In 1982 the first 12 Action Force figures were released in early summer. The first 12 included the Australian Jungle Fighter, British Marine, Commander, Commando, Desert Rat, Frogman, German Stormtrooper, Mission Pilot and SAS. The Mountain and Arctic set and U.S. Paratrooper were also released.  On 2nd October in 1982 a second wave of Action Force figures were released. Most of the second wave were repaints of moulds used in the first wave. The Action Force figures proved to be hugely popular and at one point out-sold Star Wars toys! 

Some of the figure moulds used in this first series would be used to make figures in the second series. An example of this is the British Marine mould being used to create the Z Force Captain. The German Stormtrooper mould also formed the basis of the Red Shadows figure. 

A 1982 television commercial of this Action Force toy line can be viewed here.