If you grew up in the 1980s, there’s a good chance some of your favorite toys came from Transformers, G.I. Joe, Masters of the Universe, Star Wars, or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Most of us actually played with these figures, losing the weapons, bending the cards, and eventually tossing them into a toy box without imagining anyone would pay serious money for them decades later.
Today, certain original ’80s action figures are highly collectible, especially early releases that are still complete or, even better, unopened. If you still have a box of childhood toys in your parent’s attic, these are 12 figures worth digging through it to find.
Snake Eyes — G.I. Joe
The original 1982 Snake Eyes is easy to recognize by his all-black appearance, but collectors pay particular attention to the earliest straight-arm version. Original carded examples can be especially desirable, so this is one G.I. Joe you don’t want to casually toss into the donation box.
Storm Shadow — G.I. Joe
Storm Shadow’s white uniform makes condition particularly important because the plastic can yellow considerably with age. An original 1984 figure that remains bright white and still has his swords, bow, backpack, and other accessories is a much better childhood discovery than an incomplete, heavily discolored example.
He-Man — Masters of the Universe
Original He-Man figures aren’t automatically worth a fortune, but early releases on their original cards are a different story. Collectors particularly look for early card-back variations, including the desirable first-wave versions, along with good condition and an intact Power Punch feature.
Yak Face — Star Wars
Yak Face has become one of the better-known rarities from the original Star Wars toy era because the figure wasn’t part of the regular U.S. retail release. Examples sold internationally on original Tri-Logo or Canadian packaging can be particularly desirable, making this an unlikely-looking figure worth knowing before sorting through old Star Wars toys.
Optimus Prime — Transformers G1
The original 1984 Optimus Prime remains one of the most recognizable Transformers ever made, and early “Pre-Rub” versions released before the heat-sensitive insignia was added are particularly desirable. Complete examples are collectible, but unopened and professionally graded versions in exceptional condition are where values can climb dramatically.
Anakin Skywalker — Star Wars Power of the Force
Released in 1985, Anakin Skywalker belonged to the final group of vintage Kenner Star Wars figures collectors commonly refer to as the “Last 17.” Carded Power of the Force examples are the ones to get excited about, while loose figures are generally much more attainable because Anakin was also offered as a mail-away figure.
Skeletor — Masters of the Universe
He-Man’s unmistakable archrival has remained a favorite with Masters of the Universe collectors, but early versions are the ones you’ll want to examine carefully. Original carded examples with early packaging variations and distinctive details such as the earlier soft head can be considerably more interesting than later releases and reproductions.
Lion-O — ThunderCats
LJN’s Lion-O brought the leader of the ThunderCats into toy boxes in the mid-1980s, complete with his Sword of Omens and Battle-Matic action feature. There are different variations to find, including a harder-to-find red-haired version that collectors may favor over the more familiar orange-haired figure.
Original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Those Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo figures buried at the bottom of a toy bin deserve another look if they’re from the original 1988 Playmates line. Early soft-head versions are especially interesting to collectors, and finding the original turtles together with their weapons and packaging is much harder than finding the figures by themselves.
Soundwave — Transformers G1
Soundwave was one of the coolest original Transformers because he transformed into a microcassette recorder and could actually hold the smaller cassette characters. Early G1 examples with Buzzsaw, the original weapons, box, and other accessories are worth checking carefully, particularly if you find an early Pre-Rub version.
Megatron — Transformers G1
Original G1 Megatron is another Transformer that can become much more desirable when the accessories and packaging have survived alongside it. Because so many childhood examples became incomplete over the years, finding an original example with its box and accompanying pieces can make a substantial difference to collectors.
Cobra Commander — G.I. Joe
Early Cobra Commander figures deserve a closer look, particularly the original straight-arm version from the beginning of the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero era. As with Snake Eyes, seemingly small differences between early and later versions can matter considerably, so identifying the exact variation is important before deciding what an old figure is worth.
