Art Design: The painted illustration on the cover of this box shows the Freddy Krueger character with a lot more wrinkles, veins, and scars than what the actual 12" action figure has.
History: Back in 1984, Wes Craven introduced the world to Johnny Depp and Freddy Krueger. After five sequels, Freddy was killed off in Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991). So of course, Freddy came back in 1994 in Wes Craven's New Nightmare. This action figure version of Freddy Krueger is based on the make-up special effects that were used in the New Nightmare movie; where Freddy set out to kill all of the actors and writers from the previous six movies because he was angry that his character had been killed off. It turns out that Freddy was a demon who was trying gain entry to the human world through Nancy (Heather Langenkamp) or her son.
Headsculpt: Take a look at the photos, this Freddy is pretty gruesome. The patches of textured flesh under the ripped (or decomposed?) skin looks good enough to put someone off their lunch. Does it look like the real Freddy? Compare this 12" action figure by Sideshow Collectibles to the real McCoy and judge for yourself. To be honest, I guess the sculptor could have added a few more open sores, skin lesions, wrinkles, and blood-curdling burn scars on Freddy's head; but at some point it becomes overkill. I forget why, but in this movie Freddy had a different look with less burn scarring. As he is, this action figure Freddy is gross enough for my tastes.
Articulation: Freddy's body is an ultra-articulated Dragon-style body. Unlike the John Wayne, whose neck was very tight, Freddy can pose in nearly any position imaginable. The lanky body resembles Robert Englund's body very closely, and that adds to the realism of the figure.
The Hands: The right hand with the claws is incredible, and the burned left hand looks just as grotesque due to the detailed swollen veins, popped tendons, lesions, and burn scarring.
Outfit: Freddy is wearing faux black leather pants, a green and red striped sweater, a black trenchcoat with a red and green striped inner lining, tall black boots, and a dark green hat. The hat fits perfectly, and the boots are removable (they look like the vintage GI Joe tall boots). A posing stand is also included, as is usual with all of Sideshow Toys' 12" action figures.
Market: This set is available from Sideshow Collectibles and other online dealers for $49.99 or less.
Overall: Quite a gruesome action figure. Freddy is faithful to the look and style of the New Nightmare movie. If you keep Freddy on your nightstand at night you are bound to wake up screaming! Will you even wake up at all? Is the demonic spirit of Freddy in this figure? Fans of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies will enjoy this horrifying, ugly Freddy. Another great entry from Sideshow!
Grade: A+
