One of the coolest concepts ever for an action figure line was McFarlane's Movie Maniacs. When McFarlane started releasing those toys in the late 90's it truly seemed like the sky was the limit for action figures. Any property could become a toy! With Movie Maniacs, McFarlane wisely acknowledged that not every property (particularly horror films) needed a complete toyline. Offering a potpourri of iconic character in each series was a strength of that line (and others like Cult Classics) and believe me, I'm kind of getting that same old magic feeling with FunKo's new ReAction Horror Series. With all of the retro styled action figures coming out these days (mostly from Funko, but Bif Bang Pow! and others are in on this as well) we're seeing so many characters covered but I think the horror stuff is the most fun. I think the magic really kicks in with these ReAction figures when you can almost really believe that these toys might have existed back in the late 1970's and early 1980's and, for Freddy Krueger here, I can almost believe it. Remember how Matchbox released some crazy toys back in the 80's like a talking Freddy Krueger doll and the Maxx FX Freddy doll? Yup, I can easily imagine a more traditional Freddy Krueger action figure hitting shelves as well. Granted, as a kid I would not have wanted this as I was pretty terrified of Mr. Krueger, but it's still fun to imagine back. If someone rambling on for the next paragraphs about a 3 3/4 inch Freddy Krueger sounds like your idea of a good time then join me after the break...
Like his ancestors, Freddy only features 5 points of articulation. Swivel hips, swivel shoulders, and a swivel neck. That's just enough articulation to point his glove menacingly, look to his left at your Jason action figure, and sit down in a vintage TIE Fighter. Because that's how vintage Freddy ants to get around. The figures feels really sturdy with nice, solid plastic.
Let's talk about the sculpt: I like it, although I imagine for some fans it might actually be a bit too good to fit in a vintage toyline (although some of the 1985 Star Wars figures featured some pretty nice sculpting that was streets ahead of the 1978 releadses). Freddy's face is instantly recognizable with all of its scarring (his hand is scarred, too) and his sweater has a nice textured pattern to it with little tears and fraying at the bottom. The claw hand is simplified but immediately recognizable. The blades are made from a softer plastic to help keep them from breaking.
Freddy only comes with one accessory: His battered old fedora. It fits tightly on his head and looks really good. Since the claw isn't removable, this seems like a logical inclusion as an extra. It's molded in a flat brown plastic and completes Mr. K's iconic look!
Important note, sir : Maxx FX Freddy's LINK don't exist anymore (404 on their server !). Thought u might wanna know. Otherwise, cool article as usual. Keep it up...
ReplyDeleteThanks! I removed the link.
DeleteOh man, McFarlane's Movie Maniacs action figures were a total game-changer back in the late 90's! Those figures brought iconic characters from horror films to life, and the concept felt like anything was possible. Now, stepping into the present, I've got to say Funko's ReAction Horror Series is giving me the same magical vibes. These retro-styled action figures, especially the horror ones, just take me back. Take a look at this Freddy Krueger ReAction figure https://largerthanlifetoys.com/products/freddy-krueger – it's like a blast from the past! Remember those wacky Matchbox toys from the 80's, like the talking Freddy Krueger doll? I can almost picture a classic Freddy action figure on the shelves back then. Nostalgia overload, right? If you're into reliving those days of vintage-style toys, you're in for a treat with these ReAction figures. They've got that charm that makes you wonder if they really could have been around in the 70's and 80's.
ReplyDeleteI do! I remember all of the weird Nightmare on Elm Street merchandise that seemed like it was targeted at kids. I was at a work picnic for my dad's K-Mart and I remember winning a set of the Freddy Krueger water squirting toys. One of the Horror Spitballs from Entertech in 1989.
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