In any toy line, it has always been the Creature from the Black Lagoon for me. The new NECA sculpt is excellent! Though I am hoping to see an alternate "realistic" paint scheme down the line. The paint scheme they used is accurate to the original costume, but the red lips and gold highlights were used because they looked great on the black & white film. So in this case, I would welcome a bit of artistic license.
Nice overview Big Nerdy! The Universal Monster licence rarely stays idle for long. A company may hold it for a few years until the product line dwindles. Then, in a relatively short time, another will pick up the license. Which is kind of amazing when you consider the licence is roughly 90 years old in the case of Dracula & Frankenstein. There were a few comments regarding other licence holders that weren't mentioned, like Diamond. Jakks also had the licence for a time producing classic Universal characters along side more modernized interpretations from Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) and The Mummy (Brendan Fraser) There was also a short lived 7" line produced by Toy Island in 2006. And while they weren't really "action" figures, you can't talk about the Universal Monsters toy license without mentioning Marx Toys. Great vid!
Great video, Big N. NECA and McF were where it was at for most of my favorite horror figs and RIP to Palisades Toys. They made the very best (ie most grotesque) versions including the monstrous Resident Evil Tyrant with his external heart. Also....I shed a few nerdy tears here when you were unfamiliar with the name Alucard (Dracula backwards lol) not just from that classic movie but most recently the iconic son of Drac himself from the Castlevania franchise of games and Netflix shows. 😭😭😭
I can't remember the line for the life of me, but I found a Frankenstein's Monster, Dracula, and Wolf Man in K-Mart right around the 2004 election. I LOVED them, and it's where I began my love affair with classic horror. I never got Frankenstein's Monster, but I did get the Wolf Man, whose interchangeable arms, legs, and head were lost promptly, and Dracula, who came with a coffin.
You forgot to mention SOTA toys ( famous for their almost perfect Street Fighter line). They gave us The Baron from the original Dune movie, the Creeper from Jeepers Creepers, Clowns from Outer Space among others. Diamond Select has its line of Universal Monsters as well. Anyway, great video as always, Big Nerdi.
I wished they made Brundlefly from the 1980’s remake of The Fly. I feel like there’s no modern figure or statue of the monster. Neca can really do a good job if they had the license
One of my favorite examples was Monster Force by Playmates in the mid-'90s, making the Universal Monsters characters into a typical toy action team. I'm still kicking myself for not buying them at KB back when they were like 3/$10! 😅
I have the old McFarlane movie maniacs Jason and Freddy and I was always disappointed by their limited articulation and didn't collect much at that time. Neca brought me back to collecting big time!
Mezco made an amazing figure of Jason from Jason Goes To Hell. While not the greatest movie, I loved Jason's look in it. Mezco definitely captured the look. The Movie Maniac Jason is completely painted under his mask. It was suppose to be removable, but it was dropped at the last minute.
I wanted those Imperial figures so bad back in the day but Mom said "no". They're why I always imagined the Wolfman in a red shirt. Of course, adult me got revenge by buying the Neca versions. No red shirt though.
Those '97 BK toys are some of my all-time favorites! You should do a video on the best action figures to have been released in Kid's Meals / Happy Meals. I would say some of the best are the: McDonald's Power Rangers Movie figures, McDonald's Power Rangers SPD, McDonald's Batman Animated Series, Burger King Backstreet Boys, Hardee's X-Men, McDonald's Spiderman Animated Series, etc. Yup, I was a happy little fat boy. Lol
I really agree, NECA horror figures are unbeatable. Not only are they affordable, but they are very detailed, a lot of accuracy, very cool accessories, and have good posability. Plus they have a great selection of characters and variations. They got nearly every version of Jason, almost every classic horror character, and even obscure characters like Puppet Master. My favorite figure they made was Evil Dead 1 Ash, the headsculpt is so accurate to Bruce Campbell
Great review! The only thing I missed is a reference to Screamin' model kits. I think these 90's kits receive way less attention than they deserve, and in many ways they were to MacFarlane, Neca or Mezco what Aurora was to Mego.
I had those big 4 Imperial Universal Monsters. I loved those figures! I was really into the movies around that time and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Frankenstein at Toys R Us (6 year olds are easily mind blown)
Thanks for this interesting history, Matt! It's so cool to see the various plastic iterations of the Universal Monsters. I actually just discovered the Universal movies this year, which is lucky timing for me given NECA's wonderful Universal Monsters line!
I am not a current horror fan but I love the classic monsters. Marvel Legends did a nice box set with the classics as well. That is the only ones I have. Thanks for the interesting video!
I have never been a collector of horror figs. I had some the Mcfarlanes when they came out because they were truly unique. Mostly I just look and do not purchase. Then Mythic Legions made the Headless Horseman. Probably one of their best and certainly my personal favorite from them and as a monster figure.
I love this history about horror action figures. I am impressed with your research about this line - the ups and downs, even the fine line of making them without a license. Again, love this video. Makes me want to buy some. Is there a store where I can buy some? N E R D Z O I C Thanks for the video, Matt!
Do you have a favorite horror action figure?
Sam - Trick r Treat - NECA
I’d love to see NECA give us an Ultimate BEETLEJUICE figure w/ ALL the accessories 👻
NECA’s Frankenstein Monster
Those Mcfarlane uinversal monster inspired playsets. Also NECA Ash and Godzilla as those were the ones that got me into NECA.
In any toy line, it has always been the Creature from the Black Lagoon for me. The new NECA sculpt is excellent! Though I am hoping to see an alternate "realistic" paint scheme down the line. The paint scheme they used is accurate to the original costume, but the red lips and gold highlights were used because they looked great on the black & white film. So in this case, I would welcome a bit of artistic license.
Nice overview Big Nerdy! The Universal Monster licence rarely stays idle for long. A company may hold it for a few years until the product line dwindles. Then, in a relatively short time, another will pick up the license. Which is kind of amazing when you consider the licence is roughly 90 years old in the case of Dracula & Frankenstein. There were a few comments regarding other licence holders that weren't mentioned, like Diamond. Jakks also had the licence for a time producing classic Universal characters along side more modernized interpretations from Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) and The Mummy (Brendan Fraser) There was also a short lived 7" line produced by Toy Island in 2006. And while they weren't really "action" figures, you can't talk about the Universal Monsters toy license without mentioning Marx Toys.
Great vid!
Great video, Big N. NECA and McF were where it was at for most of my favorite horror figs and RIP to Palisades Toys. They made the very best (ie most grotesque) versions including the monstrous Resident Evil Tyrant with his external heart.
Also....I shed a few nerdy tears here when you were unfamiliar with the name Alucard (Dracula backwards lol) not just from that classic movie but most recently the iconic son of Drac himself from the Castlevania franchise of games and Netflix shows. 😭😭😭
I can't remember the line for the life of me, but I found a Frankenstein's Monster, Dracula, and Wolf Man in K-Mart right around the 2004 election. I LOVED them, and it's where I began my love affair with classic horror. I never got Frankenstein's Monster, but I did get the Wolf Man, whose interchangeable arms, legs, and head were lost promptly, and Dracula, who came with a coffin.
You forgot to mention SOTA toys ( famous for their almost perfect Street Fighter line). They gave us The Baron from the original Dune movie, the Creeper from Jeepers Creepers, Clowns from Outer Space among others. Diamond Select has its line of Universal Monsters as well. Anyway, great video as always, Big Nerdi.
I wished they made Brundlefly from the 1980’s remake of The Fly. I feel like there’s no modern figure or statue of the monster. Neca can really do a good job if they had the license
I'd snatch that up instantly!
Mcfarlane made one in Movie Maniacs series 3.
Awesome! They should also do Brundlefly Jr. From THE FLY II. I liked his final form design better than the 1st movie.❤🪰
One of my favorite examples was Monster Force by Playmates in the mid-'90s, making the Universal Monsters characters into a typical toy action team. I'm still kicking myself for not buying them at KB back when they were like 3/$10! 😅
My favorite Horror Figures are The Crow, Aliens,Resident Evil figures and Freddy Krueger
I have the old McFarlane movie maniacs Jason and Freddy and I was always disappointed by their limited articulation and didn't collect much at that time. Neca brought me back to collecting big time!
Mezco made an amazing figure of Jason from Jason Goes To Hell. While not the greatest movie, I loved Jason's look in it. Mezco definitely captured the look. The Movie Maniac Jason is completely painted under his mask. It was suppose to be removable, but it was dropped at the last minute.
A very solid and interesting overview. Well done.
I wanted those Imperial figures so bad back in the day but Mom said "no". They're why I always imagined the Wolfman in a red shirt. Of course, adult me got revenge by buying the Neca versions. No red shirt though.
Please do a history vid on Godzilla toys just as rich if not more than universal monsters
Those '97 BK toys are some of my all-time favorites! You should do a video on the best action figures to have been released in Kid's Meals / Happy Meals. I would say some of the best are the: McDonald's Power Rangers Movie figures, McDonald's Power Rangers SPD, McDonald's Batman Animated Series, Burger King Backstreet Boys, Hardee's X-Men, McDonald's Spiderman Animated Series, etc.
Yup, I was a happy little fat boy. Lol
I really agree, NECA horror figures are unbeatable. Not only are they affordable, but they are very detailed, a lot of accuracy, very cool accessories, and have good posability. Plus they have a great selection of characters and variations. They got nearly every version of Jason, almost every classic horror character, and even obscure characters like Puppet Master. My favorite figure they made was Evil Dead 1 Ash, the headsculpt is so accurate to Bruce Campbell
Great review! The only thing I missed is a reference to Screamin' model kits. I think these 90's kits receive way less attention than they deserve, and in many ways they were to MacFarlane, Neca or Mezco what Aurora was to Mego.
Once again Uncle Matt takes us to school. Bravo.
I had those big 4 Imperial Universal Monsters. I loved those figures! I was really into the movies around that time and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Frankenstein at Toys R Us (6 year olds are easily mind blown)
I like those Universal mosnters made by Jada toys.
You forgot Playmate's Monster Force which also had an animated series.
Good call!
looking forward to the terrifer 2 giantman-sized Haslab
Thanks for this interesting history, Matt! It's so cool to see the various plastic iterations of the Universal Monsters. I actually just discovered the Universal movies this year, which is lucky timing for me given NECA's wonderful Universal Monsters line!
I am not a current horror fan but I love the classic monsters. Marvel Legends did a nice box set with the classics as well. That is the only ones I have. Thanks for the interesting video!
Speaking of horror...disappointed the October pre-order of Thing Ultimate Dog isn't happening, apparently. Here's hoping for November.
Just got the shipping notification from neca
Woot :)
sad you didnt talk about the twisted souls figures
Nice polo man can’t wait for you to go brick and mortar one day
you left out the 3 3/4 inch carded remco glow in the dark universal monsters from 1980.
We need an updated figure of the Tall Man from Phantasm, I missed out on the old one, thanks.
Excellent video!
Down with Public domain lawsuits, no individual who was a part of creativity benefits, its just trolls and corporations. Continue public domain!!!!!
I have never been a collector of horror figs. I had some the Mcfarlanes when they came out because they were truly unique. Mostly I just look and do not purchase. Then Mythic Legions made the Headless Horseman. Probably one of their best and certainly my personal favorite from them and as a monster figure.
Excellent job. Happy Halloween brah;!🍺❤☠️👻🎃🎃💡
I saw 2 versions of leatherface in Target and Best Buy yesterday..I didn't like either
thanks for this, perfect for halloween and added joy to my day
ordered the leatherface figure off your website after being scammed on amazon please dont let me down
Oh wow! This video is amazing! What a wealth of knowledge, thank you for putting this together! Happy Halloween!
This is great!
I love this history about horror action figures. I am impressed with your research about this line - the ups and downs, even the fine line of making them without a license. Again, love this video. Makes me want to buy some. Is there a store where I can buy some?
N E R D Z O I C
Thanks for the video, Matt!
Do you know the line Monster Squad?
Gotta hand it you Big Nerdy, you sure educated me with this video, horror characters aren't my thing so I'm happy to learn something new. 😁
Fun video 🎃
NECA is killing it 🔪 with all their horror figures and you can’t beat the fantastic attention to detail and accessories included 🙌