Updating The Past: Part One.

I've often referenced this site in the past, but Action Figure Zone News has been mighty helpful when it comes to learning more about the BCA figure line.

Specifically, it has opened my eyes to what possibilities existed at the time for new Jakks Pacific products, although many were never made and only survive as rumors today.

Well, I'd like to think that I can trust the sources and information provided by AFZN (and, surely, borrowed from other sites), so I thought I may share some of what I've read with all of the readers out there.

This website has not been active since the late 90s, but it remains stored on the Internet Archive to this day. That's where I found it, and I hope you will find it, or have it spring to mind, on this here blog.

Beginning in early November 1997 and ending abruptly in early August 1998, here are the archived updates that I first came across in January 2009.

I'll be posting these in multiple parts, or breaking it up so it isn't a lot of text to read. I hope there is a little something for everyone in here and, as always, I hope it doesn't disappoint.

Let's start things off with a look at the month of November from way, way (okay, don't feel too old now) back in the year 1997.

November 1997 BCA News and Rumors -

11/1 - Superstars Series 6 rumored lineup includes D'Lo Brown, Brian Christopher, Chyna, HHH, a commemorative Brian Pillman (in the wake of his death two months prior), and possibly Stone Cold Steve Austin with removable vest.

*Series 6 official lineup: HHH, "Double J" Jeff Jarrett, "The Black Hart" Owen Hart, "Marvelous" Marc Mero, Mark Henry, "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman.

11/3 - Jakks Legends set is a strong rumor/possibility, including Hulk Hogan (despite his involvement with WCW), Andre the Giant, and many others.

*Legends Series 1 official lineup: Andre The Giant, Captain Lou Albano, Classy Freddie Blassie, "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka.

11/5 - Jakks is rumored to make Crush, a commemorative Pillman, another Stone Cold (lol really?), and another Ahmed Johnson in Superstars Series 6. These are confirmed; other news including an Austin with vest which is a part of a collection with figures such as Bret Hart, Owen Hart, British Bulldog, and Jim Neidhart, all with Hart Foundation jackets, and an Undertaker with robe. Also, Truth Commission and Los Boricuas sets are to be made.

*Jim Neidhart is never made, nor is the commemorative Pillman, and Ahmed never makes Superstars 6; the other three HF members are released with jackets in Best of '97 Series 1. TC members The Interrogator and Rekon are available in 2 Tuff Series 1, but the Los Boricuas set is never produced. "Collection" does not exist, but Austin with vest and 'Taker with robe appear later in the line.

11/6 - Jakks plans to make a Dude Love in one of the next three assortments.

*Hello, Slammers Series 2.

11/13 - Truth Commission set, which would likely include The Jackyl, is still being planned.

*Split up between 2 Tuff Series 2-packs; series 2 is Jackyl's only figure, with a new Kurgann.

11/14 - The Los Boricuas set is confirmed.

*Or...not?

11/16 - There is much doubt and concern for the likelihood of the new War Zone figures (a.k.a. S.T.O.M.P. Series 1); these will include body armor and laser pistols.

*Hmm, good call on that one Jakks lol; S.T.O.M.P. only lasts four series, three with the original molds.

11/18 - Jakks planning line in which figures have their own special move (pre-cursor to Slammers?) and will be comprised of big stars, such as HBK, 'Taker, and Shamrock.

*Slammers never caught on either; three or more series were planned, but only two saw their release.

11/20 - Based on recent reports, a classic WWF line is possible, but Jakks acknowledges potential drawback with licensing disputes for WCW talent; they still hope to make classic figures.

*Hey, look, my birthday lol. Oh, and it took six years for this classic line to get off the ground.

11/22 - Signature Series 1 introduces Austin 3:16 to singles sets, as well as a new Goldust; the Raw Is War ring is a Monster Ring repaint.

*Do you remember where you were when Austin 3:16 broke the Signature barrier? Yeah, me either lol. But, seriously, both additions (Austin, Goldust) established the signatures figures to the extent of six series over the next two years.

11/23 - Jakks considers new Ringside Collection Series with Vince, JR, Cornette, and Slaughter (in sport coat) all packaged in one box and including an announcer's table with headsets (pre-cursor to Grapple Gear?).

*A two-in-one series, perhaps? This would have definitely been a hot item among collectors, "War Tony" aside and all.

11/25 - D-Generation X 3-pack with HHH, HBK, and Chyna is scheduled for a February 1998 release.

*Never sees the light of day with HBK gone in a matter of months, but a D-Generation X 4-pack with all re-releases (HHH, Chyna, New Age Outlaws) does hit stores in '98.

11/26 - S.T.O.M.P. Series 1, or Warzone, will ship in late November ('97) with Signature Series 1.

*One out of two ain't bad (aww, c'mon, you've got to love the S.T.O.M.P. abominations)...

11/30 - (Non-BCA) Playmates confirms WWF line in late November ('97) consisting of Hasbro-esque figures with action moves; early pics look good including HBK, Austin, 'Taker, and others.

*Pretty sure this is in regards to the small ape-like Grudge Match Playmates WWF toys, which don't happen to resemble Hasbro figures in any way. They even made a Savio! Whew, that line was headed for the stars.

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"Part Two" is coming soon so, until then, have a nice day!

- Alex