Saw these at Toy Fair. Action figures of monster-themed president figures. The first figures (and illustrations) are pretty strong, theme and concept-wise. It seems like the idea lost some steam, and has strayed from presidents to other political figures...and I think that hurts the series. For example, they have (proposed) figures of Al Gore as a mad assistant, Dr. Benjamin Franklinstein, Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton illustrated - I seriously doubt they will go forward with those figures.
Check out the website: http://heroesinactiontoys.vpweb.com/default.html (http://heroesinactiontoys.vpweb.com/default.html)
I love the Baracula -- sucking the life out of his victims (U.S. workers) -- perfect!
No thanks. Plenty of movie monster toys that still need to be made before I'd even be halfway interested in these. I'd be more interested in a line of figures that gave us the literary interpretations of great monsters (Count Dracula as first described by Stoker; Frankenstein's Creation with the yellow, watery eyes; Quasimodo; Erik; Carmilla Karnstein; etc) than these. It just seems like far too much of a niche market for these to ever be profitable, too.
Quote from: Count_Zirock on February 17, 2013, 12:12:07 AM
No thanks. Plenty of movie monster toys that still need to be made before I'd even be halfway interested in these. I'd be more interested in a line of figures that gave us the literary interpretations of great monsters (Count Dracula as first described by Stoker; Frankenstein's Creation with the yellow, watery eyes; Quasimodo; Erik; Carmilla Karnstein; etc) than these. It just seems like far too much of a niche market for these to ever be profitable, too.
I agree with you 100%. I have seen these in real life, although they are very well done, I would much rather have real movie/novel monsters of the same quality. I would love to see a toy company pull off Einstien's Frankenstien Monster.
Quote from: McDougals House of Horror on February 16, 2013, 11:51:24 PM
I love the Baracula -- sucking the life out of his victims (U.S. workers) -- perfect!
Didn't "Baracula" propose raising the U.S. workers minimum wage (with Republican opposition). Sounds like it's the other way around.
Quote from: Mord on February 18, 2013, 09:20:16 PMDidn't "Baracula" propose raising the U.S. workers minimum wage (with Republican opposition). Sounds like it's the other way around.
Another reason to dislike these toys: political polarization. Isn't there enough of that going on, right now? Do we have to drag our beloved monsters down into the political muck, too? To quote the wise and eloquent Mister Horse, "No sir, I don't like it."
Personally I am pro-presidential monsters, but I don't like the inevitable political squabbles that result. I for one really like Lincolnstein, but they should stay away from presidents that were in office less than 20 or so years ago.
Quote from: nospillblood on February 19, 2013, 01:08:21 PMI for one really like Lincolnstein, but they should stay away from presidents that were in office less than 20 or so years ago.
I'd prefer an "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" figure before Lincolnstein. Again, just a matter of personal preference. Of course, there's no licensing involved, so that makes the Presidential Monsters figures cost-effective for the company, and relatively cheap for collectors, too. I can certainly understand the appeal from that perspective.
How about "Abraham Lincoln Vs Zombies"? A lot more campy fun.
Quote from: Mord on February 22, 2013, 09:58:07 PMHow about "Abraham Lincoln Vs Zombies"? A lot more campy fun.
How about a two-pack with an "FDR: American Badass" figure? :P
Quote from: Count_Zirock on February 17, 2013, 12:12:07 AM
No thanks. Plenty of movie monster toys that still need to be made before I'd even be halfway interested in these. I'd be more interested in a line of figures that gave us the literary interpretations of great monsters (Count Dracula as first described by Stoker; Frankenstein's Creation with the yellow, watery eyes; Quasimodo; Erik; Carmilla Karnstein; etc) than these.
Agreed.
I always have to ask myself with items like these- 'Will I actually want this in five years, or will it just be another "thing" in a pile of stuff?'
Quote from: Mord on February 18, 2013, 09:20:16 PM
Didn't "Baracula" propose raising the U.S. workers minimum wage (with Republican opposition). Sounds like it's the other way around.
I'd be happy to have the minimum wage discussion offline, complete with data to show why raising it is a really bad idea for the exact people it is purported to help.
And, I agree -- I have no interest in Presidential monster swag. I watch movies to get away from politics and other topics that come with daily life.
ixnay on the oliticspay
The first wave had some cool designs but one can see the concept running out of steam quickly, only a few of the new ones are worth looking at!
Quote from: horrorhunter on February 23, 2013, 02:15:33 PM
ixnay on the oliticspay
Yes, absolutely keep the politics out of it. Everyone should know better. Thanks for their reminder.
Rob
Quote from: zombiehorror on February 23, 2013, 02:20:33 PM
The first wave had some cool designs but one can see the concept running out of steam quickly, only a few of the new ones are worth looking at!
I agree. At their Toy Fair booth there was a take-off of Robby the Robot called "Romney the Robot". An action figure based on a losing presidential candidate? Boy, I can't wait for the Thomas Dewey figure!
Seriously, they'll be running out of desirable presidents AND monsters - Grover Cleveland? I dunno, maybe a "Cloverfield" take off...
Quote from: ChrisW on February 24, 2013, 12:06:28 PM
I agree. At their Toy Fair booth there was a take-off of Robby the Robot called "Romney the Robot". An action figure based on a losing presidential candidate? Boy, I can't wait for the Thomas Dewey figure!
Seriously, they'll be running out of desirable presidents AND monsters - Grover Cleveland? I dunno, maybe a "Cloverfield" take off...
But I liked Romney the Robot :(
I bought two of them at a toyshow recently, they're gorgeous but I don't need the whole set.
Oddly I bought a Democrat and a Republican monster, always was a fence sitter.
These are the brainchild of Mark Huckabone. Any old time collector will remember that Mark has been in the toy business since he was 11 or 12, I think. I first met him at a toy show outside of Chicago so many years ago. He was the best source for Mego dolls in the country.
I have to give kudos to the guy. He ALWAYS loved toys and loved selling them and now he is making them. And I agree that they are a very nice looking and original product.
By the way, If you want to combine your Monsters and politics PLEASE do watch Dr. Shocker's FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLFMAN Presidential Debate. There is a thread in the general discussion forum as it has been nominated for a Rondo.
http://www.docshocker.com/ (http://www.docshocker.com/)
Quote from: gracebuster on March 11, 2013, 08:48:49 PM
By the way, If you want to combine your Monsters and politics PLEASE do watch Dr. Shocker's FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLFMAN Presidential Debate. There is a thread in the general discussion forum as it has been nominated for a Rondo.
www.dochsocker.com (http://www.dochsocker.com)
Dan , That was Great, as always! Thanks for sharing.
I think you have a typo in your link. Should be (www.docshocker.com (http://www.docshocker.com))
Thanks for catching that. I've gone and corrected it for Dan. ---Rob---
I wish the CTVT Mad Monsters looked as nice as these.
Mark set up next to me a couple of times at a tiny show near his hometown when he was like 12-ish, with his Mom. I said to my wife, 'Who's the kid?' He was always extremely toy-knowledgable, and as Dan said "Mr. Mego" himself. We became friends, and along with Mike Karberg, traveled to several shows, and even split some "finds". Mark's a good egg.