Recently, we have brought you exciting unboxings showing off some of Sideshow Collectibles’ spookiest wares, including two Hammer icons (Dracula and Van Helsing) as well as Brandon Lee’s legendary portrayal of The Crow. Now, FANGORIA has the exclusive first reveal of Sideshow’s newest limited-edition collectible as the company returns to its horror roots with an exciting re-imagining of Frankenstein’s Monster.
If you’re wondering about the who/what/where/when/and how you can get your hands on this magnificently terrifying specimen, almost everything about it (dimensions, price, creative team, release date, etc.) is being kept under wraps… for now. Frankenstein’s Monster will be revealed in full as part of Sideshow’s Spooktacular online event this week, but FANGORIA readers can see the very first images right here! Check them out below.
As you can witness with your own human eyes, this startling rendition of Mary Shelley’s immortal monster is a bold take, blending elements of several other famous portrayals. For instance, the flat top look of the brow comes directly from Jack Pierce’s make-up on Boris Karloff for James Whale’s 1931 Frankenstein, easily the most iconic look for the creature. Likewise, the bear pelt draped over the creature is reminiscent of the look from Karloff’s final performance as the Monster in 1939’s Son of Frankenstein, the kickoff for the second wave of Universal’s reign of horror during the World War II years.
Yet it’s not just the famous Karloff creature that Sideshow is pulling from. The hollow nose and angry tooth-filled expression recall the gorgeously detailed artwork of Bernie Wrightson for his masterful 1983 Marvel Comics adaptation of Shelley’s book. Director Guillermo del Toro’s forthcoming Netflix adaptation of the material will likely take inspiration from Wrightson’s designs, as was confirmed by Doug Jones back in 2020. The del Toro Frankenstein has been in the works for decades, and -should it go before cameras in February as planned– will star Christoph Waltz, Oscar Isaac, Andrew Garfield, and Mia Goth.
The stitched-together, patchwork quality of the skin certainly recalls the look of Robert De Niro in Kenneth Branagh’s ill-fated 1994 adaptation Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. There are many original additions to the look of Sideshow’s statue as well, such as the large muscular frame of the tragic creature, as well as a steampunk element with a piece of electronic apparatus extending from his back. There are also some literary allusions, such as the tombstone for Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor Frankenstein’s wife-to-be in the novel, who is eventually strangled to death by the Monster. The base itself seems to be paying tribute to the finale of the book, which takes place on an expedition to the North Pole to pursue the creature. Victor Frankenstein dies there, and the skull in the base of the statue could be interpreted as being the mad doctor of the title.
Here’s the official product description from Sideshow:
This stunningly detailed, fully sculpted and hand-painted masterpiece shows the hulking figure cloaked in the pelt of a black bear and clad in ragged patchwork attire. Two gargantuan electrodes emerge from his back, and metallic staples hold his discolored flesh together.
Sideshow’s artists have brought the much-loved (and tragically misunderstood) monster back to life with an eerie new artist’s interpretation – along with one or two subtle Easter eggs for collectors and fans to discover.
Visit the Sideshow website and RSVP for the very latest info as it’s revealed!
ABOUT SPOOKTACULAR
Sideshow’s annual online fan event, Spooktacular, takes place from October 26 to October 31 – and includes a whole host of giveaways, new product announcements, unique deals and special offers, exclusive perks, and more! Register for FREE, now!
