Packaging - ***1/2
Like most deluxe sets, this pair comes to you in a box. The size is
not too large, yet it shows off both figures fairly well. It sports
the Movie Maniacs logo on the back, and the colors are reminiscent of the
film.
If you hate twisties though, be prepared. Bring your wire snips to
this party.
Sculpting - ***1/2
Sculpt is rarely an issue for a Mcfarlane line. Interest, now that's
another issue.
The MM line has been dead for awhile, and it appears that they had picked
up this license specifically for it before they made the decision to pretty
much end the series. I suspect they had contractual obligations
though, and putting out this boxed set was the best way to meet them.
The Bat version of Dracula looks excellent, with a very detailed body
sculpt and facial expression. The hunched pose is right from the film,
and while the sculpt and articulation aren't really intended to do much
together, he looks great in this one stance. I suspect most people
that buy the set will be buying it for this character.
The second version is the wolf, which isn't as iconic. It's a nice
sculpt though, with lots of hair detail and a marvelous face sculpt.
The snarling appearance looks terrific, and if may entice buyers who have
little interest in the film, but who are looking for another unique werewolf
for the shelf.
Neither character stands on his own, but display bases have been
included.
Paint - ***
The paint work on both figures is fairly under whelming, especially
considering that they're from McToys.
One issue for both is the very limited color palette, and the lack of
small detail paint work that we've become accustomed to.
The bat version has a heavy black wash, darkening the deep crevasses of
the sculpt. It's a bit much though, and tends to hide more detail than
it highlights, especially in the face. He also is sporting a bit of a
glossy appearance, that cheapens the statue look.
The wolf has a matte finish, but few colors as well. He does have a
few more nice small details though, especially in the mouth, fangs and
claws. However, the fur and face use single colors in broad strokes,
making them appear far less detailed than the usual Mcfarlane monster. The
paint ops aren't awful, just not an example of McToys at the top of their
game.
Articulation - Bat **; Wolf **1/2
As you might expect from the designs, there's not a ton of articulation
here.
The bat has a cut neck, cut elbows, and cut hips. The only real
purpose of this handful of joints is to get the one and only pose just
right. The most useful of his joints is the neck, which can be used to give
him a little more personality.
The wolf is a bit more articulated, with cut neck, shoulders, biceps,
wrists, waist and right thigh. The arm articulation allows for a fair number
of poses, making him the more posable of the two.
Accessories - ***
Both figures come with a diorama like base. The bat stands perched on
a shipping crate containing the Count's bric-a-brac. This crate is
possibly the single coolest feature of the entire set, and it has a
fantastic sculpt and paint job.
The wolf has a patio section, including a potted plant and mossy
stone. Both figures attach tightly to their bases, and require them to
stand up.
Value - **
The pair lists at around $25, which is fairly average considering most
single figures run around $12. Still, Mcfarlane figures can be had as
cheap as $10 at some retailers, and this boxed pair could have been much
closer to $20. I have some examples where you can snag it for $23, and
anything around that gets another 1/2 star.
Fun Factor - **
Neither of these figures will be particularly 'fun' for kids, even those
into monsters. The wolf has more play value than the bat, since the
articulation is slightly better, but I doubt they'll be passing up the Power
Rangers to play with these.
Things to watch out for -
Not a thing. This set is extremely well built, and I had no
trouble with loose joints or possible breakage.
Overall - ***
Hardcore Dracula fans will want to pick up this set to add to the
display, and any werewolf fans should take the time to check out the
wolf. He would make a nice addition to a shelf full of other 6 -
7" versions.
However, most folks will find this set a tad ho-hum. While the
sculpts are nice, the paint doesn't do much to show it off, and it seems
that they phoned it in on this one. The addition of an actual Oldman
Dracula in the set would have made a huge difference of course, and one
wonders if there were likeness licensing issues.
SCORE RECAP:
Packaging - ***1/2
Sculpt - ***1/2
Paint - ***
Articulation - Bat **; Wolf **1/2
Accessories - ***
Fun Factor - **
Value - **
Overall - ***
Where to Buy -
There's plenty of online options:
- CornerStoreComics has
the set for $23.
- AmazingToyz has it listed at
$23 as well.
- Killer Toys has the set at $23.
Related Links:
There have been many Dracula figures. Here's some of the best - and
worst:
- Sideshow has done a marvelous Premium
Format version of Lugosi, along with a 12"
version.
- And JAKKS did an awful version.
- One of the very best recent versions is the Christopher
Lee 12" figure.
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