Thursday, January 26, 2017

Rarities - The Curious Case of the Missing Mustache

In the 2000's, Hasbro reused many molds.  Starting in 2000, though, they would, periodically, skip the paint application for a figure's facial hair.  These were by design.  However, it seems that Hasbro had some issues with facial hair in general as figures missing facial hair were common pre production finds.  Below, you will see a few examples of figures that are missing the facial hair paint applications.

The first figure is the mail away Agent Faces figure.  For this figure, the head was a either a new sculpt based off of the '92 Duke or a slightly modified version of that head.  The production figure's facial hair was just a paint application.  In the sample below, though, this application was missed.  The result is a very different looking figure.  While the sample is production level, it's more likely a case of factory error or poor quality control than an actual variant.  But, it's interesting nonetheless.

2003 Agent Faces, Mail Away, Pre Production, Rarities, Crimson Guard

2003 Agent Faces, Mail Away, Pre Production, Rarities, Crimson Guard

The second figure is the pre-production 2002 BJ's Dial Tone.  This mold was released with no mustache in 2000, but the production figure in 2002 did have the mustache.  This pre-production figure has differences other than the facial hair, like the differently colored elbows and general difference in the green arms.  But, the mustache is the most glaring difference.

2002 BJ's Dial Tone, Unproduced, Pre Preproduction, Rarities

2002 BJ's Dial Tone, Unproduced, Pre Preproduction, Rarities




















The final figure is, again, likely a factor error rather than a variant.  But, it is a 2003 Python Patrol Major Bludd figure with no facial hair.  Bludd is very odd without his trademark mustache.  So, this figure is boldly different from any other appearance of this head.  While it's likely not a variant, it does offer further proof that factory goofs can make their way to retail.

2003 Toys R Us Exclusive Python Patrol, Major Bludd, SAW Viper, Rock Viper, Lamprey, Laser Viper, HEAT Viper, Raritities, Spy Troops





























Click on the Rarities tag to see more oddball items.  And, Rarities Month II will be coming in June of 2017.

3 comments:

  1. Dial-Tone looks better, and Faces just looks different. I would like both though!

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    Replies
    1. The alternate Faces would have made for a good inclusion in the TRU Crimson Guard or Shadow Guard set. (But, then again, the Fred head would have made for a good inclusion in them, too!)

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  2. But Rock-Viper retains his trademark lip duster!

    I have one or two Python Patrol sets still in their mailer box...wonder if I have a rare clean shaven Bludd!

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