Universal Monster Army

Jada Toys is exhibiting and retailing at their Monsterpalooza 2022 booth in Pasadena this weekend, and while their for sale items are limited, they've brought and are displaying preview examples of two figures whose planned existence has already leaked, the Wolf Man and the Invisible Man, as well as one figure many fans had their fingers crossed for, the Mummy, and one big surprise, Dracula as portrayed by Bela Lugosi!


I have already been 100% in on what Jada is doing since they announced last year, but this just reaffirms that devotion.


Please don't repost this image elsewhere, its just for the UMA, thanks and enjoy!

I talked to the lady working there and she said they will also doing the Phantom of the Opera and are working to getting the Chaney license. Also they are doing Boo Berry, but not the other two  cereal monsters.

Quote from: Grimball on June 04, 2022, 06:04:39 PM
Also they are doing Boo Berry, but not the other two cereal monsters.

Aww, damn, I was genuinely hoping for a Fruit Brute (or Frute Brute) and Yummy Mummy, and that perhaps Boo would come with one of them, as that'll be a difficult sell on it's own, I think. Still, cool that were getting what we are getting!

Although the photo is rather small, is it just me, or does the mummy figure resemble Tom Tyler's Kharis??

The closed mouth face on their original Drac looked pretty darn close to Lugosi.    I dont see the need for this so soon.     

And it looks like Wolf has been changed from the leaked pics from a few minths back,  and not fir the better.   He looks like Werewolf by Night now.☹.

Wow!!!!  LOVE all of these.  The Jada figures were phenomenal to start, and they are even better now!  But now we're getting a LUGOSI?!?!?!  So many great things!  Love it.  Lugosi's the best, but the Invisible Man is also really cool.  Will have to look at the Mummy and Wolf Man a bit closer, but I'm sure they'll be really impressive like the rest. 

I think the heads in this pics look much, much better.   New head appears to have upper and lower fangs☹    I hope Jada keeps the charm of the first wave and does not  turn them into minature Necas.☹. 


(https://i.postimg.cc/85sfpLtX/Jada-Toys-Universal-Monsters-Wolf-Man-Catalog-01.jpg)

After seeing that head.   Without actor likeness something is telling me that  Uni is planning of making this style their "Universal" Wolfman.  Part Chaney and Smell Toro.☹ 

(https://houseofmysterioussecrets.com/images/product/med_WolfMan02.png)

Quote from: Dr.Terror on June 05, 2022, 12:37:58 AM
After seeing that head.   Without actor likeness something is telling me that  Uni is planning of making this style their "Universal" Wolfman.  Part Chaney and Smell Toro.☹ 

(https://houseofmysterioussecrets.com/images/product/med_WolfMan02.png)

You are correct.  The new style guide art is the inspiration for all of the toys coming out. 

(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0279/0234/5304/products/ochdqcnatz7dudhy6iwx_2000x.jpg?v=1630547420)

In the art above, the mummy sure looks like Tom Tyler's Kharis. 

It's possible that they made some figures more generic pending a license with the Chaney estate.  No license - generic looking monsters.  License approved - a more Chaney like sculpture.

Reminds me of when Dark Horse announced a Bela Lugosi Dracula model kit.  They hired Thomas Kuntz to sculpt it, and it looked GREAT, and then the license fell through, and they released it with a more generic looking head (very pointy widows peak and complete with fangs poking out from his lips).  Needless to say that kit was a disaster to people who wanted a Lugosi Dracula kit. 

Did anyone notice that the Dracula figure has no medallion. It must not be licensed through Universal,only the Lugosi estate. Pretty obvious since the logo on the box is from the Lugosi estate.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

No medallion.....but you'll prob be able to pop his head/hands onto the licensed body.😎

Quote from: Universalrocks on June 05, 2022, 08:22:56 AM
Pretty obvious since the logo on the box is from the Lugosi estate.

Yup, with the play in the public domain, so I believe, all you need is the Lugosi license, rather than the typically cost prohibitive double dip. And, as Dr. Terror points out:

Quote from: Dr.Terror on June 05, 2022, 10:30:37 AM
[...] you'll prob be able to pop his head/hands onto the licensed body.😎

Someone over at Jada knows what they're up to (perhaps even EVERYONE over there). I would love to know who's heading it all up and give them a hearty "THANK YOU!".

On the Wolf Man, I'm thinking that the head on display is the alternate head, much like the generic Dracula head bearing its fangs. The early digital mock up looks to me to have two of the same head. Regardless, I find everything Jada has produced and shown to be very fun toys and, of course, not everything is for everyone.

Nit picking aside, I know they will deliver.   

I hope this line contiues for some time and gets into deep water like the sideshow stuff.

Am I the only one wondering why Invisible Man is wearing his hat from the opening of the film during Iping's winter storm, yet the rest of his outfit is the hodge podged garb from Kemp's place? These Jada folks are going to make me buy these, I can see. I took the plunge on Creature, and was going to just get him. Yet with Lugosi now involved....I may have to reconsider.

Quote from: Anton Phibes on June 05, 2022, 02:51:47 PM
Am I the only one wondering why Invisible Man is wearing his hat from the opening of the film during Iping's winter storm, yet the rest of his outfit is the hodge podged garb from Kemp's place? These Jada folks are going to make me buy these, I can see. I took the plunge on Creature, and was going to just get him. Yet with Lugosi now involved....I may have to reconsider.

This is obvious...  In order to dress yourself, you need to see what you look like! 

Here is the leaked pic from a few months back.

(https://i.postimg.cc/Y0TjftG6/Jada-Toys-Universal-Monsters-Invisible-Man-Catalog-01.jpg)

Looks good! I'll definitely get the Wolfman, Invisible Man and Mummy figures, and might get the Lugosi Dracula depending on how it looks when everything's said and done.

Quote from: Dr.Terror on June 05, 2022, 12:37:58 AM
After seeing that head.   Without actor likeness something is telling me that  Uni is planning of making this style their "Universal" Wolfman.  Part Chaney and Smell Toro.☹ 

(https://houseofmysterioussecrets.com/images/product/med_WolfMan02.png)

I really like the card art.

Quote from: TheMadScientist on June 05, 2022, 09:47:04 PM
Looks good! I'll definitely get the Wolfman, Invisible Man and Mummy figures, and might get the Lugosi Dracula depending on how it looks when everything's said and done.

I agree. Can't wait to score these. I see the first four figures everywhere. I have all four boxed but think about buying another set and displaying them unboxed.

Quote from: geezer butler on June 12, 2022, 10:14:23 PM
I agree. Can't wait to score these. I see the first four figures everywhere. I have all four boxed but think about buying another set and displaying them unboxed.

You don't happen to live near and shop in Meijer stores, do you? That's the only retail chain I'm aware of that carries the line.

Have you picked up the glow Creature?

Quote from: darkmonkeygod on June 12, 2022, 10:53:05 PM
You don't happen to live near and shop in Meijer stores, do you? That's the only retail chain I'm aware of that carries the line.

Have you picked up the glow Creature?

Yeah I see them at Meijer all the time. I thought I saw them at Target too, but can't remember for sure. The local comic book shops in Detroit area are stocked lately. No, I haven't see the glow Creech yet.

Soo happy for this!!! At first i hated them but once in hand they quality is pretty high except for Dracula...he looks kind of funny, but the rest are brillant and i love the look of the Wolfman and the Mummy already!! Tough i dont understand why another Dracula.

I got to check out some testshots of the generic Universal Monsters Wolf Man Jada Toys is releasing later this year and, yes, while not Chaney, one of them suuuuuure is closer than the other!  :laugh:

Let's hear from those who like 'em and, also, please don't repost this image elsewhere, its just for the UMA. Thanks and enjoy!

Left head, all the way.     Just like unlicensed Drac, its close enough.  Damn close.

Love the head on the left.

Any chance they mentioned a release date when showing these at Monsterpalooza? I wish, I wish, I wish for Halloween this year!

Hoping we see some stuff from Jada at SDCC. They announced and teased the Street Fighter license, so hopefully some monster stuff will also be on display.

Another Jada UM that I can easily pass on.


https://news.toyark.com/2022/07/19/jada-toys-authentically-licensed-bela-lugosi-dracula-474777 (https://news.toyark.com/2022/07/19/jada-toys-authentically-licensed-bela-lugosi-dracula-474777)

(https://news.toyark.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/07/Jada-Toys-Bela-Lugosi-Dracula-sdcc-2022-1.jpg)

Quote from: zombiehorror on July 19, 2022, 03:17:36 PM
Another Jada UM that I can easily pass on.


https://news.toyark.com/2022/07/19/jada-toys-authentically-licensed-bela-lugosi-dracula-474777 (https://news.toyark.com/2022/07/19/jada-toys-authentically-licensed-bela-lugosi-dracula-474777)

(https://news.toyark.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/07/Jada-Toys-Bela-Lugosi-Dracula-sdcc-2022-1.jpg)

I'm not the biggest fan of this either but I'm sure there will be some happy with this and completing their sets.

Still good to have a slightly different take on these classic characters and at least we live in a time where we can pick and choose a little (again). :)

Ian

Well, I'll be interested in seeing alternate head sculpts.  The open mouth Universal Dracula is not good either. 

You guys are two quick to judge; remember that Jada did show the relaxed nuetral head at Monsterpolooza. Suddenly you see the alt head and the other head doesn't exist.

Quote from: Sir Spooks-A-Lot on July 19, 2022, 05:17:10 PM
You guys are two quick to judge; remember that Jada did show the relaxed nuetral head at Monsterpolooza. Suddenly you see the alt head and the other head doesn't exist.

For me these are all too generic looking. We had decades of generic UM's, why go back now? Because companies want to pay for the UM license and Universal is more than happy to take the cash and approve generic designs. If I had little kids or grandkids I'd definitely get them a set; the playability and posing is great on these but as a collecter I want figures that are screen accurate and that don't break my budget. We've seen companies can do both.

I like it-- not perfect, far from it, but different than what we've seen before and I love the hand pose.  I'm a fan.

Jada's Creature from the Black lagoon is the only figure I have bought from this series thus far. I've a feeling I can play catch up if I decide I wanna collect them.

If folks want a screen accurate figure to put on their shelf they dont plan on playing with or leaving in the box.....buy a resin kit.   There is no shortage of them in all scales.

If you want a toy to play with, buy the Jadas.   

New pics of the Jada Dracula are floating around the socials...  Not the clearest, but the resting Dracula face looks much better than the open mouth version. 

Quote from: aura of foreboding on July 20, 2022, 04:18:29 PM
New pics of the Jada Dracula are floating around the socials...  Not the clearest, but the resting Dracula face looks much better than the open mouth version.

You fiend, you madman, what have you done?!!?? You can't tell....you must SHOW!!!  :angel:

    I think these are from Mosterpalooza



(https://i.postimg.cc/MpyGLvq4/Screenshot-20220720-183732.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/zf7GJ6LF/Screenshot-20220720-183749.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/QtMxVm1G/Screenshot-20220720-183805.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/s2s2Cs22/Screenshot-20220720-183818.jpg)

Quote from: Anton Phibes on July 20, 2022, 05:33:31 PM
You fiend, you madman, what have you done?!!?? You can't tell....you must SHOW!!!  :angel:

I know.  I know.  Unfortunately, it's just so much work to upload images to a host anymore.  I'm lazy.  Good thing we have Dr. Terror who is NOT lazy and provided them to us!

Yes, I agree.  The Dracula closed mouth head is Lugosi, let's see if it actually gets released.

MonsterBaker666, is correct too, that Mummy sure looks like Tom Tyler from The Mummy's Hand!
Might have to paint out his eyebrows though.  His full blacked out eyes are from an eerie effect seen in this Mummy film only.

If these look like the pics when released, they will be a must have.

Quote from: Dr.Terror on July 20, 2022, 06:57:27 AM
If folks want a screen accurate figure to put on their shelf they dont plan on playing with or leaving in the box.....

Or, maybe they want a screen accurate figure that they can pose how they want and not just a static figure. Also....the screen accurate NECA's can be played with if that's your thing.

Wolf Man - generic head sculpt.
Invisible Man - Nice, but I just hate those PJ's and bathrobe.
The Mummy - definitely looks like Tom Tyler, and I like that look.
Dracula - missed the mark in the Lugosi likeness.

I'll only be getting the Mummy.  I'll swap out the Scroll of Thoth for some tana leaves. 

Quote from: MonsterBaker666 on July 21, 2022, 10:32:52 AM
Wolf Man - generic head sculpt.
Invisible Man - Nice, but I just hate those PJ's and bathrobe.
The Mummy - definitely looks like Tom Tyler, and I like that look.
Dracula - missed the mark in the Lugosi likeness.

I'll only be getting the Mummy.  I'll swap out the Scroll of Thoth for some tana leaves.

Yes, Tom Tyler is definitely present and accounted for in the likeness. Me likey.

Yep, as a Mummy's Hand/Kharis/Tom Tyler mummy the face looks good but as a Mummy/Imhotep/Karloff it fails. One has to wonder if the sculptor snuck that Tom Tyler resemblance in there on purpose...I mean they had too.

Quote from: zombiehorror on July 21, 2022, 03:47:33 PM
Yep, as a Mummy's Hand/Kharis/Tom Tyler mummy the face looks good but as a Mummy/Imhotep/Karloff it fails. One has to wonder if the sculptor snuck that Tom Tyler resemblance in there on purpose...I mean they had too.

Its the current style guide Mummy.   All the Jadas besides the Bela are based on style guude art.

(https://i.postimg.cc/TPfgkzdD/Screenshot-20220721-170848.jpg)

I have to say, I do enjoy the "toyish" somewhat generic look of the Jada UM figures. I'm a 90s kid though, so most of the Monsters stuff I had growing up featured "generic" monsters that often didn't specifically look like the characters in the films.

Anyone know if we'll get more after Wolf Man, Invisible Man and Mummy? I guess there's Phantom left, but he's always been my least favorite.

Quote from: TheMadScientist on July 21, 2022, 05:09:16 PM
I have to say, I do enjoy the "toyish" somewhat generic look of the Jada UM figures. I'm a 90s kid though, so most of the Monsters stuff I had growing up featured "generic" monsters that often didn't specifically look like the characters in the films.

Anyone know if we'll get more after Wolf Man, Invisible Man and Mummy? I guess there's Phantom left, but he's always been my least favorite.

The early 90s style guide wasnt bad.   I hated the later style guide with the bug eyed  Frank and weird open mouth Drac.

Quote from: Dr.Terror on July 21, 2022, 04:11:43 PM
Its the current style guide Mummy.   All the Jadas besides the Bela are based on style guude art.

Well then it fails at that goal too, the style guide Mummy has an emaciated facial structure whereas the figure (and Tom Tyler) have a rounder face....but at least they nailed the black eyes.

Quote from: zombiehorror on July 21, 2022, 05:54:51 PM
Well then it fails at that goal too.

Say what??? 

(https://c.tenor.com/P1FQdDLB8HUAAAAC/osita-iheme-aki-and-pawpaw.gif)

Quote from: Dr.Terror on July 21, 2022, 05:40:49 PM
The early 90s style guide wasnt bad.   I hated the later style guide with the bug eyed  Frank and weird open mouth Drac.

The 2002 style guide... the one we have kind of been stuck with in one way or another for two decades?  I agree.  Worst style guide art ever.  Good news is the new style guide finally seems to be taking hold...  It's been taking too long, imo, though with remnants of that awful old version still around. 

The 1991 and 1997 style guide art was amazing, though. 

Speaking of which, they have been tweaking The Mummy in the style guide for a few years now.  Here is the latest Karloff version:
(https://www.sideshow.com/storage/product-images/911197/universal-monsters-mural_universal-monsters_gallery_6297a83bce40f.jpg)

The style guides have lots of stuff that Ive never seen used on anything.   I wish someone would scan and share one.   Its up to the licensee to choose I assume, but they always go for the same stuff.    There was a great painted Glenn strange they used on some late 90s early 2000s stuff n3ver used again.

For example  this line art with Boris in test make-up on Glenn's body.  Never seen it before this auction pic.

(https://i.postimg.cc/kXHGMm9W/received-963155130970808.jpg)

A lot of that art was used in the Valentine's cards and Burger King promos in 1997.  The Frankenstein you're talking about was used as the sticker that came with the kid's meal, but not the full body.  The biting Dracula was used as the BK sticker, and the standing Drac was used on the Valentine's card. 

I was only referring to the full body shot.

The good news is this some of this line art was in the style guide as recently as last decade, so you never know!

Jada Wolf Man looking good:

(https://media.entertainmentearth.com/assets/images/b1e3debca35f487aae0cc1c74a4eac48xl.jpg)

Much better than that open mouth "Werewolf by night" head.

Quote from: Dr.Terror on July 22, 2022, 05:15:00 PM
Much better than that open mouth "Werewolf by night" head.

Best of both worlds, for me.

Im glad they are doing a Lugosi, but anyone else a little bummed he's not a stand alone figure?  It looks like he's part of the wave instead of getting another monster like Phantom.       

I hope we get more waves for sure.  Phantom is a must.  I wonder what other characters they might be interested in doing. 

Quote from: aura of foreboding on July 24, 2022, 10:11:11 PM
I hope we get more waves for sure.  Phantom is a must.  I wonder what other characters they might be interested in doing.

Thats what Im trying to figure out.  I doubt Jada will deep dive.    Chaney Phantom/Hunch probably arent possible so it might look like the awful Bendy Fig.   And Mole People.     But I dont think either have current style guide models or are part of the  Uni lucense Jada has,   we'll see.     

I'd love to see at least one more series from Jada... but I'm so jazzed that we're getting the Mummy this year.

Quote from: Subatomic_Matt on July 25, 2022, 06:12:20 PM
I'd love to see at least one more series from Jada... but I'm so jazzed that we're getting the Mummy this year.

Not quite, bucko.

Still no Mummy. I wonder if we'll get him and maybe the Phantom next year? Wish it was so much sooner...

Maybe we'll get a Rains style Phantom or a Metaluna Mutant.

Game over confirmed.

https://thefwoosh.com/community/the-unofficial-general-toys-toy-board/jada-toys-universal-monsters-the-mummy-cancelled/

Quote from: Anton Phibes on April 09, 2024, 10:38:06 PM
Game over confirmed.

And from August of last year, no less. Damn.

Quote from: darkmonkeygod on April 09, 2024, 11:51:59 PM
And from August of last year, no less. Damn.

What sort of time period is there on Universal Monsters licensing agreements? IE, are they renewed year per year, or a contract made to run a certain number of years?

With Jada being fini, and from what I gather from Iron Studios they are too, as are Trick or Treat Studios (for a decidedly different reason), I was curious as to how the licensing works. Everyone's seem to have expired around the same time frame. I am also curious if Super7 is done.

That's why I hate when companies start out with the usual suspects.    The lines end up getting canceled etc..before anything really cool happens.   Instead we are stuck with the same 4 characters over and over again.

Quote from: Anton Phibes on April 10, 2024, 12:25:00 AM
What sort of time period is there on Universal Monsters licensing agreements? IE, are they renewed year per year, or a contract made to run a certain number of years?

With Jada being fini, and from what I gather from Iron Studios they are too, as are Trick or Treat Studios (for a decidedly different reason), I was curious as to how the licensing works. Everyone's seem to have expired around the same time frame. I am also curious if Super7 is done.

3 yrs is a usual license agreement per character, other terms may differ per brands (new or older characters), fee terms per payback, and ending licensed titles would vary.  Each studio publishes its  combined licensing brands power, and its in the hundreds of billions of dollars for each.  A very well oiled machine, with little to no loss per studio.