Post by Micro on Dec 9, 2011 22:21:11 GMT -5
As an Elite collector, I usually don't focus too much on the Basic figures. The only exceptions are Divas and Rey Mysterio figures! However, I've been getting more and more Basics lately for various reasons. Some Superstars are only available as Basics, like the Hurricane, Shelton Benjamin, and the Great Khali. A few of them have better headscans than their Elite counterparts, like Vladimir Kozlov and Finlay, so I get them for quick headswaps. A lot of times, I really like their attires and wish they made them as Elites. Even though I planned to only get Elite versions, I often end up getting debut Basics just because they look cool!
Anyway, with the rising costs of figures, me liking more and more of them, and simply not having adequate time to go on dedicated toy runs, I decided to pre-order a few full sets of Basics. It's kinda appropriate that I start now because Mattel is dropping the Series numbers on the Basic series and introducing a new numbering system to coincide with their new 2012 packaging design. It's as if the Basic series is starting all over again! Personally, I like this new design, it's bright, different, and looks dynamic with the new pics of the Superstars. Instead of my usual ranking, I'll simply go down the list here. Please note that a couple of them will only be shown in MOC pics...I'm planning on using some of them for sales or trades and only keeping the ones that I want. So let's start with the first new Superstar of 2012...
#01: Rey Mysterio
Like I said earlier, one of the quirks to my WWE collection is that I like to collect all the Rey figures, so I'm glad to see another one. This time, he comes in a neat gold attire with all his regular logos. It's interesting that his photo on the packaging shows his new prayer tattoo on his side, even though Mattel is not allowed to use it. A shame, really, but oh well...This is pretty much another standard Rey figure!
Now if you'll excuse me, it's time to look at our first Diva of 2012 with...I said, EXCUSE ME!!
#02: Vickie Guerrero
A lot of people hate Vickie Guerrero but she's come a long way since she debuted after Eddie's death. She seemed so awkward on the mic and I thought she'd only last a few weeks. Over time, she's really developed her own character and is currently one of the last of the classic-styled managers. While not at the top of my Divas wants, she is a welcome addition to the line!
Vickie comes with her new headscan, which is well done! A special bonus is that she actually comes with an accessory, her signature Cougar necklace. It's a nice touch that completes her look!
Mattel approached Vickie's figure pretty much the same way that Jakks did; By giving her a padded shirt to make her thicker. It's not as puffy as the Jakks version and almost makes it look like she's got her own body sculpt. It's a removable rubber shirt, similar in design to Elite Orton's infamous shirt, and it can be removed. This is a good example of the rubber outfits utilized properly. Underneath, Vickie is in great shape with a catsuit body style that would be perfect for some Divas customs. I can see this body being used to make a custom Sable!
Vickie also has a new boots mold which is cool. It's attention to details like this that makes Vickie Guererro a great figure to have in your collection so she can manage her stable of boy toys!
Ok, now it's time to look at the Master of Parkour...
#03: John Morrison
Originally, I wasn't going to keep this figure but considering that this may be his last figure in his cool new look, and I don't have a Basic Morrison, I decided to give him a second chance!
This new John Morrison looks cool with the new black attire. His pants have all the flashiness with his signature logos and designs in silver!
Morrison comes with his updated, improved scan with the beard painted in. It looks great and the Elite version is only slightly better, IMO, because it has a more natural, scruffy paint deco instead of the clean paint job on the Basic version. Still, this may be one of the best Basic Morrisons and it's a shame that it's one of the last ones made!
Ok, time to look at someone who hates Little Jimmy's, so don't "What" me!
#04: R-Truth
R-Truth comes in an updated attire but the main reason I'm not keeping him is his headscan. It's an older, smiling one that just doesn't fit with his current look. I want a psychotic R-Truth, not a good R-Truth!
Anyway, time to move on to my favorite figure from this set...
#05: Ezekiel Jackson
This is a new updated version of Big Zeke and it's a huge improvement! In fact, this is probably the most improved figure in the Mattel lineup to date. He's a lot more massive this time and looks more like himself!
He comes in his regular red attire with signature logo on the back!
To fully appreciate how much better this version is, you have to put him side-by-side with the previous version from 2-Packs series 6. As you can see, Mattel went the extra mile to give him a bigger torso and thicker arms and legs. Now, he's definitely the personification of Domination!
Ok, time for the last figure in the lineup, the Deadman himself...
#06: Undertaker
This is pretty much your standard Undertaker figure, so I don't think I'll keep him. I already have a couple of Basic and Elite versions of him, so I don't really need another one. At least he comes with his newer angry headscan, which is still one of his best ones. I will say this, though, I kinda like the way the lighter beard looks on him. This Taker looks fearsome, so I better keep him in his package for now!
Overall, the new Basics are a nice way to start off the new year! It's not a perfect set but there are plenty of nice options among debut and updated figures, so pick your favorites and enjoy!
Anyway, with the rising costs of figures, me liking more and more of them, and simply not having adequate time to go on dedicated toy runs, I decided to pre-order a few full sets of Basics. It's kinda appropriate that I start now because Mattel is dropping the Series numbers on the Basic series and introducing a new numbering system to coincide with their new 2012 packaging design. It's as if the Basic series is starting all over again! Personally, I like this new design, it's bright, different, and looks dynamic with the new pics of the Superstars. Instead of my usual ranking, I'll simply go down the list here. Please note that a couple of them will only be shown in MOC pics...I'm planning on using some of them for sales or trades and only keeping the ones that I want. So let's start with the first new Superstar of 2012...
#01: Rey Mysterio
Like I said earlier, one of the quirks to my WWE collection is that I like to collect all the Rey figures, so I'm glad to see another one. This time, he comes in a neat gold attire with all his regular logos. It's interesting that his photo on the packaging shows his new prayer tattoo on his side, even though Mattel is not allowed to use it. A shame, really, but oh well...This is pretty much another standard Rey figure!
Now if you'll excuse me, it's time to look at our first Diva of 2012 with...I said, EXCUSE ME!!
#02: Vickie Guerrero
A lot of people hate Vickie Guerrero but she's come a long way since she debuted after Eddie's death. She seemed so awkward on the mic and I thought she'd only last a few weeks. Over time, she's really developed her own character and is currently one of the last of the classic-styled managers. While not at the top of my Divas wants, she is a welcome addition to the line!
Vickie comes with her new headscan, which is well done! A special bonus is that she actually comes with an accessory, her signature Cougar necklace. It's a nice touch that completes her look!
Mattel approached Vickie's figure pretty much the same way that Jakks did; By giving her a padded shirt to make her thicker. It's not as puffy as the Jakks version and almost makes it look like she's got her own body sculpt. It's a removable rubber shirt, similar in design to Elite Orton's infamous shirt, and it can be removed. This is a good example of the rubber outfits utilized properly. Underneath, Vickie is in great shape with a catsuit body style that would be perfect for some Divas customs. I can see this body being used to make a custom Sable!
Vickie also has a new boots mold which is cool. It's attention to details like this that makes Vickie Guererro a great figure to have in your collection so she can manage her stable of boy toys!
Ok, now it's time to look at the Master of Parkour...
#03: John Morrison
Originally, I wasn't going to keep this figure but considering that this may be his last figure in his cool new look, and I don't have a Basic Morrison, I decided to give him a second chance!
This new John Morrison looks cool with the new black attire. His pants have all the flashiness with his signature logos and designs in silver!
Morrison comes with his updated, improved scan with the beard painted in. It looks great and the Elite version is only slightly better, IMO, because it has a more natural, scruffy paint deco instead of the clean paint job on the Basic version. Still, this may be one of the best Basic Morrisons and it's a shame that it's one of the last ones made!
Ok, time to look at someone who hates Little Jimmy's, so don't "What" me!
#04: R-Truth
R-Truth comes in an updated attire but the main reason I'm not keeping him is his headscan. It's an older, smiling one that just doesn't fit with his current look. I want a psychotic R-Truth, not a good R-Truth!
Anyway, time to move on to my favorite figure from this set...
#05: Ezekiel Jackson
This is a new updated version of Big Zeke and it's a huge improvement! In fact, this is probably the most improved figure in the Mattel lineup to date. He's a lot more massive this time and looks more like himself!
He comes in his regular red attire with signature logo on the back!
To fully appreciate how much better this version is, you have to put him side-by-side with the previous version from 2-Packs series 6. As you can see, Mattel went the extra mile to give him a bigger torso and thicker arms and legs. Now, he's definitely the personification of Domination!
Ok, time for the last figure in the lineup, the Deadman himself...
#06: Undertaker
This is pretty much your standard Undertaker figure, so I don't think I'll keep him. I already have a couple of Basic and Elite versions of him, so I don't really need another one. At least he comes with his newer angry headscan, which is still one of his best ones. I will say this, though, I kinda like the way the lighter beard looks on him. This Taker looks fearsome, so I better keep him in his package for now!
Overall, the new Basics are a nice way to start off the new year! It's not a perfect set but there are plenty of nice options among debut and updated figures, so pick your favorites and enjoy!
ing tank 
