Monday, August 28, 2017

Horror Classics Mystery Minis - Series 1 - Review (Part 1)

(If you haven't already, feel free to check out my Introduction post to this toy line)

One of the things I really appreciate in the Horror Classics line is how diverse the character choices are. You didn't just get Freddy, Jason, Michael Myers, and a few variations of them. Funko was able to pull in something the likes of NECA and McFarlane have done in the past within one single toy line. The Horror Classics line was surely off to a great start with this stellar roster!

There are 16 figures in Series 1.
Here are the first 10, in order of appearance.
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Character: Leatherface
Appearance: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (movie, 1974)
Rarity: 2/24
This figure shows off how cute they can make deadly movie horror icons. He's hefty just like he is in the movie. My favorite detail besides the crooked smile is his arm hairs. The pose is great too, like he's just waiting to pull the cord. He is one of my favorites in this series due to how large and detailed he came out.




Character: Leatherface (Blood Splatter)
Appearance: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (movie, 1974)
Rarity: 1/72
A variant of Leatherface, this time with blood. Personally I prefer the non-bloody version, but this seems more accurate to what he may look like (or perhaps he had a little bit too much fun with the ketchup bottle).




Character: Michael Myers
Appearance: Halloween (movie, 1978)
Rarity: 2/24
Simple but effective. I am not a fan of the blood on the figure since I think he looks more intimidating clean. One thing I appreciate is how big he is, which seems accurate to his tall appearance in the movies. I'm also not sure if this is really his Halloween appearance or based off a sequel. Either way, this figure is one that you can call a 'horror classic'.


Character: Chucky
Appearance: Child's Play (movie, 1988) 
Rarity: 2/24
This little guy used to scare me as a kid, but this figure isn't so scary. I like the fine details applied to the shirt. The size is great too, as it's quite smaller than bigger figures like Leatherface. He's posed like he's ready to chase you down!



Character: NES Jason Vorhees
Appearance: Friday the 13th (video game, 1989)
Rarity: 1/72
A variant of Jason, but in his colorful NES appearence. Even though he's a recolor, they kept the swampy details on his look. It's a nice variant, and quite different for being a video game variant. NECA also made a NES Jason figure around the same time. I wonder which came first?



Character: Pennywise The Dancing Clown (It)
Appearance: It (mini-series, 1990)
Rarity: 2/24
Another favorite of mine. He has to be one of the most colorful horror movie villains out there, and he's posed great in this figure! He's also quite large due to the baggy clothing, adding to his menacing appearance. The detail and color really stand out on this figure. Funko nailed it by adding this fan favorite monster!


 Character: Pennywise The Dancing Clown (It) (Glow)
Appearance: It (mini-series, 1990)
Rarity: 1/144
Quite a strange variant choice, yet seemingly appropriate. At 1/144 you have to have been pretty lucky to pull him. I was not so lucky and ended up buying him online for a pretty... wait for it... penny! Glow-in-the-dark figures of seemingly non-canon appearances continued it's trend into Series 2 and on-wards.


Character: Hannibal Lector
Appearance: The Silence of the Lambs (movie, 1991)
Rarity: 2/24
An underrated and great character to this series. Unfortunately he didn't come with the gurney like the POP! figure. However the details around the figure are great and he is immediately recognizable as the classic Hannibal. Oh and just one more thing: love his suit!



Character: Ash
Appearance: Evil Dead II (movie, 1992)
Rarity: 2/24
A strong hero who's seen too much for one person. His tiny chain saw arm, 'boomstick', and stoic expression make this figure one of the best in the first series. I think they could have improved him in terms of proportions compared to his concept art, but otherwise spot-on. He's also the only good guy in this first series (if you don't count Chucky).


Character: Ghostface
Appearance: Scream (movie, 1996)
Rarity: 2/24
If I had to choose the very best figure of this first series (at least my personal favorite), it would have to be this one. I've always loved the Ghostface mask and cloaked appearance. This figure nails it in terms of pose, sculpt, and size. What it lacks in color it makes up in detail.



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That's it for my first round of Horror Classics Series 1 figures. Again I can't express how fun these lines of toys are. They aren't for everyone, and even the stylization had to grow on me before I went all in. The variety of characters, their portrayal (pose, sculpt), and accessibility made this a great way to start off both the Mystery Minis line and the Horror Classics line for Funko.

The pictures aren't the best, yet I think this gets the job across for giving a quick image of each. I may add more images in the future. There are six left for Series 1, coming up in the next Post! Stay tuned!