Capitano In Azione

The Capitano In Azione (which translated to Captain In Action) figure was released by Baravelli Toy Co. in Italy in 1967. The action figure is based on the Captain Action figure released by the Ideal Toy Corporation in the USA in Spring, 1966. The Phantom is featured in the figure range which was approved/licensed by the Ideal Toy Corporation and King Features Syndicate.

The Italian released figure contained a few changes to that released in the USA:

  • The figure was renamed to ‘Captain in Action’ in Italy, originally named ‘Captain Action’ in the USA.
  • Only 4 costume variations were released, Superman, Batman, Phantom and Flash Gordon, originally 9 costume variations were released in the USA.
  • Each Italian figure came with a Captain America costume alongside the featured character costume, and not the Captain Action costume as seen in the USA.
  • A carboard insert is found in the Italian version housing the second costume and accessories, not seen with the USA packaging.

Capitano In Azione came in a rectangular cardboard box with a lift off lid. Color graphics are found on the lid, with the tray housing the figure, costumes and accessories left blank. The lid contains images of all 4 comic book characters released by Baravelli Toys, with the Phantom seen under his Italian name ‘L’Uomo Mascherato’.

The tray with the cardboard insert contains the poseable 12” figure, 2 costume variations (the comic character featured plus the Captain America costume), boots, gun holster belt, hat, sword, 2 gun, laser gun, interchangeable facemask and the Phantoms purple cowl/hood. The figure can be seen below wearing both the Phantom and Captain America costumes.

A second version of Capitano In Azione was released by Baravelli Toy Co. in Italy in 1967, featuring the same 4 comic book characters as above, Superman, Batman, Phantom and Flash Gordon. These figures were sold in window display boxes and also came with a Video-Matic flicker ring. The Phantom version can be seen below.

Both box sets of the Capitano In Azione figures can be seen below in a Baravelli Toy Co. catalogue, advertised amongst other toys released at the same time.