While most of the reviews this month are based on the classic Universal horror films and silent films released between 1923 through 1956 or 1960 (there's a bit of differing opinion there), Universal has returned to these characters multiple times over the sixty plus years since the classic era ended. Today I'm checking out an action figure based on one of the better modern era remakes: Benicio del Toro's Wolfman from Joe Johnston's 2010 film. The move came out in February of 2010 and I was really excited for it. The Wolfman is definitely a top tier Universal Monsters film in my book and I actually liked how the 2010 film set the film in 1891, fifty years before the setting of the 1941 film. Mezco released a few products for the film at the very end of 2009 and early 2010, including a blood spattered variant of this figure (as a Blockbuster exclusive!) and a 1/6th scale figure. I think I purchased this guy at Toys 'R Us and he's the basic version of the Wolfman. Ready to check out the Wolfman from one of his more recent outings? Then join me after the break...
The Facts:
Height: 7 1/2 inches
Articulation: Swivel "shins," swivel thighs, balljointed waist, swivel/hinge shoulders, bicep swivels, swivel wrists, and a barbell jointed head.
Accessories: Cane
Year of Release 2009/2010
Original Retail Price: $15 dollars
The Positives:
* Back around 2009 and 2010, Mezco was producing quite a few figures in the same oversized scale and style as Lawrence Talbot here. Mezco's figures were usually larger and more stylized than most other figures from similar companies at the time (like NECA and DC Direct), definitely seeming like their own scale. This guy is 7 1/2 inches crouching, so if he were standing fully erect he'd be more like 9 inches. The sculpt is really impressive, though, and not as stylized as many Mezco figures from the era tended to be. While he may not be as impressive as most modern releases, he doesn't stand out when posed among them, either. Solid sculpt and solid paintwork all around here.
The Positives:
* Back around 2009 and 2010, Mezco was producing quite a few figures in the same oversized scale and style as Lawrence Talbot here. Mezco's figures were usually larger and more stylized than most other figures from similar companies at the time (like NECA and DC Direct), definitely seeming like their own scale. This guy is 7 1/2 inches crouching, so if he were standing fully erect he'd be more like 9 inches. The sculpt is really impressive, though, and not as stylized as many Mezco figures from the era tended to be. While he may not be as impressive as most modern releases, he doesn't stand out when posed among them, either. Solid sculpt and solid paintwork all around here.
* The headsculpt is good. Very good, really. I think it still holds up perfectly fine today and would be absolutely acceptable on a more modern body. Rick Baker, who did creature effects and the Saturn and Academy Award winning make-up for the film, commented: "Going from Benicio to Benicio as the Wolf Man isn't a really extreme difference. Like when I did An American Werewolf in London, we went from this naked man to a four-legged hound from Hell, and we had a lot of room to go from the transformation and do a lot of really extreme things. Here we have Benicio del Toro, who's practically the Wolf Man already, to Benicio del Toro with more hair and bigger teeth." Does this look like a slightly hairier Benecio del Toro with sharper teeth? I can see that. His air, though? His hair is perfect. Awwhooo!!!!
* First, this is a pretty durable figure. The joints are sturdy and things like the swivel/hinge shoulders, balljointed waist, and barbell jointed head really allow for some nice movement.
The Negatives:
* Unfortunately, the legs are a mess. a V-crotch? With swivels below the knees? It'd almost be better if the legs were solid. I know 2010 was a different era for collector focused action figures but this guy is pretty weak articulation wise.
Appearance wise, I think this is a pretty cool figure of the 2010 Wolfman. He's big, fierce, and has a lot of shelf presence. The headsculpt is excellent, too, and the inclusion of the wolf cane is a nice little extra. Articulation wise... well, find a pose and stick with it, along with a way to keep him standing. It's kind of rare to find figures with such minimal articulation these days unless they truly are mini statues, but this guy is definitely a product of the time. I remember being a bit disappointed by him at the time but I am glad that I picked him up almost 15 years ago. He's a Good and a 1/2 figure and one of the few releases from the 2010 film.
For more of Lawrence/ Larry Talbot, the Wolf Man, I've also reviewed the Funko ReAction Wolf Man, Jada Toys' The Wolf Man, the Real Ghostbusters Wolfman Monster, NECA's Raphael as the Wolfman, the McFarlane's Monsters Werewolf Playset, the Imaginext Wolfman, the Werewolf from Mezco's Tower of Fear, and Luke Talbot (the Wolfman) from Monster Force.
For more of Lawrence/ Larry Talbot, the Wolf Man, I've also reviewed the Funko ReAction Wolf Man, Jada Toys' The Wolf Man, the Real Ghostbusters Wolfman Monster, NECA's Raphael as the Wolfman, the McFarlane's Monsters Werewolf Playset, the Imaginext Wolfman, the Werewolf from Mezco's Tower of Fear, and Luke Talbot (the Wolfman) from Monster Force.
Decent looking figure. Wasn't a fan of the movie but Rick Baker always brings the special effects make up good like he did for American Werewolf in London and Michael Jackson's Thriler.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great effects movie for sure with some nice atmosphere. I haven't watched it in a bit, but I'm planning to watch/rewatch the "modern" Universal Monster movies after I finish my current watch through of the classic era from 1931 through 1960. I'm excited for this new Wolf Man movie coming out, though I'm not liking the design I've see so far, nor the fact that it's more sci-fi than supernatural (at least from what the director says).
Deleteoh yeah the new 'wolf man' just looks some very ill crazy old man. Not sure what that's about.
DeleteI'm cautiously optimistic for the film and I've heard some good things from a few folks who have seen it. I'm not loving the new design from what I've seen so far, but the main character Wolf Man might look very different.
DeleteI've been keeping up with the Universal Studios Dark Universe area at Epic Universe and their Wolf Man looks awesome. He's very clearly based on the 2010 vesion.
He looks like a "cool" werewolf.
ReplyDeleteHe's definitely the hip werewolf, stealing all the she-wolfs and posting instagram selfies in exotic locations.
Delete