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.
Continuing on from the first installment, and part 2, I will be comparing 8 Jakks Classics to 8 Mattel Legends.
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”. 13 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?
This is my main criteria:
- Headscan Accuracy
- Attire Accuracy
- Parts Choices/Body Type accuracy
The Next 8:
- Honky Tonk Man
- Razor Ramon
- Diesel
- Rowdy Roddy Piper
- Jake The Snake Roberts
- Ted Dibiase
- Jim The Anvil Neidhart
- King Harley Race
Side By Side:
Honky Tonk Man: Jakks did a good job with their two HTMs, and Mattel has had a few good ones as well. The jumpsuits both look good, and the head scans are both solid. Call this one a tie.
Razor Ramon: This one doesn’t even warrant discussion. Mattel.
Diesel: Jakks Series 11 was one of the great Classic Superstars of the time. The problem is, he’s not taller than anyone else. Mattel made sure that the height of Diesel was represented on all versions, including the Network Spotlight version I used here. Mattel takes this one.
Rowdy Roddy Piper: Piper was a cornerstone of the Classic Superstars, and I went with the Series 4 version to compare with Mattel’s Hall of Fame Series. Mattel has the advantage of cloth goods, but they look loose and sloppy. Jakks has a painted shirt, but it looks like it fits him. Going with Jakks on this one.
Jake The Snake Roberts: Jake had a small amount of Classic Superstars and there are many Mattel legends releases. I went with the Legends series 8 to closely match the Jakks Series 3. These are both great representations, and I’d give Jakks the edge due to being slightly taller than the Mattel Jake. Roberts is a tall individual.
Ted Dibiase in Suit: Jakks made a decent effort here, but is lacking on some details that puts the Mattel over the line with me. The Mattel leaves a lot to be desired, however. They have made four suited Teds, and the parts choices are not the best.
Ted Dibiase in ring attire: Although it included one, Mattel has dropped the ball on Ted Dibiase. Ted is listed at 6’3″ and 260 pounds, and his figure shares the parts of Daniel Bryan (5′ 10″, 210 lbs) which is ridiculous. Jakks takes this one.
Jim The Anvil Neidhart: The Anvil had four Classic Superstars versions with Jakks, and two Elites so far from Mattel. The Jakks Anvil has always been one of my favorites, and the Mattel headsman is horrible, so Jakks takes this one.
King Harley Race: Both of these have great parts choices and the attire is accurate for the King’s 1987-88 run. The biggest difference here is the cape, which is a hard plastic on the Mattel and soft goods for the Jakks. Although the King’s Mattel is one of the most infamous elites, I’d go with Jakks for the cape.
Final Total: Jakks 5, Mattel 3, one tie.
This goes to show that there are some gems in the Jakks Classic line, and sometimes Mattel can miss, even if it’s rare.
Happy Hunting
