Forget Spiderman, Superman or Batman, all we really wanted to be as kids was Action Man. Fearless, intrepid and plucky, we lived vicariously through our miniature soldiers, policemen and polar explorers as they fought off natural disasters, evil enemies and villainous opponents to emerge victorious.
Yet perhaps most admirable is how stylish Action Men really are, always maintaining an edge and elegance despite the trials they face. Here are 20 of the most fashionable examples...
The Air Surfer
If you once jumped from a plane on your gap yah, you probably imagined that you looked just like this Action Man with his intense glare, parachute and air board. We're sorry to tell you that no skydiver in real life could ever look this good.
The Operation SOS
Finally, an Action Man wearing something you could actually pull off in real life: the white helmet, red goggles and durable ski suit would look great on your next jaunt to the Alps. The gun might not go down so well, though.
The Space Man Explorer
Who needs a shiny spacesuit and over-the-top accessories when going to the moon? Action Man looks his best when dressed down for space exploring - especially in this Clockwork Orange-esque get-up and bright yellow boots.
The Racing Driver
Long before Lewis Hamilton was a household name, every man on earth dreamed of being a race car driver. And who could make it look as stylish as Action Man in his racing overalls, racing helmet with visor and thick, no-nonsense boots? No one, that's who.
The Police Motorcycle Rider
While we save up for a real-life motorbike, we can dress like Action Man in the meantime, in his effortless all-black get-up and sturdy boots. Car chases not included.
The Skier
Complete with retro leather boots, this patroller also sports a camouflage pack, belt with pouches, snow shoes, M1 rifle and helmet - because you can never carry too much on your back when an avalanche comes calling.
The underwater explorer
Do you love scuba diving? So does this Action Man - he's even got the air cylinder, underwater camera and knife and scabbard to prove it.
Tom Stone
This is Action Man as we know him best: in army gear, with a camouflage suit, black boots and Heckler and Koch SMG.
The Policeman
With his sharp gilet, combat boots and terrifying dog, this is one Action Man you definitely wouldn't want to mess with.
The Cricketer
There's something about cricket whites which will never go out of style - especially when expertly modelled by this nonchalant-looking Action Man.
The Aqua Blaster
If you find the thought of pistols and machine guns slightly intimidating, you can still do some damage with Action Man's giant water gun - AKA aqua blaster - which he's made sure match his orange shorts. What a stickler for detail, that Action Man.
The Mountaineer
Any kid who had always dreamed of climbing Everest wanted the Mountaineer in their collection, even though its ice hammer, crampons, and radio transmitter weren't quite life-sized.
The Olympic Champion
Which little boy (or, let's be honest, grown man) hasn't fantasised that if they only went jogging a few times, they'd find out they were as fast as Usain Bolt? This bored-looking Action Man proves that being an Olympic champion isn't just about the medals: it's also about the sleek Adidas running shoes, oversized tracksuit top, and of course, your very own javelin.
The Villain
What fun would any film, book or TV show be without a villain? Dr X provides the perfect evil counterpart to goody-two-shoes Action Man - and with his sleek goatee, bionic arm and rubbery outfit, we can only imagine how scary he'd be in real life. (Anyone else think he looks slightly like Ben Kingsley?)
The Kung Fu Fighter
Sometimes the most simple things in life are the best. This Action Man proves all you need is a samurai sword, white jacket and trousers and a black belt (of course) to really make a statement.
The Arctic Explorer
He may have a gnarling dog, high-tech sled and high-vis goggles, but all we're looking at is this Action Man's Canada Goose-esque jacket. We want one now.
The Footballer
Guns, ammo and military uniforms aren't for everyone. There is a certain fashionable charm about a head-to-toe football kit, especially this retro Chelsea one. You'd never catch today's bunch in a poloneck and sensible shoes, which we think is a crying shame.
The Tank Commander
So elegant. The vintage leather jacket, binoculars with strap and black beret are all so much cooler than anything an army man would wear nowadays.
The British Major
This is the outfit every action-hungry kid dreams of wearing one day - head-to-toe khaki, a peaked cap, and last but certainly not least, a handy map rolled up into one hand.
The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Never has a kilt looked better than on this Action Man and his Scottish regimental uniform, complete with sporran, hose, glengarry, spats, bayonet and scabbard, black boots, SLR rifle and belt. Phew.
