Figures Toy Company (possibly the worst-named company ever) is releasing (or re-releasing, so to speak?) some classic MEGO-themed monster items.

The release will include four "Mad Monster" figures (Dracula, The Mummy, Wolfman, and Frankenstein/Frankenstein's Monster) and a castle playset, all of which are listed as being a limited edition with a single production run. The gaudy pink stone deco'd playset is advertised as being, "a faithful replica of the original 1974 Mad Monster Castle Playset made by The Mego Toy Company", and, given its ludicrous appearance, I can believe it. I'm less inclined to believe the US$100 MSRP, especially since it looks cheaply made. Granted, I can still see some appeal in its throwback appearance.

The individual Mad Monster figures aren't specifically listed as being recreations but, if not actual recreations, they at least look the part. All four look cheaply made and the colors are ridiculous yet, in fairness, that was the style of the time (one thankfully abandoned). The near-translucent plastic used for Dracula's and Frankenstein's heads looks terrible besides the expressions seeming all wrong. Both of their outfits look quite a bit better and somewhat exemplify the appeal of the MEGO style. However, the Wolfman is the clear winner of the lot as he looks surprisingly pleasant between the (somewhat outlandish) outfit and headsculpt. I might be strongly tempted to pick one up, but I'm trying to narrow my collecting habits. The Mummy may well be overlooked but he has a decent headsculpt with a realism that seems out of place in the line. I suppose he's nice enough, in his own way.

The four monsters seem to be sold (or pre-ordered) as a set for which BBTS lists a US$70 price tag while the Mad Monsters Castle playset is being sold for US$85 on the same site. I don't plan on buying either but I imagine that there's a following for these items.

[ Pre-order the four Mad Monsters | Mad Monsters Castle playset from Big Bad Toy Store ]