The toys (or more appropriately sculpted action figures) were in the First Series of Sideshow Toys Classic Edition’s 9-inch Universal Monsters figures.
I credit Sideshow Collectibles (Toys) with turning me on as to how ‘action figures’ could be collectible pieces of sculpture art.
I’ve selected two figures to review. From Series I I’ve chosen Boris Karloffas the Frankenstein Monster. From series 2 I've picked Elsa Lancaster as Frankenstein’s Bride.
I’ll start with the Frankenstein Boris Karloff figure. The likeness to the late actor’s face is astounding, especially when you consider that the figure is only nine inches tall!
The green complexion, the tight draw skin, the flat head with its black pageboy haircut, the scars, the deep set eyes, the large brow and the metal bolts protruding out of its neck match the cinema monster to perfection.
The figure is dressed in a large, deep-gray coat that strains at its buttons because of the monsters size. Under the coat is black collarless shirt. Both the shirt and coat barely cover most of the monster’s arms, leaving his wrists and part of his lower arms visible.
Loose back pants and large black boots with thick soles and heels make up the rest of the monster’s attire.
The wrinkles, wear and stitching of the clothing are perfectly scaled and look realistic.
Articulation is hidden by cloth folds and are barely visible on the monster’s wrists, knees, etc. The use of pin and hinge articulation points allow the figure to bend and twist realistically. It’s a clever design choice and works perfectly.
Included with the figure is a stone base, twin shackles made of metal and a torch with realistic looking translucent flames.
The creature’s hands are positioned as to hold both the chains and torch easily with no slippage.
Elsa Lancaster as The Bride Of Frankenstein nine-inch figure captures the features of the actress accurately.
Like the Frankenstein figure clever articulation points are practically invisible on the figure. Waist, arm, leg, wrists, shoulders and neck points mesh with the Bride’s mummy-like attire. It’s an amazing bit of figure trickery that foreshadows what Sideshow Collectibles fans will see years later on its larger figures.
The Bride’s face is ghostly white with large blood red lips, deep set eyes, large forehead and her characteristic swept back black hair with twin white side streaks. Look at the incredible detail on the hands and features.
Included with the figure is a real cloth gown that drapes over the figure’s shoulders, a stone base, a separate wrapped head and an electric power pole with a green voltage amplifier and silver electro on its tip.
It’s a beautiful and haunting figure and is one the best nine-inch Sideshow figures produced, in my opinion.
Both figures come in clear plastic bubble hangers with color photos of the individual figures on the back and a gallery of the other figures in the series on the back.
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