Action Jackson in a dark blue jumpsuit.
Action Jackson Bearded (Light Blue)
Market Value:
Boxed $60 – $85
Loose $15 – $30
Action Jackson Bearded (Light Blue)
Accessories: Jumpsuit, Belt, Boots, Dog Tag, Stickers
Years Released: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The bearded version of the Action Jackson figure was one of three head molds that were created for the line. This figure definitely has that GI Joe look about him, but a bit smaller. Like the others in this line, there were many variants to this figure and this version has the bearded Action Jackson in a light blue jumpsuit.
Action Jackson Red/Blonde Hair (Dark Blue)
Market Value:
Boxed $110 – $150
Loose $40 – $60
Action Jackson Red/Blonde Hair (Dark Blue)
Accessories: Jumpsuit, Belt, Boots, Dog Tag, Stickers
Years Released: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: There were different variants of the basic non-bearded Action Jackson figure and this version featured our main hero with red hair, but many blonde haired versions of this figure exist as well. It is literally the same exact figure, but with a different hair paint job. Like the others in this line, there were many variants to this figure and this version has the red haired Action Jackson in a dark blue jumpsuit.
Action Jackson Red/Blonde Hair (Light Blue)
Market Value:
Boxed $110 – $150
Loose $40 – $60
Action Jackson Red/Blonde Hair (Light Blue)
Accessories: Jumpsuit, Belt, Boots, Dog Tag, Stickers
Years Released: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: There were different variants of the basic non-bearded Action Jackson figure and this version featured our main hero with red hair, but many blonde haired versions of this figure exist as well. It is literally the same exact figure, but with a different hair paint job. Like the others in this line, there were many variants to this figure and this version has the red haired Action Jackson in a light blue jumpsuit.
Action Jackson African American
Market Value:
Boxed $350 – $500
Loose $85 – $125
Action Jackson African American
Accessories: Jumpsuit, Belt, Boots, Dog Tag, Stickers
Years Released: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The African-American version of the Action Jackson figure was one of three head molds that were created for the line. This figure was also available in a bearded version but is very rare. Like the others in this line, there were many variants to this figure and this version has the African-American Action Jackson in a dark blue jumpsuit.
Action Jackson African American
Market Value:
Boxed $350 – $500
Loose $85 – $125
Action Jackson African American
Accessories: Jumpsuit, Belt, Boots, Dog Tag, Stickers
Years Released: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The African-American version of the Action Jackson figure was one of three head molds that were created for the line. This figure was also available in a bearded version but is very rare. Like the others in this line, there were many variants to this figure and this version has the African-American Action Jackson in a light blue jumpsuit.
Action Jackson (1971-1974): Accessories
There were four accessory packs released for the Action Jackson line and a horse (Wild Mustang). I list the horse as an accessory due to it not actually being a “vehicle”.
Fire Rescue Pack
Market Value:
Boxed $25 – $35
Loose $8 – $18
Fire Rescue Pack
Accessories: Backpack, Hose, Nozzle
Years Released: 1971, 1972, 1973
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market in the package
Notes: The Fire Rescue Pack could actually be filled with water and would shoot out from the hose while strapped on Action Jackson’s back.
Parachute Plunge
Market Value:
Boxed $75 – $95
Loose $15 – $25
Parachute Plunge
Accessories: Parachute Pack, Cloth Parachute
Years Released: 1971, 1972, 1973
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market in the package
Notes: The Parachute Plunge set featured an actual working parachute that would come from the chute pack worn on Action Jackson’s back.
Strap-On Helicopter
Market Value:
Boxed $80 – $100
Loose $20 – $35
Strap-On Helicopter
Accessories: Pack, Propellers, Control Handles
Years Released: 1971, 1972, 1973
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market in the package
Notes: The Strap-On Helicopter featured an actual working propeller that would attach to the backpack worn on Action Jackson’s back.
Water Scooter
Market Value:
Boxed $25 – $35
Loose $8 – $18
Water Scooter
Accessories: Water Scooter Glider, Handle
Years Released: 1971, 1972, 1973
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market in the package
Notes: The Water Scooter was an actual battery powered glider that could work submerged in water. It had the ability to carry Action Jackson around while he was holding onto it.
Wild Mustang
Market Value:
Boxed $160 – $225
Loose $40 – $65
Wild Mustang
Accessories: Mustang, Saddle, Bridle, Stirrups, Remote Control
Years Released: 1971, 1972, 1973
Scarcity Factor: Very difficult to find on secondary market
Notes: The Wild Mustang horse figure was a battery powered remote control horse for the Action Jackson figures. It was available in either Brown or Black. It was also re-purposed for the Planet of the Apes and American West toy lines that came afterwards.
Action Jackson (1971-1974): Boxed Outfits
There were several outfit sets released for the Action Jackson line with all the initial releases being on the ornately illustrated card featured on the row beneath. The photo to the right shows the later releases, which did not feature the unique action illustrations. Instead they had a more plain look with a generic Action Jackson illustration on each one.
- Air Force
- Army
- Aussie Marine
- Baseball
- Fishing
- Football
- Frogman
- Hockey
- Jungle Safari
- Karate
- Navy
- Rescue Squad
- Scramble Cyclist
- Secret Agent
- Ski Patrol
- Snowmobile
- Surf & Scuba
- Western
Air Force Outfit
Aussie Marine Outfit
Ski Patrol Outfit
Western Outfit
Market Value of Carded Outfits: $25 – $40 each
Market Value of Lose Outfits: $8 – $18 each
Scarcity Factor: These outfits can still be found on the secondary market, but they are getting harder to find as time goes on.
Action Jackson (1971-1974): Carded Outfits
The boxed versions of the Action Jackson outfits were shrunk down towards the end of the production run, and replaced with these carded versions towards the end of 1973 and into 1974. A few new outfits were introduced for the new cards that were not previously released. These carded version outfits remain much more difficult to locate on the secondary market.
- Desert
- Fishing
- Frogman
- Golf
- Karate
- Marine
- Raincoat
- Rugby
- Surf & Scuba
- Tennis
Golf Outfit
Marine Outfit
Tennis Outfit
Market Value of Carded Outfits: $50 – $75 each
Market Value of Lose Outfits: $12 – $25 each
Scarcity Factor: These outfits are very tough to find on the secondary market and will cost more than the earlier boxed releases.
Action Jackson (1971-1974): Playsets
Mego released two playsets that could be used with the Action Jackson line. The Jungle Treehouse was specifically made for the line, but the Lost Continent was a multi-purpose set that could be used for multiple Mego figures.
Jungle Treehouse
Market Value:
Boxed $400 – $600
Loose $100 – $150
Jungle Treehouse
Accessories: Weapons Bench, Weapons, Search Light, Rope Ladder, Radio, Cabinets, Cage, Shield and Spear, Gorilla, Trap Door, Crow’s Nest, Telescope
Years Released: 1973, 1974
Scarcity Factor: Very difficult to find on secondary market
Notes: The Jungle Treehouse was the first playset released for the Action Jackson line in 1973 and contained many pieces and parts that would be used for other future playsets. For example, does the searchlight look familiar? It should because it was famously used in the Batcave Playset. The weapons bench was used in the POTA treehouse and many other items were used again for the Lost Continent playset released the following year. The entire playset itself would later be re-branded as the Planet of the Apes Treehouse and (believe it or not) the Dinah Mite Beach house. This was a very cool playset for the Action Jackson line with a ton of fun accessories and high playability factor.
The Lost Continent
Market Value:
Boxed $1,000 – $1,500
Loose $250 – $350
The Lost Continent
Accessories: Stairs, Idol Head, Gorilla, Cardboard Dinosaurs, Cardboard Cavemen, Trees, Weapons Bench, Telescope, Microscope, Spear and Shield, Cage
Years Released: 1974
Scarcity Factor: Very difficult to find on secondary market
Notes: The Lost Continent Playset was among the final items released for the Action Jackson line in 1974. The Lost Continent box actually had two different versions, with one being a regular Action Jackson accessory box and the other saying that it could be used with the Planet of the Apes figures. The box was re-branded towards the end to help sales a bit, since the Planet of the Apes figures were selling like crazy at the time. The playset itself is basically the same as the Bat Cave playset and the Planet of the Apes Village Playset, which also both came out in 1974, with many of the same pieces. Both Lost Continent versions are extremely tough to find in their complete boxed versions, and can command top dollar on the secondary market.
Action Jackson (1971-1974): Vehicles
There were no shortage of vehicles produced for the Action Jackson line, as eight new vehicles were released from 1971-1974. Most of them can be difficult to find still with its original packaging.
Amphicat
Market Value:
Boxed $75 – $100
Loose $30 – $45
Amphicat
Accessories: Vehicle, Wheels, Steering Wheel, Decals
Years Released: 1971, 1972, 1973
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Amphicat was the Action Jackson version of GI Joe’s classic Adventure Team vehicle. Interestingly enough, the Amphicat was actually made by Irwin Toys and not Mego.
Campmobile
Market Value:
Boxed $140 – $190
Loose $40 – $60
Campmobile
Accessories: Canopy, Chair, Table, Stools, Sleeping Bag, Detachable Roof
Years Released: 1972, 1973
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Campmobile was a fun addition to the Action Jackson line with quite a few accessories. It’s one of the more rarer pieces for Action Jackson and is a tough find on the secondary market.
Dune Buggy
Market Value:
Boxed $120 – $170
Loose $50 – $75
Dune Buggy
Accessories: Vehicle, Wheels, Steering Wheel, Decals
Years Released: 1971, 1972, 1973
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Dune Buggy came in Red and Green with Green being the most common color. Interestingly enough, the Dune Buggy was actually made by Irwin Toys and not Mego.
Formula Racer
Market Value:
Boxed $600 – $850
Loose $100 – $175
Formula Racer
Accessories: Vehicle, Wheels, Steering Wheel, Spoiler, Decals
Years Released: 1973, 1974
Scarcity Factor: This item is rare and difficult to find
Notes: The Formula Racer was made available in either Red or Green, with Red being more common. It had a pull-back and go action feature and is extremely tough to find on the secondary market, mostly due to limited release numbers towards the end of the Action Jackson line.
Rescue Copter
Market Value:
Boxed $140 – $220
Loose $40 – $65
Rescue Copter
Accessories: Blade, Nose Cone, Canopy, Rescue Liter, Winch, Sliding Door, Remote Control w/ Wire
Years Released: 1971, 1972, 1973
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Rescue Copter was a remote controlled helicopter that was made to compete with the GI Joe Adventure Team version. It featured a wired remote control that worked fairly well, along with a rescue liter and hand winch to raise it up or down.
Safari Jeep
Market Value:
Boxed $70 – $100
Loose $30 – $45
Safari Jeep
Accessories: Jeep, Windshield, Bumper, Rescue Tools, Cardboard Cat, Remote Control w/ Wire
Years Released: 1971, 1972, 1973
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Safari Jeep was a remote controlled vehicle that was made to compete with the GI Joe Adventure Team version. It featured a wired remote control that worked fairly well, along with a set of tools and cardboard big cat to hunt on safari.
Scramble Cycle
Market Value:
Boxed $120 – $170
Loose $40 – $65
Scramble Cycle
Accessories: Vehicle, Wheels, Handle Bar, Remote Control w/ Wire
Years Released: 1972, 1973
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Scramble Cycle was a remote controlled vehicle made to be used with the Action Jackson line. It featured a wired remote control that worked well, as long as you were following along next to it. This particular vehicle is among the harder to find of the vehicle accessories for Action Jackson and was re-branded for the Dinah Mite line.
Snowmobile
Market Value:
Boxed $70 – $95
Loose $20 – $35
Snowmobile
Accessories: Vehicle, Skis, Steering Wheel, Remote Control w/ Wire
Years Released: 1971, 1972, 1973
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Snowmobile was a remote controlled vehicle that was made to compete with the GI Joe Adventure Team version. It featured a wired remote control that worked fairly well, along with a set of spiffy set of skis for it to slide around on. The Snowmobile had the capability to move forward and backwards.
When you think of iconic toy lines for each decade, Mego’s action figures of the 1970’s stand out as one of the biggest things that ever happened to toys. Along with Star Wars and GI Joe, Mego has earned their place on the action figure Mount Rushmore, but their journey to becoming an iconic toy brand went through quite a few trials before finally becoming the mighty toy line we all know and love. The Mego Toy Company was founded in 1954 by David Abrams in New York City. The company was a big producer of dime store type toys and dolls, with steady sales for many years. Mego Toys was a known name in the toy industry, but very far from the household name that it would later become. When David Abrams’ son, Marty, came to power within the company, he decided to change things up a bit and created a brand new line of action figures to compete with the mega successful GI Joe line. Marty Abrams decided to shrink the figures down to a more cost effective 8 inch size, which would also reduce sizes of the vehicles and accessories. Another new concept introduced was interchangeable bodies. Mego created three different head sculpts, but only one body type so each head sculpt could be used on the same body. This helped to reduce production costs and proved to be much more effective. This concept would go on to became a staple for all future Mego lines to come. This new series by Mego would go by the name of Action Jackson, and was launched in 1971.
During its run, Mego gave us several different variations of the three head sculpts they produced for the Action Jackson line, which included the basic Action Jackson, the bearded version and the African-American version. Depending on which site you go to, there are different counts of the number of variants, but it’s pretty much agreed on that there was a dark blue and light blue jumpsuit version of each sculpt. There was also a red haired and blonde haired version of the basic clean-shaven Action Jackson, with both types of jumpsuits. There are many other types of reported variants that exist as well, so it would difficult to make a definitive list of every one. The figures were accompanied with several different accessories and vehicles, including two fun playsets. Many of the vehicles were wire-controlled and the accessories were battery-powered. The Action Jackson line was heavily promoted when it began in 1971 and Mego had high hopes for the line, but it never reached the level of success they had hoped for. Still, the Action Jackson line lasted four years and definitely had its share of success. More importantly, Action Jackson laid the groundwork for many of the more iconic series that Mego would release in future years such as the World’s Greatest Heroes, Planet of the Apes and Star Trek lines.
The packaging for the basic assortment of Action Jackson figures was fairly simple looking with a general blue color theme and red/white stripes only on the bottom of the box front. The packaging used a box format to hold the figure itself and a flap to left, which featured an illustration of Action Jackson. The illustration was of the basic non-bearded version and was the same on every Action Jackson figure, regardless of which one it was. Above the figure, on the box, was an eagle with a banner that featured the Action Jackson “Do and Dare” motto. The early versions of Action Jackson figures came with the stick-on tattoos, but later versions dropped them and removed that label.
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