History Main / ActionFigureFileCard

The file cards started simply, featuring basic information on each Joe or Cobra member's {{Backstory}}personality, and abilities, usually accompanied with a quote by or about the character. As the line continued, Hama's writing became increasingly clever and elaborate; he often added humor to the file cards (as [[http://www.mania.com/gi-joe-generalissimo-larry-hama_article_115801.html this article]] will show). Hasbro added file cards to many of their other lines, and other companies (most notably Creator/PlaymatesToys) [[FollowTheLeader followed their example]], making this a popular trope for action figure packaging.

The file cards started simply, featuring basic information on each Joe or Cobra member's background, personality, and abilities, usually accompanied with a quote by or about the character. As the line continued, Hama's writing became increasingly clever and elaborate; he often added humor to the file cards (as [[http://www.mania.com/gi-joe-generalissimo-larry-hama_article_115801.html this article]] will show). Hasbro added file cards to many of their other lines, and other companies (most notably Creator/PlaymatesToys) [[FollowTheLeader followed their example]], making this a popular trope for action figure packaging.

* ''WesternAnimtion/{{Mysticons}}''

Typically, a file card appears on the back of the figure's blister card, although sometimes a trading card-like insert is used instead, especially if the figure comes with a large vehicle. A few of Playmates' ''Franchise/StarTrek'' figures [[TakeAThirdOption take both options]] to provide a double dose of data.

* ''WesternAnimation/{{COPS}}'': Larry Hama wrote these file cards too; Checkpoint's bio is infamous for hinting that he's the descendant of ''G.I. Joe'' character Beach Head.

* ''WesternAnimtion/{{Mysticons}}'' (also includes trading cards)

* ''Franchise/StarTrek'' (most figures also include trading cards)

[[caption-width-right:350:A ''G.I. Joe'' card that combines biographical data with subtle BitingTheHandHumor.]]

* ''Franchise/StarTrek''

!!Coleco

!!ERTL

!!Creator/{{Galoob}}

!!Hasbro

!!Creator/{{Kenner}}

!!Lionel

!!Playmates Toys

!!Tonka

!!Other

* ''TabletopGame/CartoonActionHour'', being based on toyetic cartoons, uses this concept for the players' character sheets.

Typically, a file card appears on the back of the figure's blister card, although sometimes a trading card-like insert is used instead, especially if the figure comes with a large vehicle. A few of Playmates' ''Franchise/StarTrek'' figures [[TakeAThirdOption take both options]] to provide [[AddedAlliterativeAppeal a double dose of data]].

* ''Series/TheAddamsFamily'' (toys based on the 1992 AnimatedAdaptation)

* ''Film/SuperMarioBros'' had these done as the front page from a Dinohattan newspaper.

* ''ComicBook/BuckyOHareAndTheToadWars''

The file cards started simply, featuring basic information on each Joe or Cobra member's background, personality and abilities, usually accompanied with a quote by or about the character. As the line continued, Hama's writing became increasingly clever and elaborate; he often added humor to the file cards (as [[http://www.mania.com/gi-joe-generalissimo-larry-hama_article_115801.html this article]] will show). Hasbro added file cards to many of their other lines, and other companies (most notably Creator/PlaymatesToys) [[FollowTheLeader followed their example]], making this a popular trope for action figure packaging.

An Action Figure File Card is a brief description of that particular character included on or inside its package.

[[quoteright:350:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/61722f4807e3f5586365bcc36496c46e.jpg]]

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* ''Franchise/{{Transformers}}''

Typically, a file card appears on the back of the figure's blister card, although sometimes a trading card-like insert is used instead, especially if the figure comes with a large vehicle. Some lines (such as ''WesternAnimation/RamboTheForceOfFreedom'' and a few of Playmates' ''Franchise/StarTrek'' figures) [[TakeAThirdOption take both options]] to provide [[AddedAlliterativeAppeal a double dose of data]].

* ''WesternAnimation/RamboTheForceOfFreedom''

Typically, a file card appears on the back of the figure's blister card, although sometimes a trading card-like insert is used instead, especially if the figure comes with a large vehicle. A few lines (such as WesternAnimation/RamboTheForceOfFreedom'' and a few of Playmates' ''Franchise/StarTrek'' figures) [[TakeAThirdOption take both options]] to provide [[AddedAlliterativeAppeal a double dose of data]].

* ''WesternAnimation/SpiralZone'' had these is the form of pamphlets packaged with the figures.

The UrExample is ''WesternAnimation/GIJoeARealAmericanHero''. When Creator/{{Hasbro}} was preparing to revive the '''Franchise/GIJoe'' franchise in the early 1980s, Creator/LarryHama was hired to write [[ComicBook/GIJoeARealAmericanHeroMarvel a comic book]] based on the figures. According to [[http://www.mania.com/gi-joe-generalissimo-larry-hama_article_115801.html this interview]] with Hama, he created these "dossiers" to keep track of the toy line's LoadsAndLoadsOfCharacters: "When the guys at Hasbro saw these first dossiers, they said, 'These would be cool on the back of the blister pack!'"

* ''WesternAnimation/FlashGordon1996'': Atypically for the trope, these cards had the heroes and vilains describing each other.

* ''WesternAnimation/FlashGordon1996'': Atypically for the trope, these cards had the good and evil characters describing each other.

* ''WesternAnimation/FlashGordon1996''

!!!Action figure lines with file cards, organized by toy company: