Pre-orders for series 3 of NECA's Rocky line are now open. Series 3 rather fittingly features two versions of Rocky 3's antagonist, up-and-comer Clubber Lang (played by Mr. T), as well as another version of Rocky.

Rocky 3 (in which a retiring Rocky (played by Sylvester Stallone) is goaded into one last fight by Clubber Lang) not only launched Mr. T's career but also gave him the iconic catchphrase, "I pity the fool." And while Mr. T might look a little naked without his bling, one should bear in mind that you can't take 20 pounds or so of gold into a boxing match. While head-sculpts on both versions of Clubber Lang seem to capture Mr. T's likeness, I can't help but feel that once again the somewhat generic looking bodies somewhat diminish the overall look. Personally, I prefer the black trunks look (the outfit he wore during the rematch) partly for the more neutral facial expression. It's also something of a shame that NECA hasn't released a version of Clubber in his street clothes (with a pointing finger!).

As for Rocky, I'm starting to get a little sick of seeing pop up every wave. While I understand the rationale for it (both in terms of movie-specific attire and availability issues), there has to be a better way of incorporating Stallone's character into every wave.

These figures generally retail for somewhere around US$18. So how about it? Anybody going to let Clubber goad them into buying him? Also, when are they going to get around to making Micky?

[ Pre-order the set of 3 from Big Bad Toy Store ]