Legends (best line to collect ever?)

Target had hiccups when it started this line, but everything has been smoothed out. As a collector it’s nice to not have to bother worrying if you’ll ever get or even see product.

I agree that it's the best, BUT, I think we can all semi-agree they need to start getting newer old talent in the line. 

I see what you're saying, but what I'm getting at is just more first time LEGENDS in the line. The ones we've never had (Barbarian, Herc, Koko, Haku, etc the list that gets mentioned all the time) and others that just had their last fig almost 12-14 years ago (Demolition, LOD, Martel, Bundy, Gang). I give them kudos for Brother Love, Captain Lou and Valentine because those are Legends we never had before but some of the others ones had figs before (and recently). 

I still think the Jakks Classic Series was fantastic - loved the packaging, it stayed consistent through the whole line, and the variety of names/stars JAKKS did with that line.

I think Mattel Legends is probably on-track to exceed JAKKS Classics..... but they're not there yet.

But I am a big fan/collector of both lines.

I wish at this point they were able to make side deals like Jakks was able to with Classic Superstars. That would change the whole ballgame, but I get how they are hamstrung by WWE and their decision making. I don't know if going from vendetta Vince, who held grudges forever, to TKO, who weren't involved in any of the legendary moments of the 80's-2010's, is a good or bad thing.

It's by far the best and most reliable line that Mattel does. In 2024, it is giving us Captain Lou Albano, The Sultan, Rosey, Jamal, Who? and Big Bubba Rogers in terms of new "characters" so far. In 2023, it gave us Fatu and Samu, Paul E, Brother Love, and Kama Mustafa. In 2022, it gave us Bob Orton, Mark Callous, Stacy Keibler, and Molly Holly. I know there are a lot of re-used workers, but they are still new Characters which is really cool.

And the best part is I have NEVER had an issue finding a single one of them. Pre-orders go up on Target, I pre-order, they never get cancelled and they ship to my house as soon as they are available. And if you don't happen to pre-order, then they aren't too hard to find in stores. Compare that line to the other lines:

MNW: Can't pre-order them. Impossible to find in stores and the lineups are pretty mediocre
From the Vault: Just a whole bunch of Re-releases on Ringside collectibles for their overpriced prices
PPV BAF series: Kind of hard to find, and usually they have a wanted BAF along with at least 3 figures that nobody wants so you have to overpay to get one figure you like
Main Line Elites: I never see these in stores anymore. Sometimes I'll get lucky with Amazon, but nowhere near as easy as the Legends series. The characters are very good but not as interesting as Legends.

Legends is by far the best line they have right now in terms of elites.

Tall Bearer is one of the bad figure GOATs. Makes me laugh every time.

Jakks Classic Superstars were great for their time but they didnt really age well. The balloon heads. Oversized arms. Lazy/half assed parts choices....Sure they dove deeper into the well getting us guys like Johnny Rodz or Spark Plug Holly.....but I think the vast majority of us would trade names like Rodz or figures that came out looking like the Big Bossman did for Kerry Von Erich, Ricky Steamboat and a properly scaled Bossman.

As for exclusives....I much prefer the availability of what Mattel is doing. There were some great exclusives that Jakks did but Jeremy was too concerned trying to create something for the deep pockets collectors for the secondary market and not the hardcore collectors.

I cherry pick, but I agree that the Mattel Legends is a great collection and easy to obtain, a win-win. But I would say the same for the Coliseum Collection. As an LJN enthusiast, the CC line is my favorite Mattel line ever. I just wish we’d get them more often!