The Invisible Man (Univer Monster) - Action Figure Reviews

Series: Universal Monster 12”

Craftsmanship: 9.5 / 10

- Awesome attention to detail

- Great assortment of accessories

- Copious articulation

- Great diorama opportunities

Playability: 9.0 / 10

- Many small pieces to lose

- Clothes may rip or tear under heavy play

- Many play options with other 12” figures

Related Action Figure Reviews:

- Son of Frankenstein (Universal Monster)

- Hellboy (Hellboy)

- Alien 12" (Alien, McFarlane Toys)

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The Invisible Man (Universal Monster) by Sideshow Collectibles

Yes, sir. Being invisible ranks right up there with the most desirable super power. In fact, in another dimension, I bet my alter ego is right now using his invisibility to aid the forces of law and order, and quite possibly doing some recon work at the all women’s summer camp, Camp Big Boobs, staying close to the showers – where the camp staff ensures that only the most sudsing of soap is on hand. Of course,

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there’s a flip side to being the Invisible Man. You could go stark raving mad, for one.

While the film version of the classic H.G. Wells story lacks a bit of the punch of the novel, it was still a movies that got my brain going with the possibilities. I think I was eight or nine when I saw the Invisible Man – you knew I was going to say it – for the first time. Even now when I

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watch I’m struck with a sense of awe – although now it has more to do with the ‘30s sense of style. People just don’t dress like that anymore! And rarely do action figures or even collectibles get so much attention on the wardrobe that you wish you had a coat like the one the figure is wearing.

Sideshow has done an absolutely stellar job on nailing the Invisible Man’s clothes. If you never take him out of the package you’d never know he has three layers of clothes – the overcoat and scarf are only the beginning. The overcoat can easily be taken off (getting it

back on is another story) to reveal a sharp-looking suit underneath. The jacket can be removed and there he is in a white shirt and tie. This is awesome in terms of creating dioramas or different moments from the film because not only does he sport the standard “million” points of articulation, he comes packed with a rack of test tubes (each removable), a beaker, a medical bag with a real metal rim that opens and closes, a stylish hat and googles with false nose that can be strapped to his head with an elastic. But it doesn’t end there.

The head sculpt is nothing less than superb. The bandages look almost real but the highlight are the tufts of hair poking through the top. Instead of plastic, Sideshow has gone the extra mile and made it “real.” It make the Invisible Man that much more authentic. On top of that, when his false nose and goggles are removed it almost looks like you can see the back of his head because the head is made of an opaque, almost clear material. The effect is creepy but in a very good way.

The main challenge involved with playing with the Invisible Man is working up the nerve to remove him from the package. (I always manage to remove the figures Sideshow sends – but I have yet to actually turf any of the boxes. They’re too cool!) Rough play will result in (possible) frayed clothing and lost accessories. The test tubes in particular are at severe risk of being misplaced if you don’t pay attention. The medical bag comes in handy for storage but if you lose the bag… well, you’ll still have the beaker. Compatibility with other 12” figures, particularly the Universal Monsters, is excellent. But you really have to wonder how long it will be before someone – Sideshow or whomever – brings out an Abbott & Costello double-pack. (Yes, the body of a nearly 30-year old and the mind of a nine-year old.)

Serious collectors and fans of classic sci-fi should give some consideration to scooping up the Invisible Man. Sideshow has gone all-out (even making his arms of clear plastic!) and has created an action figure that’s almost perfect.

- Omni
(June 30, 2005)