SUMMARY:
From JAKKS Pacific in 2003, this two-pack commemorates a prominent WWE tag team of the 1980’s: Tommy “Dynamite Kid” Billington (approximately 6¾-inches) and cousin Davey Boy Smith (approximately 7-inches) as “The British Bulldogs.” Their classic Union Jack attire is painted on consisting of: blue-red-and-white tights (with tightly-attached rubber knee pads – the grinning Smith has blue knee pads and Dynamite has black pads); white wrist tape; and matching white-blue-and red boots with white lacing.
Their limited articulation and ripped sculpting serves as a precursor to that of WWE-Mattel ‘basic’ figures. Specifically, each figure’s articulation points allow or won’t allow: 1. Their heads will turn slightly both ways. 2. 360-degree rotations are possible with the arms. The arms also bend at the wrists and elbows, so a classic bicep curl pose is possible. 3. The upper body will bow, but the waist & abdomen don’t move. 4. Sporting decent flexibility, the legs will bend at the knees and ankles, but they can’t extend into splits. Walking and kicking poses are at least workable. 5. Neither the legs nor the calves rotate.
REVIEW:
In terms of their resemblance to the Dynamite Kid and Davey Boy Smith, their likenesses are relatively close. It should be noted, however, that Smith didn’t actually sport a dreadlocks hairstyle until his solo WWE return in early 1991. Also, the Dynamite Kid figure represents one of the few ever made of him — quite possibly, it’s the only one for now. In terms of production quality, the figures are impressively sculpted and sturdily built for the Bulldogs’ roughhouse style of wrestling. Their paint quality is also high-caliber.
For posing purposes, one’s options are limited, but the Bulldogs stand up well when their feet are properly positioned. However, there aren’t peg holes in the bottom of their feet for display bases. Their elongated feet are instead protected by a ring at the bottom of each boot sole to provide balance for standing poses. For those remember Smith & Dynamite’s hard-charging style blending aerial tactics with high-impact moves, seeing this fan-friendly duo again really is a welcome treat.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The extras are a WWE World Tag Team Title belt (why JAKKS Pacific didn’t include two of them is unknown) and their mascot: a rubber bulldog representing their mascot, Matilda.
PACKAGING:
The packaging is simplistic yet effective. It offers some cool nostalgia re: the Bulldogs’ enduring contribution to ‘80s tag team wrestling.
BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
