Comparing new vs. old BCA style figures

Even if you have never owned a single newer BCA style figure, you should be able to tell the difference between new and old in the BCA line.

Yes, there are rubber limbs for both and the "Bone Crunching Action" feature is still very much in play for the new (as of the early 2000s) figures, but they are not mirror images of one another.

For this comparison post, unfortunately, I won't be slicing into any of the figures to show you the internal workings of the parts as was done in the BCA figure line review I posted back in January. But, I will be looking at a trio of Stone Cold Steve Austin figures (with others in the background) to demonstrate what similarities and differences exist on the surface. The three figures shown include Superstars Series 4/5 Austin (on the left), 2 Tuff Series 4 Austin (in the middle), and Backlash Series 2 Austin (on the right). Obviously, the first two are original BCA figures and the Backlash Series Austin is from the new BCA waves. Will there be any sort of conclusion reached by the end of this post to prove which is better? New or old? No, not in this post. That's up to you to decide which is better and which is worse, but I will share some of my personal opinions along the way.

Starting with the height of the figures, as you can see the original BCA figures average about 6 inches, whereas the newer figures were slightly taller at 7 inches.

The size of the newer leg parts is mostly to blame here since they were often disproportionate to the bodies of the newer BCAs. Although, the wider spacing allows for somewhat better stability in the newer style compared to many of the originals.

The 2 Tuff Series 4 Austin, for instance, proved to be a pain in setting up for the photos because of its awkward Ahmed Johnson legs and soft ankles. It is also common for the newer BCA style figures to appear as if they are leaning forward even while standing straight, but this does not cause much of a problem unless the parts are loosened (and we all know how annoying that can be on display).

By looking at the row of arms, we can see the evolution of the parts throughout the years. There is more definition/tone in the newer figures compared to the simple sculpts of old. Not to mention, remember all of the BCA figures with wrist tape/bands that didn't need them? Well, it's almost reversed this time around as Austin could sure use them for his newer Backlash figure. The boots are standard issue and there is not much specification in the newer style, but the original BCAs had their own difficulties with reusing parts that didn't belong (i.e. Ahmed's legs). With so much room for improvement, I find it sad that Jakks could never quite get it right even when they relaunch a line like they did with BCA figures. I guess the second time isn't the charm for them either.

In the original BCA line, neck articulation was very basic and not often utilized. The main advantage of the newer BCA figures is in their added neck articulation (with Bone Crunching sound, too) and it was achieved once they introduced Real Scan head sculpts to the line. It's hard to argue against Real Scan technology whenever possible, and I'm not about to downplay the significance of it with these new BCA style figures. When someone says that something is made or broken by a single feature, they should have gotten the inspiration from the new BCA style neck articulation. It makes the figures what they are, but beware of heads that lose it and become LOOSE in the process. I have another Austin and a Backlash Series 3 Big Show with wobbly heads, and it's safe to say that they won't be enlisting in any "How to Take A Piledriver 101" courses this spring semester.

As for the torso piece itself, the new BCA style shrunk down a little to the size of the earlier BCA figures, except again with increased muscle tone and definition.

Below the waist, you'll see the "V" shaped crotch piece used in the new Austin figure. It is an even size in both the front and back, but it also requires additional paint on the upper thigh area unlike the others.

Personally, I prefer the look of the Austin on the left; not to make this sound any more perverted than looking at little plastic men in underwear already is, but the Superstars Series 4/5 figure has more natural curves to it. So, yeah, if you're looking for a little junk in the trunk with the new BCA style, you're looking in the wrong place. However, if you're looking for Randy Orton-esque smaller knee pads in the new BCA style, you've found the right place. The knee pads did shrink on the new figures, but the sculpted pads seem more appropriate with BCA style figures and thankfully aren't gaudy either.

Favoring one head sculpt over the other is merely a subjective assessment of these figures, which is not to say that doesn't apply elsewhere, but denying the accuracy of Real Scan technology is unquestionably a dumb move. Yet, I would advise looking to the Snappin' Bashers Series Stone Cold figure instead for the best head sculpt of his in the BCA line.

Whether or not you are a fan of one particular feature or the complete body of work, there are pros and cons for both style of figures. And, of course, cons always get the most notoriety. New? They look like they were all rolled out of the same assembly line with few distinct elements between them. Old? Who cares if you have all of the detail in the world when the head "sculpt" looks like trash. Therein lies the problem -- both styles have issues, but it's easier if you take them for what they're worth (well, not literally, since BCAs aren't worth a whole lot) and enjoy them for what they are. Nothing more, nothing less. So, which do you prefer? Until next time, thanks for looking and have a nice day! - Alex