Action films have become increasingly more sophisticated. Many, with beautifully choreographed fighting sequences. This is due, in part, to the increasing popularity of the Hong Kong action film. Films such as The Matrix employed Hong Kong martial arts veterans Woo-ping Yuen and Daxing Zhang to choreograph fighting scenes. So, it only stands to reason that Hong Kong martial arts stars would become popular here in the U.S.
Toy lines relating to this category are:
THE MATRIX
The movie that redefined action movies as we know it with state of the art effects and fighting sequences. On the surface, one might only think that the only thing Asian about this film is the influence in fighting sequences. But, if you look closer, Keanue Reeves, who plays main character Neo, is part Hawiian/Chinese...making him an integral part of APA influence on this film. The toys are awesome as well. Come check them out...
CHARLIE'S ANGELS
Yes! Finally! An APA Angel! She's fierce, she's brave, she's super smart and she's ultra-sexy! She's Alex, played by Chinese American actress Lucy Liu. Jakks Pacific has released some really awesome dolls. Come see what I have...
USAGI YOJIMBO
Usagi Yojimbo, a popular comic written by Stan Sakai, is a feudal Japanese Samurai epic told with anthropomorphic characters. The main character is a rabbit named Usagi Yojimbo who wanders the land doing good. One might easily dismiss this series as fluff...but, Mr. Sakai has actually done a great deal of research and poured much of his heart and soul into these characters. The end result is wonderful. They started releasing Usagi Yojimbo action figures, but, alas, stopped at the first wave. Check them out...
M.A.S.K.
Based on a popular animated cartoon from the 1980s (or vice versa), the M.A.S.K. line features a variety of vehicles and their drivers with superpowered helmets. Bruce Sato and Ali Bombay were the resident Asian Pacific Americans. Check out the toys...
DRAGON MODELS
Okay, no...I did not say "no imports." What I said was that the toy needs to be marketed toward an American audience. This import from Hong Kong is extremely popular here in the United States as perhaps the most intricate 12" action figure on the market.
JAMES BOND 007
James Bond is the world's most famous spy known for surrounding himself with beautiful women. Each movie, a new "Bond" girl is introduced. In 1997, the Producers and Director met with Hong Kong action film superstar Michelle Yeoh about being a "Bond Girl." Check out how she got to be more than a Bond Girl as well as news about the toy...
BRUCE LEE
Check out what toys I have of the most legendary martial artist of our time...
RAMBO
Can you imagine a toy line based on a film about a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who wages war against a town that was harasssing him while trying to adjust to civilian life? Okay, it's actually based after the Rambo animated show, which is really -- Rambo Lite. No longer is he mentally unstable, but a proud hero fighting with the Freedom Force to end oppression in the world. See the toys...
ADVENTURE MAN
A not very well known toy line that crops up in grocery and drug store toy aisles around the country features 3 3/4 inch G.I. Joe knock offs with loads of accessories...
ACTION MAN
This interchangeable 12" figure line puts Action Man in a variety of situations and adventures. He has a variety of accessories and outfits that match each mission, including several Asian inspired ones...
CAPTAIN ACTION
This popular "retro" action figure line featured a variety of costumes and masks that you could place on the hero Captain Action and the sinister Dr. Evil. Check out the APA ones...
Toylines in this category that appear on my Wishlist are:
Cy Girls
- "Shadow" (Ninja and Assassin)
Kabuki
- Kabuki
- War torn Kabuki
- Kabuki Doppleganger
McFarlane's Movie Maniacs
The Shadow
|