For Black History Month, instead of giving a lesson on George Washington Carver’s nuts like we got each year in elementary school, this year we’ll discuss African American action figures (of fictional characters). This includes, yes, four different ones of Sam Jackson, but oddly, none of Will Smith. Did we miss your favorites? Name them in the comments.

20) Django Unchained’s Figures

It’s not just kid movies that get merchandise. Quentin Tarantino’s slave-themed spaghetti Western film, Django Unchained, also had action figures released. Responding to an outcry from civil rights activists and others, the studio had the toys discontinued. Then eBay banned them. Guess what happened next? Their value skyrocketed, and they now go for hundreds each.

The figures include Stephen (Samuel L. Jackson), Django (Jamie Foxx), Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio), Butch (James Remar), and Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz).

Similar items were created for other Tarantino films, like Inglourious Basterds, but those are okay because Nazis don’t offend anyone.

19) Pee Wee’s Playhouse Cowboy Curtis

This was the role Laurence Fishburne was born to play.

18) The Incredible’s Frozone

Here’s a character who could get his own Pixar spinoff, with or without The Incredibles II.

17) ST:TNG’s  Lt. LaForge and Lt. Worf

LeVar Burton and Michael Dorn brought the soul to space.

16) Marvel X-Men’s Storm

I couldn’t find a Halle Berry Catwoman action figure so we’ll have to do with her slightly more popular character.

15) The Simpsons’ Carl

You can’t really have Carl without Lenny. He looks so alone. There are a few other Simpson’s characters who are black, such as Judge Roy Snyder, Bleeding Gums Murphy and Officer Lou.

14) Family Guy’s Cleveland Brown

Sometimes when I watch The Cleveland Show I throw something at my television and yell “Be more funny!” Yet I keep tuning in each week.

13) Green Lantern’s John Stewart

Raise your hand if you got the Green Lantern and Green Hornet mixed up. The way to tell the difference is easy – Seth Rogen is Green Hornet.

12) South Park’s Chef

Good ‘ole Chef. We remember him fondly, before he went nuts.

11) The Matrix’s Morpheus

Image via vivienneg

Forget Cowboy Curtis, get this version of Fishburne, instead. He can even sit in a chair!

10) Marvel Legends Blade Action Figure

With Wesley Snipes in prison, we’ll have to wait a long time for the next Blade.

9) Miami Vice’s Ricardo Tubbs

I almost forgot about Philip Michael Thomas. We all did.

8) Marvel’s Nick Fury

Well, at least one version of Nick Fury is black. And yes, it’s Sam Jackson.

7) G.I. Joe’s Roadblock

The best part of this character? He talks in rhymes.

6) WWE Classic Superstars – Junkyard Dog

May my fifth favorite professional wrestler ever rest in peace.

5) Gears of War’s Augustus Cole

From the game, Gears of War.

4) Shaft’s John Shaft

Samuel Jackson again. Also check out this custom figure of Jules Winnfield.

3) Star Wars’ Mace Windu

The article could’ve been Top Samuel Jackson Action Figures, instead.

2) Star Wars’ Lando Calrissian

There have been many Lando action figures over the years, all of whom look like Billy Dee Williams. Score.

1) A-Team’s B.A. Baracus

Mr. T still rules, but the better figures are actually of Rampage Jackson in the role. We lump all B.A. Baracus figures in together though for this #1 ranking.

Bonus – Barack Obama

Though the President of the United States isn’t a fictional character, and thus isn’t part of this list, there is no shortage of figures available. Also check out more non-fictional figures at HIA Toys, and see more black action figures at www.collectorsquest.com.