Mega Review - Ranking the Superstars Series 1-9

Jakks Pacific's Superstars Series may have lasted just nine assortments, but it will be forever synonymous with Bone Crunching Action figures, for better or worse.

A total of 56 action figures were released under the Superstars Series banner (singles cards only, so disregard the exclusive double packs for now) and, believe it or not, I will attempt to rank them by individual and overall series scores.

The scores may come as a surprise to some collectors and BCA die-hards (not unlike myself), but I have always believed that differing opinions provide for greater discussion.

So, let's get to it.

I'll begin with the individual figure scores listed in chronological order from Series 1 through 9.

If you are at all familiar with my ranking system, I award points based on a scale from 1 to 5 in five separate categories: Head, Torso (above the waist), Arms, Legs (below the waist), and Other (awarded for accessories included and the occasional bonus for exceptional detail).

Basically, the highest score I could ever award is 25, but I can assure you that it is no easy feat. The figure itself would have to be a near-perfect representation of the actual performers, and knowing Jakks' sculpting efforts in the pre-Real Scan days could make a 25 out of 25 a near-impossibility.

To date, only two figures have ever claimed a 22/25 from me and are currently tied for first place (Grudge Match Series Luna and...you'll see soon enough).

What does the Superstars Series have in store for us?

Starting from the beginning...

Superstars Series 1

1. Diesel - 19.5 (4, 4.5, 4, 4, 3)
2. Razor Ramon - 19 (4, 3.5, 4.5, 4, 3)
3. Undertaker - 18 (3.5, 3, 3.5, 4.5, 3.5)
4. Bret Hart - 17 (3, 4, 3.5, 3.5, 3)
5. Goldust - 17 (3.5, 3.5, 3, 3.5, 3.5)
6. Shawn Michaels - 14 (3, 3, 2.5, 2.5, 3)

Round 1 goes to Diesel in a close finish between he and his fellow Outsider from back in the day. Both Diesel and Razor's head sculpts were great for their time, and the attention to detail should never go unnoticed with Razor's accurate elbow pad combination and Diesel's molded tassles.

'Taker's first entry is solid, too, with some of the best boot sculpting this side of the Mississippi (okay, that makes no sense, but I've always wanted to say it). As you can see, there is a tie for fourth place, but I'd give the edge to Bret without the point support of accessories (i.e. Goldust's wig).

Shawn ranks last in the line-up because his debut figure is slightly above average at best. Too many inaccuracies and odd part choices prevent it from competing with the big boys of Series 1.

Average Series 1 figure score: 17.42 out of 25

What to make of Superstars Series 1?

It's an encouraging start for Jakks Pacific's wrestling figure line, and we can see the potential realized in two names (Diesel, Razor Ramon) who had already left the WWF by that point. So, I don't know if that was a good or bad sign of things to come, but the controversy provided for two great figures in the midst of all the chaos.

On to Series 2...

Superstars Series 2

1. Ultimate Warrior - 18.5 (3, 4, 4.5, 4, 3)
2. Owen Hart - 18 (3, 4, 3.5, 4.5, 3)
3. Bret Hart (repaint) - 17 (3, 4, 3.5, 3.5, 3)
4. Undertaker (repaint) - 17 (3, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 3.5)
5. Vader - 14.5 (2.5, 3, 3, 3, 3)
6. Shawn Michaels (repaint) - 14 (3, 3, 2.5, 2.5, 3)

Round 2 goes to Ultimate Warrior in another close finish early in the BCA line. Between the detail of Warrior's arm tassles and Owen's singlet/boots, Jakks' credibility is upheld in their second effort.

Once again, we've got a tie involving Bret Hart ('Taker's torso, too, if that counts), but I would still give the advantage to Bret without having to rely on accessories (i.e. 'Taker's hat) or cheap gags ('Taker "glows in the dark"). Vader, meanwhile, dukes it out with Shawn for the title of worst Superstars Series 2 figure (and loses).

With that said, do you think Jakks would re-release the exact same Shawn and Vader figures in a 2-pack and pretend it was an exclusive by slapping a sticker on the card?

...Wait, do I need to answer this?!? OF COURSE THEY DID!

This was Jakks at their finest or, as Michael Cole would say, "Vintage Jakks." And we're only two series in...

Average Series 2 figure score: 16.5 out of 25

What to make of Superstars Series 2?

Unfortunately, the quality has dropped off from Series 1 and there aren't enough good efforts to outweigh the bad. That is inexcusable considering the talent at hand, but at least Series 2 gave us a Warrior comeback figure (one of my personal favorites) and a "King of Harts" Owen after so many years of waiting. Remember when a "King of Harts" Owen was a big deal for Hasbro collectors?

...Wait, it still is.

Now for Series 3...

Superstars Series 3

1. Diesel (Series 1 re-release) - 20 (4, 4.5, 4, 4, 3.5)
2. Mankind - 19 (3.5, 4.5, 4, 3.5, 3.5)
3. Goldust (Series 1 repaint) - 18.5 (3.5, 4, 3.5, 3.5, 4)
4. Bret Hart (Series 1 re-release) - 17.5 (3, 4, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5)
5. Ahmed Johnson - 16.5 (3, 3.5, 3.5, 3, 3.5)
6. British Bulldog - 16 (3, 3, 3, 3.5, 3.5)
7. Sycho Sid - 15 (2.5, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 3.5)
8. Shawn Michaels (Series 1 re-release) - 14.5 (3, 3, 2.5, 2.5, 3.5)

Round 3 goes back to the Series 1 favorite, Diesel, even as we are left wondering why he was re-released on a Series 3 card. The reasoning has never been made clear, but Jakks issued half-new releases and half-old releases for the Series 3 line-up. This much I do know. Of the new releases, Mankind is head, shoulders, and an ear-and-a-half above the rest.

For the first time in the Superstars Series rankings, every figure is assisted by an extra half-point in the final category (Other) due to the inclusion of figure stands as a universal accessory. The tri-fecta of new talent (Ahmed, Bulldog, and Sid) alongside Mankind improve upon the likes of Vader's sculpt, but potentially great scores are hampered by questionable part choices (Sid's head sculpt and lower half) and a lack of detail (Bulldog's boot tassles).

Not surprisingly, an HBK re-release finishes last for the third (and final) time in the Superstars series rankings.

Average Series 3 figure score: 17.13 out of 25

What to make of Superstars Series 3?

It would appear Jakks is back on the right track with Series 3. However, would the overall score be as high without Diesel and Goldust in the mix? No, it wouldn't. In fact, it would be LOWER than Series 2 (at 16.42). So, what does that mean? It means Jakks was gracious enough to re-release Series 1 Diesel and a better Goldust, but their effort was steadily dropping off by only the third series. Would Series 4 bring more of the same? Look below.

Series 4 coming up...

Superstars Series 4, a.k.a "Bad Boys"

1. Jerry "The King" Lawler - 20.5 (3.5, 4.5, 4, 4.5, 4)
2. Faarooq - 16.5 (3, 4, 3, 3, 3.5)
3. Justin "Hawk" Bradshaw - 16.5 (3.5, 3, 2.5, 3, 4.5)
4. Vader (Series 2 re-release) - 15 (2.5, 3, 3, 3, 3.5)
5. Stone Cold Steve Austin - 14 (2.5, 3.5, 2, 2.5, 3.5)
6. Hunter Hearst Helmsley - 12 (2, 2.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5)

Round 4 easily goes to "The King" with one of the single-most underrated BCA sculpts (and I don't mean head) ever done by Jakks Pacific. It's one of the Superstars Series' best contributions to the BCA line, in my opinion. Besides Lawler, we're left with four debut figures and one Vader re-release from Series 2.

Now, I'm sure Jakks intended on this being a heel-themed set (one of the first times this has ever been done in a wrestling figure line, come to think of it) with the name "Bad Boys", but I have to question whether an alternate spelling for Series 4 might have been "Bad Toys", because that's what most are.

Again, Lawler aside, the best of the bunch are decent AT BEST. Bradshaw forces a tie based primarily on the wonders of his accessories, so Faarooq gets preference in my book. Vader is...Vader, but the two biggest surprises come in Austin and Helmsley. Not the good kind of surprises, by the way.

Part choices kill Austin's chances at a good score, and I would say the same for Helmsley if it wasn't altogether a steaming pile of crap. Literally, it is one of the worst figures in the entire BCA line, let alone the Superstars series.

Average Series 4 figure score: 15.75 out of 25

What to make of Superstars Series 4?

I would rather be blinded by the reflective light of the WWF block logo figure stands than have to endure another series like "Bad Boys." It makes me question why I have an unabated love for the BCA line. Thankfully, "The King" saves the day. Everyone will tell you how ridiculous it was trying to find a Steve Austin figure, especially his debut, after he blew up, but it doesn't quite hold up like Lawler's "Bad Boys" figure after all these years. The Faarooq's and Bradshaw's of the set could be a heck of a lot better, but nothing is as bad as HHH's debut figure.

Please Series 5, don't let us down...

Superstars Series 5

1. Flash Funk - 19 (2.5, 4, 3.5, 4.5, 4.5)
2. Savio Vega - 18.5 (3, 4, 4, 4, 3.5)
3. Rocky Maivia - 17.5 (2.5, 3.5, 4, 4, 3.5)
4. Ken Shamrock - 16 (3.5, 3.5, 1.5, 4, 3.5)
5. Sycho Sid (Series 3 repaint) - 15 (2.5, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 3.5)
6. Stone Cold Steve Austin - 14 (2.5, 3.5, 2, 2.5, 3.5)

Round 5 goes to Flash Funk by a narrow margin, though ultimately his head sculpt is what prevents him from a 20+ score.

Savio, Rocky, and Kenny Shamrock round out the rest of the debut figures in Series 5, and they're not that bad. To me, Series 5 has always been a middle of the pack assortment that doesn't get much recognition, nor flack from collectors, and that suits it just fine.

It's an upgrade from Series 4, for sure, but it will never be among the greatest BCA series. Two reasons for that are the Sid repaint and Austin re-release; they add very little to the set other than star presence. But, as we've seen, star presence does not often translate to a quality BCA figure.

Average Series 5 figure score: 16.67 out of 25

What to make of Superstars Series 5?

It is the very definition of an "okay" series, as in you aren't likely to rank it in the top, nor bottom, three. It has its moments (Funk/Savio's body sculpts, Rocky's pad detail, Shamrock's head/leg sculpt, and this print ad) that force you to remember it exists, but that in and of itself is the problem; Series 5 is extremely forgettable. I would consider it a step in the right direction for Jakks figures, but I also don't know what else to say to describe Series 5. I have no more words.

Series 6, on the other hand, almost left the BCA line without a voice for good.

Superstars Series 6

1. "Marvelous" Marc Mero - 20 (3, 4.5, 4.5, 4.5, 3.5)
2. "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman - 20 (3.5, 4.5, 3.5, 4.5, 4)
3. "Double J" Jeff Jarrett - 18.5 (2, 4, 4.5, 4, 4.5)
4. HHH - 18 (3, 3.5, 3.5, 4.5, 3.5)
5. Mark Henry - 17.5 (2.5, 3.5, 4, 4, 3.5)
6. "Black Hart" Owen Hart - 13 (1, 3.5, 2, 3, 3.5)

And by voice I mean "bone crunching" sound.

Jakks planned to do away with the BCA figures in favor of the Slammers line in early 1998, but soon after changed their minds and scrapped the planned Slammers Series 3. Apparently, Slammers Series 1 and 2 sold less than expected (who knew?), so the decision was made to bring back BCA (the first of many rebirths) with the original Slammers Series 3 line-up (a.k.a. Superstars Series 6).

It gave us a whole new perspective on BCA with much larger molds in Mero, Blackman, Henry, and HHH. Jarrett was like a blast from the past for all the Hasbro collectors who desperately wanted a "Double J", except with a face sculpt and wardrobe resembling 1970's Elton John.

And then there was One, err, Owen who, in Series 6, had one of the more indiscernible head likenesses in the entire BCA line. Is it supposed to even look like Owen? Jarrett maybe?? Were two sculpts merged together in some sort of freakish lab experiment and this was the result?!?

I really have no clue, but I do know that the "Black Hart" figure resides in the dungeon of the Series 6 rankings.

Average Series 6 figure score: 17.83 out of 25

What to make of Superstars Series 6?

Not only did it single-handedly revive the BCA line and put Slammers figures to shame (SHAME I tell you), but it produced the best overall series of BCA figures in all six assortments ranked thus far. I know, I know. Series 1 is not to be touched as it is the Holy Grail of BCA figure series, but I am finally putting that myth to rest. Mero's sculpt is my personal favorite, but I have grown an appreciation for Blackman's debut figure (as with Savio from Series 5) regardless of the whole articulation, uh, thing. Also, it cannot be understated HOW MUCH BETTER Series 6 HHH is than Series 4 HHH. Think Listerine fresh breath compared to raw onion stank breath.

You've gotta wash that bad taste out of your mouth, and that's what Jakks did with Series 6. Would Series 7 keep the long-lasting flavor going?

Take a bite...

Superstars Series 7

1. Undertaker - 20 (4, 4, 4.5, 4, 3.5)
2. X-Pac - 19.5 (3.5, 4.5, 4, 4, 3.5)
3. Stone Cold Steve Austin - 16 (3.5, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 3.5)
4. Dr Death - 15 (3.5, 2.5, 3, 2.5, 3.5)
5. Val Venis - 14.5 (2, 3.5, 2, 2.5, 4.5)
6. Edge - 13.5 (3.5, 2.5, 2, 2, 3.5)

The flavor's still there, it's just not as strong or engaging as before. You know, I taste a little raw onion on the back end.

With all due respect, 'Taker and X-Pac carry Series 7 out of obscurity, but can't quite bring it to superstardom. New sculpts for Austin and debuts for the latter half of the list fall short of expectations, but the top of the mountain is still very much revered by BCA collectors. X-Pac makes the most of the smaller, cruiserweight mold and 'Taker continues to amaze with phenomenal tattoo work (for its time) and wardrobe design.

Dr Death went on to become one of the worst selling wrestling figures (and WWF busts) of all time by most accounts. Edge and Val leave me scratching my head wondering why the size of their sculpts (big for Edge, small for Val) were not reversed. Austin is...another street gear Austin, but a very underappreciated head sculpt looking back compared to his more popular looks.

Average Series 7 figure score: 16.42 out of 25

What to make of Superstars Series 7?

Series 7 brings back so many good memories for me being a kid during the Attitude era, but I have to take the rose-colored glasses off for this review. Outside of 'Taker and X-Pac, it pales in comparison to Series 6. The third best figure in Series 7 would be lucky to crack the sixth and final spot in Series 6 if the names were changed, and I think that says it all. Series 6 was the best yet, whereas Series 7 was another flash in the pan, or failed attempt at reinvigorating the BCA line. Does that bode well for Series 8?

It only gets better from here, right?...

Superstars Series 8, a.k.a. "Team Corporate"

1. Big Boss Man - 21 (3.5, 4.5, 4.5, 4.5, 4)
2. Shane McMahon - 19.5 (4, 4, 4, 4, 3.5)
3. Commissioner Michaels - 19 (3, 4, 4, 3.5, 4.5)
4. The Rock - 18.5 (3.5, 4, 3, 4.5, 3.5)
5. Kane - 16 (3, 2.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5)
6. Ken Shamrock - 15.5 (3.5, 3, 3, 3, 3.5)

...Right.

What is it about these heel-themed Superstars series sets that bring the best ("Team Corporate") and the worst ("Bad Boys") out of Jakks?

For the most part, Jakks got it right with Series 8. "Team Corporate" might only consist of half-in-ring and half-street gear figures, but it gave us one excellent full body sculpt (Boss Man), two great suited figures (Shane, Shawn), one great street gear figure (The Rock), and two decent figures in wrestling attire (the first non-Slammers Kane, and a new Shamrock).

Compared to Series 7's rankings, the worst figure in Series 8 could still contend for a top-four spot in the previous assortment. It might not "say it all", but it still says something about how good Series 8 is.

Boss Man will go down as one of the best BCA sculpts ever made, and clearly the best thus far in the Superstars series rankings. Jakks spared no expense, and more than anything it's sad to see their potential realized only a small fraction of the time. Boss Man succeeded where so many others failed, so I guess we should at least be thankful for that.

Series 8 should be considered the most well-balanced Superstars Series of them all, or essentially the WrestleMania X-7 of the nine assortments. I believe there's something for everyone to like here.

Average Series 8 figure score: 18.25 out of 25

What to make of Superstars Series 8?

It's the best of the best, plain and simple. Boss Man excels in nearly every category (believe it or not, I've probably underrated the head sculpt), and it's met with some great competition in Shane, Shawn, and The Most Electrifying Man in...Sweat Pants. I remember when a non-Slammers Kane figure felt like it was never going to happen, but it finally did in Series 8. Great move by Jakks on holding out for that one. As for Shamrock, well, it's not better than his debut Series 5 figure, but I still enjoy it for what it's worth (I once tried to make a Paul London custom out of my Series 8 Shamrock. I took to the "SHAMROCK" text on the front of his trunks with a permanent marker and, VOILA!, I was finished. ...*smh*).

Series 9 surely couldn't live up to the standards of Series 8, could it?

One more time...

Superstars Series 9

1. Paul Wight - 22 (4.5, 4.5, 4, 5, 4)
2. Ministry Undertaker - 21 (4, 4, 4.5, 4, 4.5)
3. Gangrel - 19 (4, 4.5, 4.5, 2.5, 3.5)
4. Christian - 17 (2.5, 4, 4, 3, 3.5)
5. Bob Holly - 16.5 (2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 3.5)
6. Vince McMahon - 13.5 (3, 2.5, 2.5, 2, 3.5)

As it concerns individual rankings, Series 9 does live up to the Boss Man hype, and bests it. However, in the overall rankings, Series 9 couldn't be #1 with McMahon's figure dragging the average down significantly.

Vince's lone Superstars Series figure is so bad that I didn't even credit the half-suit with any points in the "Other" category. It's not a functional suit, nor does it even look presentable unless you're standing 50 feet away from it (and it must be displayed facing the front at all times). Not to mention, it covers up a rather poor likeness of Vince anyway (Really? A repainted Billy Gunn lower half?!? I'm done).

On the other end of the spectrum, Paul Wight is the best thing to happen to the Superstars series since, well, Boss Man. He's also tied (with the Grudge Match Series Luna) for the highest score I've ever given in any of my reviews. He towers over the competition as he should and, though his features are exaggerated in parts, his head sculpt is one of Jakks' best from the pre-Real Scan era.

Undertaker is no slouch either with the addition of the greatest piece of removable clothing, his red-and-black Ministry of Darkness robe, in the Superstars series. Underneath exists the same great Series 7 sculpt, but in this case it's the accessory that makes all of the difference.

Gangrel and Christian share the same upper body sculpts, but The Brood's leader, Gangrel, embodies its design and the snarling head sculpt he was given. I have to discredit Christian a few points for copying Gangrel's style, but a mediocre head sculpt also won't help his score. Holly's debut leaves a lot to be desired, but it's still a respectable figure from his pre-"Hardcore" days.

Average Series 9 figure score: 18.17 out of 25

What to make of Superstars Series 9?

It came oh so close to equaling the effort of Series 8, but ultimately Vince brought it down in the end. How prophetic, eh? But, seriously, it's still a great set with even greater significance to the BCA line. Unfortunately, this would be the final Superstars Series, and we will never be know what Series 10 could have been (outside of my Rock Band 3 band name, of course :-P). It was just starting to get good! Oh well, at least we were treated to two great sets to close out the BCA line in the year 1999.

So, where does that leave us for the overall rankings?

Here's a rundown of the nine Superstars Series in order from best to worst, based on an overall average figure score:

The Superstars Series

1. Series 8, a.k.a. "Team Corporate" - 18.25
2. Series 9 - 18.17
3. Series 6 - 17.83
4. Series 1 - 17.42
5. Series 3 - 17.13
6. Series 5 - 16.67
7. Series 2 - 16.50
8. Series 7 - 16.42
9. Series 4, a.k.a. "Bad Boys" - 15.75

There would be a lot of ties from here on out if I attempted to craft a series of "Best" and "Worst" Superstars Series figure lists using the scores posted above, so I'll institute a few tiebreakers to make the lists more visually appealing for all of you. You can thank me later. Or not, it's okay.

Here's a ranking of the top 11 individual figure scores for the Superstars Series:

The Top 11 Superstars Series Figures

1. Paul Wight - 22/25, Series 9
2. Big Boss Man - 21/25, Series 8
3. Ministry Undertaker - 21/25, Series 9
4. Jerry "The King" Lawler - 20.5/25, Series 4
5. Undertaker - 20/25, Series 7
6. "Marvelous" Marc Mero - 20/25, Series 6
7. "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman - 20/25, Series 6
8. Diesel - 20/25, Series 3
9. Diesel - 19.5/25, Series 1
10. X-Pac - 19.5/25, Series 7
11. Shane McMahon - 19.5/25, Series 8

And to top (or, rather, bottom) it all off, here's a ranking of the bottom 11 individual figure scores for the Superstars Series:

The Bottom 11 Superstars Series Figures

11. Vader - 14.5/25, Series 2
10. Val Venis - 14.5/25, Series 7
9. Shawn Michaels - 14.5/25, Series 3
8. Shawn Michaels - 14/25, Series 1
7. Shawn Michaels - 14/25, Series 2
6. Stone Cold Steve Austin - 14/25, Series 4
5. Stone Cold Steve Austin - 14/25, Series 5
4. Edge - 13.5/25, Series 7
3. Vince McMahon - 13.5/25, Series 9
2. "Black Hart" Owen Hart - 13/25, Series 6
1. Hunter Hearst Helmsley - 12/25, Series 4

Until next time, thanks for looking and I hope you have a very happy new year!

- Alex