With Halloween just over a week away I wanted to make sure I got at least one more review posted during this month where we celebrate all things monster. And what is more appropriate for Allhallows Eve than the human skeleton? A fixture of any respectable display of Halloween decorations.
Author: gwangi
All reviews by this author
Pinhead (Hellraiser, Dorbz Horror Vinyl Collection by Funko)
5 (2 votes)
We’re now deep into October and the spooky vibes are coming in strong. As I write there’s a nor’easter pummeling the coast; the sky is gray, the wind is howling, the leaves are flying off the trees. It’s time to amp up the fear level on the Monster Toy Blog and take a look at one of horror cinema’s most iconic villains.
Creature from the Black Lagoon (Little Windups by Azrak Hamway)
5 (2 votes)
Not since the beginning of time has the world beheld terror like this! Centuries of passion pent up in his savage heart! Terrifying monster ravages mankind!
And so reads the tagline for Universal’s Creature from the Black Lagoon. Released in 1954, Creature from the Black Lagoon was, like all the Universal monster movies, a special effects triumph.
Areion (Mythical Realms by Safari Ltd.)
3.7 (3 votes)
In Greek mythology, Areion is an immortal horse that is typically regarded as the offspring of Poseidon and Demeter, conceived when Demeter turned into a horse to outrun Poseidon and he then also turned into a horse. He is first mentioned in Homer’s Iliad where he is described as the “swift horse of Adrastus, that was of heavenly stock.
Alien Queen (Aliens, Movie Maniacs Series 6 by McFarlane Toys)
5 (3 votes)
Today I’m finally sharing one of the crown jewels of my collection, monster or otherwise, the Alien Queen by McFarlane Toys, part of the Movie Maniacs line. I’ve been planning on reviewing this one since the blog was launched but had it packed away so that young eyes wouldn’t be disturbed by its horrifying tableau.
Gigan (Trendmasters)
3.3 (4 votes)
Gigan first appeared in 1972’s Godzilla vs. Gigan. He is originally an extraterrestrial cyborg monster used by the M Space Hunter Nebula Aliens to invade Earth, but his backstory changes a bit depending on the media he is being featured in. Gigan’s abilities include a jet pack for flight, a circular saw on his chest, and hooked blades for hands.
Anguirus (Trendmasters)
3 (4 votes)
Anguirus is a kaiju that’s supposed to be a giant Ankylosaurus and has the distinction of being Godzilla’s first adversary, appearing in the first Godzilla sequel, Godzilla Raids Again (1955). According to that film, Anguirus had been laying dormant since the Cretaceous and was awakened by nuclear bomb testing.
Hedorah (Shokugan Godzilla Collection by Bandai)
3.8 (5 votes)
Also known as the Smog Monster, Hedorah first appeared in 1971’s Godzilla vs. Hedorah. The name comes from the Japanese word Hedoro, meaning sludge, slime, vomit, etc. Hedorah is an extraterrestrial tadpole-like creature that came to Earth via a comet and grew into a giant monster by feeding on human pollution.
Godzilla (1998) (Electronic Rumble Roar ‘N Power Blast by Toy Biz Inc.)
3.4 (5 votes)
Although I enjoy virtually all the Godzilla movies there’s one Godzilla film that I cannot abide, the 1998 Roland Emmerich film. That’s not a hot take. The movie has a 20% critic’s score on Rotten Tomatoes, which means it must be bad, since Invasion of the Astro Monster has a 50%.
Godzilla ’65 (Victory Celebration) (Super7 Toho Reaction Figures)
3.7 (7 votes)
Since 1954, Godzilla has appeared in 38 films. He has been both a hero and villain, and the films have been both serious social commentary and cheesy schlock. Halfway through the original Shōwa era (1954–1975) of films Godzilla began his transition from a terrifying force of nature to a kid-friendly superhero of sorts.
Battra (4” & 6”) (Trendmasters)
3.8 (10 votes)
We’ve already looked at a couple different Mothra figures so now it’s time to look at Mothra’s villainous doppelganger, the dark moth, Battra. Battra isn’t evil per se, he just wants to rid the world of humanity. He regards humans as a blight on the planet that he is supposed to protect, which is fair.
Mothra (6”) (Trendmasters)
3.8 (6 votes)
In my last review I introduced the company Trendmasters to the blog, and in the review before that I introduced Mothra, albeit in larval form. Considering that, it seems like an ideal time to look at the adult Mothra by Trendmasters. As I mentioned in my Biollante review, Trendmasters produced toys in 4”, 6”, and 10” size ranges, with some able to make sound.