Welcome to the second installment of Who Made Them Better? There has always been talk over who made the better Classic/Legends line, Jakks or Mattel. As an avid collector of both, I intend to get to the bottom of it.
Jakks:
When Jakks Pacific introduced Classic Superstars in 2004, it changed the wrestling figure landscape forever. With a wave of nostalgia that hadn’t been done before on that scale, it was an instant hit. 28 series later, along with multiple 2 and 3 packs, there is a massive roster of names and characters. In 2009, the line phased down with Mattel taking over in 2010.
With a wave of nostalgia
Mattel:
Mattel took over the WWE line in 2010. There were plans from the beginning to have Legends featured in the line, and they were out by 2011. The first few series tried to avoid remaking what Jakks had done. After 6 Series, the Legends line was added to the main line as “flashbacks”. 9 years in, Mattel has created a huge roster of their own. Most consider the Mattel Legends/Flashbacks to be the best figures to date.
So let’s find out, Jakks Or Mattel?
Continuing on from the first installment, I will be comparing 8 Jakks Classics to 8 Mattel Legends. My main criteria are:
- Headscan Accuracy
- Attire Accuracy
- Parts Choices/Body Type accuracy
The Next 8:
- Brutus The Barber Beefcake
- Bret The Hitman Hart
- Earthquake
- Hacksaw Jim Duggan
- Ravishing Rick Rude
- IRS
- The Model Rick Martel
- Mr. Perfect
Side By Side:
Jakks on the left side, Mattel on the right:
Up first is Brutus the F’n Barber Beefcake. I chose his Megamaniacs attire from Wrestlemania 9, since it was released on both sides. The Mattel crushes it here, with a better mask, molded details on his tights, and unique gauntlet pieces and shirt. The Jakks Brutus is good, but the Mattel is better. As a note, I hate the burgundy boots, though. Edge: Mattel
Bret The Hitman Hart: Both of these versions are top tier from the respective companies. The Ringside Collectibles exclusive Bret from Jakks is an excellent version, and the Defining Moments Bret from Mattel is possibly his best Elite style figure. I’m going to give the nudge to Jakks here, because of the included knee pads, and pink glasses, versus the inaccurate silver glasses and no pads on Mattel. Edge: Jakks
Earthquake: Jakks’ second effort with Earthquake was an example of “well, they tried their best.” The Yokozuna body was too large, but the cloth singlet was nice and accurate. Mattel is better in every way on this one. Edge: Mattel
Hacksaw Jim Duggan: Jakks Classic Superstars Series 4 Hacksaw came with odd white knee pads, and a face scan that was not too accurate. The scan is iffy on the Mattel as well, but it’s overall a better effort. Edge: Mattel
Jakks or Mattel, the next four:
Ravishing Rick Rude: This Rude is one of Jakks best Classics. Great details, likeness, parts choice, and just everything you’d want. But. He has no designs on the back of his tights, resulting in a loss to the Mattel, which is also insanely detailed and an overall great Figure. Edge: Mattel
Irwin R. Schyster (IRS): Jakks did what they could here, painting the suspenders onto a dress shirt torso. Mattel gave us add on suspenders over the top of the shirt. The likeness is better on Jakks, but overall as a figure, have to go Mattel here. Edge: Mattel
Unfortunately, it goes against one of the best figures in the entire WWE Legends/Flashbacks line.
The Model Rick Martel: Jakks made a pretty good run at The Model here, unfortunately using a Strike Force style head scan and hair, but otherwise pretty solid. Unfortunately, it goes against one of the best figures in the entire WWE Legends/Flashbacks line. The Mattel Martel is a breathtaking figure and it’s a shame he’s only had the one, because a pink or blue repaint would certainly be in order. Edge: Mattel
Mr. Perfect: I chose the Survivor Series 1992 attire here, again because it’s a matching attire on both sides. The Series 13 Classic Superstars Mr. Perfect is excellent. The Mattel RetroFest Mr. Perfect is just as good, so we are going to call this a push. Edge: Tied
Jakks or Mattel? Score: 6-1-1 Mattel.
See you next time for part 3!
