Stone Monster and Shadow Stone Monster (Eldrador by Schleich)

Unquestionably, the stone monster is a powerhouse of brute strength, one who can take as much punishment as he can dish out. But even this rocky brute can be turned by the evil influence of the Shadow Kingdom.

It’s a double whammy of Eldrador this time around: the stone monster from the Stone Kingdom and his evil doppelganger, the shadow stone monster. For the Shadow Kingdom includes corrupted beasts from other kingdoms as well as their own. Each stands 12 cm tall and 9 cm wide at the shoulders.

As their names suggest, these monsters are sculpted to look as though they are made entirely of large, thick, uneven chunks of rock. Their arms are massive and end in equally massive four digit hands, while their legs are short and stout with three digit feet. There are also multiple patches of lichen growing all over their bodies. And growing out of their backs are four crystal chunks. The standard stone monster is granite grey with dark grey wash to bring out all the seams in his body. His eyes are bright green with yellow pupils. The lichen growing on him is dull dark green, and the crystals are translucent bright green.

The shadow stone monster is, not surprisingly, black all over, like obsidian or charcoal. Faint grey airbrushing has been applied to his toes and to the palms of his hands. Dark purple is used for his brow, his teeth, and the many lichen patches. His eyes are straight red and his crystals are translucent purple. He is easily the more sinister-looking of the two, and my older son likes him better.

Each monster uses an enormous, jagged chunk of translucent crystal for a melee weapon. It is intended to be gripped in the right hand, but it can fitted into the left one as well. It is easy to insert and remove, and you can shake either monster as much as you want to without the crystal falling out.

The monsters’ lower jaws open to slightly over 30 degrees. They also feature ball-jointed shoulders and rotating waists. And they are quite durable toys, withstanding the rough play of an 8 year old and a 5 year old with only superficial scuffs.

The Schleich stone monster and shadow stone monster are impressive fun toys, although naturally, not everyone will want to buy both of them. Personally, if I had to pick one, I too would go with the shadow version due to its cooler colouration, but tastes will vary. These are available wherever the Eldrador line is sold.