Dick Tracy, the iconic detective created by Chester Gould, has held a prominent place in American pop culture since his comic strip debut in 1931. Known for his hard-nosed detective style and an eye-catching yellow trench coat, Tracy quickly became a popular character. His fame eventually expanded into various merchandising products, including action figures. When were the first Dick Tracy action figures created?
The First Dick Tracy Action Figures
It wasn’t until 1990, nearly six decades after the character’s creation, that Dick Tracy was immortalized as an action figure by Playmates. The action figures accompanied the 1990 Dick Tracy film by Buena Vista Pictures. Playmates offered many coppers and gangsters from the Dick Tracy universe. Some of the 5” figures featured were Dick Tracy himself, Sam Catchem, Big Boy, The Brow, Steve the Tramp, The Blank, and Lips Manlis. They also produced action figures of Flattop, Rodent, Pruneface, Shoulders, Influence, Mumbles, and Itcy.
Besides the action figures, Playmates released two large-scale toys that stood 15” tall. The characters featured in this large-scale series were Dick Tracy and Breathless Mahoney. Playmates also created two vehicles. The first was for coppers: the Police Squad Car. The second was the Big Boy’s Getaway Car, a perfect vehicle for the gangsters. Playmates also created the iconic two-way wristwatch.
The Legacy of Dick Tracy Action Figures
Though Dick Tracy action figures may not be as abundant as Star Wars or Marvel Superheroes figures, they are uniquely positioned in action figure history. From their initial introduction in the 1990s, these figures offer a nostalgic glimpse into the evolution of action figure production and design.
The fascinating story behind the creation of Dick Tracy action figures adds another layer of appeal for collectors. Whether you’re a fan of the hard-boiled detective, vintage toys, or simply the rich history behind these collectibles, Dick Tracy action figures represent a compelling chapter in the history of pop culture merchandising.
In conclusion, the first Dick Tracy action figures emerged in 1990, marking a unique journey in the world of vintage toys. Their charm lies in their connection to a beloved character and their representation of evolving toy design trends, making them highly sought-after items for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
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About the Author
Author: Chris Ingledue
Contact: email
Bio: I am the founder and owner of Wheeljack’s Lab pop Culture and Toy Shop. My vision has always been to reunite customers with their favorite childhood toys and pop culture, triggering fond memories, and reigniting their imaginations. Every day, I work in the “lab” where it’s Christmas 365 days a year. I scour the internet, like when we had the Sears Catalog of yesteryear, for the next great treasure. Then, I await the arrival of the postman as if he were Santa Claus himself and helping collectors worldwide with their versions of Christmas. Every day as a vintage toy buyer is an absolute joy!