Rocky Series II

Hey guys, I recently received Rocky Series II from Ringside Collectibles, who just received them in stock this week!

"Rocky Balboa(Rematch vs. Apollo Creed)"

In Rocky series I, the most sought after figure was of course the main Rocky Balboa in his fighting attire. Series II should be no different, as Jakks upped the ante, making this version of the Italian Stallion even better. I was unsure about the head when I first saw it, but since acquiring it, this figure has been my favorite of the line thusfar. The headsculpt is phenomenal, and looks a lot more like Sly than the series I sculpt did. Jakks has also begun to include more accessories. A bit stingy with them in Series I, series II includes a lot of towels, and other boxing accessories you will both read about, as well as see in the next few figures. Rocky got in better shape as the films went along, and Jakks noted this, as they gave him a leaner, more chiseled torso. His Rocky II attire has always been my favorite, and they executed it perfectly, with black trunks with shiney gold trim. The detail in his socks and boots are incredible. The proper striping is on his white socks, and his boots have the Italian Stallion logo on both sides. If you were impressed by Rocky's robe in series I, you will be completely blown away in series II. It is more fitted, as it should be, and includes the "Italian Stallion" text and logo across the back, and the "Rocky" name in script across the left chest. This figure is for all intents and purposes- flawless.

Overall: 10/10

"Apollo Creed(Rematch vs. Rocky Balboa)"















In some cases, a re-tooled head is for the better, in this case I think Jakks took a step backwards. The Series I Apollo head definately looks a lot more like Carl Weathers than this one does. I gather the intentions of Jakks was to make Apollo look a little more "business-like," as his series I figure does have a bit of a smirk on his face. Be that as it may, I still prefer the series I head, and figure overall. Don't get me wrong, this is far from a poor figure, but I think in everyone's mind, Apollo's signature attire is the stars and stripes trunks, and his "Rocky II" attire has never been a favorite of mine, as it is a bit bland. One positive is that his figure does finally come with a robe, and it isn't 1/100, and they remembered to add the white trim on his gloves this time around. One thing that would have made this figure a bit better is the inclusion of the title belt, which we should eventually get anyway.

Overall: 8.5/10

"Rocky Balboa(Victory over Apollo Creed)"











If I have one favorite headsculpt thusfar in the Rocky series, it has to be the "Battle Damaged" Rocky head. It is perfect. This figure is essentially the "variation" of the robed Rocky, and features some blood, and bruises on his face and body, as well as a bloody towel. As I mentioned with Apollo, one thing that would have made this figure even better is the title belt, but it doesn't take much away from a great figure.

Overall: 9.5/10

"Rocky Balboa("Win "Rocky" Win")"













One of the most memorable scenes in "Rocky II" is when Adrian tells Rocky to "win!" and Rocky starts training his ass off to beat Apollo. The shirt he wore in that scene has always stood out to me, and I'm glad Jakks decided to make this as the "Training" Rocky in series II. Once again, the use of the newest Stallone head sculpt works even better for this figure than it does with the in-ring Rocky. He has proper attire with a grey shirt with the text "WIN "ROCKY" WIN" in red lettering, black shorts, white boots, taped hands, and a red headband. He comes with a red jumprope as an accessory which is a great touch.

Overall: 10/10

"Mick(Yellow Corner Gear)"













I was not overly impressed by the first Mick figure we got in series I, but definately feel this one is an improvement. Rocky's manager Mickey Goldmill is depicted in his yellow cornerman attire from the second film. His jacket in series I was a tad oversized, but they fixed that problem in series II. His Jacket is a bit too shiney, as it is fashioned out of the same material that Rocky's robe is made from, but it isn't that big of a deal. Like series I, he has his trademark hat, and also comes with a corner stool. By this time if you have the Kay Bee three pack, you have two corner stools.

Overall: 8/10

"Duke(Apollo's Trainer)"













Maybe I'm in the minority, but Duke was actually the figure I was most excited for in Series II. He is not slated for any other series, and is an unsung hero in the Rocky universe. He is the only character aside from Rocky himself, and Paulie that will appear in all six Rocky films. Duke is nicely done, with a white t-shirt, white pants, and a red jacket with "APOLLO" on the back. His jacket suffers the same fate as Mick's, as it is a little too "shiney" but its less noticable on Duke's figure. Duke's head sculpt stands out as one of the best in the series, and he also comes with a spit bucket accessory, the first one we have had thusfar in the collection.

Overall: 10/10

"Tony Gazzo(Loan Shark)"















Gazzo is one of the "minor" characters I wanted most when Jakks announced this line, and they put a lot of effort into him. The head sculpt isn't the best, as I think he looks a little too young without his glasses, but with the tinted glasses on there is a big improvement. They included a cloth vest under his grey suit jacket, and a brown overcoat.

Overall: 8.5/10

"Lou Filipo(Referee)"











Like Duke, Lou Filipo is an essential character because he appears in so many of the films. He won't be appearing in "Rocky Balboa," but he was a referee in the previous five "Rocky" films. The Lou Filipo figure isn't perfect, I mean for a referee he is pretty... built. I do think they could have used a smaller arm sculpt on him to make him appear a little smaller, but for what he is, its a decent referee figure.

Overall: 7/10

"Brent Musburger(Announcer)"











Only in the "Rocky" line can we have a Brent Musburger figure(I wonder if Jakks realizes they spelled his name wrong on the carding. ). For what it is, its pretty cool, but its one of those things that is kinda cool and lame at the same time. I only imagine completionists(or really big Brent Musburger fans) buying this figure. The head on the original prototype looks a lot more like Brent than the final product does, but its still an OK likeness.

Overall: 6.5/10

"Roberto Duran(Sparring Partner)"













Roberto Duran is another oddball figure in the lineup. I bet not everyone even knows he was in the second Rocky film, let alone where to find him in said film. Roberto Duran plays Rocky's speedy sparring partner when he is training for his rematch with Apollo. Roberto is also a legendary fighter in his own right. The pelvic protector he is wearing is removable, if you do not wish to have it on.

Overall: 7.5/10

"Rocky Balboa(Fight vs. Mason Dixon, Rocky Balboa Early Release)"















Rocky Series II brings us the first figure from the sixth Rocky film- "Rocky Balboa." This figure, an early sneek peek release of Rocky from his fight with his newest opponent- Mason "The Line" Dixon. Jakks did a great job with the older Stallone head sculpt, as it would be impossible to use one from the first two series, Sly has aged 30 years since the first film, and 27 years since the second. Rocky is wearing black trunks with "ROCKY" on the waistband, and yellow trim down the sides. He has black boots, and black gloves, as well as a black and gold robe. Just this figure alone is getting me excited for "Rocky Balboa' which hits theaters just over a month from now!

Overall: 9.5/10

"Rocky" Series II is in stock at Ringside Collectibles RIGHT NOW!

Click here to order your Rocky Series II figures!