Post by Micro on Feb 25, 2011 6:25:23 GMT -5
I had time last night to go see if TRU had anything new. I heard rumors of Rumblers Series 2 and the All Stars DVD sets but fortunately, they just put out fresh cases of the All Stars 2-packs! I grabbed a full set and here's my thoughts as I take them out and compare. I was going to post about each set individually but I think it will serve as better reference if I combine them all here. I hope you don't mind all the pics or lengthy post, I just wanted to be thorough. I'll be looking at each figure, the accessories, comparing them to previous releases, and giving my overall assessment. Now, let's start with the first set...
Set #1: "Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. John Morrison
This was the first prototype set we saw here and I loved that it included a classic 80's version of Macho Man. Let's start with a closer look into the madness...
Legend: "Macho Man" Randy Savage
While the paint scheme itself is a bit obscure, the general look is exactly what I remember of Randy Savage. The classic stars trunks are there with the Macho Man logo in the back.
Almost all the accessories are for Macho Man and it's a pretty cool deal, I feel. Along with his signature shades, Savage actually gets two sets of removable bandanas! They fit snuggly and stay securely on his head. Personally, I prefer the tiger striped one.
I tested them out on DM Savage and found that they also work on him too, which was a nice surprise. It looks like all these bandanas will be interchangeable with any Macho Man figure. I thought this was a nice touch and gave added value to this set.
So which version is better?
This was a pretty tough call. DM Savage is an amazing figure with sick detail that perfectly captures his "Macho King" era. However, the classic 80's attire is my preferred look, so All Stars Savage barely wins as my must-have version. At least, until the Legends 5 version comes out! Now, let's take a look at Savage's opponent...
Superstar: John Morrison
The Guru of Greatness, the Shaman of Sexy! I was very pleased with the Elite version of Morrison and, for the most part, this one is an exact duplicate of it. The only difference is that the All Stars version is a bit more orange with slight variations on the tights designs. He doesn't come with his cool coat this time, only the same sunglasses as before.
So which version is better?
While the belt design is a bit fancier and looks better, I still give the original Elite version the edge simply because it comes with his signature coat to complete his attire. Either version of Morrison is good but I think the upcoming one (Elite 10?) will be the one to beat!
Set #2: Jake "The Snake" Roberts vs Randy Orton
Shortly after the first set was revealed, this one was shown next and I was excited to see it. Let's start with the Snake himself...
Legend: Jake "The Snake" Roberts
Jake "The Snake" was one of my favorite wrestlers and I was mildly disappointed that the first Legends version didn't have a more iconic 80's attire and, worse of all, failed to include Damien the python! Mattel redeems themselves by giving us this classic version, though. The tights, in their simplicity, is what I think about when I think of Jake The Snake. Just plain green tights with a medusa design on the side.
The accessories included in this set are all for Jake and they are awesome! All the essential Jake the Snake gear is here with Damien and the ominous sack that Jake would carry to the ring.
Damien is huge and looks menacing when Jake holds him. My only gripe is that he doesn't come with a more detailed paint scheme. I always remembered Damien with his spots.
Another concern I had when I opened this set was that Damien wouldn't fit in the bag, it looked too small. With a little effort, though, I saw that Damien folds up rather nicely and fits perfectly inside. It's great that the sack has a drawstring to wrap up Damien snug and tight while Jake carries him along with wicked intentions.
So which version is better?
While I felt that the Legends version had a better "chest hair" paint application, the All Stars version is hands-down the best Jake The Snake made right now! It's got everything; The classic attire, Damien, and the carrying bag! Now, for Jake the Snake's opponent, it's the Viper...
Superstar: Randy Orton
Elite Randy Orton was a really good figure, perhaps one of the best Elites made, and this one is a virtual clone of it. Everything is exactly the same except for the color of the trunks designs, which is white now.
So which version is better?
I like the contrast of the white against the black but I'm still going to vote for the Elite version on this one. The only reason why is that Elite Orton has a cleaner, matte finish to him while the All Stars version looks more like slightly shiny plastic. Once again, though, I think the upcoming Elite 9 Randy Orton will blow them both away!
Set #3: "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. CM Punk
We never got a preview of the mysterious 3rd set of figures but it turned out to be quite a nice surprise actually. Let's start with the toughest SOB in the business...
Legend: "Stone Cold" Steve Austin
For those who missed out on Legends Stone Cold, this is the perfect time to pick Austin up. Instead of just giving us another reissue, like the HOF version, Mattel actually threw in some nice extras. Stone Cold comes with a few new accessories this time, including an awesome "Rattlesnake/Don't Trust Anybody" vest and a skull cap.
Also, for those who wanted double knee braces, Mattel listened and gave us a near-perfect version of the Texas Rattlesnake!
So which version is better?
I still prefer the 3:16 vest that the Legends version came with but I'm voting for the All Stars version in the end. It just feels more like a complete Austin to me with the double braces. Now, it's time for the final figure. Austin's opponent, the Straight-Edge Savior...
Superstar: CM Punk
This version of CM Punk is taken directly from his recent Elite release and even includes his electric hair clippers (To use against Austin?!). This easily could've been a re-release but again, Mattel saves this one by giving us a CM Punk with yellow attire! To me it's his most memorable attire and, as an added bonus, his tattoos are slightly updated with bolder linework and more vivid colors.
So which version is better?
No contest for me; All Stars CM Punk is the definitive version to get! At least, until a new short-hair headscan shows up...
Ok, time for my final conclusions!
The Bad: In the end, these are all repaints of previously released figures. If you're collecting Elites, chances are that you already have most of these figures. If you feel there's only one figure in the sets that are must-haves, you're going to have to buy the two-pack to get it which can be a bummer for those on a budget.
The Good: Unlike the HOF or Best of 2010 series, which rehashed earlier releases, the All Stars at least give us new paint schemes and attires for everyone. Mattel addressed some nice wishlists; Classic 80's Macho Man & Jake, Austin's braces, Damien, yellow Punk, etc. Also, unlike the Legends 2-packs, the price on these sets are reduced to $25 which I feel is fair for an exclusive Elite 2-pack.
The Final Verdict: I think the All Stars series was a great idea! This could've turned out to be lazy re-issues for a cheesy tie-in to a strange arcade-style game. Instead, Mattel took the opportunity to give us fresh new attires for popular wrestlers without intruding on the limited spaces in the Legends and Elite assortments. We asked for variety and we got it in record time. These sets just came out of nowhere and I think they're all worth picking up if you enjoy Legends or Elite figures!
Set #1: "Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. John Morrison
This was the first prototype set we saw here and I loved that it included a classic 80's version of Macho Man. Let's start with a closer look into the madness...
Legend: "Macho Man" Randy Savage
While the paint scheme itself is a bit obscure, the general look is exactly what I remember of Randy Savage. The classic stars trunks are there with the Macho Man logo in the back.
Almost all the accessories are for Macho Man and it's a pretty cool deal, I feel. Along with his signature shades, Savage actually gets two sets of removable bandanas! They fit snuggly and stay securely on his head. Personally, I prefer the tiger striped one.
I tested them out on DM Savage and found that they also work on him too, which was a nice surprise. It looks like all these bandanas will be interchangeable with any Macho Man figure. I thought this was a nice touch and gave added value to this set.
So which version is better?
This was a pretty tough call. DM Savage is an amazing figure with sick detail that perfectly captures his "Macho King" era. However, the classic 80's attire is my preferred look, so All Stars Savage barely wins as my must-have version. At least, until the Legends 5 version comes out! Now, let's take a look at Savage's opponent...
Superstar: John Morrison
The Guru of Greatness, the Shaman of Sexy! I was very pleased with the Elite version of Morrison and, for the most part, this one is an exact duplicate of it. The only difference is that the All Stars version is a bit more orange with slight variations on the tights designs. He doesn't come with his cool coat this time, only the same sunglasses as before.
So which version is better?
While the belt design is a bit fancier and looks better, I still give the original Elite version the edge simply because it comes with his signature coat to complete his attire. Either version of Morrison is good but I think the upcoming one (Elite 10?) will be the one to beat!
Set #2: Jake "The Snake" Roberts vs Randy Orton
Shortly after the first set was revealed, this one was shown next and I was excited to see it. Let's start with the Snake himself...
Legend: Jake "The Snake" Roberts
Jake "The Snake" was one of my favorite wrestlers and I was mildly disappointed that the first Legends version didn't have a more iconic 80's attire and, worse of all, failed to include Damien the python! Mattel redeems themselves by giving us this classic version, though. The tights, in their simplicity, is what I think about when I think of Jake The Snake. Just plain green tights with a medusa design on the side.
The accessories included in this set are all for Jake and they are awesome! All the essential Jake the Snake gear is here with Damien and the ominous sack that Jake would carry to the ring.
Damien is huge and looks menacing when Jake holds him. My only gripe is that he doesn't come with a more detailed paint scheme. I always remembered Damien with his spots.
Another concern I had when I opened this set was that Damien wouldn't fit in the bag, it looked too small. With a little effort, though, I saw that Damien folds up rather nicely and fits perfectly inside. It's great that the sack has a drawstring to wrap up Damien snug and tight while Jake carries him along with wicked intentions.
So which version is better?
While I felt that the Legends version had a better "chest hair" paint application, the All Stars version is hands-down the best Jake The Snake made right now! It's got everything; The classic attire, Damien, and the carrying bag! Now, for Jake the Snake's opponent, it's the Viper...
Superstar: Randy Orton
Elite Randy Orton was a really good figure, perhaps one of the best Elites made, and this one is a virtual clone of it. Everything is exactly the same except for the color of the trunks designs, which is white now.
So which version is better?
I like the contrast of the white against the black but I'm still going to vote for the Elite version on this one. The only reason why is that Elite Orton has a cleaner, matte finish to him while the All Stars version looks more like slightly shiny plastic. Once again, though, I think the upcoming Elite 9 Randy Orton will blow them both away!
Set #3: "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. CM Punk
We never got a preview of the mysterious 3rd set of figures but it turned out to be quite a nice surprise actually. Let's start with the toughest SOB in the business...
Legend: "Stone Cold" Steve Austin
For those who missed out on Legends Stone Cold, this is the perfect time to pick Austin up. Instead of just giving us another reissue, like the HOF version, Mattel actually threw in some nice extras. Stone Cold comes with a few new accessories this time, including an awesome "Rattlesnake/Don't Trust Anybody" vest and a skull cap.
Also, for those who wanted double knee braces, Mattel listened and gave us a near-perfect version of the Texas Rattlesnake!
So which version is better?
I still prefer the 3:16 vest that the Legends version came with but I'm voting for the All Stars version in the end. It just feels more like a complete Austin to me with the double braces. Now, it's time for the final figure. Austin's opponent, the Straight-Edge Savior...
Superstar: CM Punk
This version of CM Punk is taken directly from his recent Elite release and even includes his electric hair clippers (To use against Austin?!). This easily could've been a re-release but again, Mattel saves this one by giving us a CM Punk with yellow attire! To me it's his most memorable attire and, as an added bonus, his tattoos are slightly updated with bolder linework and more vivid colors.
So which version is better?
No contest for me; All Stars CM Punk is the definitive version to get! At least, until a new short-hair headscan shows up...
Ok, time for my final conclusions!
The Bad: In the end, these are all repaints of previously released figures. If you're collecting Elites, chances are that you already have most of these figures. If you feel there's only one figure in the sets that are must-haves, you're going to have to buy the two-pack to get it which can be a bummer for those on a budget.
The Good: Unlike the HOF or Best of 2010 series, which rehashed earlier releases, the All Stars at least give us new paint schemes and attires for everyone. Mattel addressed some nice wishlists; Classic 80's Macho Man & Jake, Austin's braces, Damien, yellow Punk, etc. Also, unlike the Legends 2-packs, the price on these sets are reduced to $25 which I feel is fair for an exclusive Elite 2-pack.
The Final Verdict: I think the All Stars series was a great idea! This could've turned out to be lazy re-issues for a cheesy tie-in to a strange arcade-style game. Instead, Mattel took the opportunity to give us fresh new attires for popular wrestlers without intruding on the limited spaces in the Legends and Elite assortments. We asked for variety and we got it in record time. These sets just came out of nowhere and I think they're all worth picking up if you enjoy Legends or Elite figures!
