Friday, October 4, 2024

31 Days of Toy Terror Takes the Universe: The Monster from Monster in My Pocket by Matchbox

 
   
   This month Fridays are going to be Franken-Fridays for 31 Days of Toy Terror Takes the Universe! Today I'm starting things off small with a look at the Monster from Matchbox's 1990 Monster in My Pocket toyline. I've always loved these rubbery little minifigures and while I didn't have that many of them as a kid, I've amassed a collection over the years. Based on Victor Frankenstein's Monster (who is commonly and rightfully called Frankenstein) from Mary Shelly's novel Frankenstein, the Monster borrows from multiple depictions of the creation, including very heavily from Boris Karloff's iconic take in the Universal Studios films. This little guy is the first Frankenstein and the first Monster in My Pocket review for 31 Days of Toy Terror Takes the Universe, so let's bring him to life after the break...






The Facts:

Height: 1 7/8ths inches

Monster #: 13

Year of Release: 1990













The Positives:

* I love the look of the Monster. This take on Frankenstein borrows liberally from the Universal Studios films, but embellishes thanks a bit. He's got the square head, the bolts sticking out, of the head, and what looks like a furry shirt. That's a detail that seems inspired by Son of Frankenstein. He's also wrapped in chains, another cool detail on such a small figure. 



* The high boots are another really standout detail. What are the supposed to be? They look like they have visible steel toes, like a work boot.  


* The detail continues all over the Monster's back. You can also see his monster number (15) that was part of a game of sorts, though not one that was really developed much. Interestingly, in the video game for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Frankenstein was one of the good guys and one of two playable characters, along with the Vampire. 






   Mary Shelly's Frankenstein would still be considered a classic of horror and Victorian gothic literature without the Universal Studios films but it's because of Boris Karloff's iconic performance, James Whale's concept design and direction, and Jack Pierce's makeup work that the Frankenstein Monster is still one of the most recognizable horror icons today. Monster in My Pocket was a very cool concept that grabbed a rather diverse group of monstrous characters (along with mythological creatures and even some religious figures) to celebrate the odd and unusual. He's an Epic figure from the vintage line and one of the most recognizable, too.


If you're a fan of Frankenstein's Monster I've reviewed some other Frankenstein themed items including Funko's ReAction Frankenstein, the Imaginext Frankenstein's Monster, various monsters from the Playmobil Take Along Haunted House and Vampire and Monster set, the mini Frankenstein from Mighty Max Escapes from Skull DungeonFrankenstein from Monster Force, and the Real Ghostbusters' Frankenstein Monster. There's also Frankenghost from The Worst, who's the Ghost of Frankenstein('s monster). Check out the Keshi Surprise in Flesh Frankenghost, Teal Frankenghost and the ReAction Frankenghost!

For more Monster in My Pocket check out the following:
Dybbuk  
Karnak  

2 comments:

  1. I'm always slightly annoyed that Monster in my Pocket appeared just as I was getting older and into video games and out of playing with toys....but I think I might need to go on a monster hunt!

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    1. I don't find these out and about at toyshops as often as I'd like. Sometime they're oddly expensive, too. I'd love to find the 2000 figures. Heck, I'd love this line to make a comeback of sorts.

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