Let's get ready to buy some more action figures! As World Wrestling Entertainment continues to be a huge toy brand, it's amazing to see how much space was devoted to things that just plain aren't going to get made. WWE Brawlin' Buddies were shown of numerous wrestlers new and old, plus of other properties. I was stunned to see Major Matt Mason and He-Man, and significantly less stunned to see signs with disclaimers indicating these flat-out weren't going to be made. The same is true of Andrew the Giant and a few others-- wonderful concepts, but they will never see production. Other Major Matt Mason toys from Mattel's archives were on display but no new product concepts were discussed or shown.
The big surprise: Apparently one of Mattel's WWE team members was telling fans that they're considering doing a small line of potentially unpainted collectible mini-figures similar to M.U.S.C.L.E., which would actually get me into collecting WWE stuff. Particularly if it were from the WWF 1980s line-up. C'mon, you'd buy a Hulk Hogan too. Admit it, it's OK. No word on the when or the how, but it's nice to know they're thinking of these things!
The biggest, bestest reveals were arguably the ones we all knew were coming. Granamyr the giant dragon is huge and has a pot belly, a viking helmet, and a lot of articulation. It's possible he won't be able to stand with all that weight, but dang if it isn't gorgeous. The great Unrest Weapons Pak includes numerous never-before-used weapon molds and some repaints, so you'll want it for Keldor's Swords, Draego-Man's Sword, Whip, and Shield, Horde Prime's Staff, and Snake Man-At-Arms' Blaster. The set also includes repainted gear for Teela, Clawful, and Cheif Carnivus, and will set you back about $18. King He-Man, an adult, older version of the hero, is next year's subscription figure and is a nifty mix of Randor, He-Man, and carries a hint of other He-Man variants in his outfit. The biggest surprise was that Ram-Man was not only coming, but would be out in January and include a variant head. This is why figures are going up to $25 next year, no doubt, you're getting more plastic for your money.
Numerous action figures were shown as well, other than nifty new figures of The Rock and new Kmart exclusives, I won't lie to you: I don't know what's really new here. So take a look, and enjoy!
--Adam Pawlus
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