I am a big fan (pun intended) of Big Van Vader (Leon White). I followed, literally, his entire pro wrestling career. I saw him when he started out in the AWA being pushed as the “Baby Bull” Leon White, a former pro football player climbing the ranks. I followed his exploits in New Japan Pro Wrestling where he first became Big Van Vader via the news stand wrestling magazines. I was overjoyed when he debuted in the United States for WCW in 1990. This was the wrestling outfit he was wearing then and it is my favorite version of Big Van Vader.
I even created a 3.75 inch custom of Big Van Vader to go along with my G.I. Joe collection. Sgt. Slaughter needed a rival you know? There have been a number of Big Van Vader/Vader action figures over the years, from Jakks Pacific and a few different versions with Mattel including a couple of earlier Elite action figures. Yes, I have them. But no toyline had yet to produce the old school black and red Big Van Vader with the full mask until now.
Of course, Mattel would short pack it and make it a Target exclusive meaning that basically only scalpers and those who buy from scalpers would ever see it. Just my luck. However, enter friend of the website Kid Zombie who, in an act of kindness, ran across Big Van Vader on the other side of the country and grabbed one for me. Thank you Kid Zombie, I kneel before your greatness. Now I have it, so let’s take a look at it. (By the way, I did hit my closest Target today and… not a Big Van Vader to be found.)
I like this sculpt a lot. The head looks fantastic. Very true to the 1990 debut in WCW. I always liked this mask better than the “jock strap” version which he is more famous for wearing. This Mattel Elite figure comes with that mask as well, but since I have the previous Mattel Elite Vader figure, I’ll pitch this one in the parts drawer. I do have to say, I like the new unmasked head better than the one that came on the earlier figure. The paint app looks better and the black highlights on the strap-mask is a great improvement over the earlier Elite figure.
A nice surprise was the “V” hand gesture included with the Mattel Elite Series 10 Big Van Vader action figure. This pose was missing from earlier figures. He also came with two extra open-fist hands. I wish there would have been one open fist and one closed fist included but I’m just being picky now, this figure is great.
Finally, I have watched a few reviews of the Big Van Vader Mattel Elite Series 10 action figure on YouTube and each complained about the loose upper torso on the figure. Having collected many action figures I know this can be hit-or-miss but I do also hate to report that this one also had a loose upper torso. It’s not so bad that it doesn’t pose well but I would have liked to have seen it a little tighter. But again, these are minor quarrels, the Big Van Vader WWE Mattel Elite Series 10 action figure is great! Big shout out and thanks to Kid Zombie for nabbing me one!
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