Month: November 2020

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).

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