If you haven’t read “Part One” yet, what are you waiting for …a new Mattel BCA figure line?
Well, that probably isn’t on the horizon anytime soon, so I’ll fill the void with Part Two of the continuing series of posts dedicated to the reporting of figure news by the Action Figure Zone News website of the late 1990s.
No, it wasn’t the best, nor was it the most truthful (or was it?), but it is contained within a bunch of chicken scratch on several sheets of loose leaf paper that I’m transferring to my PC, so I have my reasons for using it. And don’t say it’s because I’m too lazy to write up figure reviews or “What if” stories.
Because…it’s not…
Oh, who am I kidding, that last part was true, but forget about me and focus on the task at hand! Let’s comprehend us some good ole fashioned BCA figures news, shall we?
December 1997 BCA News and Rumors –
12/3 – The Patriot and HBK (a new repaint, supposed to come with fold-up chair) are set for Superstars Series 6, along with D’Lo Brown, Dude Love, and Kane (also new).
Somehow, I think a prospective Slammers Series 2 lineup got lost in translation here, although D’Lo was never released in either the Slammers or Superstars series. Strange.
12/4-6 – “Double J” Jeff Jarrett and New Age Outlaws figures are confirmed.
12/7 – Best of ’97 singles series is being released to TRU stores.
Both are true statements, for the record, so no explanation needed here.
12/9 – Look for Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart’s debut BCA figure to come out before March ’98; it may replace Kane in the proposed Superstars Series 6 lineup from Dec. 3rd.
My belief is that Neidhart’s non-existing contract (he was paid per appearance) from 1997 caused Jakks to overlook a figure of him until the time came when he left for WCW. Then, there was nothing on the table and no expense wasted to produce a figure of “The Anvil.”
12/10 – Rumors are surfacing about a Raw Is War playset with entrance ramp and Titantron in the works.
Clearly, there were elements of the Titantron Live line that were talked about far in advance, but I don’t suspect Jakks knew BCA was done for just yet.
12/12 – There will be a Butterbean figure made as long as he’s associated with the WWF; if not, he might still be released in a commemorative set with Marc Mero and/or Sable.
Good lord, I can just imagine the rolls…
12/13 – Signature Series 2 will include HBK and Owen Hart, but no Bret Hart. Also, Mark Henry is scheduled for Superstars Series 7.
As we know now, Owen was not released in Signature Series 2, and Henry’s debut figure was one series ahead of schedule in #6.
12/14 – A new Goldust and Stone Cold Steve Austin are now being discussed for Series 6; Austin will come with a removable vest and cap; Kane will not be ready until Superstars Series 7 at the earliest.
All never came to prosper in those respective series, but it is interesting to see the delay of Kane’s debut BCA figure.
12/15 – “Marvelous” Marc Mero figure is now planned for Superstars Series 7 or 8.
Give Jakks some credit; similar to Henry, Mero’s new repaint came sooner (#6) rather than later (#7 or 8).
12/17 – According to Jakks Pacific sources, Lightweight division figures are 100% confirmed. Also, S.T.O.M.P. Series 1 has been released and a tag set featuring the New Age Outlaws (perhaps 2 Tuff Series 2?) is being prepared for early next year (1998).
Quintuple bypass surgery couldn’t clear Lightweight division figures from the shelves had they been released, but I like the effort on Jakks’ part. If only the WWF was as serious about it.
12/20 – Jakks has confirmed Furnas and LaFon figures for a future Tag Team Series 2-pack as long as they are in the WWF.
Woops!
12/21 – Having just recently debuted, “The Lethal Weapon” Steve Blackman could possibly be made – either in a commemorative Survivor Series package, on a regular singles card, or as part of a Team USA 4-pack.
Pick your poison, I guess. Jakks went with a regular singles figure for Blackman’s debut Superstars Series 6 figure.
12/23 – A Mick Foley (or, rather, Faces of Foley) 3-pack has been rumored.
And it would indeed be released and become one of the most popular BCA boxed sets ever produced.
12/24 – Jakks will most likely make a BCA Howard Finkel figure.
Wow, what a Christmas Eve present! If only it were to have come true. [insert sad face here]
12/28 – (Non-BCA) WCW drops the OSFTM license due to insufficient sales; McFarlane in line to scoop them up for 1998.
Just thought I’d throw that little bit in there. Imagine the detail of McFarlane with the popularity of WCW at the time; it would have been something special.
12/30 – Will there be a Legends line? No. However, a Hall of Fame pack with four figures from WWF’s past IS possible. Someone else who has received consideration by Jakks is Cactus Jack in BCA form.
Jakks would flip-flop on the subject of Legends figures for a while, but eventually the series with Andre, Capt. Lou, Blassie and Snuka with non-BCA molds would become a reality. Cactus Jack would later debut in the Foley 3-pack with a new mold that is also as real as it gets.
12/31 – How to tell the Best of ’97 singles series from the seemingly identical Superstars Series 3 carding? The “Superstars” text on the front carding is yellow, not pink gradient, and there is a “Bone Crunching Action” logo on the upper left side of the card. Also, HBK from Best of ’97 Series 2 has been found in stores.
It should be noted that HHH and “Wildman” Marc Mero were added to later shipments of Series 2. Series 1 includes Ahmed, Bret, Bulldog, Owen (all three with sleeveless Hart Foundation jackets), Austin, and Undertaker. Series 2 features Crush, Goldust, HHH, Shamrock, Mero, Maivia, HBK, and another Undertaker.
Stay tuned for “Part Three” as we welcome in 1998!
- Alex
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