An action figure is a poseable figure / doll made most commonly of plastic and often based upon characters from films and TV, comics, military and  computer games; fictional or historical.

Hasbro 1964 created G.I. Joe to boys.

Palitoy = Action Man

In 1971, Mego created American Marvel and DC comic book superhero figures 

Star Wars toys to Kenner in 1976. The widespread success of Kenners Star Wars 3-3/4" toy line made the newer, smaller size figure with molded-on clothing and accessories.

The 1980s He-Man Masters of the Universe, G.I. Joe, Thundercats, The Real Ghostbusters

Japanese robot anime such as Gundam also encouraged

Takara   transforming cars and vehicles known as the Transformers,