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Post by The Madness on Jan 12, 2010 15:25:37 GMT -5
I wish I had a picture of it to share with you guys, but a long time ago, I picked up a big box of LJNs from a flea market with a figure that has made me very skeptical of color variants: a green JYD. I'm not sure how, but his skin had turned to an ugly, spinach-colored greenish-brown.
Now, I'm trying to put together a list of all of the LJN figures, and there are some color variants that I'm not quite sure about. Which is a legit/intentional variant and which can be chalked up to aging? For instance:
Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart I have read that these were released with both purple and pink tights. I have also heard from a couple of sources that there might even be a third, darker purple variant.
Jesse Ventura There is definitely a version of Jesse with a blonde mustache and a reddish-brown mustache. Does this extend to his hair as well? I have seen both mustache versions with blonde hair, but not red.
Like the Harts, he is said to be released with pink and purple tights. This makes me wonder if there was a manufacturing change or a change caused by age, exposure to air/sun, or random variations in the paint, which could lead to a plethora of differently shaded "variations."
Greg Valentine/Iron Sheik Here is another one that I'm wondering about because the variations are always two shades of the same color. I have seen Valentine listed with light/dark blonde hair and Sheik with yellow/orange deco on his pants. Again, was this a consistent variant?
A couple more questions:
- I know that Sheik, Valentine, and the Harts were rereleased as tag team box sets. This strikes me as odd, since I have seen these minor variants of each talked about in different places. Would there be a noticeable difference in the singles and tag team release?
- As I mentioned earlier about my JYD, I have read about a pale/tan variant of the Killer Bees as well as a pale/tan Jesse Ventura. How legitimate are these? I know that someone had posted a picture on here of a Jesse with tights that had practically turned gray, and logic would dictate that it was never sold that way.
- What do you guys know about the "painted hair" version of George Steele? I was looking at STOMWIJF's example in the database, but I have never seen a carded version, which made me wonder if it might be a pre-production sample. Did a painted variation actually exist, or was it just a rumor like Roddy Piper in the panther shirt?
- I seem to recall reading about a variant of Vince McMahon, but just about all the Vinces I come across are loose. What factory variants exist of him, if any?
The other variants I know of are:
S.D. Jones' shirt Piper's boots Referee's shirt JYD's chain Elizabeth's skirt Hogan #2 in red/white Jimmy Hart's megaphone Bobby Heenan's sleeves Mean Gene's mic Capt. Lou Albano's shirt Corporal Kirchner w/ stubble, beard or clean shaven
Am I missing any?
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greenmist
Mid-Carder
Joined on: Apr 14, 2008 16:04:20 GMT -5
Posts: 71
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Post by greenmist on Jan 12, 2010 18:55:17 GMT -5
Randy Savage's trunks/kneepads - pink version was the first one made; later a purple version was made
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romafan87
Mid-Carder
Joined on: Dec 21, 2008 22:24:31 GMT -5
Posts: 450
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Post by romafan87 on Jan 13, 2010 0:17:43 GMT -5
I wish I had a picture of it to share with you guys, but a long time ago, I picked up a big box of LJNs from a flea market with a figure that has made me very skeptical of color variants: a green JYD. I'm not sure how, but his skin had turned to an ugly, spinach-colored greenish-brown. Now, I'm trying to put together a list of all of the LJN figures, and there are some color variants that I'm not quite sure about. Which is a legit/intentional variant and which can be chalked up to aging? For instance: Bret Hart & Jim NeidhartI have read that these were released with both purple and pink tights. I have also heard from a couple of sources that there might even be a third, darker purple variant. Jesse VenturaThere is definitely a version of Jesse with a blonde mustache and a reddish-brown mustache. Does this extend to his hair as well? I have seen both mustache versions with blonde hair, but not red. Like the Harts, he is said to be released with pink and purple tights. This makes me wonder if there was a manufacturing change or a change caused by age, exposure to air/sun, or random variations in the paint, which could lead to a plethora of differently shaded "variations." Greg Valentine/Iron SheikHere is another one that I'm wondering about because the variations are always two shades of the same color. I have seen Valentine listed with light/dark blonde hair and Sheik with yellow/orange deco on his pants. Again, was this a consistent variant? A couple more questions: - I know that Sheik, Valentine, and the Harts were rereleased as tag team box sets. This strikes me as odd, since I have seen these minor variants of each talked about in different places. Would there be a noticeable difference in the singles and tag team release? - As I mentioned earlier about my JYD, I have read about a pale/tan variant of the Killer Bees as well as a pale/tan Jesse Ventura. How legitimate are these? I know that someone had posted a picture on here of a Jesse with tights that had practically turned gray, and logic would dictate that it was never sold that way. - What do you guys know about the "painted hair" version of George Steele? I was looking at STOMWIJF's example in the database, but I have never seen a carded version, which made me wonder if it might be a pre-production sample. Did a painted variation actually exist, or was it just a rumor like Roddy Piper in the panther shirt? - I seem to recall reading about a variant of Vince McMahon, but just about all the Vinces I come across are loose. What factory variants exist of him, if any? The other variants I know of are: S.D. Jones' shirt Piper's boots Referee's shirt JYD's chain Elizabeth's skirt Hogan #2 in red/white Jimmy Hart's megaphone Bobby Heenan's sleeves Mean Gene's mic Capt. Lou Albano's shirt Corporal Kirchner w/ stubble, beard or clean shaven Am I missing any? I've owned both set of Hart Foundation in question. I do think there is a noticeable difference, but I do think the variant is consistent with aging. For example, my purple set had a slighter darker tone as a whole, including skin, if that helps any. The difference in Killer Bees is minimal and I also believe is due to aging. I've seen a "dark skinned" Jim Brunzell and it looked like it was consistently dark. I've never seen a George Steele variant and I've gone through a lot of LJNs. I feel like the Sheik, Ventura, and Valentine variants might be legitimate because of how early on in the line they were and the possibility of them running out of a certain paint because of unanticipated needs. I also think there is something to the variant in tag teams but I've never investigated it.
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Post by figurecollector on Jan 13, 2010 9:50:00 GMT -5
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Post by figurecollector on Jan 13, 2010 10:18:18 GMT -5
As I was paging through photos, there was also JYD without the blue emblem on the boots. There is no wear on that area of the boot showing it could have been worn off. There were also variants for the bend-ems figures of LJN. I can post those if anyone is interested.
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Post by The Madness on Jan 13, 2010 10:38:57 GMT -5
Those albums are great, figurecollector!
I was looking through your WCW Galoob one, and I had never heard of Arn Anderson without the bald spot.
I wonder if there were more of AA and JYD like that? Would those be considered variants or errors?
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Post by figurecollector on Jan 13, 2010 11:26:49 GMT -5
Thanks for the compliments WV. I think the Arn was intentionally made that way. As for JYD, I think LJN just forgot to put the emblem on some of them.
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familyguy84
Superstar
UK collector of LJNs, hasbros and galoobs
Joined on: Sept 29, 2009 9:41:21 GMT -5
Posts: 793
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Post by familyguy84 on Jan 13, 2010 12:00:10 GMT -5
Arn was made with a bald spot and then he didn't like it so they painted over the bald spot (you can still see the smooth patch on the non-bald one).
Not sure which is rarer. also not sure whether this applies to the UK exclusive. Interesting to know if anyone has all 3 or 4 variants.
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Post by The Madness on Jan 13, 2010 12:02:43 GMT -5
Arn was made with a bald spot and then he didn't like it so they painted over the bald spot (you can still see the smooth patch on the non-bald one). Not sure which is rarer. also not sure whether this applies to the UK exclusive. Interesting to know if anyone has all 3 or 4 variants. I have never heard that story before. I love finding out new info about these old lines.
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Post by figurecollector on Jan 13, 2010 16:14:47 GMT -5
I have the US versions carded with and without the bald spot. My loose UK version has hair, but I would have to do some digging to get to my carded version to check since the photo I took of it was not from the top like I took of the US ones.
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brinsko3
Mid-Carder
Joined on: May 4, 2009 15:22:55 GMT -5
Posts: 132
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Post by brinsko3 on Jan 13, 2010 16:57:22 GMT -5
I have both Greg Valentines and also Hogan #1 with the same variation with the hair. I believe there is also a Big John Studd variation with the hair color. The Killer Bees is quite noticable with the skin tone. I have Brian Blair and next to each other it is quite obvious. I know that strike force is another variation w/ and w/o the lightning bolt on the boots. And another is Don Murraco. His name across the shirt has large and small print. I also got two short hair Andres. One with brown and one with black hair, but I am unsure about this one because I never heard of anyone else with this one. Freddie Blassie comes with a dark and bright yellow coat. My George the Animal Steel looks identical to the one pictured above. I wish one would show up MOC so we can know its legit but til then no one will believe their authenticity. I think thats all the missed ones I know of but will recheck later on.
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familyguy84
Superstar
UK collector of LJNs, hasbros and galoobs
Joined on: Sept 29, 2009 9:41:21 GMT -5
Posts: 793
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Post by familyguy84 on Jan 14, 2010 7:46:33 GMT -5
I have both Greg Valentines and also Hogan #1 with the same variation with the hair. I believe there is also a Big John Studd variation with the hair color. The Killer Bees is quite noticable with the skin tone. I have Brian Blair and next to each other it is quite obvious. I know that strike force is another variation w/ and w/o the lightning bolt on the boots. And another is Don Murraco. His name across the shirt has large and small print. I also got two short hair Andres. One with brown and one with black hair, but I am unsure about this one because I never heard of anyone else with this one. Freddie Blassie comes with a dark and bright yellow coat. My George the Animal Steel looks identical to the one pictured above. I wish one would show up MOC so we can know its legit but til then no one will believe their authenticity. I think thats all the missed ones I know of but will recheck later on. If one hasn't shown up moc by now i doubt it ever will. Imagine having a figure that there exists no MOC version. How frustrating would that be?
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brinsko3
Mid-Carder
Joined on: May 4, 2009 15:22:55 GMT -5
Posts: 132
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Post by brinsko3 on Jan 14, 2010 12:45:40 GMT -5
The odd thing is that you see them here and there on ebay and for the most part they all look identical to one another. Even down to the paint color. I am sure we won't see one MOC but there is always a possibility of something. Like maybe they were only released in the "Value Pack" box, where you got 2 figures in a box for a price. You rarely ever see them listed on ebay. Think I only seen 2 ever Corporal Kirschner/Adrian Adonis and Honkey Tonk Man/Outback Jack. I think it was Outback Jack but I could be wrong. But there is still a hope out there.. maybe he was included in one of them. Just need to find one..
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bix
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Joined on: Nov 8, 2009 14:14:29 GMT -5
Posts: 106
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Post by bix on Jan 14, 2010 13:34:08 GMT -5
I'm pretty sure that pics of the Billy Jack Haynes/Hercules value pack have shown up here.
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Post by The Madness on Jan 14, 2010 13:41:37 GMT -5
This is a complete shot in the dark, but weren't the LJN figures sold through WWF magazine? Did they come carded? If not, is it possible that the painted-hair George Steele may have come from there?
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schellshocker
Main Eventer
DOWN WHERE? DOWN HERE - Bee ATCHES. SUCK IT!! 7 refs here, 95 on eBay!
Joined on: Oct 16, 2006 11:54:51 GMT -5
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Post by schellshocker on Jan 15, 2010 0:56:37 GMT -5
I Have a variant George"the animal"Steele figure with the fadded red stripe down the side (This has been confirmed by other collectors - i've never seen another one)
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lamby23
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Joined on: Dec 16, 2009 14:10:15 GMT -5
Posts: 262
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Post by lamby23 on Jan 15, 2010 16:03:03 GMT -5
Pretty Sure the George Steele figure was never made with hair. This is an actual pic of the prototype that was on the back packaging or a preview catalogue. Look how different the painted hair looks from any this you've seen here or on Ebay. I hope you didn't pay too much money for that. Check out this website also has pics of many prototypes and variants of the LJN figures. spams.tripod.com/ljnmuseum
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cwfpro
Main Eventer
Feeling bad
Joined on: Sept 29, 2005 13:10:35 GMT -5
Posts: 1,412
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Post by cwfpro on Jan 15, 2010 16:30:02 GMT -5
Here are the ones I have: blue and white shirt refs George Steele painted hair Jimmy Hart hearts and no hearts on megaphone Capt Lou (logo shirt) Mean Gene (wwf logo on mic) Corp stubble I also have the sd jones red shirt and yellow shirt figures. The only one I am really missing that I want is Corp with his beard later dudes
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schellshocker
Main Eventer
DOWN WHERE? DOWN HERE - Bee ATCHES. SUCK IT!! 7 refs here, 95 on eBay!
Joined on: Oct 16, 2006 11:54:51 GMT -5
Posts: 2,914
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Post by schellshocker on Jan 15, 2010 19:00:09 GMT -5
Ya the "prototype - George Steele figure" in picture did show the red strip. your right. But most of the figures released didn't have a faded red strip on the side. And no I didn't pay to much for that figure $4.00 at a antique / flea market. LOL Pretty Sure the George Steele figure was never made with hair. This is an actual pic of the prototype that was on the back packaging or a preview catalogue. Look how different the painted hair looks from any this you've seen here or on Ebay. I hope you didn't pay too much money for that. Check out this website also has pics of many prototypes and variants of the LJN figures. spams.tripod.com/ljnmuseum
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lamby23
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Joined on: Dec 16, 2009 14:10:15 GMT -5
Posts: 262
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Post by lamby23 on Jan 15, 2010 19:22:59 GMT -5
Ya the "prototype - George Steele figure" in picture did show the red strip. your right. But most of the figures released didn't have a faded red strip on the side. And no I didn't pay to much for that figure $4.00 at a antique / flea market. LOL Pretty Sure the George Steele figure was never made with hair. This is an actual pic of the prototype that was on the back packaging or a preview catalogue. Look how different the painted hair looks from any this you've seen here or on Ebay. I hope you didn't pay too much money for that. Check out this website also has pics of many prototypes and variants of the LJN figures. spams.tripod.com/ljnmuseumHey shellshocker.....I actually was speaking of the painted hair figures of George. As for your faded stripe one that you have I believe I've had one or two of those before but they've been made into a custom figures by now so I can't double check. Not too sure if they are a rare variant or not.
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