Like most people who have followed the WWE line for the better part of the last decade, I have a 
love/hate relationship with JAKKS. Outside of Hasbro’s Star Wars, no line has a greater depth of character than the WWE of today. I’m constantly amazed at how frequently JAKKS is capable of releasing new Superstars and updated looks for existing figures. Obviously there is a flip side with JAKKS constantly cutting corners by re-using molds and skimping on paint detail. Despite their flaws, they have managed to have multiple successful concurrent assortments of WWE action figures for many, many years; and soon that all ends.
When the WWE backed away from JAKKS (thanks in large part to a lawsuit filed against sister company THQ), JAKKS was left scrambling to pick up licenses that would allow them to remain a player in the action figure world. They also had a wealth of wrestling parts, so they took the logical step and acquired TNA wrestling. Some may call that desperate and others may call it strategic, but none of that really matters, because JAKKS has already started making something better: UFC!
There are obviously parallels to be drawn between UFC and WWE, but that is beside the point at the moment. This post stands to celebrate the tremendous effort JAKKS has put into their UFC line and to console tearful WWE fans who must be left wondering “why not us?”
The basic body JAKKS has incorporated into UFC is most like the deluxe WWE mold, but with several key improvements. First, the shoulder joints have been re-engineered with an extra back and forth joint that improves the figure’s playability tenfold. You can actually put these figures into respectable wrestling holds. It’s really quite impressive and makes these toys fun to interact with.
JAKKS has also stepped up the detail. The UFC guys love their ink and these toys reflect that. I can’t speak for the complete accuracy of the tattoo work, but I will say that it’s quite extensive and looks great. We also get a good deal of sponsor names and logos on the gear. It’s great to see that JAKKS worked out deals with the sponsors to get all the details they could into these figures. A race car would look strange without its sponsor’s logos and the same goes for these guys.
Now, one category where these figures fall behind the WWE line is accessories. Or do they? Since this is UFC and not professional wrestling, you are not afforded quite the array of weaponry to choose from as appropriate accessories. No steal chairs or breakable table. No cookie sheets or kendo sticks. None of that is used in the UFC, so why include it? What JAKKS has smartly done is included some key accessories and worked to make them as detailed as possible.
Case and point: Royce Gracie’s gi. You have a two piece, fabric gi and it works beautifully. It’s functional and it looks perfect. Gracie was already a figure to look out for due to his short packed nature and Legends status, but if nothing else, this is just a wonderful karate action figure that would look great in any martial arts setting.
I’m not a UFC expert. I don’t know most of the names. But I appreciate good action figures and fun toys and for my money, JAKKS’ UFC line has quickly established itself at the top of the shelf.
UFC Symbiotes sounds like a match made in heaven. Somebody book that, quick!
Until next time, I’m gonzo
Like most people who have followed the WWE line for the better part of the last decade, I have a love/hate relationship with JAKKS. Outside of Hasbro’s Star Wars, no line has a greater depth of character than the WWE of today. I’m constantly amazed at how frequently JAKKS is capable of releasing new Superstars and updated looks for existing figures. Obviously there is a flip side with JAKKS constantly cutting corners by re-using molds and skimping on paint detail. Despite their flaws, they have managed to have multiple successful concurrent assortments of WWE action figures for many, many years; and soon that all ends.
When the WWE backed away from JAKKS (thanks in large part to a lawsuit filed against sister company THQ), JAKKS was left scrambling to pick up licenses that would allow them to remain a player in the action figure world. They also had a wealth of wrestling parts, so they took the logical step and acquired TNA wrestling. Some may call that desperate and others may call it strategic, but none of that really matters, because JAKKS has already started making something better: UFC!
There are obviously parallels to be drawn between UFC and WWE, but that is beside the point at the moment. This post stands to celebrate the tremendous effort JAKKS has put into their UFC line and to console tearful WWE fans who must be left wondering “why not us?”
The basic body JAKKS has incorporated into UFC is most like the deluxe WWE mold, but with several key improvements. First, the shoulder joints have been re-engineered with an extra back and forth joint that improves the figure’s playability tenfold. You can actually put these figures into respectable wrestling holds. It’s really quite impressive and makes these toys fun to interact with.
JAKKS has also stepped up the detail. The UFC guys love their ink and these toys reflect that. I can’t speak for the complete accuracy of the tattoo work, but I will say that it’s quite extensive and looks great. We also get a good deal of sponsor names and logos on the gear. It’s great to see that JAKKS worked out deals with the sponsors to get all the details they could into these figures. A race car would look strange without its sponsor’s logos and the same goes for these guys.
Now, one category where these figures fall behind the WWE line is accessories. Or do they? Since this is UFC and not professional wrestling, you are not afforded quite the array of weaponry to choose from as appropriate accessories. No steal chairs or breakable table. No cookie sheets or kendo sticks. None of that is used in the UFC, so why include it? What JAKKS has smartly done is included some key accessories and worked to make them as detailed as possible.
Case and point: Royce Gracie’s gi. You have a two piece, fabric gi and it works beautifully. It’s functional and it looks perfect. Gracie was already a figure to look out for due to his short packed nature and Legends status, but if nothing else, this is just a wonderful karate action figure that would look great in any martial arts setting.
I’m not a UFC expert. I don’t know most of the names. But I appreciate good action figures and fun toys and for my money, JAKKS UFC line has quickly established itself at the top of the shelf.
always be consistent from year to year, but each holiday season, one toy finds itself elevated above the rest. In two-thousand and nine, your kid wants an electric hamster.
