Lincoln International Big Bad John

Big Bad John has the distinction of being one of the rarest Lincoln International figures ever made and also, one of the newest discoveries.

It all started when regular Toy-Ventures magazine columnist Steve Fink sent us this toy shop ad from 20 years back from Steve Sawchuck, who sadly has no memory of this piece. It’s the only known shot of a carded Big Bad John, a character we’d never heard of prior.

The character seems to be a villain for toy lines such as LJN’s the Rookies and SWAT and Mego’s Starsky and Hutch, heck even Excel’s Kojak might be a worthy adversary for this rough character.

Note on the card a car that looks suspiciously like a Ford Torino.

Close up of John’s Knife which looks like it may have come from a 12″ Gi Joe Knock-Off of some kind.

Lincoln International Big Bad John is very clearly based on the Butch Cavendish figure from the Gabriel Lone Ranger line of toys. The factory seems to have just covered his head in clay for the bald effect, giving his head a strange, almost alien like shape.

Photo is from the collection of Andrew Williams, please check out his instagram.

Lincoln International Big Bad John close up, he’s not a happy looking fellow.

The Jacket is a straight-up copy of the LJN Emergency clothing, which helps with the theory that he was meant as an adversary for those figures.

This is John’s original outfit, unfortunately, no loose example has the tattoo (probably a sticker). 

Big Bad John is the rarest Lincoln International figure made, next to the Thrill Seekers, I’ve seen 25 Mr. Rocks but this one is a whole new level.