michaelc
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Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
Posts: 110
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Post by michaelc on Oct 3, 2020 22:59:22 GMT -5
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michaelc
Mid-Carder
Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
Posts: 110
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Post by michaelc on Jul 13, 2020 3:36:46 GMT -5
I was talking to a guy years ago who bought a unreleased Kamala LJN face mask from a guy who worked for the company back in the day. He had all the paper work and sketches for it too. It was unpainted. Really a shame they did not include it with the figure on release. That was the only one I have seen before or since. Pretty cool. Have you seen the LJN/MWFP episode with Conrad? They discuss a prototype mask...I believe they ended up losing it after filming but I don’t recall that full story. Thanks got Kamala's mask covered. Did they lose it! - that would cause major distress!
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michaelc
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Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
Posts: 110
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Post by michaelc on Jul 12, 2020 8:23:11 GMT -5
I've got the Muscle Grip figures covered Ruby! these are the tough ones to get clear info on. Kyoken couldn't be clearer nor more helpful! After googling the Hogan, I'm pretty satisfied they at least considered the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons bodystyle. Too bad they didn't get released... The collectorate has some good images, and the bloke who has wrestled a bit and has a figure or two!
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michaelc
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Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
Posts: 110
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Post by michaelc on Jul 12, 2020 3:14:37 GMT -5
I've got the Muscle Grip figures covered Ruby! these are the tough ones to get clear info on. Kyoken couldn't be clearer nor more helpful!
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michaelc
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Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
Posts: 110
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Post by michaelc on Jul 11, 2020 20:29:35 GMT -5
Great summary Kyoken. I couldn't have asked for more!
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michaelc
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Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
Posts: 110
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Post by michaelc on Jul 10, 2020 22:16:58 GMT -5
Fantastic image and information. Ill be in touch!
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michaelc
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Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
Posts: 110
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Post by michaelc on Jul 10, 2020 21:45:55 GMT -5
Looking for final complete info to settle the Sgt. Slaughter prototype lineage. It has been a topic well debated on threads here throughout the years, but many of the images have now expired. So if any of you guys have been fortunate (or enterprising) enough to own either the 'standard' LJN 8" version of Sarge's proto; or the abandoned Bendie-style proto (conceptualised and rendered before LJN made the switch to larger-style figures for their new line) it would be great to hear from you. Of course, any images are more than appreciated - so much more!
Once more, thanks in advance and looking forward to your responses.
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michaelc
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Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
Posts: 110
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Post by michaelc on Jul 10, 2020 21:40:49 GMT -5
It is well known that the only way to get the Blue-kneepad larger Hulk Hogan Bendie was with the Cage Match Challenge ring playset. But did the Bendie ring set only ever come with a Blue-kneepad Hogan? Or did early versions (first released mid-1986) have the yellow kneepads smaller Hogan? And what heels came with the ring. Volkoff is common and Studd is often mentioned. Any others that you definitely saw? Thanks again in advance and looking forward to your responses.
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michaelc
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Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
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Post by michaelc on Jul 10, 2020 21:36:22 GMT -5
Hi forum members. Does anyone know the correct size of the unreleased LJN articulated figures prototypes? And does the extent of these only include Hogan, Sheik, Albano and JYD? Of course images would help no end, especially from any party that owns these, or has had them through their hands. Thanks in advance and looking forward to your responses.
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michaelc
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Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
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Post by michaelc on May 20, 2020 8:36:37 GMT -5
Actually my hard copy arrived in the post today. This surprised me as given Covid there’s virtually no international flights coming into Australia to carry air freight as cargo. BTW. I never backed the Kickstarter, but ordered online at the expiration of the Kickstarter.
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michaelc
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Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
Posts: 110
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Post by michaelc on May 20, 2020 8:07:25 GMT -5
Thanks. I need to confirm if more than one possible example exists. All images I have seen are the same card with the same creases in the same spot. All super collectors I have been in contact with do not have it, nor have ever owned it. Although they are all aware of the existence of that one example I mentioned. It doesn’t matter personally to me, but I have to do my due diligence as part of the final research for the LJN book.
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michaelc
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Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
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Post by michaelc on May 19, 2020 20:04:31 GMT -5
Thanks guys. A hundred views, no responses, confirms what I already thought. But I have to ask the questions rather than simply turn an assumption into a presumption without due diligence.
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michaelc
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Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
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Post by michaelc on May 16, 2020 1:58:07 GMT -5
Does anyone own this version carded, or has ever owned one, or knows of someone who does? A true example should be on a blue LJN 28-back card, with no item number or assortment number on the front; and of course without a belt!!!! (like the white-shirt 1988 first release version).
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michaelc
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Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
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Post by michaelc on Apr 25, 2020 9:15:58 GMT -5
The most likely window for him wouldve been the final LJN-produced wave in 1988. But like you mentioned, most in that line were a bit more prominent during 87/88....with Lucious Johnny being the odd man of the group, I don't even think he was in the company when his figure was released. So I just think it was a small window for that to happen coupled with the fact that not everyone on the roster was going to get a figure unfortunately(I would've loved a Butch Reed LJN). Butch is another one that should have gotten a figure. He came to WWF around the same time Kamala and Koko did and just a few months later than Harley Race and Billy Jack and he also came a few months before Outback. Johnny was a 1987 guy I do believe. For some reason he, Vince McMahon and the Referee are credited sometimes in the 1988 series but with them being on the 1987 cardbacks even before Jack, Koko, Haynes and Harley I think they were 1987. Mr. Fuji and Mean Gene are usually mentioned with the 1987 series though they came out in 1986.[/quote] Your release timing is spot on. Fuji dec 1986. Mean Gene August 86. Blue referee first... late summer 87. Johnny V mid 87. Vince late 1987. Butch Reed is the most obvious omission from that time ... and defeated Outback in Jack’s first match late 86
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michaelc
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Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
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Post by michaelc on Mar 19, 2020 7:50:53 GMT -5
Thanks Jason. Got a favourite LJN pickup from when you were a youngster back then?
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michaelc
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Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
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Post by michaelc on Mar 18, 2020 7:32:31 GMT -5
Great summary.. do you know when you got your Volkoff..he fits came out for Xmas 1985?
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michaelc
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Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
Posts: 110
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Post by michaelc on Mar 17, 2020 0:46:30 GMT -5
"As he was being interviewed backstage by Mean Gene Okerlund, and with the legendary Andre the Giant showering him in champagne, Hulk Hogan celebrated his triumph in capturing the World Heavyweight Championship just 6 weeks after his debut. But even with proud parents Ruth and Peter beaming, the wrestling world couldn’t help but wonder if their new patriotic champion might just be another flash in the pan? The Incredible Hulk Hogan, 303 pounds of thick golden muscle and thin blonde hair started his WWF title reign by travelling to Japan to compete in New Japan Pro Wrestling where he was a bonafide legend. Back on home soil in mid-February the champ made his first title defense against The Masked Superstar. But heel talent was lining up to tackle Hogan, and over the ensuing months he successfully defended against the The Iron Sheik, Paul Orndorff, Big John Studd, David Schultz and Greg Valentine. In July he saw off Jesse Ventura and later settled into a longer run with top contender Studd, punctuated by challenges from Orndorff, The Sheik and Brutus Beefcake. But Hogan’s star was shining even brighter out of the ring, where as part of the Rock’n’Wrestling Connection with Cyndi Lauper, he was becoming the most recognised ‘sports’ star in the world. But one Rowdy man was peeved at Hogan’s status and took every opportunity to bring the star down. Despite limited title shots, which normally ended without a clear pinfall, Roddy Piper had clearly set his sights on beating the man he despised most - the champion of the world. In February 1985 at the War to Settle The Score Hogan faced down the crazed Scotsman. Hulk was being beaten senseless by Piper and Orndorff after a Wonderful interfering kneedrop from the top rope. Cyndi Lauper tried in vain to help her friend but Piper and Orndorff threatened the tiny songstress. Mr T, sitting ringside, entered the fray to try and even the score. And then, after a wild melee had cleared the ring of the bad guys, a new alliance was cast in blood. The feud climaxed as the main event of Wrestlemania with Hogan and T facing Piper and Orndorff; with Jimmy Snuka and Bob Orton as cornermen. The match was a seesaw encounter with Piper and T belting their hate into each other. Hogan got on top of the maniacal Piper but was continually troubled by Orndorff who pushed the Hulkster to the limit. Piper felled Hogan with a chair, and back in the ring Hogan was double-teamed. Orndorff had Hogan tied and ready for a knockout blow, but the Ace missed with his loaded cast, ko’ed Wonderful and Hulk Hogan and Mr T won the day at wrestling’s Superbowl. Over the next few months Hogan met Don Muraco in a series of tough encounters, as well as seeing off all of the major contenders in Orton, Studd, Sheik, Ken Patera, Beefcake, Valentine, Nikolai Volkoff, King Kong Bundy and of course Piper. Hogan even defended against now friend Paul Ordnorff, who again pushed the champ to his limit but shook the Hulkster’s hand after the bout. A new posse of challengers soon emerged in the WWF. The brash Randy Savage started gunning for Hogan’s title; and it looked to the fans that The Macho Man might have the goods to make good on his threats. Savage’s manager Elizabeth taunted Hogan’s selective choice of opponents before a title bout against the lowly Rusty Brooks. This brought on punishing defences against Savage; who even stole Hulk’s belt after a count-out win at the end of 1985. Early 1986 saw Hogan lucky to escape with his title when Terry Funk almost piledrove the champ into a 3-count. And then in February, following another defence against Muraco, Hogan was savagely attacked by Bundy. The bald behemoth delivered three Avalanches and two splashes to Hogan, the last onto Hogan’s back. The damage ‘sent’ the Champion to the hospital and he had to strap his damaged ribs for protection. And so the score between the people’s champ and Heenan’s top goon could only be settled inside a steel cage at Wrestlemania 2! The match was a brutal encounter and Bundy went straight for Hogan’s damaged ribs, viciously choking the champ with the bandages and using them to choke Hogan. Hogan fought back but the weakened champ was unable to slam the bloodied big man. Bundy delivered the Avalanche, hit a big splash and was almost out of the cage when stopped by Hogan. Bundy hit another Avalanche, but now Hogan, drawing power from the fans, scoop-slammed the massive monster, who couldn’t recover in time to beat Hogan in exiting the cage. Throughout 1986 Hogan added Adrian Adonis and Moondog Spot to the list of challengers that was headed by Bundy, Studd and Funk. But not even Hulkster himself could predict that the biggest threat to his title was yet to come, fuelled by the growing resentment lurking deep inside good friend and ally, Paul Orndorff."
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michaelc
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Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
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Post by michaelc on Mar 17, 2020 0:45:40 GMT -5
It was only natural that LJN kicked off its line with WWF Heavyweight champion and burgeoning megastar Hulk Hogan, proudly wearing his hard-won championship belt. It was also only natural that mini-Hulk Hogan sold out as soon as he hit the stores. The Series 1 Hogan was a well-sculpted capture of the WWF’s poster boy, simply clad in golden yellow, with red kneepads and customary (and very marketable) headband and sweatbands. However, Hulk did have an over-generous shock of blonde hair; but the little promoters at home soon found out that this anomaly quickly corrected itself after a few exuberant headshots to their mini-champ. LJN (and the broader toy market) had significantly underestimated the potential demand for these new 8” bad boys, so they corrected by increasing the Hogan production runs (and packing ratios). As winter ‘85 wore on, the newly-minted at-home promoters were more easily able to acquire their favourite wrestler. But by December ‘85, LJN’s ‘over-produced’ Hogan often cast a lonely shadow across toy aisles, with many of his absent playmates hiding under a tree ready for a bout of Christmas-mania! Wrestlemania begat Hulkamania begat Merchandise-a-mania (or vice versa), ergo the Hulkster popped up in a few (dozen!) more lines. A super-sized Hulk hit the stores in late ‘85 aptly branded as the Giant-Sized Hulk Hogan. Hulk lead 1986 lines as two distinct Bendies and in 5 Thumb Wrestler sets, as a 1987 stretch wrestler; and in a number of cancelled ideas including, Roadsters, Muscle-Grip and even articulated forms. And of course kids could now do their training with the Hulkamania Workout Set, say their prayers in their Hulk Hogan pyjamas, and eat their vitamins from their Hulkster lunchbox (but the branded pills came later). In 1985 Hulkamania reigned supreme in the ring and in the mini mat wars as well. And of course LJN’s series 1 Hogan is the benchmark against which all subsequent releases would be measured. “So watcha’ gonna’ do brotha’, when 8 inches of plastic-mania come pounding down on you!” Make more of course. Many, many more!
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michaelc
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Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
Posts: 110
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Post by michaelc on Mar 17, 2020 0:43:39 GMT -5
"Oddly enough in 1998 at a "Value Village" store my grandmother found a majority of the 1988 releases. " Hi Jason, do you remember who any of these were?
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michaelc
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Joined on: Mar 23, 2016 1:27:41 GMT -5
Posts: 110
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Post by michaelc on Mar 14, 2020 8:51:43 GMT -5
Hi Ozz. I’ll be in touch soon. I have been checking periodically on the Hasbro book...still waiting. My work is slowing right down abruptly..possibly due to bigger world issues...so I’ll be upping work on the LJN book soon...and given the issues with that other book..i’m hestitant to formalise anything until I can pin down a very close approximation of availability!
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