[RETRO] Grapplers & Gimmicks by Hasttel Toy

[@Chair.Shot]

Oct 9, 2024 19:14:05 GMT -5 MKSavage said:

Oct 9, 2024 17:23:48 GMT -5 kojikanemoto said:

Yea he had an IG post about it, I think it was a “NYCC reveal”

Any pics, sketch or prototype? Or was it just an announcement. 

He posted a teaser last week and later said they’re would be three drops or reveals. I can’t recall his wording. I think Bulldog was the first, Sherri is the second, and Jake might be the third. It has the potential to be his best work yet.

No publicly released artwork, production photos, or final product pics yet. I’m confident something will be shown soon.

[machofan396]

Gotta admit, the mirror is pretty awesome.

[walter7paisley]

My Bulldogs are due to arrive today. That's pretty impressive considering I only ordered them a day or so ago. Good job, Rock and Roll Collectables.

[kojikanemoto]

Oct 9, 2024 19:14:05 GMT -5 MKSavage said:

Oct 9, 2024 17:23:48 GMT -5 kojikanemoto said:

Yea he had an IG post about it, I think it was a “NYCC reveal”

Any pics, sketch or prototype? Or was it just an announcement. 

No, just a video teaser with Jake’s music and “trust me” text and stuff like that.

[misterfigi]

Oct 10, 2024 3:28:02 GMT -5 walter7paisley said:

My Bulldogs are due to arrive today. That's pretty impressive considering I only ordered them a day or so ago. Good job, Rock and Roll Collectables.

My 1992 Bulldog and wife are set to arrive today, and considering I only ordered them 8 months ago... Still quicker than a ZST order.

[drnickriviera995]

Not for me, but the Sherri is pretty impresive. Zombie went on a rant against him in the MWFP group under some guy's post about it and the legality of it. How does he know for sure wether or not Mitch is doing it legally? If it's an in stock figure, it must have been in the works over a year ago then right? How does anyone know the specifics of Sheri's legends deal? Has Mattel been making tons of figs of her over the past couple years?

One thing I thought though, was I thought WWE owned the name Sensational Sheri, thought he'd of had to put Sherri Martel on the packaging maybe? I know in WCW they couldn't call her that.

[AttitudeLegendCollector]

I’m definitely interested in the image rights debate and would love to know the ins and outs but it’s very unlikely that we’ll ever know the full detail, also don’t know how others like Zombie and Kenick would have that information.

It is however very odd that people get so up in their feelings about it - I’m sure Mitch and whoever else have covered themselves appropriately, if not then that’s on them. Anything that gets more collector items into hands of people that want them and prevents the monopoly of Mattel who can’t produce some of the names we all want is only a good thing, so we should want them to succeed.

[y2josh]

If Mitch is doing things illegally, he sure is picking a lot of random names to produce and risk his reputation (which I don't believe is happening). Like, Mark Mero and T.L. Hopper? Not exactly forum threads begging for a guy coming with a toilet and turd. I'm not saying they're bad choices at all, but they certainly aren't Bret Hart and Hulk Hogan. I feel like certain individuals are just pissed off that he's doing well, which is funny, because everyone got their 'rub' by associating with those Major Pod guys in the first place.

Make toys and shut up.

[tdoggpsu]

Oct 10, 2024 7:15:57 GMT -5 drnickriviera995 said:

Not for me, but the Sherri is pretty impresive. Zombie went on a rant against him in the MWFP group under some guy's post about it and the legality of it. How does he know for sure wether or not Mitch is doing it legally? If it's an in stock figure, it must have been in the works over a year ago then right? How does anyone know the specifics of Sheri's legends deal? Has Mattel been making tons of figs of her over the past couple years?

One thing I thought though, was I thought WWE owned the name Sensational Sheri, thought he'd of had to put Sherri Martel on the packaging maybe? I know in WCW they couldn't call her that.

Zombie and Kanik are in the same business, producing the same type of product and working with the same pool of talent. They too are looking to make figures of many of the same characters. As such, they would have already looked into some of these names and know that some of them can’t legally be made because of previously existing contracts.

That’s how they’d have insight into the legality of some of what Mitch is doing.

[MKSavage]

Oct 10, 2024 6:36:02 GMT -5 kojikanemoto said:

Oct 9, 2024 19:14:05 GMT -5 MKSavage said:

Any pics, sketch or prototype? Or was it just an announcement. 

No, just a video teaser with Jake’s music and “trust me” text and stuff like that.

I hope the "trust me" text is a hint that he's going for heel Jake over babyface Jake. Heel Jake was sorely missing from the original Hasbro line. If he could get him in his blue or black flame tights with a king cobra accessory, that would be amazing. 

[MKSavage]

Oct 10, 2024 7:15:57 GMT -5 drnickriviera995 said:

Not for me, but the Sherri is pretty impresive. Zombie went on a rant against him in the MWFP group under some guy's post about it and the legality of it. How does he know for sure wether or not Mitch is doing it legally? If it's an in stock figure, it must have been in the works over a year ago then right? How does anyone know the specifics of Sheri's legends deal? Has Mattel been making tons of figs of her over the past couple years?

One thing I thought though, was I thought WWE owned the name Sensational Sheri, thought he'd of had to put Sherri Martel on the packaging maybe? I know in WCW they couldn't call her that.

I remember listening to one of Bruce Prichard's podcasts a while ago and he talked about licensing. The licenses do run out and the WWF/E has to re-up them. Prichard said sometimes Vince didn't think they were worth the money and would let the ownership lapse. When that would happen, the wrestler - or anyone else - could purchase/own the license. Not sure how true this is, but I thought I read a while back that Bryan Clarke does own the IP for Adam Bomb (name, looks, etc.) Either he purchased it outright from Vince to get ownership or the WWE didn't re-up the license which allowed him to purchase it and own it. 

I would definitely love to know more about this topic, as it is a big part of figure collecting. Who owns what, and what specifically can and cannot be made. 

I found these (images below) on twitter. Apparently, the artist put these in for the Owen Hart Foundation to make, but they didn't choose them. Not sure if they just decided to go with a different company. Or if they're not allowed to make WWF Owen Hart attires because the WWF still owns the rights, or because the family doesn't want to make them for personal reasons. Shame though, as these would have been incredible. 

[@Chair.Shot]

Oct 10, 2024 8:35:25 GMT -5 tdoggpsu said:

Oct 10, 2024 7:15:57 GMT -5 drnickriviera995 said:

Not for me, but the Sherri is pretty impresive. Zombie went on a rant against him in the MWFP group under some guy's post about it and the legality of it. How does he know for sure wether or not Mitch is doing it legally? If it's an in stock figure, it must have been in the works over a year ago then right? How does anyone know the specifics of Sheri's legends deal? Has Mattel been making tons of figs of her over the past couple years?

One thing I thought though, was I thought WWE owned the name Sensational Sheri, thought he'd of had to put Sherri Martel on the packaging maybe? I know in WCW they couldn't call her that.

Zombie and Kanik are in the same business, producing the same type of product and working with the same pool of talent. They too are looking to make figures of many of the same characters. As such, they would have already looked into some of these names and know that some of them can’t legally be made because of previously existing contracts.

That’s how they’d have insight into the legality of some of what Mitch is doing.

The only thing I can add to that is in the past, certain people made claims about something being illegal and they were proven to be wrong. Kanik and Zombie have given the impression to me that they are willing to do their due diligence ahead of time to avoid any imperial legal entanglements.

Oct 10, 2024 8:02:57 GMT -5 y2josh said:

If Mitch is doing things illegally, he sure is picking a lot of random names to produce and risk his reputation (which I don't believe is happening). Like, Mark Mero and T.L. Hopper? Not exactly forum threads begging for a guy coming with a toilet and turd. I'm not saying they're bad choices at all, but they certainly aren't Bret Hart and Hulk Hogan. I feel like certain individuals are just pissed off that he's doing well, which is funny, because everyone got their 'rub' by associating with those Major Pod guys in the first place.

Make toys and shut up.

That last part is how I’m feeling at this very moment. Like what is complaining to the figure community accomplishing? Are you trying to shame people for buying these things? Sew division amongst the collectors? Feed into tribalism? I genuinely do not know what is accomplished by ranting over this. If you have a problem with it, report it to WWE legal and such. Go ahead and ruin it for everyone else. If you are doing things on the up-and-up, you should have little to fear. If WWE legal starts bullying you, then that sucks but it’s the way capitalism and our legal system works.

[kev]

Weren’t epic accused of producing the Bobby Heenan illegally before?

[@Chair.Shot]

Oct 10, 2024 9:06:31 GMT -5 MKSavage said:

Oct 10, 2024 7:15:57 GMT -5 drnickriviera995 said:

Not for me, but the Sherri is pretty impresive. Zombie went on a rant against him in the MWFP group under some guy's post about it and the legality of it. How does he know for sure wether or not Mitch is doing it legally? If it's an in stock figure, it must have been in the works over a year ago then right? How does anyone know the specifics of Sheri's legends deal? Has Mattel been making tons of figs of her over the past couple years?

One thing I thought though, was I thought WWE owned the name Sensational Sheri, thought he'd of had to put Sherri Martel on the packaging maybe? I know in WCW they couldn't call her that.

I remember listening to one of Bruce Prichard's podcasts a while ago and he talked about licensing. The licenses do run out and the WWF/E has to re-up them. Prichard said sometimes Vince didn't think they were worth the money and would let the ownership lapse. When that would happen, the wrestler - or anyone else - could purchase/own the license. Not sure how true this is, but I thought I read a while back that Bryan Clarke does own the IP for Adam Bomb (name, looks, etc.) Either he purchased it outright from Vince to get ownership or the WWE didn't re-up the license which allowed him to purchase it and own it. 

I would definitely love to know more about this topic, as it is a big part of figure collecting. Who owns what, and what specifically can and cannot be made. 

I found these (images below) on twitter. Apparently, the artist put these in for the Owen Hart Foundation to make, but they didn't choose them. Not sure if they just decided to go with a different company. Or if they're not allowed to make WWF Owen Hart attires because the WWF still owns the rights, or because the family doesn't want to make them for personal reasons. Shame though, as these would have been incredible. 

Those would have been incredible! I really hope Jazwares is able to make Owens most well known looks!

About four years ago I started taking an interest in law. Not that I’m studying it; I just love learning about it. Sometimes I’ll listen to court cases while I’m working on various things or driving. I also subscribe to various lawyer channels on YouTube and enjoy hearing their takes on various cases (past, present, and future). I have great respect for good lawyers/attorneys. Learning the law is hard enough. Keeping up with it isn’t easier either. But being able to interpret hundreds of years of existing case law, finding a way to argue or defend your case, and then perform it all in front of a judge while the opposing side is actively trying to stop you? It’s almost like a competitive sport with some of the theatrics of pro wrestling!

The legal system is so incredibly complex and varies greatly throughout the United States. I have also had a lifelong interest in business but never finished getting my degree for it (plans change pal). So learning about the legal side of the wrestling figure business is like three of my favorite things coming together!…I just wish it were for positive reasons.

[walter7paisley]

Somebody was ranting about Top Rope doing the PN News Galoob prototype figure, and I honestly thought that it was a completely absurd argument to make.

If these things are being made illegally, then time will tell and things will unfold. Until then, I'm happy to have these figures in my collection and really don't care one way or another unless the talent themselves or their families are being ripped off.

If a corporation as large as the WWE is being ripped off, then I couldn't give two flying s.

[kiphouse]

Companies doing banger in stock drops and zombies still like, let me sit on a pile of your money til the middle of next year

[britishbrickfan]

Oct 10, 2024 9:14:57 GMT -5 kev said:

Weren’t epic accused of producing the Bobby Heenan illegally before?

they were, and MWFP were vocal about it being "illegal" until they learned the truth, and never said a word since.

it's not "illegal" to produce a figure for a likeness, if the talent (or their estate/agent/whoever) have licenced that to the person, as long as it doesn't conflict with other contracts in place.

Epic have said that their approach for all talent who may have since fallen under a WWE Legends deal is that they reach out to WWE and get the all clear from their legal dept, before revealing their signed talent. So if WWE's own legal have said Epic's figure is being produced legitimately and doesn't contravene their licence/contract, who is going to argue with that?

I find it interesting that G+G have secured Sherri, especially for 2 key WWE "looks" but good work Mitch. I'm not much of a fan that Sherri's figure needs a base/stand to stand on it's own, but the Charapro Break Bunny figs came with stands, so it's not unreasonable for G+G's first foray into a female figure form to have a stand, I just think it's a shame that she doesn't appear to be able to hold the mirror correctly, as the hands don't appear to be the same as designed

[britishbrickfan]

Oct 10, 2024 9:33:15 GMT -5 kiphouse said:

Companies doing banger in stock drops and zombies still like, let me sit on a pile of your money til the middle of next year

has he sped up production now?

[@Chair.Shot]

Steering this thread back on track a little…

My Grapplers and Gimmicks collection is growing faster than anyone else’s but all companies are causing my collection to expand rapidly. Right now I am cleaning up my office/toy room and trying to decide how to display my collection. Out of curiosity, do you guys mix everything together or does each company get its own dedicated space?

[kojikanemoto]

Any word on the US release of gold tassels Bulldog 97? I see Rock & Roll has it up for the UK