mmondrag96
Main Eventer
43 refs and counting
Joined on: Apr 10, 2010 12:35:28 GMT -5
Posts: 2,923
|
Post by mmondrag96 on Jul 18, 2023 16:48:21 GMT -5
i didn't really care for the TTL figures at all. I did like that they did do the KB toys BCA figures for quite a while after but the wave with the dudley's and hardys i feel they got bad too.
|
|
|
|
Post by TKO Propagandist on Jul 19, 2023 5:33:48 GMT -5
TTLs, R3s & RAs were the holy trinity
|
|
mizanin97
Jobber
Joined on: Jan 6, 2023 18:58:40 GMT -5
Posts: 47
|
Post by mizanin97 on Jul 21, 2023 17:08:15 GMT -5
Honestly I think it had more to do with wrestling being at it's apex and it was the best strategic time to get kids to have their parents buy a whole new/different set of toys. Knowing what I know about supply/demand, how action figure companies general operate, and being able to see how the initial sets shook out - it was pretty clear Jakks was pulling one of their all-time moves of get everyone to buy it because it's the first and new thing, but don't release the best/quintessential stuff. Virtually none of the main guys were in ring gear in any of the first 5 sets - except for random double slams sets and raw heat. If I ever get to meet someone from Jakks, I'd be curious why they jettisoned the R3 line after less than a year and then moved to RA (which thankfully was a step closer back to TTL's, but even those original body molds were cartoonish).Apart from the dented back scan the R3 were pretty cool. I do believe that the RA line started shortly after Jeremy joined Jakks so maybe that's why the R3's ended so soon. The R3 figures were ahead of RA imo. Idk why they went with bulky bodies with the RA line. |
|
|
|
Post by Chicago on Jul 21, 2023 18:30:24 GMT -5
Apart from the dented back scan the R3 were pretty cool. I do believe that the RA line started shortly after Jeremy joined Jakks so maybe that's why the R3's ended so soon. The R3 figures were ahead of RA imo. Idk why they went with bulky bodies with the RA line. Hulking sculpts with exaggerated features were kind of the norm for Jakks and the WWF/E license. It’s not a stretch to imagine that the directive for many years was to make the characters appear larger than life. I don’t know if that would have come directly from Vince, but I’m sure he would’ve approved of a “bigger is better” approach. R3 stood out so much because it was the complete opposite. Admirable as it was to attempt such a thing as “real” scale, I don’t think the R3 line had the support it needed internally to flourish. Wrong place, wrong time, and above all else the wrong execution. |
|
|
|
Post by theoutlaw1999 on Jul 21, 2023 18:36:44 GMT -5
The R3 figures were ahead of RA imo. Idk why they went with bulky bodies with the RA line. Hulking sculpts with exaggerated features were kind of the norm for Jakks and the WWF/E license. It’s not a stretch to imagine that the directive for many years was to make the characters appear larger than life. I don’t know if that would have come directly from Vince, but I’m sure he would’ve approved of a “bigger is better” approach. R3 stood out so much because it was the complete opposite. Admirable as it was to attempt such a thing as “real” scale, I don’t think the R3 line had the support it needed internally to flourish. Wrong place, wrong time, and above all else the wrong execution. From what I remember Jeremy joined around the time the RA's debut so maybe he axed the line in favour of his own new design. |
|
mizanin97
Jobber
Joined on: Jan 6, 2023 18:58:40 GMT -5
Posts: 47
|
Post by mizanin97 on Jul 22, 2023 10:20:53 GMT -5
The R3 figures were ahead of RA imo. Idk why they went with bulky bodies with the RA line. Hulking sculpts with exaggerated features were kind of the norm for Jakks and the WWF/E license. It’s not a stretch to imagine that the directive for many years was to make the characters appear larger than life. I don’t know if that would have come directly from Vince, but I’m sure he would’ve approved of a “bigger is better” approach. R3 stood out so much because it was the complete opposite. Admirable as it was to attempt such a thing as “real” scale, I don’t think the R3 line had the support it needed internally to flourish. Wrong place, wrong time, and above all else the wrong execution. Mattel’s figures looks so much like an evolved version of the R3 line. |
|
|
|
Post by stc13 on Jul 23, 2023 8:37:14 GMT -5
The TTL figures were so horrible in every way. I stopped collecting altogether because of them and started back up with R3 line. Same. Except I stopped collecting and never came back until a few years into the Mattel line. The TTL sculpts were really rough and the hard plastic didn't feel as play-friendly as a kid who had knock-down, drag-out brawls with my BCA figures. By the time Jakks turned the corner on design, I was long gone and had moved on to things like McFarlane that were lightyears ahead of anything Jakks ever delivered. |
|
Biff Slamkovich™
Main Eventer
WF 10+ Year Member
Joined on: Nov 21, 2009 22:53:58 GMT -5
Posts: 3,727
|
Post by Biff Slamkovich™ on Aug 2, 2023 2:05:15 GMT -5
BCAs should have absolutely continued on. Once Hogan and Lesnar BCAs were released I was convinced we'd start seeing other Attitude Era stars but sadly it wasn't meant to be.
Looking back though, how cool would it have been to see the BCA line run through 2002-2004?
With all of the talent that was acquired after the WCW purchase we could have seen a WCW vs WWF series or something!
|
|
|
|
Post by shanieomaniac on Aug 3, 2023 4:44:11 GMT -5
Most of the TTL line was ehh at best, but those first couple years were the worst. However I will say that some of those TTL realscan heads swim circles around current Mattel ones. That original Molly Holly figure IMHO was way better in likeness to either of the heads that came with the Mattel Legends figure. And I honestly think that the ABA Taker figures from Jakks were way better than the few we've gotten from Mattel, although I don't know how many of those were in the TTL line.
Also, there's something about that Double Slam Chyna figure that just knocks all of the Mattel ones out of the park. Maybe it's because it's the one Chyna from the period I actually want her from, no idea. There's just something special about it.
But as for if the line should have waited a year, I don't know if that's necessarily true. I don't remember hearing anything about them knowing about the realscan technology back when the line was first announced, but then it was the 90s and the internet was small back then. Anyone remember if the realscan tech was already being developed when the line launched?
|
|
|
|
Post by theoutlaw1999 on Aug 3, 2023 17:05:31 GMT -5
Most of the TTL line was ehh at best, but those first couple years were the worst. However I will say that some of those TTL realscan heads swim circles around current Mattel ones. That original Molly Holly figure IMHO was way better in likeness to either of the heads that came with the Mattel Legends figure. And I honestly think that the ABA Taker figures from Jakks were way better than the few we've gotten from Mattel, although I don't know how many of those were in the TTL line. Also, there's something about that Double Slam Chyna figure that just knocks all of the Mattel ones out of the park. Maybe it's because it's the one Chyna from the period I actually want her from, no idea. There's just something special about it. But as for if the line should have waited a year, I don't know if that's necessarily true. I don't remember hearing anything about them knowing about the realscan technology back when the line was first announced, but then it was the 90s and the internet was small back then. Anyone remember if the realscan tech was already being developed when the line launched? I would say that most of the Jakks diva headscans knocked Mattel's out of the park. Lita, Trish, Stacy, Beth, Sherri etc. Some of Jakks best work. In regards to Taker, I was never a fan of the moulded bandana scan or the ponytail one, mainly because it fell off so easily but his short haired Biker headscan was way better than Mattel. Lets not forget his Ministry figure, that was way ahead of it's time imo. |
|
personagamer
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jan 10, 2021 17:56:49 GMT -5
Posts: 1,592
|
Post by personagamer on Aug 4, 2023 3:44:14 GMT -5
Those finishing moves / final count figures were the best thing around the time, jakks absolute best work Whaa? Those things were disgusting and didn't even look like human beings. They were like badly made puppets from a low budget puppet show. can't deny they came with some pretty sweet accessories |
|
|
|
Post by theoutlaw1999 on Aug 4, 2023 20:57:53 GMT -5
Whaa? Those things were disgusting and didn't even look like human beings. They were like badly made puppets from a low budget puppet show. can't deny they came with some pretty sweet accessories I do admit the clothing was pretty cool. |
|
|
|
Post by Kollector_Kombat on Aug 20, 2023 17:21:18 GMT -5
Seeing a lot of love for R3's and gotta say, I definitely agree. As a kid I always wanted figures in scale with each other, wasn't till Mattel came around that we really got that.
Those figures were really ahead of their time though. If it weren't for the goofy arch in their backs, I think more would appreciate them. Lol. I think that line was definitely superior to both TTL & RAs. Sad I missed the boat on them. Still think the Hardyz and Benoit hold up pretty well.
|
|
Jackass Pacific
Main Eventer
WF 20 Year Member
Joined on: Dec 22, 2001 22:58:55 GMT -5
Posts: 3,277
|
Post by Jackass Pacific on Aug 20, 2023 21:50:32 GMT -5
Seeing a lot of love for R3's and gotta say, I definitely agree. As a kid I always wanted figures in scale with each other, wasn't till Mattel came around that we really got that. Those figures were really ahead of their time though. If it weren't for the goofy arch in their backs, I think more would appreciate them. Lol. I think that line was definitely superior to both TTL & RAs. Sad I missed the boat on them. Still think the Hardyz and Benoit hold up pretty well. that one torso was just terrible. but the rest of them were pretty damn decent. overall the r3's were great, but there definitely some spots that could've been improved upon if the line had gone on longer...mainly some of the joints were designed oddly and i remember some figures having ridiculously skinny ankles. it was also a curious decision for them to switch the scale from ttl size to the much shorter r3's. i feel like they would've been better if they did everything else as they did, but at the same/similar height to ttl |
|
TheXtremisT
Main Eventer
10 Year Member
This is the way
Joined on: May 3, 2008 8:03:15 GMT -5
Posts: 3,951
|
Post by TheXtremisT on Aug 21, 2023 3:55:24 GMT -5
Not on topic but considering you guys brought it up, the R3 tech line could have survived had they:
1. Invested in new parts and bodies and dialled back their reuse by about 90%
2. Re-engineered the articulated hands so they weren't flimsy
3. Added bicep swivels
4. Redesigned the lower legs, not just for the skinny ankles (which I didn't mind because they looked realistic), but so they didn't look bowed on one figure and too arching inwards on another
5. Didn't skip on deco
|
|
mizanin97
Jobber
Joined on: Jan 6, 2023 18:58:40 GMT -5
Posts: 47
|
Post by mizanin97 on Aug 23, 2023 12:43:21 GMT -5
Seeing a lot of love for R3's and gotta say, I definitely agree. As a kid I always wanted figures in scale with each other, wasn't till Mattel came around that we really got that. Those figures were really ahead of their time though. If it weren't for the goofy arch in their backs, I think more would appreciate them. Lol. I think that line was definitely superior to both TTL & RAs. Sad I missed the boat on them. Still think the Hardyz and Benoit hold up pretty well. The 03 Ultimate Edition Mattel Jeff Hardy figure from Mattel looks like a fully evolved R3 Jakks figure. |
|
|
|
Post by The Assassin on Aug 29, 2023 12:32:17 GMT -5
R3 was a great idea in theory (fully scanned articulated figures), but didn't work at all in practice because Jakks wanted to continue the BCA/TTL formula of reusing previous body molds like 95% of the time. They couldn't even really mix and match the R3 torsos/arms/legs etc for different people, let alone reuse an entire body for someone it wasn't designed for. Plus they sometimes scanned wrestlers in non-neutral positions (e.g. Steve Austin's torso was clearly arched backwards and looked ridiculous, Big Show seemed to have been scanned with bent knees, etc) and the articulation cuts and mechanics were often awkward and barely functional.
When R3 figures were bespoke, designed specifically for one wrestler, they could be really good - R3 Kane is still one of the best wrestling figures of all time. But when they weren't bespoke, they were frankensteined together garbage that looked off and was horrible to move.
|
|
|
|
Post by theoutlaw1999 on Aug 29, 2023 17:18:54 GMT -5
R3 was a great idea in theory (fully scanned articulated figures), but didn't work at all in practice because Jakks wanted to continue the BCA/TTL formula of reusing previous body molds like 95% of the time. They couldn't even really mix and match the R3 torsos/arms/legs etc for different people, let alone reuse an entire body for someone it wasn't designed for. Plus they sometimes scanned wrestlers in non-neutral positions (e.g. Steve Austin's torso was clearly arched backwards and looked ridiculous, Big Show seemed to have been scanned with bent knees, etc) and the articulation cuts and mechanics were often awkward and barely functional. When R3 figures were bespoke, designed specifically for one wrestler, they could be really good - R3 Kane is still one of the best wrestling figures of all time. But when they weren't bespoke, they were frankensteined together garbage that looked off and was horrible to move. The Austin torso literally ruined many R3 figures. I remember being so excited when the nWo came out but opening the ring attire Hall & Hogan I was gutted to discover they had dented backs. |
|
Thunder Chunky
Main Eventer
Joined on: Aug 1, 2010 21:57:30 GMT -5
Posts: 4,542
|
Post by Thunder Chunky on Aug 31, 2023 16:46:39 GMT -5
R3 was a great idea in theory (fully scanned articulated figures), but didn't work at all in practice because Jakks wanted to continue the BCA/TTL formula of reusing previous body molds like 95% of the time. They couldn't even really mix and match the R3 torsos/arms/legs etc for different people, let alone reuse an entire body for someone it wasn't designed for. Plus they sometimes scanned wrestlers in non-neutral positions (e.g. Steve Austin's torso was clearly arched backwards and looked ridiculous, Big Show seemed to have been scanned with bent knees, etc) and the articulation cuts and mechanics were often awkward and barely functional. When R3 figures were bespoke, designed specifically for one wrestler, they could be really good - R3 Kane is still one of the best wrestling figures of all time. But when they weren't bespoke, they were frankensteined together garbage that looked off and was horrible to move. The Benoit in tights I think is one of the most accurate wrestling figures I've ever seen. They captured his short, roidy body almost perfectly. |
|
|
|
Post by theoutlaw1999 on Aug 31, 2023 18:56:29 GMT -5
R3 was a great idea in theory (fully scanned articulated figures), but didn't work at all in practice because Jakks wanted to continue the BCA/TTL formula of reusing previous body molds like 95% of the time. They couldn't even really mix and match the R3 torsos/arms/legs etc for different people, let alone reuse an entire body for someone it wasn't designed for. Plus they sometimes scanned wrestlers in non-neutral positions (e.g. Steve Austin's torso was clearly arched backwards and looked ridiculous, Big Show seemed to have been scanned with bent knees, etc) and the articulation cuts and mechanics were often awkward and barely functional. When R3 figures were bespoke, designed specifically for one wrestler, they could be really good - R3 Kane is still one of the best wrestling figures of all time. But when they weren't bespoke, they were frankensteined together garbage that looked off and was horrible to move. The Benoit in tights I think is one of the most accurate wrestling figures I've ever seen. They captured his short, roidy body almost perfectly. Was never a fan of that figure. His legs looked too skinny for the torso. |
|
