Post by Micro on Sept 7, 2011 15:41:06 GMT -8
A new Elite series is always exciting to me but Series 8 was one I was anticipating for quite a while. All of the new figures are ones that I wanted since the Mattel series started. This set of Elites "retired" practically all of the remaining Basics in my roster, except for the Great Khali and Wade Barrett.
Speaking of retirement, let's start with the Rated R "Souperstar" (Always liked it when Tony Chimel did that!)...
The Ultimate Opportunist, Edge
Because of the sudden and unfortunate news of his early retirement, it makes it even sadder for me to say that Edge is the weakest figure of this set. He comes with the same rigid plastic entrance coat that came with his Series 1 version. It's appropriate but already been done and could've been improved with a different paint deco or finish. The only new accessory is a pair of sunglasses.
The updated, red attire is the thing I like best about this figure but what really makes it rank so low, as many others have mentioned, is the bad headscan.
I can see what they were going for, and it almost works with the glasses on, but it just doesn't look right to me.
Fortunately, a simple head swap will do wonders for this figure and I hope this isn't the last Edge figure we get. Edge went out as champion and he deserves to go out with a better figure as well. Now, let's look at another fallen legend...
The Deadman, the Undertaker
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img848.imageshack.us/img848/2670/e8undertaker01.jpg
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I'll be honest, I didn't have much expectations for another Undertaker figure. They've all pretty much been the same and I was happy with the TRU Wrestlemania "18-0" version that featured his updated tights designs. I didn't want another Undertaker but I'm glad I got this one. He comes red demon designs and with a new sleeveless entrance coat. His hooded coat would've been cool but this one is still nice and, best of all, it's easy to remove.
Another nice thing about this Undertaker is that he comes with a new head scan. I was originally skeptical about it when I saw the prototype but it actually looks good in person. It's a cool, intense look for him and I wonder if painting his eyes completely white would give him an even more fearsome look!
Now, it's time to look at the first of the debut Elites...
The British Brawler, William Regal
Sir William Regal is one of those veterans of the ring that I respect. He was actually in the very first match that I saw live and put on a great show! I passed on his first Basic figure, hoping for a better Elite version down the line, and I'm glad I waited. This figure is nearly flawless. My only gripe is that he seems a bit leaner than he should be, Regal has a stockier and wider body. I think they made him thinner to make his entrance coat look right, though. And what a coat it is!
If Regal's attire seems too black and bland, the brilliant coat more than makes up for it. It's colorful, detailed, and just looks great. Perhaps some brass knuckles would've made this figure perfect but it's ok. Elite Regal is still a great improvement over his Basic version with a better headscan and accurate "Made in England" tattoo!
Now, it's time to look at one of my favorites...
The Celtic Warrior, Sheamus
I've been look forward to this figure for the longest time and I'm glad Mattel went all out on him. He comes with all his signature accessories: His cool Celtic cross and a lead pipe to knock Triple H over to the Legends shelf. He also comes with a new headscan.
Despite popular opinion on his new scan, I actually wasn't 100% thrilled about it and did a quick head swap with his Basic version.
One thing I was thrilled about, though, is that he comes with the long-awaited WWE Championship belt! Even if you're not a fan of Sheamus, it can't be denied that this belt is amazingly detailed!
The accessories, the look of the figure, and the championship belt definitely makes Sheamus a must-have figure for your collection. He's one of my favorites right now!
I was expecting Sheamus to be my #1 figure from Series 8 but there were a couple of figures that surprised me, starting with...
The High Flying, Evan Bourne
Evan Bourne is one of those dynamic figures that needed to be in Elite form and it's about time that he got made! His recent Basic figure was very nicely detailed and I almost picked him up, despite being an Elite collector. My Basic 1 Bourne is finally replaced by this new and improved Elite version. I liked that he comes in a more colorful red attire, it makes him stand out better than the black one. He also comes with a better head scan and a cut-open shirt.
What makes this figure shine, though, are all the cool details in his attire. There's tiny, intricate linework and logos everywhere on his tights and even on his arm bands!
I also loved the unique look of his kickpads, they really stand out!
Evan Bourne is an awesome figure but there's still one more in Series 8 that I liked better. Along with Sheamus, this was a big one that was on my wishlist...
The Chosen One, Drew McIntyre
To me, this is the definitive version of Drew McIntyre in his white attire. I was worried about his headscan, especially after seeing a prototype pic where his hair seemed to be blowing to the side. Fortunately, Mattel nailed his cocky smugness just right. His expression is not too neutral nor exaggerrated, it's perfect!
I can't think of any signature accessories for Drew McIntyre, except maybe a letter from Mr McMahon himself. That's ok, though, Mattel gave him one of the coolest accessories right now: the InterContinental Championship!
When I heard that they were including another IC belt, I wasn't too excited since I already have 2 from earlier releases. This one, however, is my favorite belt to date with all the colorful details. Each individual plate looks amazing and the scale is flawless. If I ever get around to making a Mattel picture fed, this belt will be one of the most prestigious titles!
Overall, Elite Series 8 is a solid set of figures and a great addition to any Elite collection! The last two series felt more outdated with defunct tag teams like Cryme Tyme, DX, and Hart Dynasty but this was a lot more relevant and helps complete the current roster. Now I can't wait for the next series with the US title, these Mattel belts are awesome!
Speaking of retirement, let's start with the Rated R "Souperstar" (Always liked it when Tony Chimel did that!)...
The Ultimate Opportunist, Edge
Because of the sudden and unfortunate news of his early retirement, it makes it even sadder for me to say that Edge is the weakest figure of this set. He comes with the same rigid plastic entrance coat that came with his Series 1 version. It's appropriate but already been done and could've been improved with a different paint deco or finish. The only new accessory is a pair of sunglasses.
The updated, red attire is the thing I like best about this figure but what really makes it rank so low, as many others have mentioned, is the bad headscan.
I can see what they were going for, and it almost works with the glasses on, but it just doesn't look right to me.
Fortunately, a simple head swap will do wonders for this figure and I hope this isn't the last Edge figure we get. Edge went out as champion and he deserves to go out with a better figure as well. Now, let's look at another fallen legend...
The Deadman, the Undertaker
[/img]
I'll be honest, I didn't have much expectations for another Undertaker figure. They've all pretty much been the same and I was happy with the TRU Wrestlemania "18-0" version that featured his updated tights designs. I didn't want another Undertaker but I'm glad I got this one. He comes red demon designs and with a new sleeveless entrance coat. His hooded coat would've been cool but this one is still nice and, best of all, it's easy to remove.
Another nice thing about this Undertaker is that he comes with a new head scan. I was originally skeptical about it when I saw the prototype but it actually looks good in person. It's a cool, intense look for him and I wonder if painting his eyes completely white would give him an even more fearsome look!
Now, it's time to look at the first of the debut Elites...
The British Brawler, William Regal
Sir William Regal is one of those veterans of the ring that I respect. He was actually in the very first match that I saw live and put on a great show! I passed on his first Basic figure, hoping for a better Elite version down the line, and I'm glad I waited. This figure is nearly flawless. My only gripe is that he seems a bit leaner than he should be, Regal has a stockier and wider body. I think they made him thinner to make his entrance coat look right, though. And what a coat it is!
If Regal's attire seems too black and bland, the brilliant coat more than makes up for it. It's colorful, detailed, and just looks great. Perhaps some brass knuckles would've made this figure perfect but it's ok. Elite Regal is still a great improvement over his Basic version with a better headscan and accurate "Made in England" tattoo!
Now, it's time to look at one of my favorites...
The Celtic Warrior, Sheamus
I've been look forward to this figure for the longest time and I'm glad Mattel went all out on him. He comes with all his signature accessories: His cool Celtic cross and a lead pipe to knock Triple H over to the Legends shelf. He also comes with a new headscan.
Despite popular opinion on his new scan, I actually wasn't 100% thrilled about it and did a quick head swap with his Basic version.
One thing I was thrilled about, though, is that he comes with the long-awaited WWE Championship belt! Even if you're not a fan of Sheamus, it can't be denied that this belt is amazingly detailed!
The accessories, the look of the figure, and the championship belt definitely makes Sheamus a must-have figure for your collection. He's one of my favorites right now!
I was expecting Sheamus to be my #1 figure from Series 8 but there were a couple of figures that surprised me, starting with...
The High Flying, Evan Bourne
Evan Bourne is one of those dynamic figures that needed to be in Elite form and it's about time that he got made! His recent Basic figure was very nicely detailed and I almost picked him up, despite being an Elite collector. My Basic 1 Bourne is finally replaced by this new and improved Elite version. I liked that he comes in a more colorful red attire, it makes him stand out better than the black one. He also comes with a better head scan and a cut-open shirt.
What makes this figure shine, though, are all the cool details in his attire. There's tiny, intricate linework and logos everywhere on his tights and even on his arm bands!
I also loved the unique look of his kickpads, they really stand out!
Evan Bourne is an awesome figure but there's still one more in Series 8 that I liked better. Along with Sheamus, this was a big one that was on my wishlist...
The Chosen One, Drew McIntyre
To me, this is the definitive version of Drew McIntyre in his white attire. I was worried about his headscan, especially after seeing a prototype pic where his hair seemed to be blowing to the side. Fortunately, Mattel nailed his cocky smugness just right. His expression is not too neutral nor exaggerrated, it's perfect!
I can't think of any signature accessories for Drew McIntyre, except maybe a letter from Mr McMahon himself. That's ok, though, Mattel gave him one of the coolest accessories right now: the InterContinental Championship!
When I heard that they were including another IC belt, I wasn't too excited since I already have 2 from earlier releases. This one, however, is my favorite belt to date with all the colorful details. Each individual plate looks amazing and the scale is flawless. If I ever get around to making a Mattel picture fed, this belt will be one of the most prestigious titles!
Overall, Elite Series 8 is a solid set of figures and a great addition to any Elite collection! The last two series felt more outdated with defunct tag teams like Cryme Tyme, DX, and Hart Dynasty but this was a lot more relevant and helps complete the current roster. Now I can't wait for the next series with the US title, these Mattel belts are awesome!
. How long did this take you?