The Jakks Pacific WWE Classic Superstars series is legendary for many reasons. It introduced an official line dedicated to legenday talents for the first time. By the time it was finished, almost all major names from the history of wrestling had been covered, and it is remembered fondly, despite some severe parts choices in some cases and some detail errors in others. That was how Jakks rolled, and we loved them for it. This is the first in a series of posts covering the Jakks Classic Superstars Series, with checklists, and my opinion of the best and worst in each wave.
Classic Superstars Series 1:
Checklist:
- Shawn Michaels
- Bret The Hitman Hart
- Ultimate Warrior
- Hunter Hearst Helmsley
- The Undertaker
- Andre the Giant
The Best: The Ultimate Warrior. Bret and Shawn are both missing a few details, and the HHH is not the best effort, but a nice try.
The Worst: Andre The Giant is one of the worst Jakks attempts ever, using the R3 Big Show body, down to the two straps and knee pads included. The Undertaker is also a poor showing, using a Titan Tron Live body with white boot deco.
Series 2:
- Ric Flair
- Dude Love (yellow wrist tape)
- Dude Love (tie dye wrist tape)
- Big John Studd
- Sgt. Slaughter
- George The Animal Steele (painted hair)
- George The Animal Steele (“Real hair”)
- Mankind
The Best: Have to go with Flair here, even though he was missing knee pads, the robe made up for it.
The Worst: Probably Dude Love, but he’s not as bad as Andre or some others that come down the line.
Classic Superstars Series 3:
- Bret The Hitman Hart 2
- Ultimate Warrior 2
- Undertaker 2
- Superfly Jimmy Snuka
- Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase
- Jake The Snake Roberts
The Best: Ted Dibiase is a flawless figure. It’s better than the Mattels he has had so far.
The Worst: Jake the Snake is poor attire choice. The Undertaker is TTL, but is greatly detailed.
Series 4:
- Hacksaw Jim Duggan
- Rowdy Roddy Piper
- Yokozuna
- Hillbilly Jim
- Tito Santana
- Junkyard Dog
The Best: Jim, JYD, and Piper are flawless. I’ll go Piper here.
The Worst: Yokozuna and his tiny head.
Series 5:
- Terry Funk
- Nikolai Volkoff
- Mr Wonderful Paul Orndorff
- Iron Sheik
- Brutus the Barber Beefcake
- King Kong Bundy
The Best: Mr Wonderful is Flawless. Brutus has an iffy headscan and missing detail on his pants.
The Worst: King Kong Bundy suffers from Jakks trying to make Yokozuna’s parts fit him.
This is part one of a full line breakdown of the Jakks Classic Superstars Series. I’ll be back with Series 6-10 soon.
