The Wolfman [ReAction/Monsters of the Silver Screen]

I've heard folks say that The Wolfman is the Boba Fett of the Universal Monsters/Dark Universe crew. I'm inclined to agree, though I'd argue it's more like Din Djarin. He's introduced as more of a tragic character. Gets bitten by a werewolf who's attacking his date's friend. Turns into a monster at night and murders innocent people against his will and much to his horror. Tries to tell people, but everyone, including his father, thinks he's crazy. Later is killed by his own father, who now see's his son was telling the truth.

Returns from the grave multiple times. Unable to die thanks to the werewolf curse and in his further adventures with the other monsters is more of an anti-hero role. Ultimately the Wolfman tries to thwart their misdeeds, even though he can't control his own actions. Often old monster movies can be cheesy, but The Wolfman's emotional punch is still there after 84 years. I've probably mentioned the time I was The Wolfman way too many times than anyone cares. So it's probably obvious why I waited until Halloween to talk about this toy.

As a standard Reaction toy, The Wolfman is a 3 3/4" action figure in the style of older toys. Mostly inspired by the Kenner Star Wars series from the 70's -80's, but also like others of the time. The Remco Mini Monsters for example. Those would be the most obvious comparison point here. The Monsters of the Silver Screen blind box series features the toys in black and white colors to match their appearances in those movies. Larry looks really good. His sculpt is out of an old Kenner or Remco design book spiritually.

He features 5 points of articulation in the obvious spots and some fun sculpting. Hands are open to have claws ready to strike and his legs are slightly bent in conjunction with his wolf feet. Mirroring the wolf that he has become. Even with his limited articulation, he's pretty expressive. He can creep up on a victim, howl at the moon, or just stand on your desk next to that little cup where you keep your pens. Super7 has released a bunch of different variations of this figure, but there's a charm to this black and white version.

Even a man who is pure in heart and says his prayers by night, may become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms and the autumn moon is bright.

The Mummy [ReAction/Monsters of the Silver Screen]

It was the monster figures that first caught my attention when Super7 started their ReAction figure line a good decade or so ago. I was quickly hooked and have been buying the old school style figures ever since. Their Monsters of the Silver Screen blind box series features Universal Monsters in black and white colors similar to how they appeared in those classic movies. Obviously, I'm a fan. Today we'll be looking at The Mummy. This figure represents Boris Karloff's portrayal of Imhotep, who was also played by Arnold Vosloo in the popular newer moves. Well, the ones that started in 1999.

That is technically newer than the focal point today. That movie came out in 1932, which was 93 years ago. Honestly, I prefer Kharis over Imhotep. He's The Mummy in all the sequels and is the stereotypical Mummy you think of regarding the monster. Imhotep spends most of his movies rejuvenated and is only in the traditional look in fleeting moments. When I was very young, my brother and I had Remco Monsters that got played with a lot. My brother had The Mummy and I had Frankenstein's Monster.

They glowed in the dark and had a terrifying grabbing gimmick when a button on their back was pushed. A little later on, my Dad acquired a sale boat model that went on display in our living room. I don't know why, but The Mummy and Frankenstein became the permanent passengers of that boat. Come to our house, watch TV in the living room, and be amazed by our boar piloted by monsters dammit. I've got multiples of these ReAction versions of the monsters, this one is in black and white... like the movie.

Stop Licking Frankenstein

Between the Universal Monsters channel playing the greats 24 hours a day and the all new Dark Universe land soon to open at Epic Universe... The Universal Monsters are running wild right now. As a life long fan, I couldn't be anymore happier. I still remember thinking when the ghouls got stamps in 1997 that things were heating up. What a difference 27 years can make. While I don't know what happened to my stamps (I do have some of the collectors pins) nor do I get actual mail that doesn't get immediately thown away anymore... I don't know where I'm going with this. Happy Halloween!