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ToyDirectory Checks out Collectible Action Figures
By Tim Connolly
 

Speaking of ghouls, action figures don’t any creepier than McFarlane Toys (www.mcfarlane.com ). A powerhouse in the action figure market, McFarlane was established in 1994 to manufacture toys based on Canadian artist Todd McFarlane’s hot-selling comic book series, “Spawn.”

But just as popular is McFarlane’s Movie Maniacs® series, now in its fifth year. Six new figures were released in September, including an 18” Edward Scissorhands, the T-800 Terminator, his nemesis-turned-sidekick Sarah Connor, and even an “Alien and Predator boxed set” with both creatures set for a mythical battle.

And just in time for Halloween, October will see the release of Tortured Souls 2:® “The Fallen,” the second collaboration between the wonderfully sick minds of Todd McFarlane and horror raconteur Clive Barker. Universal Pictures saw enough promise in the first Tortured Souls set to option it for a possible movie deal.

Tortured Souls ($35.99) by McFarlane Toys

As for “The Fallen,” one figure called “Feverish” was described on darkfigures.com this way: “a grotesquely large creature on a slab giving birth to worms.” Can’t wait to get mine! And just so you don’t think McFarlane is all freaks and monsters, they also have a line of music figures such as Jerry Garcia, Angus Young, Kiss, and McFarlane’s Sports Picks®, featuring stars of the NBA, NFL, and major league baseball.

In the field of military action figures, nobody holds a candle to 21st Century Toys (www.21stcenturytoys.com). Best known for their Ultimate Soldier® series, 21st Century employs a “creative team comprised of military veterans, historians, and top toy designers.”

Elite German Soldier “Ardennes Offensive” ($29.99), and Bazooka Soldier ($5.99) by 21st Century Toys

Being a WWII buff myself, I can attest to the authenticity of figures such as the 1/6th scale Elite German Soldier “Ardennes Offensive” 1944, and even admit that I learned a thing or two studying his “pea-dot” camouflage uniform and the accompanying thirty accessory items, including an alternate set of wool glove hands, MP-44 assault rifle, Panzerfaust 60, and much more.

21st Century also makes a 1/18th (4”) version of the Ultimate Soldier, articulated at 12 points and including an extra pair of interchangeable arms for an increased range of poses. The company makes “over 100 boxed WWII action figures, vehicles, and uniform sets.” (cont.)

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