By Michael Moore, PWTorch Collectibles specialist

In Brief: Jakks-Pacific produced two figures of comedian-turned-wrestler Andy Kaufman in its Classic Superstars line.



Action Figure Spotlight #27: Andy Kaufman Jakks-Pacific WWE Classic Superstars Series 22
Originally released: 2008
What you can expect to pay: $10-15 loose; $20-30 packaged
Recent sales: $19.99, $23.99 (packaged)

The WWE Classic Superstars line from Jakks-Pacific included wrestlers, managers, announcers, valets, and more. One of the more unique figures included in the popular line was that of comedian Andy Kaufman, who famously feuded with Jerry Lawler in Memphis in the 1980s.

Two figures of Kaufman were released, one in a two-pack with Jerry Lawler and a solo figure in the 22nd series of these toys. The solo figure is the more popular of the two, as it includes a garish blue robe. Both figures feature Kaufman in the neckbrace that he wore while selling the effects of Lawler’s piledriver.

The most common complaint about Jakks’s WWE figures was the reliance on one or two overly muscular body sculpts. This figure was very different and true to Kaufman’s skinny frame.

Jakks did not produce a lot of figures from the Memphis territory; there were no toys of Austin Idol, Bill Dundee, or Eddie Gilbert. But, Kaufman was a famous comedian and movie star. The nationally televised skirmish between he and Lawler on “Late Night with David Letterman” in 1982 reached a much larger audience than just the regional Memphis promotion. The feud was later immortalized in the REM song “Man on the Moon” and the Kaufman biopic of the same name.

Both Kaufman figures were pretty common upon their release in the mid-2000s, and sat on shelves at Toys R Us and Kmart for quite some time. They have since become somewhat more popular, with the packaged solo figure selling in the $20-30 range. Loose figures don’t surface very often, but when they do can usually be found for $10-15.

Collectibles News

- Several readers have pointed out that Steve “Mongo” McMichael was also included in a Four Horsemen four-pack from Toy Biz in the late 1990s. McMichael’s Chicago Bears Statring Lineup figure was pictured in last Thursday’s Collectibles Column.

- Ringside Collectibles is selling loose action figures at reduced prices. This includes TNA figures from Jakks-Pacific, WWE figures from Jakks and Mattel, UFC figures from Jakks, and more. Several Internet-exclusive figures are included in this sale.

- Be sure to check out Thursday’s collectibles column, which will include an interview with autograph expert and wrestling author Jake Aurelian.

Sloppy Signature Trivia Answer

The sloppy signature in last week’s column belonged to Memphis legend Austin Idol.

Do you have a contact about wrestling collectibles, a story idea, or a collection you’d like to show off? Contact Michael Moore at michaelmoorewriter@gmail.com.

We suggest these recent related articles...

10/5 WWE Raw Hits & Misses: Natalya vs. Paige, Owens vs. Cara, Stephanie McMahon, Sasha Banks, Xavier Woods

COLLECTIBLES COLUMN: The History of Foam Hands in Pro Wrestling

9/28 WWE Raw Hits & Misses: Kane's Split Personality, Divas Revolution, Heyman & Big Show, Reigns vs. Wyatt