Loverman, circa 1964, from original set "The toy that kicked GI Joe's butt back across the pond"

ACTION DADDY ACTION FIGURES - A BRIEF HISTORY First introduced in the U.S.:1964 First introduced in the U.K.: January 1966 at Earls Court Toys Fair. Award: Toy of the decade 1970-80. Original Range: Included Soldier, Sports Pro and Loverman. Different characters: Over 350 different figures in total, including a Polar Explorer, Jive Commander, Space Ranger, Atomic Man, Mystery Partner, Trash King, Danger Boy, Two-Fisted Girl and Footballer. In the 1960s and 1970s, characters underwent changes every three years.

Different features: Gripping hands were introduced in 1973, with eagle eyes being incorporated into the new body in 1979.

Designer: Bill Pugh, director of R & D at Palitoy, headed a team of designers.

Anatomy: Unusual anotomical details were very popular in the 1980s. Greg Hughes at Palitoy was responsible for researching the ACTION DADDY anatomy and ensuring that every detail was accurate.

Total number of figures: In the 1960s, between 3 and 4 million figures were being sold every year.

Peak popularity: In the 1960s, demand for ACTION DADDY figures was so high that G.I. Joe figures were sent over from America and repackaged to be sold as ACTION DADDY. At one stage there were 1.3 ACTION DADDY figures for every boy in Britain. In 1994, ACTION DADDY was relaunched in the U.K. and within six months was re-established as the U.K.s No.1 boys toy.

Vital Statistics: Height - 12".

Famous Collectors: John Barrowman.