Universal Monster Army

Collecting Monsters => Vintage Monster Toys => Topic started by: 1/6thtoyz on February 26, 2023, 06:19:06 PM

Title: Identification
Post by: 1/6thtoyz on February 26, 2023, 06:19:06 PM
Haven't been here in a while
Can anyone identify Franky?(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230226/bb1c6e2871a0c90b575f882d1144c438.jpg)
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Mike Scott on February 26, 2023, 06:39:18 PM
Hi fractiontoyz!

You got a size, or just a photo?
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: 1/6thtoyz on February 26, 2023, 06:41:55 PM
Quote from: Mike Scott on February 26, 2023, 06:39:18 PM
Hi fractiontoyz!

You got a size, or just a photo?
3 1/2"
Also I have creature, Wolfman, Dracula , bride, and etc
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: 1/6thtoyz on February 26, 2023, 06:44:09 PM
I'll post more pics later
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: darkmonkeygod on February 26, 2023, 08:01:06 PM
That's the clear figure from this set.

https://www.mymoviemonsters.com/store.php/mymoviemonsters/pd361294/artbox_frankenstein_trading_cards_set_plus_bonus_frightful_figure__rare_box (https://www.mymoviemonsters.com/store.php/mymoviemonsters/pd361294/artbox_frankenstein_trading_cards_set_plus_bonus_frightful_figure__rare_box)
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Mike Scott on February 26, 2023, 09:18:30 PM
Quote from: darkmonkeygod on February 26, 2023, 08:01:06 PM
That's the clear figure from this set.

Was there a Creature, Wolfman, Dracula box?
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Anton Phibes on February 26, 2023, 10:05:53 PM
Are these not  the Yanoman? I thought Artbox used the Yanoman and released a Frankie and Bride in clear as chase variants.

Yanoman:

(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FHHLiIa9EhsU%2Fmaxresdefault.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=e7bf3ec52c921c92b6d1ff0212fe124040ed2ea581b05324b0603c65d2170781&ipo=images)
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: darkmonkeygod on February 26, 2023, 11:44:25 PM
Quote from: Mike Scott on February 26, 2023, 09:18:30 PM
Was there a Creature, Wolfman, Dracula box?

Nope, but that doesn't change what's in the photo.



Title: Re: Identification
Post by: darkmonkeygod on February 26, 2023, 11:51:24 PM
Quote from: Anton Phibes on February 26, 2023, 10:05:53 PM
Are these not  the Yanoman? I thought Artbox used the Yanoman and released a Frankie and Bride in clear as chase variants.

The figures in your photo were released by Yanoman. Artbox released three versions each of Frankie and the Bride and, while I've never examined them side by side, the major visual difference between the Yanoman and Artbox figures is the positioning of the arms, along with the fact that Yanoman never released any of their figures in clear and only released the Metaluna Mutant in glow.

Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Mike Scott on February 27, 2023, 12:39:45 AM
Quote from: darkmonkeygod on February 26, 2023, 11:51:24 PM
Yanoman never released any of their figures in clear and only released the Metaluna Mutant in glow.

What's the Mutant in the Yanoman photo?
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: 1/6thtoyz on February 27, 2023, 11:36:49 AM
Then who makes these?
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230227/f4ee8e40fd93a8f10bb9241afa869696.jpg)
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Anton Phibes on February 27, 2023, 11:56:49 AM
Those are cake decorating toppers. They arent Yanoman to the best of my knowledge. If I remember correctly, those may hail from Spain.
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Dr.Terror on February 27, 2023, 12:04:31 PM
They are another set of figures from  Japan.

(https://www.lulu-berlu.com/upload/image/universal-studios-monsters---nagasakiya-co---cold-cast-figure-universal-studio-monsters---the-mole--p-image-277688-grande.jpg)
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Anton Phibes on February 27, 2023, 12:26:42 PM
Quote from: Dr.Terror on February 27, 2023, 12:04:31 PM
They are another set of figures from  Japan.

(https://www.lulu-berlu.com/upload/image/universal-studios-monsters---nagasakiya-co---cold-cast-figure-universal-studio-monsters---the-mole--p-image-277688-grande.jpg)

Ah, very good. There were some porcelain cake toppers going around ebay too for awhile. I mistook these for them. So many minis,lol.
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Anton Phibes on February 27, 2023, 12:28:21 PM
cake toppers....https://wonderfulwonderblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/monster-cake-toppers.html
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Mike Scott on February 27, 2023, 01:39:42 PM
There are 2 sets of French cake toppers. Here's the other set.

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/5828/3uVc5l.jpg)
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Anton Phibes on February 27, 2023, 02:42:00 PM
Interesting....and providing me with information I find useful. One question....what is the name of the Japanese set that IS NOT Yanoman....and where do they sell them as sets?
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Mike Scott on February 27, 2023, 04:26:12 PM
Quote from: Anton Phibes on February 27, 2023, 02:42:00 PM
One question....what is the name of the Japanese set that IS NOT Yanoman....and where do they sell them as sets?

That's 2 questions.  ;D

I have the box, somewhere, but I don't think there's a name, in English, on it. These are 20 yrs old, so the secondary market is probably the only place you'll find them.
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Dr.Terror on February 27, 2023, 05:06:24 PM
Ive never been able to find out the name of the non Yano set either.
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: darkmonkeygod on February 27, 2023, 07:08:48 PM
Quote from: Dr.Terror on February 27, 2023, 05:06:24 PM
Ive never been able to find out the name of the non Yano set either.

Same. They were made exclusively for a Japanese department store and are not blind boxed. While Frankenstein's Monster is the image on the front of all the boxes, the character name in Japanese (and number from the back of the box) is printed on the box. They're much larger than the epiphany figures but not quite as tall as the Yanoman releases.

Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Monolith on March 03, 2023, 01:15:38 AM
Here's my set of the "cake toppers". They are French and porcelain and they're actually meant to be baked inside the cake, not for decorating on top. They made a second set, which I don't have...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/8837/18256027456_51e5135262_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/tPdUW5)Tiny French Porcelain Universal Monsters (2004) (https://flic.kr/p/tPdUW5) by donald deveau (https://www.flickr.com/photos/124856366(*at*)N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Count Zero on March 04, 2023, 01:25:13 PM
Hey I have one of these! Always wondered what it's deal was. Thanks for the info!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230304/6e7c64df2b7372f46cd5d1a60d1df038.jpg)
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Mcfly22 on March 13, 2023, 03:53:53 PM
Quote from: Monolith on March 03, 2023, 01:15:38 AM
Here's my set of the "cake toppers". They are French and porcelain and they're actually meant to be baked inside the cake, not for decorating on top. They made a second set, which I don't have...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/8837/18256027456_51e5135262_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/tPdUW5)Tiny French Porcelain Universal Monsters (2004) (https://flic.kr/p/tPdUW5) by donald deveau (https://www.flickr.com/photos/124856366(*at*)N04/), on Flickr

Lol inside the cake??!?!
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Monster Mafia on March 13, 2023, 05:35:23 PM
Just think, you could sink your teeth into Dracula!
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: MonsterBaker666 on March 13, 2023, 06:14:32 PM
I like them.  Well, except for Frankie's green jacket.
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Monolith on March 13, 2023, 09:06:30 PM
Quote from: Mcfly22 on March 13, 2023, 03:53:53 PM
Lol inside the cake??!?!

Yup. They are called "feves" and were baked into Easter cakes. They traditionally made lots of little porcelain figures. I would imagine they would tell you there's a toy inside the cake, so you could pick it apart and not break a tooth.

Here's the back of the little sign-type figure...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/8756/18094304970_db87478db4_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/tyW3tm)Tiny French Porcelain Universal Monsters Title Piece (2004) (https://flic.kr/p/tyW3tm) by donald deveau (https://www.flickr.com/photos/124856366(*at*)N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Dr.Terror on March 13, 2023, 10:28:26 PM
Quote from: darkmonkeygod on February 27, 2023, 07:08:48 PM
Same. They were made exclusively for a Japanese department store and are not blind boxed. While Frankenstein's Monster is the image on the front of all the boxes, the character name in Japanese (and number from the back of the box) is printed on the box. They're much larger than the epiphany figures but not quite as tall as the Yanoman releases.


Just learned they were made by a company called  "Nagasakiya"
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Mike Scott on March 14, 2023, 12:07:22 AM
Quote from: Dr.Terror on March 13, 2023, 10:28:26 PM

Just learned they were made by a company called "Nagasakiya"

Google says it's a big dept. store chain that also does some manufacturing.
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Monolith on March 14, 2023, 11:28:56 AM
Quote from: Dr.Terror on March 13, 2023, 10:28:26 PM

Just learned they were made by a company called  "Nagasakiya"

Nice to finally know who made them, thanks! I only have two of them--the Creature and the Moleman, with their boxes. I got them at a collectibles/antiques show years ago. They're packed away right now but here's my Moleman...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/5552/14831642153_af80292ca5_3k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oAC3ua)Japanese Moleman (https://flic.kr/p/oAC3ua) by donald deveau (https://www.flickr.com/photos/124856366(*at*)N04/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Hepcat on March 14, 2023, 11:42:56 AM
Quote from: Mcfly22 on March 13, 2023, 03:53:53 PMLol inside the cake??!?!

Of course! Are you not aware of the Mardi Gras King cake tradition?

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/g434/Balticprince/King-Cake-at-Three-Brothers-Bakery-Houston.-Courtesy-photo-resized-for-HFF.png)

Whoever finds the porcelain (generally baby) figure gets to (or has to) throw the next party.

8)
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Monolith on April 08, 2023, 12:19:16 PM
Here's my Nagasakiya Creature...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52801660802_42f76991bd_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2orUjb7)Creature made by Nagasakiya (https://flic.kr/p/2orUjb7) by donald deveau (https://www.flickr.com/photos/124856366(*at*)N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Monsters For Sale on September 06, 2023, 09:52:25 PM
Quote from: Monolith on March 03, 2023, 01:15:38 AM
Here's my set of the "cake toppers". They are French and porcelain and they're actually meant to be baked inside the cake, not for decorating on top. They made a second set, which I don't have...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/8837/18256027456_51e5135262_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/tPdUW5)Tiny French Porcelain Universal Monsters (2004) (https://flic.kr/p/tPdUW5) by donald deveau (https://www.flickr.com/photos/124856366(*at*)N04/), on Flickr


Here is the other set of Universal Monsters:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/4526/27152936029_1bbe62ac90_b.jpg)
                          Universal Monsters - Figures (porcelain) - Epiphany Cake

They are designed to be baked into a King Cake for Three Kings Day, a Christian holiday also known as Epiphany.  Originally, it was representation of the Christ child, but has gone from being a simple bean, to actual Christ figures, to saints and today can be any number of popular figures.  Whoever found the "bean" won a prize.

The Universal Monsters were issued in two different years, with different Universal Logo pieces and different monster poses.  One set had the Phantom of the Opera and the other set had the Metaluna Mutant.

They used to be fairly common on eBay and not very expensive.  But today they are much harder to find and can go for over a hundred dollars a set.  (But you might get lucky.)

Look for them in French language listings.
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Hepcat on September 07, 2023, 01:44:36 PM
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on September 06, 2023, 09:52:25 PMThey are designed to be baked into a King Cake for Three Kings Day, a Christian holiday also known as Epiphany.  Originally, it was representation of the Christ child, but has gone from being a simple bean, to actual Christ figures, to saints and today can be any number of popular figures.  Whoever found the "bean" won a prize.

Here is a Galette des Rois for the celebration of the Epiphany on January 6th:

(https://www.cuisineinspired.com/uploads/1/0/5/1/105169381/editor/king-cake.jpg?1514675440)

8)
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: John Pertwee on September 07, 2023, 06:16:15 PM

When I see the word Epiphany I think of the prank that was attempted in Tampa Bay. Every year, they throw a large white cross into the water, and 20 or 30 kids jump in to get it. A local DJ thought it would be funny to put a few dozen white crosses in the water the night before. When police divers found 22 fake crosses with the name Bubba written on them in Spring Bayou just before the Epiphany cross dive, the finger was immediately pointed at Bubba "the Love Sponge," shock jock for radio station WXTB-FM.

https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1999/01/08/bubba-says-he-didn-t-pull-prank-before-epiphany-dive/ (https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1999/01/08/bubba-says-he-didn-t-pull-prank-before-epiphany-dive/)