By Michael Moore, PWTorch Collectibles specialist

In Brief: Hawk and Animal were the centerpiece of the first line of AWA figures from Remco.

Action Figure Spotlight #7: The Road Warriors Remco AWA Series 1
Released: 1985
What you can expect to pay: $4-20 loose (depending on condition); $50-100 packaged
Recent sales: $4, $15, $10.50, $3.95 (Hawk), $7.95 (Animal)




In the mid-1980s, the only two wrestlers who could rival Hulk Hogan in terms of popularity and merchandising were Hawk and Animal, the Road Warriors. If you walked into any store in 1985, you would likely see their faces on a magazine cover, or action figures hanging near the checkout lanes.

The Road Warriors were the centerpiece of the first line of AWA figures produced by Remco in 1985. Unlike the single WWF figures from LJN, the first wave of Remco figures were sold in two-packs, either tag teams or rivals. Many kids of who grew up in the ‘80s preferred the AWA figures over the WWF toys, because they featured movable arms, legs, waist and head, unlike the immobile WWF figures. The AWA figures were very similar to the popular to the Masters of the Universe line of toys.

The Road Warriors figures were mass-produced, so if you’re looking for a pair you can find them pretty easily. In addition to this two-pack, the Road Warriors also were sold as a part of a package deal with the AWA ring and several other figures. A three-pack with Precious Paul Ellering also was released in 1986.

A basic set of loose figures in decent condition can usually be found for under $10. Hawk and Animal came with several accessories, such as chaps, dog collars and title belts; if you’re hoping to find pristine figures with all of the pieces, you should expect to pay close to $20-25. A packaged set of figures can probably be found for $50-75, depending on how many are being offered for sale at one time.

Keep in mind that the heads and legs could be switched on the AWA figures, so it is very common for figures to show up with the wrong head on a particular body. If you’re looking to buy these figures, make sure you get the right pieces. A picture is included with this column to show how the figures looked in their original packaging.

Hawk and Animal were the most popular and influential tag team of their era; their toys have been made by Hasbro, Jakks-Pacific and recently Mattel. But their AWA Remco figures are among the earliest wrestling toys ever made, and carry quite a bit of sentimental value for many collectors.

Reader Reax

Question: What obscure wrestling personality would you most like to see an action figure of?

Erick Freitas: “I always wanted to see PG-13 toys. I was actually a fan. Remember them?”

Zachary Heath: “Art Barr as the Juicer or Ric Flair as the Black Scorpion.”

Bobby Mondella: “How about a set of the Oddities, with Golga complete with Cartman doll.”

Dave Ferro: “They never made a Waylon Mercy figure, have they? No way. I want to see a Waylon Mercy figure.”

Ian Baran: “I would love to see a fake Undertaker figure; it would be right up there with the fake He-man toy (Faker) Mattel put out in ‘85.”

Jon Drassly: “I'd like to see Glacier. But I'm sure there is a copyright with Mortal Kombat. Gillberg perhaps, too.”

Scott Grimmett: “Would love to see Tommy Rich, Mr. Wrestling II, and Pistol Pez Whatley collectibles.”

Have a collectible-related question? Email michaelmoorewriter@gmail.com. Check back for Moore's next column on Thursday.

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