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?
In this first installment, I will be comparing 10 Jakks Classics to 10 Mattel Legends. My main criteria are:
- Headscan Accuracy
- Attire Accuracy
- Parts Choices/Body Type accuracy
The First 10:
- Ax
- Akeem
- Bam Bam Bigelow
- Brian Pillman
- Demolition Crush
- Diesel
- King Mabel
- Tatanka
- Typhoon
- Yokozuna
Side By Side:
Jakks on the left side, Mattel on the right:
Ax: The founding member of Demolition had three figures in the Jakks classic line and one in Mattel. Jakks wins on head scan, but the Mattel gets the nod the rest of the way, with parts choice and especially boots. Edge: Mattel
Akeem: Akeem is the first on my list to get the Jakks Yokozuna body, which worked for his torso but not his legs. The attire is fine, but Mattel knocked it out of the park. Edge: Mattel
Bam Bam Bigelow: Bam is one of Jakks best efforts with a lot of detail on his tattoos, and attire. Mattel’s Bigelow figures are great but I’ll call this a push. Edge: Push
Brian Pillman: Flyin Brian from Jakks has a better head scan than the Mattel version, the body choices are even. Edge: Jakks
Demolition Crush: Jakks’ Crush has a better scan, and the proper tall boots. Mattel Crush is taller than his partners, but the boots are too short to be accurate. Edge: Jakks
Diesel: Diesel was highly anticipated from Jakks and he didn’t disappoint. The Mattel Diesel figures more accurately depict his height so Mattel takes this one. Edge: Mattel
King Mabel: Jakks’ Mabel gets the Yokozuna body, but a good face scan. Unfortuantely, his counterpart is one of the best wrestling figures ever made. Edge: Mattel
Tatanka: Tatanka was a good effort but a bad choice of torso, one that was used on “heavier” wrestlers which made it a bad fit. The Mattel Tatanka fit the character well and included the correct knee pads (such a minor detail) Edge: Mattel
Typhoon: Jakks Typhoon gets the Yokozuna body which was way too big for him. The attire seemed rushed, but the cloth was a nice bonus. Edge: Mattel
Yokozuna: Jakks Yokozuna gets the Yokozuna body, and it fit him. However he came with a tiny head. Mattel’s effort was off, as he didn’t resemble the man very well. Edge: Jakks
Jakks or Mattel? Score: 6-3-1.
Part 2 coming soon!
