drnickriviera995
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Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 23, 2024 7:09:48 GMT -5
Like a lot of other guys, I think that this line could do with some more body types - the most obviously needed being a thicker-set, Hasbro Duggan style that could work for a fair few guys from that era. But to say Mattel aren’t adding new molds isn’t really accurate - we’ve had Mean Gene, R&B Greg, Tugboat/ Vader, Jerry Lawler, Hogan and the ladies in recent sets. They are slowly introducing new parts as the sets roll out. And I’m starting to feel that Mattel are kind of damned if they do, damned if they don’t…. They try giving new action features/molds, like the Cena and the Sami Zayn kick, and are met with: “I hate that body” “Those arms are too tiny” “It doesn’t stand up” They give announcers/ managers and ladies, and are met with: “I don’t want them as they weren’t done by Hasbro!” They try broadening the line with wrestlers from pre- & post-Hasbro era and are met with: “That’s not my era” Personally, I give them props for trying some new things with the action moves - and I’d be interested in seeing more. However, that is obviously not to say that there aren’t some design and/ or practical issues - some of the kickers being a bit twitchy and difficult to stay standing up is an issue. The main frustration for me is some of the design choices: The Angle/Lex body is NOT suitable for Anvil. Personally, I don’t mind the body type; although I appreciate that it looks a little disjointed (not too dissimilar to how the jumpers do). And it definitely isn’t suitable for everyone. But where am I going in this ramble….ultimately, I suppose we have to stop using a hard comparison to the hasbros. These are not hasbros. They are retros. Inspired by hasbros. A nod to hasbros. But not hasbros. From the very first series the proportions have stood out as them being pretty distinct from hasbros. It’s probably about time, after all these years, that we accept that these are not hasbros and start to enjoy them for being their own thing. Retros. And if you don’t like retros, that’s fine! But maybe it’s worth moving along instead of fueling your own continued frustration. All good points, though I would sure love a higher quality product, this newest set hits the sweet spot era at least for me and most Hasbro fans, so it's way better than the past couple sets (80's and DX) to me, so I'll pick it up for sure.
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drnickriviera995
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Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,057
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 23, 2024 7:08:20 GMT -5
Not to knock on anyone who still loves these Retros but I’m done with them now, it’s just pure laziness and zero effort. Mattel have been well overtaken by ZST, Hasttel and Epic whose figures make Mattel’s look so poor. I’ll just hold out hope that these independents get some of the licenses eventually to make their own versions. Yeah, I see your point. The indys have gotten a few real big names like Macho and Punk (for those that don't mind a few modern guys). But sadly, I think a few big names will not be open to indys anytime soon. Shawn, and Kevin Nash and Waltman, due to their ties to HHH I can never see not being exclusive to Mattel. Not sure about Hall since it would be his estate handling things now. Warrior, I could see lapsing and being picked up at some point, and maybe even Sting. Bret seems pretty loyal to WWE too in order to uphold his legacy and everything, but maybe there's a chance at some point.
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drnickriviera995
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,057
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 23, 2024 1:14:33 GMT -5
Wasn't expecting this surprise drop, didn't think we'd see anything until Mania weekend. I do hope we see maybe the next creations wave and hope to see more from RSC. So maybe 8 figures? Wishful thinking maybe.
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drnickriviera995
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,057
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 22, 2024 20:07:52 GMT -5
So, this gets me thinking, once it's all said and done, I think I'll end up with 7 Davey figs!
1. Bulldogs Tag Team (Epic) 2. 1990/91 (Hasbro) 3. 1992 (Hastel) 4. 1993 WCW (Epic?) 5. 1994/95 (Hastel) 6. 1996/camp cornette (Mattel) 7. 1997/Hart Foundation (Hastel)
At least by my tally at this point, not positive though, is the WCW one still happening? And is that Epic or some other Chella off-shoot? And are they also doing an Allied Powers attire maybe? And was there also a Bulldogs version in white too maybe?
Lots of Bulldogs either way.
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drnickriviera995
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,057
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 22, 2024 19:58:53 GMT -5
My thoughts on the pack: HBK: I think we all expected a puncher HBK sooner or later; I thought they might have him in a second “Orange Card” set with a few other missing Hasbro pieces, but I’m happy they haven’t used the same ‘92 white and red gear that the Hasbro had. I don’t think I would’ve picked this look from all the options he wore in the early to mid-90s, but it’s a memorable look so fine. The face looks better than the original Retro but I’ll need to have it in hand to really judge. Alundra: Another one we all expected sooner or later, the only question was if she was still available under contract. The existing figure is perfect for her obviously, but I do think they need to introduce another female body soon as we now have three with the same action and pose. I wonder if including the Women’s title was ever a possibility? I really want to start seeing the belts appear in the line. Isaac: Perfect. Great choice of character to include, as well as the action and the accessory. Bulldog: Good to see Davey Boy in the official line. I guess this era was always the most likely for Mattel to go for, but I do wish it was the face shorts Bulldog first, particularly to go with the HBK. I guess we’ll never see that now from Mattel, but Mitch is at least going there, plus the Allied Powers look was one of the original Chella designs which I think Epic are still pursuing so it’s not like we’ll miss them overall. I agree with those who still have reservations about the body action; I’d prefer the Brock version of the slam to get some use but I don’t hate this one. Another thing though is that I guess going for short-hair Bulldog here means that they likely won’t be doing a Hart Foundation set with the four guys they have access to, which is a big disappointment personally. So overall I’m happy; or at least as happy as any Retros collector ever is! I had called for an Attitude Era/Monday Night War set with X-Pac to line-up next to DX, but New Generation is the era I’d like Mattel to focus more on so I thank them for there work here. Now just expand the Creations line to four sets a year and we’ll be set Good points, I do hope they make a singles Bret too at some point, Hart Foundation or face/world champion period would be cool, but with Bret I really worry about exectution too, I can't see him looking great with any of the existing molds. My dream would be to get a face version with molded entrance jacket, but I know Mattel would never do it.
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drnickriviera995
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,057
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 22, 2024 19:55:33 GMT -5
I just feel like when you put the Hasbro and now Retro HBK and Bulldog side by side, the new ones don't even come close -- or even look like the same figure line. Yet Blaze and Yankem really do -- respect others' opinions, but that's mine - and I don't know why it's so hard for Mattel to execute at a consistent quality. But I'll still buy it because they nailed 2 of 4 They can't execute consistent quality because this line is being done on the cheap, and they refuse to make new and better molds. And need to squeeze as much out of existing molds. But even that being said, they do have a perfect mold for HBK that would have looked way better IMO, the Ryder/AJ mold, has the kick pads and the body is nicely proportioned. Again, I'd rather they up the price a bit if it meant better execution.
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drnickriviera995
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,057
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 22, 2024 17:47:14 GMT -5
Have we seen anyone other than the Major Pod say that these are coming-out this Spring? I didn’t see the reveal but haven’t seen anyone else say Spring; the traditional timeline would be the Summer so Spring would be big news. I thought they said ‘later this year’ for the retros which I’m guessing is summer. The CC set is fall and the 70s legends pack they said would be spring. What is the "70's legends pack"? You mean a retro bundle with guys from the 70's? Really hope not and that's something unrelated.
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drnickriviera995
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,057
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 22, 2024 17:44:57 GMT -5
Solid lineup for sure, just meh on the overall execution.
All are needed and good choices. But, I already made a custom of that Yankem which was super easy to do and pretty much looks the same as the photo. The Shawn body looks bad w/those tiny legs, would have much prefferred the AJ/Ryder body.
And Bulldog again as other said, I've always hated that mold, plus we're getting like 4 of him from Mitch which I believe will all be better quality. At least they chose camp Cornette era though, think that's pretty much the only one that none of the other companies have shown off at this point.
But better than attitude or mid 80's, so I'll pick up for sure.
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drnickriviera995
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,057
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 18, 2024 20:22:54 GMT -5
I'll wait for the Hercules repaint in blue with Bruiser chain. That would be cool, but at the rate he's been going, I wouldn't count on repaints. Wish'ed he'd of done another Double J. But, guess we needed 3 Slicks though for some reason.
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drnickriviera995
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,057
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 18, 2024 17:10:13 GMT -5
Ok glad it wasn’t just me that noticed the mouths. I’m glad they are “in hand” before being for sale but let’s go dude. I just hope he's not holding back in stock items waiting on stuff that's not even in the country yet and god knows when it would be.
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drnickriviera995
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,057
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 18, 2024 13:21:04 GMT -5
Not as good as their protos but still worthy of purchasing. I'll get P&G for sure, just really don't like the soft goods still, wish he'd of molded the shirts.
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drnickriviera995
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,057
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 17, 2024 17:55:23 GMT -5
This is the #1 version of Bulldog I've been wanting! Will go nice with USA Lex.
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drnickriviera995
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,057
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 16, 2024 8:09:30 GMT -5
Glad I preordered these, the Mantaur looks really good. Are there images of Mantaur or Max beyond the prototype stage someplace? I just looked through the thread and didn't see anything unless I missed it.
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drnickriviera995
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,057
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 11, 2024 14:05:18 GMT -5
I hope Power and Glory are available soon, think that's all I'm getting from S3.
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drnickriviera995
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,057
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 9, 2024 20:46:03 GMT -5
I wouldn’t worry, he had the nerve to talk about how long it takes to make a double J while ignoring a certain 7 inch double J that was announced 18 months ago with no progress shown. The dude burying anything that’s challenging his masters figs is probably a compliment. Agree wholeheartedly, he's really adding to the decline of that show, he adds nothing objectional and just nitpicks anything he's not connected to. Plus I've missed stuff before I wanted to hear them talk about cause I was too busy fast forwarding.
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drnickriviera995
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,057
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 8, 2024 22:43:29 GMT -5
Here's a few I'd like:
Greg Valentine-wouldn't mind a mid 80's, just make it a bit different than his released Hasbro, different trunks/boots etc, he had a long singles career. Adam Bomb-maybe in blue singlet? Would also like a Wrath. Faces of Fear-Since they have Haku, can they still do Barbarian again?
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drnickriviera995
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,057
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 7, 2024 22:37:23 GMT -5
Since Bull Nakano is going into the HOF, it would be really cool to get her and Alundra as Retros. I really love that SummerSlam 94 card, and I think those two would be perfect Hasbro era adds. Obviously the HOF doesn't automatically mean a Legends deal but would be ideal to expand the Retro women imo. Yes, I'd be on board for those! Those would be my top 2 women of any time/promotion I'd like to have. The Chella Bull was a dissapointment, and no Blayze yet from any company. I'm not fully on with non-wrestlers/managers, so I'm not crazy about the idea of Liz, Sheri etc, and not collecting anything past 97. 94 is the tail end of prime Hasbro time though, and these 2 were fairly a big deal for the time. Only thing is I wouldn't want them to have identical sculpts, wouldn't look right displayed together, and Bull needs to be thicker anyway too.
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drnickriviera995
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,057
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 7, 2024 22:31:02 GMT -5
Gotta figure the exclusive is a repaint, I’d love another Jarrett to have loose I'd love a Jarrett repaint, would really like a July 95 IYH version in the blue.
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drnickriviera995
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,057
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 5, 2024 10:49:38 GMT -5
Such a great pairing. I hope we get virgil sooner than later. His health and living conditions arent at his best. Im all in on these now. Thanks for making these available on creations Mattel! its so great knowing i can buy these whenever the funds come in. No needing to drive around for hours looking for them. Keep it coming mattel, i will buy them all Did you not see Virgil has passed away? I could see it being missed by someone if you weren't on social media Friday night or whenever news first dropped. Since everything has been consumed by Sting's last match.
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drnickriviera995
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jul 25, 2010 23:58:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,057
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Post by drnickriviera995 on Mar 4, 2024 17:11:04 GMT -5
They recently put out a replica of Hogan's 1986 title belt and it has the proper USSR flag on the side plate. Interesting. Maybe there’s still hope for Volkoff in the Coliseum Collection, with “USSR” on his shirt! Then again, they did edit out the USSR letters from his shirt on his Retro card. Maybe the difference is Mattel v. whatever comapny puts out the replica belts? Or because on the belt, it's hard to really pick it out at a glance, you'd have to know to inspect the individual flags.
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