Q is for Quasimodo and while this figure isn't billed as Quasimodo on the package (he's listed as "Lon Chaney as the Hunchback of Notre Dame"), we all know that's his name. We here today about how Hollywood can't release anything new, but did you know that when Universal Pictures released The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 1923, directed by Wallace Worsley, the book had already been made into a movie six times prior. Lon Cheney's version is undoubtedly the most famous adaptation simply because of Lon Chaney's performance. The man owns the film and really shows off his uncanny acting skills which will shock you. He conveys emotion amazingly, particularly for this being a silent film. This version of Quasimodo is from Super7's Universal Monsters ReAction line. I collected all of Funko's 2014 Universal Monsters ReAction figures, but Super7 has had the license and the ReAction brand name for a few years now and they've been going much deeper than Funko. Quasimodo is part of the third series of figures. Ready to check out one of the most famous bell ringers around? Then join me after the break...
The Facts:
Height: 3 7/8ths inches
Articulation: Swivel hips, swivel shoulders, and a swivel neck.
Accessories: None
Original Retail Price: $18 dollars
Year of Release: 2021
The Positives:* Since the ReAction figures are inspired by lines like the vintage Kenner Star Wars figures or Remco's Universal Monsters, the sculpts are definitely intentionally inhibited for a more retro look. I think Super7 tends to do a better job of capturing this style than most companies making faux-vintage lines and Quasimodo is one of the nicest figures I've seen in there Universal Monsters collection. His outfit looks and feels accurate to the film and you can see the Hunchback's juxtaposed form, as he is both deformed but also incredibly agile and athletic. There are some nice little details on the figure, though nothing that seems like it kills the retro vibe of the design.
* The portrait is really, really good. I mean, Super7 knocked this one out of the park. Despite being a 1/18th scaled faux-retro figure, they definitely captured Chaney's appearance. It's amazing that 100 years later and we're still attracted to the magic and talent of Lon Chaney, isn't it? I love how surly his version of Quasimodo can be at times.
* What's The Hunchback of Notre Dame without his hunchback? He's sculpted with his knees bent and stooped over, definitely capturing the character's appearance nicely.
* Since these figures capture the classic Kenner style you shouldn't be surprised to find the standard five joints on Quasi. He's got swivel hips, swivel shoulders, and a swivel head. The figure feels very nice with solid, sturdy plastic. He definitely has that retro feel to him and he stands perfectly.
I do like this figure of Lon Chaney as the Hunchback of Notre Dame quite a bit. I still find Super7's pricing to be at least $5 dollars too high on these guys (today they run for $20 each), but if you're patient you can usually find a good deal. He's a Good and a 1/2 figure and the only thing I find missing is a good accessory. Even a staff or a crown, just something extra to give Quasimodo for posing and mixing things up on display. Otherwise, he's ready for you to perch him up somewhere high so he can look down at you! Or place him by your alarm clock (if you still have one).
If you dig Quasimodo then make sure to check out my review of the Diamond Select The Hunchback of Notre Dame from their Universal Monsters Select line and the Hunchback Playset from McFarlane's Monsters
If you dig Quasimodo then make sure to check out my review of the Diamond Select The Hunchback of Notre Dame from their Universal Monsters Select line and the Hunchback Playset from McFarlane's Monsters
For more of Super7's Universal Monsters ReAction figures check out the following:
The Phantom of the Opera as the Masque of the Red Death
The Phantom of the Opera as the Masque of the Red Death
Interesting. Didn't remember Super7 releasing this guy. Lately, I've been finding some decent sale prices on Amazon for Super7's ReAction figures.
ReplyDeleteThat's where I've got a lot of mine. Amazon did some great Prime Day deals, but even Ebay is a good source for them on sale.
DeleteSo they'll make this guy but not Fritz? I know you said it's unlikely they'll do Fritz because he isn't very visually interesting, but the main difference between him and the other two hunchbacks Re-Action has done is he has short hair and no beard. .... Is that really what makes him visually boring?
ReplyDeleteWell, he's more visually boring and he's not a headliner or played by a recognizable name like Lon Chaney or Bela Lugosi. Dwight Frye did make a few Universal horror films and he might be more recognizable as Renfield, but he's no Boris Karloff.
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