Life begins at 40. Well it does in the case of Action Man because he's back to his best and reporting for duty in the shape of this 40th anniversary re-issue. Forget the quasi-superhuman meathead currently masquerading as Action Man. This authentic military man is modeled on the definitive, British-as-beans-on-toast posable figure that caught the imagination of millions in the sixties and seventies.


We guarantee the memories will come flooding back the second you set eyes on this square-jawed jack-of-all-trades. From those gripping hands that once clung to ravine-traversing ropes (okay, your mom's washing line) to that jauntily angled scar and bristly hair, this golden-era Action Man is rough and tough - and always ready for a scrap, even in this politically correct era.

Whether you're buying one for the kids (liar) or for your own amusement, you'll be unable to resist making your Action Man strike a few poses. You might even be tempted to provide a few gruff voices for your re-issued icon as he wrestles with danger in your office/imagination. And in the case of the bearded Sailor you could attempt to shave his beard into a 'tache in the bath. Or was that just us?

Speaking of various models, we're currently selling the aforementioned Sailor, complete with regular naval uniform and deep sea diving outfit; the Lifeguard with soldier uniform and dress uniform; and the Footballer (choose from Chelsea, Arsenal or Man Utd.) with classic team strip and training outfit.

We really can't stress quite how nostalgic holding a 40th Anniversary Edition Action Man makes you feel. And dressing him up is enough to make a grown man cry. So it goes without saying that actually playing with him could tip you over the edge. And you can forget all that 'I'm buying mine as a display piece' nonsense. Besides, it takes a real man to play with an Action Man. So hurry up and get ordering before our entire squad marches out the warehouse.