NECA Toys is kicking off the highly anticipated release of their Universal Monsters Ultimate 7″ scale line with Frankenstein’s Monster, which is based on the likeness of Actor Boris Karloff in the 1931 film Frankenstein, which is his most memorable roles. This figure celebrates the 90th anniversary. The movie saw two sequels, including Bride of Frankenstein (1935) and Son of Frankenstein (1939), and there’s always the possibility to see figures inspired from those films as well.
Frankenstein see’s two different versions, a black and white deco and one done in color with green skin.
Thank you to NECA Toys for providing their Universal Monsters – Frankenstein’s Monster 7″ Scale Figure for review.
Availability: August 2021
Both figures are packaged in a window box with an opening flap, each with different artwork inspired from the film. Frankenstein (in color) features artwork from the original movie poster that shows him in color, along with Henry Frankenstein on the left, and Elizabeth Lavenza on the right below him. The sides include images of the figure, and the back includes additional images. The opening flap includes another image, and inside is Frankenstein in a plastic tray along with his accessories.
Frankenstein (B&W) is packaged mostly in a black box, with a red image of Frankenstein’s head on the front, images of the figures on the sides as well as the back. The opening flap includes a different pose than the in-color version, and Frankenstein is packaged in a plastic tray along with his accessories.
Frankenstein is given the same sculpt between both releases, including the textured jacket and pants, which is in black in the in-color version, and a dark grey in the black and white release. The pants are given the same shade as the jacket, as are the boots. The biggest difference about these figures is the skin color, which the in-color release is painted in a light green, as suggested in the original film, and a light grey in the black and white release, which is based on the original on-screen likeness. The clothing also has a wash over it to make it look more realistic, and you see this very visibly on the jacket and pants.
The head sculpts are remarkable, including the likeness to Actor Boris Karloff. He includes three different head sculpts, each with a unique facial expression inspired from various scenes of the film. Two of them have his mouth open and you can see the interior details of his mouth, including his tongue and teeth. They are also painted to resemble the differences in likenesses, including the in-color and black and white versions. The in-color version has some red blood deco, including the forehead, wrists, and the sides of the neck where the bolts are. The stitches are painted in a metallic silver on both version, which is all nicely done. The skin tone on the heads, neck and hands also works extremely well for the figure, and there are even washes applied to it.
Aside from the head sculpts, he comes with three sets of interchangeable hands that allows you to pose him in many different ways, including two sets of open hands, and one set that can hold the daisies.
A set of shackles are also included, with chain links and are also painted differently between both versions. The in-color version has a rustic deco applied to it, and the black and white version has a grey deco applied to it. These can be placed on the figures forearms, after removing the hand sculpts.
The daisies, as mentioned above, are also painted to resemble the particular version. The in-color release includes a yellow and white flower, with a green stem, and the black and white release offers a grey and yellow flower, with a grey stem. In the film, Frankenstein stops to smell the flowers, and you see a much more calm side of him than you typically do throughout the film, as he’s misunderstood by many. The daises can be held in the open grip hands, and stay on fairly well, but may also fall off if the figure is moved.
Frankenstein’s articulation includes a ball jointed head, ball hinged shoulders, swivel-hinged elbows, swivel-hinged wrists, waist rotation, ball joined hips, swivel-hinged knees, hinged and rocker ankles.
Overall, NECA is off to a great start on their Universal Monsters line, and Frankenstein is the perfect way to kick things off. The incredible detail, especially the likeness and deco makes this one of the best Frankenstein figures ever released, especially from the 1931 film. Fans will surely want to add this one to your collection!
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