Rocky

Rocky

Rocky IV -Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed

NECA Toys

Rocky! Rocky! Rocky! Rocky figures from NECA toys are back for the original's 40th anniversary!  The first run of figures featured Rocky and his main opponents from the first four films (sorry, not sorry, Tommy Gunn).  This time, we get some re-releases and a few more variants with some added value accessories. 

Ah...The Count of Monte Fisto himself:  pre-fight, Rocky IV Apollo Creed!  He comes with removable, patriotic jacket and hat, and a more serious head (for when it becomes evident that the Russian isn't playing any games.)  All this figure lacks is a pack-in James Brown accessory.  Well...and maybe a towel (spoilers.)

This is the ultimate Rocky IV Rocky.  He is wearing Apollo's America trunks (spoilers), which sport some bloody battle damage.  You get a molded plastic American flag to drape over him post-fight, just like the still on all the posters.  What's more, is he comes with a standard head and a mid-punch, blood-and-sweat, battle damaged head!

The sculpts on all these figures have been spot on with the actor's likenesses.  The articulation is kinda strange, but appropriate to all the action that comes with a boxing movie and doesn't get in the way of making these mini versions looking close enough to the real thing.  The detail on the boots, gloves, and trunks is amazing.  I think the most impressive thing about these overall is the difference in face, hair, and musculature of Rocky in the sculpts, just like the transformation of Stallone though the sequels.  You can definitely see the Rambo diet kicking in by part III!

I am pretty satisfied with what NECA has offered us.  I wish they could do some of the supporting characters like Adrian, Mickey, Duke, Paulie, Paulie's robot...um...maybe not Paulie's robot.  Not a huge loss, as I do have some of the Jakks Pacific figures in some of these shots.  They aren't as detailed as I'd like, but they work (even though Thunderlips has no nipples and if you remove the clothing on Adrian, she has a female wrestler build.)  I would also have liked to see an older built Stallone Rocky VI figure and an Adonis Creed.  The series goes on...never say never, stay hungry, and don't throw in the towel just yet!