Post by Micro on May 21, 2011 23:45:07 GMT -5
My latest RSC shipment came in today! I'm excited for this one because I was looking forward to adding Elite Series 9 to my collection. On the surface, it doesn't seem like a big deal with only two new Superstars and four repaints. Even worse, two of the them aren't even in the WWE anymore. Taking a closer look at them, though, this may be one of Mattel's nicest sets! Let's start with the highest paid free agent in sports entertainment...
#6: MVP
He was once half-man, half-amazing in the WWE and I think Mattel did justice to that with this figure. Just when I thought there wouldn't be any more MVP figures made after his release, Mattel updated him with his sleeveless look.
He comes with the same accessories from Series 1: Removable headband and his MVP & 305 chains. Except for the newer logos, his attire is almost exactly the same as his previous release. His head scan seems to be the same one as before. I feel that the red attire would've been a nicer choice since the first Elite MVP was also in black attire.
What really shines on this figure, though, is the tattoo work. MVP's arm tattoos are nicely detailed and colorful!
As nice as this figure is, I ranked MVP at #6 because he's the simplest repaint in the series. It's a good update but those happy with the Series 1 version might skip this one. Personally, though, I prefer this newer look. Now, on to the controlled frenzy of...
#5: Kofi Kingston
Kofi is one of my favorite new Superstars so I don't feel bad getting another Elite of him, even though the Series 4 version was a nice one. The track pants are nicely detailed but, like the earlier version, looks a bit too baggy or puffy on him.
The fabric pants are his only accessory and, underneath that, Kofi is sporting a more vibrant yellow and black attire. I like this version of him better since it stands out more.
The head scan is one of his more recent ones and helps complete this updated look.
Like MVP, this new Kofi is also a simple repaint but I ranked him higher because he at least gets a newer head scan and more colorful attire. I consider this the more definitive Elite version of Kofi and an improvement on the Series 4 version. Now, it's time to look at the Viper...
#4: Randy Orton
Randy Orton's attire is updated with yellow trunks designs and one of his newer shirts. That's pretty much it as far as the attire and accessories are concerned.
What really saves this figure from being yet another repaint of the Series 2 Orton is the new head scan. It's arguably one of the best Mattel scans to date! It truly captures Randy Orton's Viper persona with his cold, viscious eyes.
I'd say that this figure is the best rendition of Randy Orton to date and deserves to rank higher than the other repaints of this series.
We're getting to the best figures of Series 9! Up next is the Straight Edge Disciple...
#3: Luke Gallows
The Straight Edge Society was a cool faction but I didn't expect to see Luke Gallows made into an Elite since he's long gone now. I'm glad he was made, though, because he's a surprisingly good figure.
He only comes with a removable cap and vest but the simple details are nice, especially the SES logo on the back of his vest.
Every good faction needs a tough enforcer and Luke Gallows definitely looks the part!
Luke Gallows is the perfect companion piece to go with the upcoming SES masked CM Punk. It's only a shame that Serina wasn't made earlier to complete the SES. It's also a shame if this figure ends up being one of the big pegwarmers of the series. Figures of released Superstars tend to sell poorly, so I expect to see him stay on the shelves for a while. If this happens, then he may become one of those underrated gems in the Mattel collection.
Speaking of underrated, here's another nice surprise of Series 9: The Long Island Iced Z himself...
#2: Zack Ryder
Fans of Zack Ryder have been waiting a long time for this figure and Mattel delivered with a flawless likeness!
He doesn't come with many accessories, just his see-thru shirt and glasses. They could've skimped out on the shirt but Mattel put really nice details on it with his logo on the back and "Woo Woo Woo" "You Know it!" on the sleeves. There is also nice detail work on his tights.
The head scan is the same one as his Basic figure, with the headband molded in.
The one-legged tights attire is a bit outdated now but I'm glad they chose it. It was a cool, unique look and the one I remember the best. I consider this to be the definitive Zack Ryder figure and one of the most awesome Elites made!
Speaking of awesomeness, it's time to look at the top figure on my list...
#1: Miz
I was originally disappointed in the Series 3 version of the Miz when it came out. He was in his earlier, outdated "Miz & Morrison" attire and I really wanted a more current version. I'm glad to see Mattel finally made it!
The Miz is totally revamped with new attire and includes his entrance jacket made from semi-rigid rubber. Thankfully, it's not hard to remove and is made with a lot of detail.
The best accessory in this entire series, though, has to be the US Championship belt! I know it's a bit bigger than it should be but for me, it doesn't take away too much from how nice it is. I like the design of the US title, so I'm glad I finally have one!
The Miz's attire isn't very colorful but it has all the details of his signature logos.
This is the best Elite Miz right now and the US Title is a great added bonus!
Overall, Elite Series 9 is a solid lineup despite the repaints. Whether you're updating your current roster or starting your collection, I feel that this series captures some of the most definitive looks and best Elite versions. Pick your favorite or buy them all, you can't lose!
#6: MVP
He was once half-man, half-amazing in the WWE and I think Mattel did justice to that with this figure. Just when I thought there wouldn't be any more MVP figures made after his release, Mattel updated him with his sleeveless look.
He comes with the same accessories from Series 1: Removable headband and his MVP & 305 chains. Except for the newer logos, his attire is almost exactly the same as his previous release. His head scan seems to be the same one as before. I feel that the red attire would've been a nicer choice since the first Elite MVP was also in black attire.
What really shines on this figure, though, is the tattoo work. MVP's arm tattoos are nicely detailed and colorful!
As nice as this figure is, I ranked MVP at #6 because he's the simplest repaint in the series. It's a good update but those happy with the Series 1 version might skip this one. Personally, though, I prefer this newer look. Now, on to the controlled frenzy of...
#5: Kofi Kingston
Kofi is one of my favorite new Superstars so I don't feel bad getting another Elite of him, even though the Series 4 version was a nice one. The track pants are nicely detailed but, like the earlier version, looks a bit too baggy or puffy on him.
The fabric pants are his only accessory and, underneath that, Kofi is sporting a more vibrant yellow and black attire. I like this version of him better since it stands out more.
The head scan is one of his more recent ones and helps complete this updated look.
Like MVP, this new Kofi is also a simple repaint but I ranked him higher because he at least gets a newer head scan and more colorful attire. I consider this the more definitive Elite version of Kofi and an improvement on the Series 4 version. Now, it's time to look at the Viper...
#4: Randy Orton
Randy Orton's attire is updated with yellow trunks designs and one of his newer shirts. That's pretty much it as far as the attire and accessories are concerned.
What really saves this figure from being yet another repaint of the Series 2 Orton is the new head scan. It's arguably one of the best Mattel scans to date! It truly captures Randy Orton's Viper persona with his cold, viscious eyes.
I'd say that this figure is the best rendition of Randy Orton to date and deserves to rank higher than the other repaints of this series.
We're getting to the best figures of Series 9! Up next is the Straight Edge Disciple...
#3: Luke Gallows
The Straight Edge Society was a cool faction but I didn't expect to see Luke Gallows made into an Elite since he's long gone now. I'm glad he was made, though, because he's a surprisingly good figure.
He only comes with a removable cap and vest but the simple details are nice, especially the SES logo on the back of his vest.
Every good faction needs a tough enforcer and Luke Gallows definitely looks the part!
Luke Gallows is the perfect companion piece to go with the upcoming SES masked CM Punk. It's only a shame that Serina wasn't made earlier to complete the SES. It's also a shame if this figure ends up being one of the big pegwarmers of the series. Figures of released Superstars tend to sell poorly, so I expect to see him stay on the shelves for a while. If this happens, then he may become one of those underrated gems in the Mattel collection.
Speaking of underrated, here's another nice surprise of Series 9: The Long Island Iced Z himself...
#2: Zack Ryder
Fans of Zack Ryder have been waiting a long time for this figure and Mattel delivered with a flawless likeness!
He doesn't come with many accessories, just his see-thru shirt and glasses. They could've skimped out on the shirt but Mattel put really nice details on it with his logo on the back and "Woo Woo Woo" "You Know it!" on the sleeves. There is also nice detail work on his tights.
The head scan is the same one as his Basic figure, with the headband molded in.
The one-legged tights attire is a bit outdated now but I'm glad they chose it. It was a cool, unique look and the one I remember the best. I consider this to be the definitive Zack Ryder figure and one of the most awesome Elites made!
Speaking of awesomeness, it's time to look at the top figure on my list...
#1: Miz
I was originally disappointed in the Series 3 version of the Miz when it came out. He was in his earlier, outdated "Miz & Morrison" attire and I really wanted a more current version. I'm glad to see Mattel finally made it!
The Miz is totally revamped with new attire and includes his entrance jacket made from semi-rigid rubber. Thankfully, it's not hard to remove and is made with a lot of detail.
The best accessory in this entire series, though, has to be the US Championship belt! I know it's a bit bigger than it should be but for me, it doesn't take away too much from how nice it is. I like the design of the US title, so I'm glad I finally have one!
The Miz's attire isn't very colorful but it has all the details of his signature logos.
This is the best Elite Miz right now and the US Title is a great added bonus!
Overall, Elite Series 9 is a solid lineup despite the repaints. Whether you're updating your current roster or starting your collection, I feel that this series captures some of the most definitive looks and best Elite versions. Pick your favorite or buy them all, you can't lose!
cheers for sharring.
i have ordered Ryder, Miz, Gallows and Orton.
