Sunday 12 August 2018

Abdullah The Butcher DX figures review




When it comes to incredibly rare and highly sought-after Wrestling figures
from Japan, there are few releases more desirable than Character Product's
Abdullah The Butcher deluxe figure variants.

Released in 2004, Character Product would create two variants of this rare
figure as part of the company's legends line. Other legends featured in this
line were Terry Funk, Mil Mascaras, Stan Hansen and Bruiser Brody
among others.


In this blog post, we'll be taking an in-depth at both variants of the
Abdullah DX figure!



                                 


The first variant features Abdullah wearing black pants with a red stripe
on the sides.

If you look closely, you'll even see a fork design at the top right corner
of the packaging!

That stare....


Besides colouring, the biggest difference to this variant is Abdullah's right
hand sculpt which recreates Abdullah's signature "Hell Thrust" (chop to
the throat) attack!
                               
Both DX variants come with Abdullah's classic Arabian entrance hood
accessory which drapes down the Butcher's back.


                               
The second Abdullah DX variant.


This variant features Abby with an alternate hand sculpt; this time, in a fork
stab pose!

Authorized by the Butcher himself!

Abdullah's name is also listed at the very bottom of the clamshell packaging;
signifying that the deluxe variants are officially licensed products.

                                

As with all of Character Product's figures, the back of the Abdullah
DX figure's packaging includes a brief bio in Japanese of Abdullah's
wrestling accomplishments.

A translation of the bio is:

"Real name: Larry Shreeve
DOB: 1936.1.1. (January 1st, 1936)  Billed from: Africa, Sudan (Canada,
Ontario, Windsor)
Height: 186cm  Weight: 150kg Finisher: Elbow Drop


The rest of the bio mentions Abdullah's debut in 1958, his PWF Championship
victory, fighting in Akron, New York against the legendary Ernie Ladd on June
24th, 1972, Butcher's time in the NWF, fighting against Jumbo Tsuruta as well
as stints in WAR and BJW into the 2000's.

                                                   



The same photo used on the back of the Abdullah The Bucther DX figure's packaging.


The fork stab variant switches up the colours of Abby's ring trunks
and entrance hood.

The red stripe along Abdullah's ring pants is switched from black
to red in this variant.






To further stand out from the throat chop variant, Abdullah's boots
also contain red coloured soles.

                            


                                  
Removing the Butcher's entrance hood.

                               


This statue-like figures (in my humble estimation), has the absolute
BEST Abdullah head sculpt ever created!
                               


The Butcher's crazed stare and infamous gig marks are both
well represented.


Closing thoughts:
Character Product would only release one single wave of
legends figures for a short period of time during the mid 2000's before the
company folded. Each of which were produced in very small numbers only
to sell out almost immediately.

Due to his incredible popularity in Japan, the Character Product Abdullah
The Butcher DX figures are the hardest of which to find from this obscure
line. An unopened example in excellent condition? A treasure in itself.


Friday 10 August 2018

Bob Sapp HAO Collection figure review



Continuing our coverage of the popular HAO Collection line, our next feature figure
is of the beast himself: Bob Sapp!

Even Sapp's packaging is intimidating!
Right from the get go, the packaging of the Bob Sapp HAO figure immediately
jumps out at you with large, intimidating graphics of Sapp shouting.
                  
"Bob Sapp Figure Limited model"

                            
The front and back of the packaging state that this figure is a limited edition.
It is also worth noting that this figure was only released in Japan.

                                

As a exclusive from the first wave of HAO figures, this rarity was licensed by
the K-1 mixed martial arts promotion (which Bob competed for at the time).

                                 
Jumbo Bob Sapp trading card, anyone?

As with other HAO figures, the cardboard backing can be slipped off easily
(without damaging the packaging) revealing a large, full colour graphic of
Sapp that can be displayed on it's own.
                          


"What did you say about the Longest Yard?!"
The Bob Sapp HAO Collection figure is made of soft vinyl and features
Sapp sculpted with his signature (and terrifying) stare!  
                      
                          

All in the (nick)name.

                           
The back of Sapp's ring trunks prominently display Sapp's nickname in black font.
The same font is also used on the front of the packaging.

Ready for a stompin'
The Bob Sapp HAO figure also features MMA styled foot taping.
A master on the dance floor, too!

                               
The Bob Sapp HAO Collection figure includes articulation at the neck, arms, wrists
and waist.
When placed next to the Bob Sapp action figure (by Character Product).

Closing thoughts:            

Just like the man himself, the HAO Collection Bob Sapp figure is larger than life.
Standing just under 8 inches (20cm) tall; this figure literally towers over most
Wrestling (especially Japanese) and mixed martial arts collectibles!

In their original six year run, HAO would only release one Bob Sapp soft vinyl
figure as part of their HAO Collection line; making this limited edition, Japanese
exclusive a considerable collector's item. "GAHHHH!"

INSPIRE 1/6 Scale 12" Great Muta figure review

In the early 2000's, Japanese toy maker INSPIRE would release a series of large-
scale, super-deluxe figures based on famous Japanese Pro-Wrestlers and shoot
fighters exclusively in Japan.

These figures stood just under 12 inches (30+cm)  in height, included various
accessories, and in many cases, featured removable fabric clothing!



Today, we'll be looking at one of the most famous and sought after figures
from the 12" INSPIRE line; the ideologist of darkness: Great Muta!





Released in 2003, the INSPIRE Great Muta figure features Muta dressed
in his early 2000's All Japan Pro-Wrestling era attire.

                           

This particular Jason X-inspired design was worn by Muta for his match
against Bob Sapp on November 17th, 2002 in Yokohama, Japan.

Notice Muta's poison-mist coloured lips?          


The Japanese Kanji on Muta's mask is textured and raised up in red colouring.

                             



Muta's spider-web, "FANTASY OF MUTA" decals have been faithfully
recreated in great detail. The Katakana on Muta's ring pants (above)
read "GREAT MUTA".


                           

Articulation-wise: the INSPIRE Great Muta figure features articulation at
the head, upper arms, forearms and waist.


Originally, the Great Muta INSPIRE figure was sold and endorsed by
Keiji Mutoh himself through Mutoh's own LEG LOCK company
website. You can check out remnants of the now-defunct LEG LOCK
website HERE


When compared to the 6 inch HAO Collection Great Muta figure.
Incredible scale! When placed next to Mattel and NJPW figures.

Closing thoughts:    

The INSPIRE 1/6 scale Great Muta figure is without question, one of the
largest (if not, THE largest) Great Muta figure ever released to date. It's also
one of the most hardest to find Great Muta figures in general.