The original creator of the billion dollar G.I. Joe toy has moved onto a new line of action figures.
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(Photo: Family Values, LLC)Shown is the new 'Almighty Heroes' 3 character action figure with 'Almighty Heroes' storybook. This biblically based line of action figures was started by the creator of the original G.I. Joe, Don Levine.
This time, instead of a series of military-themed action figures, toy mogul Don Levine has begun selling a series of Bible-based action figures depicting champions from the Old Testament.
The action figure creator hopes that the unique series of Almighty Heroes will inspire children to take a deeper look into scripture.
"It is my desire that these inspirational action figures and fashion dolls create excitement for kids,” explained Levine, in a statement, “and develop their interest in the characters and messages of the Bible."
The new series of toys was launched this month and include biblical figures such as Samson, David, Noah and Moses. For girls, there are fashion dolls based off women such as Queen Esther and Deborah the Warrior.
Besides the figures themselves, the toys also come with their own Bible storybook. Levine, who is Jewish, hopes that children can learn about the same heroes that he did as he grew up.
"The battle of Good versus Evil is what makes these characters stand out," added the toy tycoon known to some as “the father of G.I. Joe.”
The first G.I. Joe action figure was released in 1963 after toy creator and licensing agent Stan Weston brought the idea of a soldier action figure to Levine at toy company Hasbro after seeing the market success of the Barbie doll,. Since it first began, the company started by Levine made over five billion dollars.
G.I. Joe also remains one of the most recognizable toy brands within American history and has often represented the boy toy industry.
Levine’s new company is now slated to release 35 new toys for the fall based on the Almighty Heroes action figures and Bible stories. Levine has also started up the process for creating a television and DVD series for the characters in the future.
Information and purchasing of the items can be found at Levine’s website, www.familyvaluescenter.com. As a goal, the products from the site are meant to “nurture the special spirit that exists within the family by making it very real, fun and meaningful to share.”
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Way to go Mr. Levine!
I am an entrepreneur from New Jersey that started a faith-based toy company. I was sitting in my church (Bethany Baptist Church-, Gibbsboro, NJ) and at the end of service ,I said to myself, “I wish that I could take my Bishop home with me. I would love to be able to hear his Biblical messages repeatedly.”
Soon there after, God laid it on my heart to start the business and market Heroes of the Bible “then,” and Spiritual Leaders of “today.” I invented (patent pending) the Biblical – Scripture Reciting, Men/Women of the Cloth Doll/Action Figure. I used my Bishop (David G. Evans) as my proto-type and he is backing this venture 100 percent. We will be business partners and the bulk of the money will go to youth ministries in the church. I have made efforts to approach other well know Spiritual leaders.
One issue that seems to be of concern to some parents is that there is the potential that children will begin to worship man. That clearly is not my intention. I want people to understand that ‘man’ is a vehicle by which we are brought to comprehend God’s word and doctrines. They are action figures for the Lord or superheroes in Christ.
The mission, of my business, like yours, is to give parents an alternative to buying dolls/action figures similar to superman, batman or spiderman. When those action figures are purchased for children, they give them a false sense of power and/or ability. Superman is known to leap a tall building in a single bound, lift ill-fated planes out of the sky and bend steel – none of which is possible. Children will never be able to possess these false powers. Children emulate what they see. Why not use a common face, their Pastor, Preachers. Ministers, Bishops, or Deacons, to teach them the following powers they do have:
“You are the head and not the tail.”
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper.”
“Honor thy Mother and Father.”
“You can do all things through Christ that strengthens you.”
Kind regards.
Ms. Adrienne M. Dixon
One Market Street, Ste. 469
Camden, New Jersey 08102
609-638-5936