Post by Micro on Jun 7, 2011 0:28:32 GMT -5
Some figures just turn out to be pegwarmers. Perhaps they're already gone from the WWE or considered old, boring, and outdated. They sit on the shelves for months, some clearanced, some forgotten. We constantly see them during toy runs and makes us wonder when they'll go away so new stock can arrive. Lately, I like to look over these unwanted figures and pick up the ones that I thought were cool when they first appeared but passed on.
This time, I came across a 2-pack that's pretty common in local Kmarts and felt like adding an old legend to my collection: Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat!
I remember holding this set in my hands while walking around Walmart when it first came out. Reluctantly, I decided to save my money and put it back on the shelves. Ricky Steamboat is a true legend of the ring and this set featured his latest rivalry against Chris Jericho.
When Jericho faced three old legends at Wrestlemania, I had low expectations for that match. Both Jimmy Snuka and Roddy Piper were out of shape, slow, and quickly dispatched. However, Ricky Steamboat leapt into the ring and I was amazed how sharp and agile he still was! For a moment, the Dragon had returned as if time had never passed and I consider it to be one of the best Wrestlemania moments I've seen. I only saw highlights of his rematch at Backlash, which is what this set is based on, but it also looked like he gave Jericho all he had and put on a good show. I wanted to get this older version of Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat but I already had a great Legends Elite version and I just couldn't justify buying a whole 2-pack just for a Basic version of him. Thankfully, this set is still in stores and this time I didn't hesitate to give the Dragon a second chance.
Mattel did a great job on this version of Steamboat. The torso appears to be a new sculpt, not so muscular or defined, which is appropriate for this aged Superstar. They also gave Ricky Steamboat a new, older-looking head scan. I feel that a little less hair would've been perfect but it's still very good.
Mattel's sense of scale and details is extraordinary and they kept it up with Steamboat. His tights are simple but the dragon designs on his legs and boots are pretty intricate. Mattel did a good job in capturing all the fine details like the scales, colors, and sweeping lines.
The best detail is the headband, IMO. It's sculpted in and not removable but it looks as if tied in the back and hangs down in a realistic manner. You almost forget it's made of plastic. I think this is the first WWE Mattel figure to have this long, hachimaki style headband and I thought it was cool.
Overall, this older Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat falls into the category of a great, unique figure that definitely deserves a second chance. He's another welcome addition to my collection and will serve as a mentor or perhaps a general manager in my roster. Ricky Steamboat is a pure classic wrestler and reminds us that Legends never die but simply become timeless.
This time, I came across a 2-pack that's pretty common in local Kmarts and felt like adding an old legend to my collection: Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat!
I remember holding this set in my hands while walking around Walmart when it first came out. Reluctantly, I decided to save my money and put it back on the shelves. Ricky Steamboat is a true legend of the ring and this set featured his latest rivalry against Chris Jericho.
When Jericho faced three old legends at Wrestlemania, I had low expectations for that match. Both Jimmy Snuka and Roddy Piper were out of shape, slow, and quickly dispatched. However, Ricky Steamboat leapt into the ring and I was amazed how sharp and agile he still was! For a moment, the Dragon had returned as if time had never passed and I consider it to be one of the best Wrestlemania moments I've seen. I only saw highlights of his rematch at Backlash, which is what this set is based on, but it also looked like he gave Jericho all he had and put on a good show. I wanted to get this older version of Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat but I already had a great Legends Elite version and I just couldn't justify buying a whole 2-pack just for a Basic version of him. Thankfully, this set is still in stores and this time I didn't hesitate to give the Dragon a second chance.
Mattel did a great job on this version of Steamboat. The torso appears to be a new sculpt, not so muscular or defined, which is appropriate for this aged Superstar. They also gave Ricky Steamboat a new, older-looking head scan. I feel that a little less hair would've been perfect but it's still very good.
Mattel's sense of scale and details is extraordinary and they kept it up with Steamboat. His tights are simple but the dragon designs on his legs and boots are pretty intricate. Mattel did a good job in capturing all the fine details like the scales, colors, and sweeping lines.
The best detail is the headband, IMO. It's sculpted in and not removable but it looks as if tied in the back and hangs down in a realistic manner. You almost forget it's made of plastic. I think this is the first WWE Mattel figure to have this long, hachimaki style headband and I thought it was cool.
Overall, this older Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat falls into the category of a great, unique figure that definitely deserves a second chance. He's another welcome addition to my collection and will serve as a mentor or perhaps a general manager in my roster. Ricky Steamboat is a pure classic wrestler and reminds us that Legends never die but simply become timeless.
