HAO Collection #DS-003 Fedor Emelianenko figure review

Just this week, I was finally able to get my hands on another coveted
figure from the Japanese HAO Collection line.

For blog #73, we'll be squaring off against the master of the Armbar,
Mixed Martial Arts champion: Fedor "The Last Emperor" Emeliane
-nko!

Released in 2003 as part of HAO Collection's line of large-scale soft
-vinyl figures.

As usual, the cardboard backing slips off easily revealing awesome, full
-colour graphics of Fedor and his fight gloves.

Fedor's name is displayed in both English and Japanese Katakana along
with the serial "#DS-003" ("DS" is short for the Dream Stage Entertain
-ment promotion while Fedor was the third figure from the set).

The back of the slip-case packaging. I love the scratched metal design.

The Fedor figure's packaging contains the standard item description
found on early HAO Collection releases. The description reads:

"FIGHTERS FIGURE LIMITED MODEL

This figure is the selected superstar from world sports entertainment.
Learn the spirit behind a figure shows you a new perspective on your
passion for the fight."
The back of the packaging also features the Dream Stage promotion
logo as the official licensee and Fedor's name once again in Japanese.

Let's take a look at the Fedor figure out of the package:

Sculpted in fighting pose, Fedor Emelianenko is one of the very few
HAO Collection figures to come packaged with a Championship belt.


                               

The included belt accessory (exclusive to the HAO Collection Fedor
figure) is the PRIDE Heavyweight Championship.


                             

The PRIDE belt has a lightweight fabric strap with durable plates and
buckle designs on the sides and back of the belt.

Each plate contains plenty of detail and has a 3-dimensional, textured
look.

                        

The back of the Pride Heavyweight belt contains four buckles and is
fastened with Velcro.


                                  


The only other mixed martial artist to contain a championship belt in
the HAO Collection is Wanderlei Silva (#D2-002 and repackaged as
an alternate variant as #DS-005 with white shorts). Both of which
contain the Pride Middle Weight Championship.

Fedor comes in his PRIDE-era "ADRENALINE" attire.

The design continues on the back of Fedor's trunks.

For display purposes, the Pride Heavyweight Championship can also
be slung over Fedor's shoulders.

At just under 7 inches (17cm) The HAO Collection Fedor soft-vinyl
figure is the largest figure ever made of the Emperor.

If you look closely, you'll even see Fedor's right cheek scar!

                               


Articulation-wise, Fedor features artciulation at the arms, wrists,
neck and waist.

What's even cooler is that Fedor's head tilts direction when rotated;
adding to the figure's intimidation factor!



In our next figure review, we'll be looking at another "giant" in the
HAO Collection!

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!"