The Iron Claw Grips The Figure World

The Von Erich family has risen! While they’ve never been a footnote, I’d say that the mainstream popularity of the name is as high in 2024 as it’s been since their fabled glory days. A very good chunk of that is thanks to A24’s movie “The Iron Claw.” I saw it, you have probably seen it and, aside from an absolutely atrocious portrayal of Ric Flair, it was quite the flick. Yes, some things were changed. Mike and Chris sort of became one person. But that’s Hollywood. It told their story and got the point across.

This summer I was fortunate enough to meet Kevin Von Erich again. He is such a humble and positive person that, despite all of the tragedy surrounding his family, he is absolutely uplifting to listen to. He seems impossible to rattle. He has strong beliefs and that is what has undoubtedly gotten him through some very dark times. Now, in a way, Kevin has returned to our figure shelves, as well.

The only true Kevin Von Erich figure, released in the original Mattel WWE Legends line nearly fifteen years ago, is a treasure. It’s a fairly perfect figure and that, unfortunately for those of you who missed out, keeps the popularity high. I had first met KVE just before the release of that figure. Since he was doing regular appearances at the time I thought to buy a second one to keep carded to be autographed. Due to his move and other factors that didn’t end up happening until 2024, but I’m glad that it did. Now we have another figure of KVE, this time in the form of Zac Efron.

Yes, Zac Efron. Of course, Mr. Efron is the actor who plays Kevin in “The Iron Claw.” The figure can be purchased directly from A24 at their website and caused a bit of a stir when it was first announced. First off, it seemed to come out of nowhere. Secondly, the figure looked a heckuva lot like the Mattel Kevin Von Erich in the initial pictures. Believe it or not, it does in-hand, too! But is that where the similarities end?

The figure comes carded with a traditional glued on bubble. It’s a nice design that looks like something you could’ve purchased in the past. Maybe not in the ‘80s when the film is (mostly) set, but it definitely harkens back. The other Von Erich actors are shown and named on the back but I doubt we’ll be seeing figures. I guess there’s a chance, and I would certainly buy them all, but a little research into the A24 movie phenomenon indicates that the company is fairly well known for quirky merchandise tie-ins around the time of a film’s release. I think that this figure and a few other items that were produced are all that we’ll see for “The Iron Claw.”

Zac Kevin comes dressed in an entrance jacket. The two-toned garment is made from a nice fabric and could be placed on Mattel Kevin. It’s a bit tough to get over the “claw” hand. If the hands are removable I won’t know because I wasn’t giving it a shot. So how’s the figure itself? It isn’t brittle, but it isn’t as sturdy as the Mattel release, either. It’s not going to fall apart in your hand but I don’t know that I’d put it up to super rough play. Ultimately many figures today are made more for display than anything. It will look great either there or in some figure photography, as you can see here.

It does resemble the mechanics of a Mattel Elite and certainly mirrors their version of Kevin, but it’s not exactly the same. A Toronto-based company named Happy Worker Toys & Collectibles is credited on the packaging. A quick look at their website indicates that they’ve produced other short-run and specialized action figures. They did a nice job here. Again, if Kerry, David, Fritz and Mike were to come along at some point I’d certainly pick them all up. Are you listening?

I don’t like to speculate on value too much, but if I had to give you a “hot stock pick” this one would certainly be on my list. We have no idea how big the run is and/or how long A24 will be offering it. I’ve actually considered picking up an additional one myself. Whether or not I drag my feet on that is one thing, but you grabbing one is another matter. If you enjoyed the movie or are even just a Von Erich fan I would highly encourage it. It’s not an inexpensive figure by any means, but it’s also fairly unique. Mattel and Jazwares aren’t giving us Von Erich nor Iron Claw figures. Am I being an influencer here? God forbid.

I’m pleased as punch about the Von Erich resurgence. It’s well-deserved and has been a long time coming. Grab this new fig, support any future figs (PowerTown, we need some more brothers to keep the Kerry releases company) and if you have the shot go out and meet Kevin. Helluva guy and a helluva wrestling legend.

The Powers Return!

Another entry so soon? Well, the last one was very unexpected. As for this one, once I had these figures in hand I knew I’d have to sing their praises. Like a lot of my work, you should know going in that, more often than not, I’m actually going to like what I’m reviewing. In my decade and a half of doing the blog, Topps was the only company kind enough to send me product to review. I’ve never forgotten that. As for everything else, it’s out of my own empty pocket. So generally you’re not going to see a review here of anything that I truly despise, unless it’s part of something else, i.e. one figure in a set.

The “boutique” figure makers that have popped up over the years, mostly producing retro figures in the spirt of the Hasbro WWF line, have largely run hot and cold. This one is too detailed. That one isn’t detailed enough. This person doesn’t belong in this style. Why do we need another version of this wrestler in this style? You can take any of those complaints and add about fifty more. And don’t even get me started on the egos of some of these “businessmen.” Early on I came to a conclusion not unlike one that I follow for most of my collecting: if I don’t like it, I don’t buy it. Some majorly pathetic folks can afford to just buy everything. That’s not collecting. It’s stocking up to feel as if it gives them some sort of clout. If someone going out and spending money impresses you, you should probably stop reading this blog and see a shrink. Those are the types that I sit back and wait for the fire sale on. Their hefty and undeserved paychecks won’t last forever and the “collections” will start hitting eBay. But maybe I’m just a sadist with bad karma.

Anyway, we’re here to talk about two of the NICEST guys in the wrestling business, The Warlord and The Barbarian. I don’t think I’ve heard a bad thing about either, aside from idiots who might critique their in-ring work. Those are the clowns who don’t understand that wrestling isn’t all flips and mat sequences. It’s getting over, being memorable and making money. While both of these guys are still making appearances, I highly doubt it’s because they need to. It’s because, if you’ve ever met them, you can tell that they both genuinely want to be there.

Ok, enough anger, I promise. Let’s get to these figures. This set is put out by the group now known as Epic Toys. I’m still not sure of the details of what happened with the late Chella Toys but something went down and the company seemed to split. At least there are several companies currently that I think rose from the Chella ashes. I could be wrong about that, but I’m not here to talk about failures. Epic Toys has done a spectacular job thus far since taking over at least a portion of the former Chella line. I had passed on the initial pre-order for The Powers of Pain and regretted it once they hit collectors hands. Thankfully a second batch was made and that’s what we’re looking at here today.

The two-pack comes in a very familiar looking package with the card back greatly resembling the Hasbro two-packs of yore. The biggest difference is that this is “collector friendly” the figures can be removed without damaging a thing. Mattel has begun doing this with their retro line, however they also started adding a sticker tab so that the figure isn’t technically “mint” if you open it. That doesn’t exist here.

I’m very mixed on the concept across the board. While it’s nice and convenient, for whatever reason I’m not as keen on getting them signed in this style. I can’t say that I never will. I recently had the Mattel Retro Wendi Richter signed (it was from a set before the sticker arrived), but for some reason I’m just not as big on it. I prefer the traditional card back and glued bubble combo when it comes to getting them signed. Just a personal preference.

Whatever your feelings are on that, you WILL want to open these. These are absolutely 100% the closest “retro” figures we’ve gotten thus far to actual Hasbro releases. No, there isn’t any “Real Wrestling Action,” but the style and sculpts are absolutely right there. These could’ve been popped into Series 1 and a non-collector would be none the wiser. The PoP were still very much a team in this look when that series was designed so it isn’t out of the question that they COULD have been done then. Both figures also have the look of two original Hasbro poses. The Barbarian most closely resembles Hulk Hogan #1 or Sid Justice while The Warlord looks almost exactly like a redesign of Hogan #3. I absolutely love these designs/sculpts.

Some may have an issue with the soft goods entrance gear, but why? The Berzerker was released with soft goods. They’re a perfect balance of detailed and not-too-detailed. Although I’ve always felt that it was probably a wrestler’s tall tale, but for years the story has went that Mary Tyler Moore wanted to buy The Barbarian’s “fur” at WrestleMania VI. She probably made a joke that got taken too far, but it’s cute and the figure here brings it to mind.

The Barbarian is so under utilized in the figure world. I’m very much hoping that Epic takes on his “antlers” look as a single release. As for getting your hands on these, I wouldn’t even want to look at eBay prices and unless Epic does another release that will be the only way to go. They could do single carded releases if the demand is there. I just don’t want the company to get overwhelmed. They have, in my opinion, a retro coming that, in design, could even outdo these two (will you all please rise?), as well as the long awaited retro debut of Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. What really killed these boutique releases for a lot of us were the constant announcements and no product. Slow and steady wins the race. However you look at it, the retro ring is getting crowded.

So I came back for a few weeks. I have two ideas in the pipeline so I guess we could make a few more entries to round out the year. One is regarding a set that is scheduled to ship this year (although, you never know…) and another that, well, it might be one of the oddest ones I’ve done. Is it really memorabilia? Is it merchandise? It certainly features merchandise, in a sense. Regardless, I feel like talking about it and you can make your own decisions on whether it belongs here or not.

Maybe we’ll visit with The Von Erich boys yet again, too. This blog always was a “World Class” kinda affair.