Category: TV Episodes & Movies

SUMMARY:

From Mattel in 2013, this ‘basic’ six-inch WWE figure presents WCW legend Sting from his late ‘80s – early ‘90s prime.  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:

Its resemblance to the ‘Stinger’ is mostly there.  Yet, the body is inexplicably short for someone who is 6’2” or 6’3” in real life.  Like other ‘basic’ figures, his ripped physique is somewhat embellished.  His famous peroxide blonde long crewcut, of course, is immaculately molded (including the distinctive short ponytail).  The limited articulation includes the ability to nod his head; bend his elbows; swivel his waist; rotate and bend the wrists and lower legs; and expand his arms just barely for a classic curled bicep pose. 

In terms of production quality, the figure is nicely sculpted and sturdily built.  The paint quality is high-caliber, as the entire light green, lime green, and black outfit and facial make-up is painted on.  His white wrist tape is also painted.  Posing options are disappointingly limited, but the figure stands up well when his feet are properly positioned.  There are holes in the bottom of the feet for display base pegs, though a base isn’t included.  Whether for playing, posing, or intimidating pro wrestling’s villains, this middle-of-the-pack Sting figure is a solid buy for fans at its standard purchase price.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There aren’t any props.  A WCW World Title belt or a flashy ring jacket would have been appreciated.

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic yet effective.  Its generic theme celebrates Sting’s energetic look for that era.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:                      6 Stars

SUMMARY:

From Mattel, this ‘elite’ WWE three-pack of approximately 6” to 6½” figures consists of: Sting; “Macho Man” Randy Savage; and “The Total Package” Lex Luger, all wearing their wrestling attire from July 1996’s pivotal WCW Bash at the Beach event.  This trio clashed with Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and, shockingly, Hulk Hogan, as this six-man tag match would controversially unleash WCW’s ‘NWO’ (New World Order) heel faction.  These wrestling heroes’ gear (including their wrist tape) and facial art are painted-on, though Savage has tightly-secured, yellow rubber boot tassels.

To accurately define a WWE ‘elite figure, it includes: 1. The figure can nod and turn his head 180-degrees both ways.  2. The elbows and wrists bend to comfortably create a classic curled-bicep pose.  3.  360-degree rotation of the wrists and hands are easy.  4. 360-degree swiveling of the waist is also easy.  5. Bending his upper body/chest is workable.  6. The calves allow a 360-degree rotation of the legs.  7. The knees and ankles bend.  8.  The figure easily stands, as long as his feet are properly positioned.  The bottom of the feet have peg holes for any display base the figure may fit, but display bases aren’t included for these figures. 

Note: This Sting, Luger, and Savage, are exclusive to this set, particularly for Savage & Luger’s use of Sting-like face paint.

REVIEW:

Starting with “The Total Package,” his figure’s likeness (even the facial expression), ripped muscular frame, and paint job are all spot-on.  Luger’s imposing, real-life 6’5” height is recreated next to the Savage and Sting figures (who mimic their approximate 6’1”-6’2” real heights).  Despite the black knee pads, Luger’s loose mobility is excellent.  The same applies to Sting, as everything about this Stinger figure is top-caliber.  In a subtle way, Sting’s physique isn’t overly embellished, which nicely adds to its realism.  Perhaps the figure’s most life-like visual element is the neat wide-eye stare.  Another plus is that his tights are garnished by his colorful scorpion logo on one leg and a multi-colored “Stinger” on the opposite leg. 

The Savage figure borders on near-perfection (in terms of its sturdy construction; a spot-on likeness, etc.).  This Sting-inspired “Macho Man” is only marred by the generously ripped portrayal of his upper body.  Still, the figure’s ‘agility’ is remarkably on a par with the real Savage’s legendary high-flying antics.  Posing options are surprisingly good, though the lack of a display base is a disappointment.  Whether for posing or battling the sleazy NWO, this awesome three-pack proves an exceptional buy for WCW fans at its standard purchase price.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Savage’s black bandanna is detachable.  Oddly enough, so is Luger’s ponytail. 

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic yet effective.  Its theme predictably reflects the 1996 Bash at the Beach.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:                          9 Stars

SUMMARY:

From JAKKS Pacific in 2003, this two-pack consists of a prominent WWE tag team of the mid-80’s: B. Brian Blair (with the moustache) and drop-kick specialist: “Jumping” Jim Brunzell, both in 6¾-inch form.  Their attire consists of: yellow-and-black vertical striped trunks with matching wristbands for Blair (and white wrist tape on Brunzell); firmly attached black rubber knee-pads; and each with a variation of yellow-and-black wrestling boots.  Blair also has white knuckle tape on his right hand.  These Bees wouldn’t be complete without their yellow-and-black fabric masks to bewilder evil opponents and, whenever necessary, the referee.  

Their limited mobility and ripped sculpting is a precursor to that of current WWE-Mattel ‘basic’ figures.  Specifically, each figure’s articulation points allow or won’t allow: 1. Their heads turns both ways, though Brunzell’s head appears more flexible.  However, Brunzell’s head is in a permanent nodding position.  2. 360-degree rotations are possible with the arms.  The arms also bend at the wrists and elbows, so a classic bicep curl pose is possible.  3.  The upper body will bow, but the waist & abdomen don’t move.  4. Sporting okay flexibility, the legs can bend at the knees and ankles, but they can’t extend into splits.  Walking and kicking poses are workable.  5.  Neither the legs nor the calves rotate.      

REVIEW:

In terms of their resemblance to Blair & Brunzell, the likenesses are close, aside from the embellished physiques.  Even Blair’s brown mullet and moustache are spot-on.  In terms of production quality, these figures are well-sculpted and sturdily built.  The paint quality is high-caliber.  Their faithfully-rendered masks will tend to sag because the nose hole is slightly too big.  For posing, the Bees stand up well when their feet are properly positioned.  However, there aren’t peg holes in the bottom of the feet for display bases.  Their elongated feet are instead protected by a ring at the bottom of each boot sole to provide balance for standing poses.  For those remember Blair & Brunzell’s high-flying antics, seeing this fan-friendly duo again makes a welcome treat.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The sole extra is their detachable yellow-and-black masks. The masks are baggy enough to easily put on and take off.    

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic but effective.  It offers some cool nostalgia re: the Bees’ wrestling legacy.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:        7 Stars