I've collected action figures based on
Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror on and off since I picked up the
Aztech Toyz Silent Screamers Graf Orlok sometime in the early 2000s. This isn't a new Vinyl SODA (the line seems to be dead), but one I found from 2022 that I didn't have. Since I reviewed the
Bram Stoker's Dracula version of Dracula from Vinyl SODA last month, I figured I'd give this one a look over as well. I'm really excited for the extended cut of Robert Eggers'
Nosferatu, which is being released on physical media later this month (I think mine's supposed to ship on the 18th of February), so consider this a way to harness my excitement to watch the film again. This one is obviously based on Max Schreck's iconic horror performance, just in a somewhat cuter and only a tad bit more charming style. Ready to pop open a cold can of Graf Orlok soda? Then join me after the break...
The Facts:
Height: 3 7/8ths inches
Articulation: None
Accessories: 2 piece metal soda can and a "POG shaped collector card."
Year of Release: 2022
Original Retail Price: $15 dollars
Edition Size: 8,000 (6,700 regular and 1,300 chase variants)
The Positives:
* I've always thought that these Vinyl SODA figures look like mascots from 1970s breakfast cereals. Can't you see Count Orlok hawking his breakfast cereal (little crispy coffins with plague rat marshmallows?) next to Captain Crunch, Toucan Sam, and the General Mills Monster crew? Orlok is sculpted standing straight up, though his neck is leaning forward and his gangly arms look like they have nowhere comfortable to rest. He just always looks very awkward, which seems to fit the creature perfectly. This guy is the standard color variant (the chase variant is black and white), but his extremely pale green skin and brown coat definitely give off the feel of the sepia tone of many silent films.
* Orlok is creepy and while his head isn't as large and bulbous here as it is sometimes portrayed, his chin and ears are extended in an exaggerated manner. He's also sporting some reddish marks around his eyes the color of bruises. And those long, thin fangs? Absolutely spooky.
* Count Orlok's coat looks great, especially with the sculpted and painted snaps. You don't always see them due to the positioning of his arms, but having them there definitely improves him. He even has two buttons on the back of his coat, too.
* I still really like the cans these come in. The Vinyl SODA line really was one of the best packaging designs Funko ever used as the soda can incredibly cool and makes for a rather unique display piece on a shelf by itself. What would Nosferatu soda be? Definitely something dark. Remember Mountain Dew Pitch Black? Yeah, a dark color like that, but maybe something with an odd mix of flavors. More like a sarsaparilla or a birch bear. Maybe even an herbal cola of sorts. The can displays all of the expected labels while the back shows off the figure and includes all of the legal info, etc. The top of the can separates so you could use the can to store trinkets as well, and it's even sculpted to look like the top of a soda can. It's made from a much more durable metal than your average soda can, too, so it's quite a nice collectible.
* As almost always, a POG like collectible is included that shows the image of the character and the production run (6,700 of this regular version). The only Vinyl SODA I ever purchased that didn't have a POG like this was the glowing Boo Berry, as he was a separate run from the standard figure. Weird, huh? If you think that's spooky, then probably don't watch any Nosferatu movies. They might be too much for you!
If you need just a little bit of Graf Orlok to make your desk or shelf extra spooky, this isn't a bad little stylized vinyl. You should be able to still find him for around $10 dollars as well, less than his original retail price. Well, for the standard version, at least. I think he's a Good and a 1/2 little figure, particularly considering that neat SODA. Those are really fun. Funko seems to have stopped producing these in 2023, which is a shame. I liked them better than POP! vinyls. Were you a SODA fan? How many did you pick up? What'd you think about the 2024
Nosferatu? Start some discussion below! It'll make Count Orlok smile.
Looking for more of Count Orlok? I've also reviewed the Aztech Toys/ Art Asylum
Graf Orlok from Silent Screamers and NECA's Classic Horror Series
Count Orlok.
For more Vinyl SODA reviews check out the following:
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