The Beginning Johnny West Series by Marx includes Johnny West in many different versions. Advertised in the early 1960's as Johnny West the movable cowboy by Marx, & the action cowboy.
One of the first action figures, the Johnny West figures, joined GI Joe in finding the ideal way for young boys to buy dolls. They simply called them "action figures". It worked because Johnny West continued to be produced in various styles. He was a great cowboy & appeared in a lot of real action positions. The 1975 toys show Johnny West as a "quick draw" cowboy.
The 1960's & 1970's were great years for western movies & western toys. The Wild West interest began back in the 1950's & lasted to the early 1980's. Johnny West also had some great company such as his wife Jane West. She offered something for the girls too & Marx spared nothing on the West family action figures. Jane was followed by the addition of the boys, Jaimie & Jay. Then the 2 girls arrived, Josie & Janice, & the family was complete! They were 7 1/2" tall & also very uniquely designed. The true West was in the spirit at Marx as they continued to produce action figures for the Johnny West Series.
Today the Johnny West action figures are very collectible & finding one with an original box in very good condition can be difficult! But there are still a lot of the action figures themselves, accessories too, if you look deep into the boxes at flea markets & garage sales. The clothing is getting difficult to find but again, do the legwork & you will be surprised at what you can find!
lockers 2009-01-05 11:36:33