Art Design: Dark, dreary window box.
Headsculpt: Gruesome! This is one ugly critter. I look at this Frankenstein and I talk to him with my best Bela Lugosi voice. The only thing wrong with the headsculpt is that the rubber used for the head is a different color from the plastic that is used for the body. However, not only is the face of this creature gnarly, but the back of his head is ever grosser (see photos). The flesh is folded over the metal and glass on the back of the head. One ear is large, and the other ear has been chopped off. Lots of metal parts sticking out of the flesh. The VAN HELSING movie turned out a horrible Monster. A nasty critter by any standard.
Skull Cap: Cooler than a yarmulke, this Frankie can remove the top of his skull! The brain is dark gray and it is as detailed as a typical model brain usually is. In the movie, the green parts on the skull were a window into the brain, so when it was flashing green it meant that Frankenstein's monster was thinking. The skull cap is easy to remove and to put back on. It has a tight fit, and it won't fall off by itself.
Paint Apps: Frankenstein is an aquamarine color. A variant of this figure has blood dripping from the skull, chest, and other surgery areas. The gold metals and gray metals all seem well painted. It could have been better, but not by much.
The Body: Sculpting on this body is top-notch. Jakks Pacific did a great job on it. Look at the photos of the arms, legs, hands, torso; they all have detailed scars.
Articulation: As far as articulation is concerned, the Van Helsing figure had rubber legs, and yet this Frankenstein's Monster has the Ultra-articulated legs with cut-joints. The upper body is barrel-shaped, in fact it has a bunch of metal straps around one side which make it look like a keg of beer. The upper torso also does not link evenly with the lower torso. It looks as if two different teams worked on the figure, and they never met to compare sizes. For a Monster, this figure is well made for sturdy kid-play.
Outfit & Gear: Frankenstein's Monster seems to have a lot of metal implants in his body. Down his leg he has a full leg brace which connects up to his brown belt. He has rectangular metal braces attached to each of his ankles. They really look ridiculous. The boots also have the metallic look, and they are not removeable. FM has a green light-up heart. In the photos on the box, the light-up heart is on the right side, but on the actual figure it is on the left side. Press his heart and it lights up. The brown pants are plain with a velcro attachment.
Overall: This figure is regularly $19.99 at most retail outlets. It is a good piece to add to a Monster collection, and a fun toy for kids. Pull the top of FM's head off! FM has the looks to be a Zombie too.
Grade: B
