Big Jim was a line of action figure toys produced from 1972 through 1986 by Mattel for the North American and European markets. He was renamed Kid Acero in Latin America and, for a short period of time, Mark Strong in Europe. Originally inspired by G.I. Joe, the Big Jim line was smaller in size (closer to 10 inches in height compared to Joe's 12) and each figure included a push button in the back that made the character execute a karate chop action. The action figure's arms were made of a soft plastic/vinyl material and contained a mechanism that simulated the bulge of a biceps when the elbow was bent. Big Jim was less military-oriented than the G.I. Joe line, having more of a secret agent motif, but also had a large variety of outfits and situations available including sports, space exploration, martial arts, hunting, western, camping, fishing, and photography. Basic characters Characters are sorted in the year in which they made their first appearance. Note that most of them were produced for several years after their initial release. Original Mark Strong the Man from Mattel (1972) Mark Strong – Big Jim's conceptual source – The basic figure was dressed in orange shorts with white stripes and came with a karate board, dumbbell and test of strength belt. He was only released in Europe. Original Big Jim Basic series (1972) Big Jim – the basic good guy leader of the P.A.C.K. He was an average Caucasian male with few distinguishable characteristics, except having a permanent good attitude and joy for life. Big Jack – One of the first African American characters with friendly attitude that made it into toys without racial stereotypes. Big Josh – Effectively Big Jim with a beard. He is one of Jim's best friends, and was positioned as the tough guy among the group. Big Jeff – Big Jim's third buddy. An Australian blond, who was also Jim's opponent in the Olympic boxing match set, even though both Jim and Jeff are on the American team. Dr. Steel – He came with a steel right hand and an iron pipe, and a large dragon tattoo on his chest. Originally a villain, he later appeared as a member of the P.A.C.K. However, in some countries he remained a villain. Chief Tankua – Jim's Native American friend. He came with bow and arrow, and was the first