Lucky Thirteen #13: Scale-Sized Superstars

Lucky Thirteen #13
Scale-Sized Superstars
Written by Mark Adam Haggerty

Action figures were always my favorite toys as a kid, because they allowed me to create my own adventures within an already established �universe.' From Star Wars to X-Men to G.I. Joe—I loved the details, the articulation, and the endless possibilities they presented a nerdy little kid like me. I had a neighbor named Doug who lived down the street—truth be told, he was friends with my cousin and I didn't know him very well, but when my sister was born in 1992, he surprised me with a box FULL of his old action figures. Hundreds of He-Men, Transformers, G.I Joes, and something I wasn't really familiar with—WRESTLERS. He gave me about a dozen LJN Superstars including a bald guy in a black singlet and a blonde dude who was sort of sitting down. Later that year while playing with these bizarre, and frustratingly immobile figures, I came across my dad's VHS box set of the first three WrestleManias. There was the bald guy—King Kong Bundy! And the blonde dude sitting down—Hulk Hogan! I watched those tapes on repeat for over a year until I started catching up to the current product. Ladies and gentlemen my name is Mark Adam Haggerty and welcome back to another fun-filled countdown here at Cheap-Heat.com. It's been three months since I started this series and this week we're counting down the coolest collectibles in wrestling history—this is "Lucky Thirteen #13: Scale-Sized Superstars."

13. WWF TitanTron Live and R3 Tech
Jakks Pacific
With nearly two decades in the business and counting, Jakks Pacific is without question the most prolific name in wrestling figures. Jakks joined the WWE in 1996 to create its iconic "Bone-Crunching Superstars" line, which was ultimately discontinued in 1999. That is when Jakks went TECHNOLOGY-CRAZY and introduced the "TitanTron Live" and "R3 Tech" action figures. Beginning with the TitanTron Live toys in 2000; these were hard plastic recreations of WWE Superstars featuring microchips embedded in their feet. Once the Superstar "stepped" onto one of the various playsets, their music would begin to play and in the case of the original TitanTron set, an image would illuminate. Next came the R3 Tech toys, featuring full scans that made for dramatically lifelike expressions on the faces, but not all too much detail when it came to the figure's physique. The TitanTron and R3 Tech figures were far more articulate than their predecessors, but were much larger when compared side-by-side. The line of R3 Tech figures was discontinued in 2003 to make room for Jakks' Ruthless Aggression line.

12. WCW Collectible Wrestlers & Tag Teams
Original San Francisco Toy Makers
By the mid-1990s, World Championship Wrestling was running on all cylinders, thanks-in-part to the efforts of previously established WWE names like Hulk Hogan and Jimmy Hart. So it was no surprise that WCW continued to imitate the "Federation of the �80s" when the Original San Francisco Toy Makers introduced their "Collectible Wrestlers and Tag Teams" in 1994. The first series was comprised of 7 wrestlers, none of whom possessed even a modicum of mobility, and were in many ways reminiscent of the original LJN WWF Superstars. These figures were made of hard rubber and featured the likenesses of Hogan and Hart, as well as Ric Flair, Vader, Johnny B. Badd, and Kevin Sullivan among others. Quick side note: as a kid, I remembered collecting this entire series, and didn't get a hold of Badd and Vader until AFTER they debuted in the WWE. An additional series was released, as was a "Main Event" ring with a cage and "Real Ring Sounds." As the Monday Night Wars heated up, WCW insisted that OSFTM create more articulate action figures—the result was reprehensible. The �Toy Maker's attempt at adapting their previously released line was met with much disappointment and by 1997, WCW was looking ahead toward their future relationship with ToyBiz.

11. WWF Bend �Ems
JusToys
The World Wrestling Federation parted ways with Hasbro in 1994 and in 1995 partnered with JusToys to create "WWF Bend �Ems." This was a curious line of action figures for the WWE as they were produced from '95 until after the turn-of-the-century, all while Jakks Pacific was producing the more mainstream "Bone-Crunching Superstars." The "Bend �Ems" were about the same size as the Hasbro line, and possessed many of the same features including cartoonish characters and inordinately bright colors. As "bendable" figures, the "WWF Bend �Ems" weren't as articulate as later variations, but were far more fun to play with than either the LNJ or Hasbro toys. Every figure came on a card back featuring a pop-out cartoon trading card of the packaged Superstar. With just about one hundred wrestlers accounted for including Lex Luger, Bret Hart, Steve Austin, Sunny, the Undertaker and even Grand Master Sexay, this series is among the most diverse and has become extremely collectible.

10. WCW Wrestlers
Galoob
World Championship Wrestling always had a habit of taking an idea from the WWE, and falling just short of attaining the same success. In 1990, WCW sought to capitalize on the growing market for wrestling toys and commissioned Micro Machines creator Galoob to produce a line of WCW action figures. These figures were about the same size as the �Federation Hasbro's, however featured absolutely no articulation. They were—in essence—a scaled-down model of the original LJN Superstars, complete with very realistic features and accessories, but with little-to-no value in the toy box. That's not to say that these weren't absolutely stunning representations of early �90s WCW Superstars, including but not limited to Ric Flair, Lex Luger, Brian Pillman, and Dusty Rhodes. Some figures came with accessories, and everyone was equipped with a championship belt—even P.N. News. The WCW Wrestlers by Galoob only lasted for one year until they were discontinued in 1991

9. TNA Impact
Jakks Pacific
Jakks Pacific was responsible for some of the most popular WWE toys in history from 1996 until they parted ways at the end of 2009. In 2010, Jakks joined with rival wrestling promotion Total Nonstop Action to create a line of products similar to those that were produced for the WWE. Collectors and kids across the planet rejoiced at the idea of pairing TNA Wrestlers with WWE Superstars, but were mortified to discover the TNA Impact line was more akin to the heavily panned Deluxe Aggression series than the celebrated RUTHLESS Aggression. Total Nonstop Action toys are still produced by Jakks but in far smaller quantities than they were five years ago. Most TNA action figures can now be found either second-hand or as website exclusives through reputable third parties such as Ringside Collectibles. I received a Bully Ray figure from my podcast co-host Matt Sloyan for Christmas this year—the FIRST TNA figure I ever owned, and hopefully not the last.

8. WWE Ruthless Aggression among others
Jakks Pacific
In 2003, Jakks Pacific discontinued its R3 Tech toys and began producing what would become the most successful line of action figures in WWE history. The "Ruthless Aggression" figures improved upon almost everything that needed work including character details, accessories, and functionality. The Ruthless Aggression line introduced collectors to a highly-mobile models with fifteen points of articulation. In addition to countless series of Superstars from the main roster, Jakks debuted what is perhaps my favorite line of wrestling figures ever—WWE Classic Superstars. The �Classics' included well over a hundred wrestlers from the �60s, �70s, �80s, and �90s, and made it possible for fans to create scale dream matches like John Cena versus Superstar Billy Graham or even Andy Kaufman versus Doink the Clown! The Ruthless Aggression figures made way for the "improved" Deluxe Aggression line which included 20+ points of articulation, and were slightly taller than the regular figures. After six years and nearly 500 various releases, Ruthless Aggression is the longest-running line of action figures in professional wrestling history.

7. AWA All Star Wrestlers among others
Remco
The WWE signed its deal with LJN in 1984, but in 1985 Remco and the AWA All Stars beat their competition to stores with the first-ever wrestling figures in American history. The wrestlers of the American Wrestling Association were immortalized in hard plastic and rubber with various accessories, and packaged side by side in packs of 2-or-3. Although the line only lasted one year, the collection grew to include an enormity of personalities including the Road Warriors and Ric Flair, among other AWA mainstays. The Remco line was partially-articulate and were suspiciously similar to "He-Man" action figures. Remco also produced a ring, as well as specialty releases including, "Fight to the Finish"—a set including Curt Hennig and Steve Keirn, as well as a corresponding VHS tape. Remco discontinued its AWA action figures in 1986 after the single-packaged "Mat Mania" line; the AWA would be closed less than five years later.

6. ECW Extreme Action Figures
Original San Francisco Toy Makers
I'm not sure what it was about these figures, but the ECW Extreme Action Figures by the Original San Francisco Toy Makers were among my FAVORITE wrestling toys of all time. Extreme Championship Wrestling really hit its stride in 1999 with nationwide distribution on the Nashville Network, as well as video games and of course ACTION FIGURES. �Toy Makers' previously worked with WCW on their "Collectible Wrestlers and Tag Teams" line, and was ready to get back into the wrestling business with one of the hottest promotions of the time. The ECW figures were shorter than the WWE and WCW toys—well, some of them were—making it difficult to merge your ECW figures with previously purchased WWE and WCW wrestlers. Functionality wasn't important with the ECW line though; I remember seeing guys like Chris Candido and Justin Credible in action figure form, and thinking how amazing it was! While it might be difficult to pit Kane against New Jack in your scale wrestling ring, the toys represented a movement and grew to include ECW Legends like Rob Van Dam, Sabu, Tazz, Tommy Dreamer, Balls Mahoney, and Lance Storm.

5. The WWE Series
Mattel
When you talk about the number one name in professional wrestling, you've got to be talking about the WWE. And when you're discussing one of the biggest toymakers in terms of iconic properties—such as Barbie and Hot Wheels—who else but Mattel? WWE parted ways with Jakks Pacific in 2009 and on January 1st, 2010 introduced the very first line of WWE toys dubbed, "Elite." I have been highly critical of Mattel's foray into the world of professional wrestling, as the new batch of products doesn't seem to hold up the same as the Ruthless Aggression figures. The packaging is flimsy and cheap, the toys themselves seem generic, and the line of "Legends" is all but discontinued save for some online exclusives. I was ready to give up on Mattel all together, until I started to look closely—beyond the packaging and past the preconfigured poses. Mattel has taken facial scanning technology to a completely new level without sacrificing the accuracy of the characters body or wardrobe. This line of figures improves on Ruthless Aggression in terms of detail, and incorporates elements of DELUXE Aggression with 26 points of articulation.

4. WCW Smash �n' Slam among others
ToyBiz
World Championship Wrestling entered the wrestling FIGURINE game in 1990 but it wasn't until 1998 that they produced anything resembling an ACTION FIGURE. ToyBiz was most famous for manufacturing comic book toys and was partially owned by Marvel Entertainment for a period beginning in 1993. While WWE had consistently-named lines of toys including Ruthless Aggression and the current Elite series, WCW and ToyBiz introduced an enormity of differently named collections, such as "Smash �n' Slam," "Bash at the Beach," and "Slam and Crunch." Every series contained highly realistic models of WCW competitors with far more functionality than the competition's rubber "Bone-Crunchers." Each series also included various weapons and accessories such as "Ring Fighters," a collection of four figures, each of whom possessed one quarter of a wrestling ring. ToyBiz later became Marvel Toys and continued to produce WCW merchandise until 2001 when the promotion folded.

3. WWF Bone-Crunching Superstars
Jakks Pacific
They weren't the most realistic wrestling figures by today's standards, but in 1996, the "Bone-Crunching Superstars" were perhaps the most functional wrestling toys ever-made. I remember the lull between Hasbro and Jakks between a depressing time when all I could find were long-haired British Bulldog "Bend �Ems." Then one Saturday morning, my dad and I were walking down an aisle at the Englishtown Flea Market, when I spotted a blue-panted Heartbreak Kid with bow-legs and duck-lips. Side note: I eventually LOST that specific figure, presumably in the parking lot of an Italian Bakery in Plainfield, NJ. My dad always tells the story of the immigrant baker women who was HEARTBROKEN to discover I "lost my little man." This line of WWE figures were more articulate than previously released toys by LJN and Hasbro, and were made of both hard plastic as well as rubber, and standing just about six inches tall. In addition to almost every wrestler on the roster from 1996 to 1999, the "Bone Crunching" line also included women, announcers, managers, and various other wrestling personalities. There were all sorts of accessories: dumpsters, cages, tables, chairs, caskets—anything you ever saw during the Attitude Era was probably recreated in action figure form. I was 9 years old when the first series including the aforementioned HBK was released, and managed to collect almost every single Superstar before the line was discontinued in favor of the TitanTron Live series.

2. WWF Superstars
LJN
It would seem as though the WWE has been producing wrestling figures since the beginning of time, but it actually began during the "Dawn of Hulkamania." LJN was originally contracted by the World Wrestling Federation in 1984 and in 1985 debuted the first line of "WWF Superstars." The toys were tall—standing eight inches—and came preconfigured in various poses. Throughout their five year relationship with the WWE, LJN released a number of �Superstars, including wrestlers, announcers, and even the lovely Miss Elizabeth. In addition to the standard 8-inch rubber wrestlers, LJN created smaller �Superstars,' similar to the future line of "Bend �Ems." LJN continued to produce WWE action figures until their contract ended with the �Federation in 1989. There are still thousands of LJN figures in circulation today, most of which are off-the-card and pretty banged-up; similar to other action figures, LJN WWF Superstars have become wildly popular among customizers and action figure artists the world over, including the very talented "LJN Wrestling Superstars," who you can find on Facebook.

1. WWF Action Figures
Hasbro
Functionality and realistic details are among the most important features when it comes to action figures—that is—unless we're talking about the number one line of wrestling figures in history. Hasbro is one of the biggest names in the toy industry, and in recent years has become a pivotal force in blockbuster movie-making. Hasbro is responsible for helping to create billion-dollar franchises such as Transformers, G.I. Joe, and to a lesser extent—uh, Battleship, I guess. Hasbro started production on WWF Action Figures in 1990 and continued as the exclusive manufacturer of �Federation figures until 1994. The Hasbro line was noteworthy for a number of reasons; while the details weren't spot-on, the colors were vivid and the characters were highly expressive. They were comprised of hard plastic with spring-loaded limbs, which allowed for Superstars to perform "signature moves." Despite arms that went up and down, the figures were almost entirely immobile, making it difficult to perform the most basic of Hitman "Sharpshooters" or even "Hogan Leg Drops." Despite any kind of design flaws however, these quirky figures are among the most collectible wrestling toys in the world, valued for both their beauty and sometimes remarkable sticker price. Hasbro wrestling figures remain relevant today—more than 20 years later—thanks to outstanding custom artists such as Tommy from "Tommy's Hasbro Wrestling Customs," as well as the guys at "Hasbro-World Customs." Both of whom you can see on Facebook, creating incredibly modern era Superstars out of recycled wrestlers from yesteryear.

Thank you for joining me for this extra exciting edition of "Lucky Thirteen." Remember to check out my podcast, "The B+ Players," each and every Monday on YourListen, SoundCloud, YouTube, or right here at Cheap-Heat.com. My name is Mark Adam Haggerty, and you can follow me through social media: Twitter – @TapeTraderz and Facebook – "The B+ Players."