Category: TV Episodes & Movies

SUMMARY:

In 2014, the WWE released this ‘elite’ (approximately 6.5 inch) Hulk Hogan figure through Mattel.  As a member of its ‘Definitive Moments’ collection, this figure recreates Hogan’s likeness in his 1985-1987 prime (primarily, 1987’s WrestleMania III).  For its ‘elite’ status, this Hogan figure boasts the following noticeable articulation upgrades: 1. His mid-section & torso can move up and down; 2. His thick calves have a 360-degree rotation capacity; and 3. His legs can expand into splits.     

REVIEW:

Starting with his head, Hogan’s facial likeness and balding peroxide blonde hair are spot-on.  His ripped yet bulky physique is also spot-on.  The yellow and red costuming is an exact replica, as only his securely-attached red knee-pads aren’t painted on.  The figure’s articulation points include: turning his head; elbow bends; easily putting his arms into the curled-bicep pose; 360-degree rotation of wrists/hands; swiveling his waist; bending his upper body; his calves allow a 360-degree rotation of his legs; bending his knees as well as 360-degree rotation at the knees; the ankles bend; and easily standing, as long as his feet are properly positioned.  The bottom of Hogan’s feet have holes for display base pegs.  

As for the sculpting, it’s plenty realistic, as his thick abdomen/torso isn’t re-imagined with exaggerated six-pack definition.  His arms are slightly bigger than normal WWE ‘elites,’ so they are consistent with Hogan’s reputed 24-inch ‘pythons.’  Sturdily built, the figure is impressively durable.  All relevant factors considered, this Hulk Hogan homage proves a stellar choice for his fans.  It’s really the definitive Hogan figure!  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

As an ‘elite’ figure, his removable extras are: a yellow Hulk-a-mania bandanna; a yellow Hulk-a-mania rip-away t-shirt; and the 1985-1987 era WWE World Championship title belt.  An added extra is Hogan’s trademark gold crucifix necklace, which might easily break off.  A display base isn’t included.    

PACKAGING:

Well-designed and securely packaged, its box is decorated by air-brushed images of Hogan’s legendary 1980’s run.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:                 10 Stars

SUMMARY:

From Mattel in 2011, this 7-inch WWE figure represents an older Hulk Hogan casually dressed with a painted-on ensemble. 

His outfit consists of: a red-and-yellow “Hulkamania” headband (non-detachable); yellow-and-black sunglasses; a matching red-and-yellow “Hulkamania” cut-off shirt; black slacks with a silver-buckled black belt; and black hiking boots.  A black italicized “I am that I am” (worthy of Popeye) tattoo adorns his right forearm.  His articulation includes: 1. His head barely nods and turns slightly both directions.  2.  His buff arms are easily flexible, in part due to the well-built joints in his elbows and wrists.  The arms easily rotate the full 360-degrees while the wrists bend back and forth.  3.  His waist also rotates 360-degrees, but his abdomen & ribs don’t bend.  However, his full upper body will bow.  4. The legs sufficiently bend at the knees, so sitting pose and running poses are viable options.  The legs also easily swing back and forth.  5. The ankle joins allow his boots to tilt slightly in both directions. 

REVIEW:

With or without the sunglasses, its resemblance to the Hulkster is spot-on.  Even his blue eyes and blonde hair & handlebar moustache are depicted with impressive care.  The paint job (especially the red T-shirt) is immaculate.  Impressively,  surprising flexibility ensures that this Hulk Hogan is available for either playtime or display options.  Peg holes are included in the bottom of the hiking boots for any display bases.  Whether he is posing with his 24-inch pythons, or pounding his next adversary with a leg-drop, this Hulk Hogan figure is a great buy at its standard purchase price.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Though a bit flimsy, Hogan’s yellow-and-black-shades are detachable.  To re-attach them, these sunglasses must slide through his bandanna.  A display base isn’t included. 

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic yet effective.  The Hulkster’s photo shows him wearing the same red cut-off shirt.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:        8 Stars

SUMMARY:

From Mattel, this 6¾-inch WWE figure represents the legendary “Macho Man” Randy Savage casually dressed with a painted-on ensemble. 

His outfit consists of: baggy light blue jeans with a light brown belt; black wristbands and black sneakers; a pair of his favorite shades; and a vintage ‘80s “Macho Man” t-shirt.  His articulation includes: 1. His head nods and will rotate a full 360-degrees (see note below).  2.  His buff arms are easily flexible, in part due to the well-built joints in his elbows and wrists.  Both the arms and wrists easily rotate the full 360-degrees.  3.  His waist also rotates 360-degrees, but his abdomen & ribs don’t bend.  However, his entire upper body can bow.  4. The stiff legs barely bend at the knees, so a sitting pose isn’t a viable option.  The legs, however, swing back and forth just enough to simulate walking.  5. His ankle joints slightly bend and turn. 

Note: It’s advisable to only turn this figure’s head sideways.  Rotating his head around a full 360-degrees seems to loosen the head’s attachment to the neck.

REVIEW:

With or without the sunglasses, its resemblance to Savage is absolutely spot-on.  Even his blue eyes and brown hair & beard are depicted with impressive care.  The paint job (especially his light purple T-shirt) appears immaculate.  The only thing inexplicably missing is a “Macho Man” bandanna, as it could have been a painted non-detachable extra.     

This figure is likely best as a display option instead of playtime.  Strangely, its limber upper body (which is loaded with posing choices) is a stark contrast to the thick and near-immobile lower half.  Despite limited options for lower-body poses, this figure stands up indefinitely once the feet are properly positioned.  Peg holes are included in the bottom of the sneakers, but a display stand isn’t part of this package.  Whether he is posing or elbow-dropping somebody, this Randy Savage figure is still worth ‘digging’ at its standard purchase price.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Though somewhat flimsy, Savage’s distinctive black-and-white sunglasses are detachable.  These shades are easily re-attached through his hair. 

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic yet effective.  Savage’s photo shows him wearing the same light purple t-shirt.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:          7 Stars

Note: A later release of this figure comes with a ‘tough-talking’ voice chip.  However, instead of Savage’s actual voice, it’s a laughably bad imitator. 

SUMMARY:

From Mattel, this ‘basic’ WWE three-pack of approximately 6” to 6½” figures consists of: “Macho Man” Randy Savage; Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat; and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, all wearing their wrestling attire from March 1987’s pivotal WrestleMania III at the Pontiac Silverdome.  Steamboat pursued the wily Savage for his WWE Intercontinental Title.  Piper’s advertised ‘retirement’ match vs. “Adorable” Adrian Adonis also meant the sore loser gets a truly awful haircut.  These wrestling legends’ gear (including the wrist tape) is painted-on, though Savage and Piper both have tightly-secured rubber knee pads.     

To accurately define WWE ‘basic’ figures, it means: 1. The figure’s head can nod and make a 180-degree turn both ways.  2. The arms and wrists can twist, turn, and bend enough to make a classic curled bicep pose.  3.  The abdomen and ribs don’t bend, but the figure’s upper body at spin at the waist a full 360 degrees.  4. The legs can bend at the knees and ankles, but they can’t extend into splits.  The legs, however, can bend forward and backwards to simulate running or kicks.  5. The calves don’t rotate. 

Note: These versions of Steamboat & Savage (and probably Piper, too) are also sold separately.  The figures have a 2011 trademark.

REVIEW:

Starting with Piper, this figure’s likeness is spot-on, even down to his distinctive sneer.  Despite its modest articulation, his sturdy frame (including the terrific paint job) is exactly what a fan would want.  To Mattel’s credit, even Piper’s physique is realistically depicted.  Like Piper, Steamboat’s likeness is near-perfect, down to his red headband and the dragon logo on both of his boots.  Though his physique seems slightly embellished, everything else is exactly right (including his 5’10” height).  Of these three figures, Steamboat expresses the most articulation (in upper body and definitely lower body) points.  Unencumbered by clunky knee pads, his legs are the most limber for imitating his aerial maneuvers.           

Savage’s figure, however, is a mixed bag.  At a glance, the Macho Man’s likeness (including the paint job) is virtually flawless.  Yet, his figure is unnecessarily nearly a head taller than Piper.  The real Savage wasn’t nearly as lanky, considering he and Piper were roughly the same height (about 6’1”).  This Savage also towers a full head taller than the Steamboat figure, though their real height difference was far closer.  Savage’s lower body articulation (in part hampered by those rubber knee pads) makes him close to immobile.          

Posing options are limited, but these figures stand up well by properly positioning their feet.  There are holes in the bottom of the feet for display base pegs. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  Unfortunately, there isn’t a WWE I-C title belt for Savage & Steamboat to feud over; Savage’s trademark sunglasses & headband combo; or Piper’s “Hot Rod” t-shirt & Scottish kilt combo.  If there had been room for a fourth figure, either George “The Animal” Steele or “Adorable” Adrian Adonis would have been ideal.   

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic but effective.  Its theme predictably relives WrestleMania III.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:               7½ Stars

SUMMARY:

From Mattel, this ‘basic’ six-inch WWE figure represents WWE World Champion “Nature Boy” Ric Flair for his fiery WrestleMania VIII title defense vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage at Indianapolis’ Hoosier Dome in April 1992.  To define WWE ‘basic’ figures, it means: 1. This figure’s limited articulation doesn’t allow his abdomen & ribs to bend; 2. The legs can bend at the knees, but they can’t extend into splits; and 3. His calves don’t rotate. 

REVIEW:

In terms of its resemblance to pro wrestling’s self-described “dirtiest player in the game,” this figure is spot-on (though the physique is somewhat embellished).  His trademark peroxide blonde mullet, of course, is immaculate.  Though limited, the  articulation includes the ability to turn and nod his head; bend elbows; swivel his waist; rotate and bend wrists and lower legs; and expand his arms just barely for a classic curled bicep pose.  In terms of its production quality, the figure is impressively sculpted and sturdily built.  The paint quality is high-caliber, as nearly the entire red-and-white outfit is painted on.  The exception would be the red knee pads, which are tightly attached. 

Posing options are limited, but it stands up well when the feet are properly positioned.  His legs move well enough that one could even recreate Flair’s pompous strut.  There are display base peg holes in the bottom of the feet, but a display base isn’t included.  Whether for playing, posing, or just taunting his latest opponent, this Ric Flair is a solid buy at its standard purchase price.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  Props, like his WWE World Title belt or his flashy ring robe, would have been appreciated.

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic yet effective.  Its generic theme hints towards his historic WrestleMania VIII showdown vs. “The Macho Man.”

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:               8 Stars

Note: WWE/Mattel have also released a “Macho Man” Randy Savage figure wearing his WrestleMania VIII gold ensemble (minus the cowboy hat).