Rarities - Brazilian Mercer

While collectors focus on the Brazilian figures who feature drastically different paint jobs or new construction that was not available in the Hasbro line, the reality is that the majority of the releases in Brazil fall into a different category.  The bulk of the Estrela line features figures that are mostly based on their Hasbro paint job.  But, as the figures were made in Brazilian factories, there are always differences among them.  Most of these, though, are ignored by all but a subset of collectors.

Below is the Brazilian Mercer figure.  This release retains the Hasbro codename as well as the standard look for the character.  Side by side, you'd notice small differences on the Brazilian release vs. the Hasbro release.  But, that's about it.  He features the same blue pants, orange vest and black and silver highlights.  The only major variant is that his iconic weapon is now silver instead of the standard off-white for the Hasbro figure.

In the U.S., the Renegades were only released as a three pack.  However, in Europe, all three members of the set were released as single carded figures.  Then, this Mercer appeared in Brazil.  Red Dog made a surprise appearance in India in 2001.  And, it's likely that all the Renegade molds ended up there.  But, Funskool had no need for another Mercer figure since they had the character's 1991 mold still in production.  

The card artwork is not good.  But, it is also unique to this release.  The European single carded figures use larger artwork based on the combined art that appears on the US packaging.  It features Mercer with a raised right fist instead of the two handed weapon pose you see below.

As collectibles, figures like this Mercer are a fun way to expand a collection.  But, as interesting pieces, they fall somewhat flat.  Most collectors wouldn't notice a Brazilian Mercer in a photo aside from the alternate gun color.  And, most would even gloss over that.  It's not a criticism, though.  This figure isn't all that special when taken against the original release.  But, for people who like small differences that aren't really noticeable upon first glance, Brazilian figures like this Mercer are a great way to keep collecting.