If you know me or if you've followed this blog for any length of time you know that if I had a gun to my head, Dusty Rhodes would be chosen as my favorite wrestler of all-time (out of a finally settled upon top ten). That's why, in addition to a love (though not a top ten feeling) for Michael P.S. Hayes, this and the review of his new figure released at the same time were split up into two. Both are long overdue.
Jakks and Mattle have both been amazing in getting Dusty Rhodes the wrestling figure respect that he deserves. Both companies have released multiple looks for The Dream, some of which were never expected. Today's focal point is certainly one of those, but a welcome one. When most fans think of Dusty's 1989-1991 "Common Man" run in the World Wrestling Federation they think of the yellow polka dots. Rightfully so, as for a good fifteen months that's basically all he wore. After the dancing and happiness were taken away from The Dream due to manager Sweet Sapphire selling out to The Million Dollar Man, Rhodes began getting a bit more serious. The dancing stopped. The polka dots turned dark red, including being utilized on a western-style poncho. Even two pieces of attire dating back to his days in Jim Crockett Promotions returned, those being his "American Dream" ring jacket and top hat.
That later look is what Mattel has brought us in their latest Dusty Rhodes offering. Straight off of the promo photo for his "Dream Team" at the 1990 Survivor Series we have The Dream with the aforementioned poncho and hat. It's part of Mattel's Elite 83 series and, thankfully, isn't any kind of store exclusive. Although Dusty is the only legend in the set, the Mattel debut of Michael Hayes is shipped in some of the cases as a "Collector's Editon." We know what that means.
This is Dusty's second release since the era of extra hands began. In addition to the hat and poncho we get three sets of hands total, including open hands reminiscent of when The Dream was about to break out into a charismatic strut to mock his opponents. The bird talon from the hat is removable and for some bizarre reason was shown worn around his neck in early Mattel promo shots. Way to know your source material, boys. The poncho looks a helluva lot better out of the package than it does in the box thanks to the useless bands holding it in. It looked bad in the promo shots, too. Again, who is doing these shots? I'm available, folks.
The body is the same as we've seen on every Mattel Dusty. Why change it? It works. The "splotch" is here as are his signature Austin Hall cowboy boots. A red elbow pad is included. I'm sure this could be switched out on the last Dusty release to give that one a freshening up, if one was so inclined. The face is the sculpt/scan that was included on the Dusty Rhodes figure that came packed with the WCW ring. At one time that was my favorite Mattel WWE figure and it still stands tall. It's a great likeness and works on multiple eras of The Dream.
I would have to say that this is the most niche of the Dusty Rhodes figures we've had from any company. He did not wear this look long, yet it's very much made to be an action figure. I'd advise you to pick this one up early as there will probably not be another in this style. You know how that goes. There are still various other Dusty looks to explore. Although Jakks did a great '70's Dusty figure (my favorite Jakks version of The American Dream), I'd like to see what Mattel could pull off in a similar style. With their penchant for including entrance gear, Dusty's "cactus" robe that made many magazine covers of the era would be superb. "Bullrope Match" Dusty (think Jakks final Dusty release packed with Cody's rookie figure) and entrance jacket Dusty would be my other two top choices.
I've had this figure for quite awhile but I do not believe it's actually hit stores yet. If it has, heed my words above and grab it if you want it. Next time, we take yet another walk down Badstreet...
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