Review - KidRobot Gorillaz Phase Two Murdoc (CYMK Edition)

KidRobot - y'know, those funky little robot toys you see lining the glassy LED lit shelves of every high-end comic book shop. If you even remotely enjoy what I'll affectionately refer to as "weirdo media", you've almost certainly ran across, or might even even own, one of their products; from Futurama minis, to Beetlejuice keychains, to Chucky MadBalls, they've got their pop culture bases nice and covered.

A sucker for the iconic, alternative, and slightly disturbed, KidRobot naturally teamed up with Gorillaz during their Demon Days (also known to us geeks as "Phase Two") era to produce a few rounds of newly themed toys, based on the cartoon group's grunge change of image... just in case the title didn't clue you in. The figures have even gone on to be featured in a number of the band's music videos, such as their ironic spotlight in the environmentalist jam Some Kind of Nature, or the heavily modified puppet versions seen in We Got the Power. I can't believe we never got a proper reissue of that Clint Eastwood-y Murdoc.

Two Tone Noodle and Murdoc in
Some Kind of Nature

I summed up the band's tumultuous history in the wild, wild world of crappy toys in my SuperPlastic Phase Three 2-D review, but for the sake of conversation, I'll throw a little more detail about this particular wave of toys. In 2006, KidRobot released it's first set of Phase Two figures, the CYMK editions, followed soon by the White and Two Tone editions over the following year; all named in reference to their unique box designs.  All three editions featured the same base sculpts, with different paint work and packaging.

I might eventually get around to reviewing the entirety of my set, but for now, let's take a look at the nightmare band's demonic founder - and I don't mean Mr. Albarn. He's an arsonist - murderer - kidnapper - "sympathizer" - and - worst of all - bassist of that creepy y2k ringtone band, Gorillaz. He gets away with it, too - why? 'Cuz he's Murdoc Fucking Niccals. The type of character who's very existence would probably be considered a fucking trainwreck today; hence why, 18 years later, he's gone full VeggieTales. 

CMYK Murdoc

Now, as we start, I should mentioned I don't  typically bother to talk about a figure's box; it's often very much up to one's own taste, and, to me, just isn't very interesting - nine out of ten times, you've got nothing to say. But, for once, we have to include it as part of the deal - I hate to sound elitist or whatever, but I genuinely think if you don't have these guys in box, you're only getting half of the appeal.

The wonderfully collector friendly window box excels at framing the Murdoc figure; with various pieces of Demon Days art and insignia against a slate black on all sides, it makes for a very pretty display in and of itself. As mentioned before, the box is easily openable and re-sealable, with the figure itself held in by two trays. With a setup this good, you may as well leave 'em in there - looks great. 

Slack jawed, heavy eyed and half naked, Murdoc's looking as inebriated as any soulless monster ought to. While I think the sculpts across all of these figures could've used more intricate detail in order to truly replicate the aesthetics of Gorillaz' artwork at the time, I also really love this figure's smooth, simplistic feel - it's totally sleek, even in it's intentionally gross-out nature. They aren't necessarily going for a 1:1 recreation of any one appearance, though it's clear to see Murdoc is heavily inspired by his 2005 CGI model; you'll recognize it from the band's trippy holographic shows... all... detailed, and... Madonna-hitting-on-y, and... "sympathetic". Ech.

Murdoc's head is very similar to the crooked mug of KidRobot's Phase One figure, with a sort of flat, thick, bug-eyed Shaggy look. In fact, it might even go back to the cancelled pre-KidRobot Gorillaz toy line by Art Asylum; the small Murdoc head keychain seen near the front of this ToyFair display looks pretty similar to the one we see here. He's not quite the more evil design Demon Days seemed to be going for; I think they could've given the likeness a bit more defined angles, specifically the chin, and outward depth - just compare it to the flawlessly sculpted Murdoc Muppet to see what I mean, and yes, that exists. Still, it isn't necessarily off-model or anything; besides some weird looking smile lines and eye bags, I think it's pretty good. He's an ugly sun'va bitch, that guy, so I can imagine he's the type to look better on camera than in person. 

Somewhere between intoxicated and exhilarated, Murdoc's bass-heavy pose says ready for action; I really love the art accurate skrunkly hands, as well as his wide, bulky boots, skinnyfat bod, and punk-ass "sympathizer" hat. I especially dig his big theatrical cape, cast in soft, fabric-like rubber; really fun touch. Just like Jamie Hewlett's intricate Demon Days pictures, loads of neat little details, from seams, to skulls, are hidden throughout Murdoc's getup; though not so much so as to throw off the toy's very simplistic vibe, it's all there, but comes together in a trippy way isn't overdoing it. 

Murdoc's Flying V bass, having once belonged to the devil himself, is a really awesome choice of accessory; what's a musician without his weapon? I think it could've used a lot more detailing - y'know, at least give it strings - but I get the cartoony impression they were going for. It fits really well in his gripping hands - he's got that thing locked. They could've put in just a bit more effort, but it gets the point across and still looks cool. Seals the deal.

Unfortunately the figure is very prone to toppling forward; despite his clown shoes' massive surface area, his hunched pose still makes for a pretty bad center of gravity. It doesn't help the actual construction of the figure isn't really that good; his limbs are just barely a darker color, and his head pops off so easily, you'd swear it was for some reason intentional. However, this does have the added benefit of an unintentional point of articulation, and, if you for some reason wanted, capeless mode...? Art toys and quality control just don't mix.

Something of a literal walking corpse, Murdoc's skin has ranged from a tinged grey, to some odd variant of brown, to, now, eye-burning chroma key green; as per the aforementioned mad pasty CG model - look at him, man, he's a beacon - KidRobot's gone with a sort of sickly caucasian color. There's definitely warm overtones of yellowish-green in there, and though I imagine most fans would've preferred a much more intense shade of rotten flesh, think it matches the figure's smooth aesthetic much better as-is. I take it as a solid in-between; not too normal, not too... What The Fuck. Still, you gotta wonder why they didn't try for his more iconic complexion on the White variant, especially when the Phase One figure already sported a much colder green hint.

Beyond the odd pallor, Murdoc's illness - mental, and physical - is all the more apparent by his jaundiced yellow eyes and turquoise maw of teeth. The paint work is mostly sharp and solid, with only the occasional spot of bleed or scuffing. I dig the dark gradient adding some touch of depth to his guitar, the printed silver wire holding his necklace, and the purple-on-red of his cape brings a lot of color to the figure. It's only major issue is how easily the skin tone can rub onto the very contrasting bass, and vice versa. I should also mention his teeny-tiny little pupils tend to have a sort of wonky, walleyed look, but it's severity really depends on the figure. Mine's near unbalanced, but I've seen worse.

Having once owned the White edition, as well, I think it ultimately had the better paint job of the two fully detailed figures; I really love it's inverted pupil, red pinkie nails, and darker overall color scheme. The difference is minimal, but I'd say the CYMK is overall more true to the general character, while the White feels a touch more fully envisioned and artistic by slipping in so many unique details. I've never nabbed the Two-Tone, but it's a catchy spin on the usual monochromatic redeco. 

Despite my complaints, this Murdoc's one of my favorite figures; he's got just the right balance of detail and design, and is such an eye-catching shocker of a toy, you gotta track down at least one of the bunch. It ain't too common to come by such a loudly satanic, "sympathetic", and sexually sickening toy like this - he's got his small laundry list of issues - that much you can tell just by glancing at 'em - but if you dig the character, the art, or even just the band, he's a really wicked piece.

Review - McFarlane Movie Maniacs Chucky

McFarlane's Movie Maniacs - a sorta all encompassing, kinda well done series of almost high-end collectors figures, lining the soot skinned shelves of comic book stores and flea market booths everywhere. From 1998 to 2004, the large series covered just about every horror icon relevant to your average turn of the century FYE shopper; from Ghostface, to the Terminator, to... y'know, Chucky - who's just hitched incarnation I've covered before, released with his betrothed as a two-pack alongside tonight's subject of torture; y'know, Chucky.

Based on his appearance in Child's Play 2, this sculpt goes for the sinister, snarling Chucky seen throughout the original Child's Play trilogy; compare his evil grin to that seen on the included poster display, and you'll see what I mean. They're almost one-to-one - really impressive. Kevin Yagher Production's original Chuckys share a pretty consistent design; between their lifelike skin, piggish face and piercing blue stare, it's absolutely the scariest and most impressive the character has looked onscreen, to this day. Many a horrorhead will fondly, or frightfully, remember this particular look, and while I'm more of a Frankensteined Chucky kind of guy (also designed by Yagher, in it's fist appearance), in his own words, a true classic never goes out of style. 

On one hand, the figure's a little chubby; looks like a chibi Chris Farley with a side of Ham Porter - however, on the other, he's pretty damn accurate to the aforementioned earlier Chucky designs, give or take a few details. I think it's all a matter of lighting; and, as an extension, paint applications. The figure's incredible in some settings... but, a bit ugly, from all but most. From one angle, his furrowed, twisted expression just leaps off the screen; from another, he's channeled that monstrous six hundred pound emo girl you vaguely remember from High School. I think stronger, more defining highlights around the eyes, larger pupils, and a warmer complexion could've helped support the strengths of his likeness; make no mistake, the look is there, it just doesn't completely stick the landing. 

Speaking of looks, Chucky's got a badass Bob to beat even the most vicious of Karens. Hide your coupons, get your managers - ech, I've made myself sick. This snazzy little strangler's ginger mop, while certainly darling, ought to be a lot more crazy. While he's always had a thick red mane of manic hair, he definitely never had such a flawlessly carved cut in the original films - hell, sometimes he had less. Nowadays, it's a different story, so I can't say it's ridiculously offputting or anything - in fact, you might even say it's become on-model - but it just isn't the wild flame of hair seen in Child's Play 2. It even puts Tiffany's lumpy 'fro to shame. That's not to diss the real doll hair, though - at roughly the size of the standard Barbie, he's such a fun novelty of a figure thanks to this feature alone. Really adds to that whole killer doll aesthetic. I think it ultimately came out better on the 12" version, but really, the imperfections caused by the gimmick can be excused seeing as it really is  cool thing to include. Stands out.

Going down, Chucky's body is almost exactly the same as that of the Bride variant; the obvious difference being, this version's lack of battle damage. Having yet to encounter the dreaded gigantic fucking fan which gave him his lovely lacerated look, this Chucky's nice and unassuming - no tell-tale gaping wounds or jagged tears to speak of. 

Then again, the dark layer of dirt covered throughout Chucky's Good Guys garb is a sure sign this doll's seen his fair share of action; the thick, sooty resin wash really brings out his body's sculpt, and gives it that creepy, disused feel. The painted details such as his stripes, buttons and logos vary from good, to good enough, to... well, not bad, but certainly not to today's collectors standards or anything. For example, you can actually see the Good Guys logo emblazoned across Chucky's chest this time, on one hand, but on the other, the cartoony pattern dotting his overalls has been replaced by sort of impressionistic dabs of color. Does it matter? Not really. Honestly, seeing as Movie Maniacs has always aimed just right of true realism, these sort of nitpicks are non-issues - but, they're still something to note, especially if screen accuracy is what you're looking for. No toyetic footprints here, folks. 

With one foot slightly raised, he's sculpted in a sort of imposing half-step; not quite a lurch, more of an... evil stroll. Creepily inviting, as any lecherous, soul-stealing doll should be. It can make him a bit hard to balance in some surfaces, but usually he stands up fine. All sorts of very intricate stitches, seams and folds make his outfit look very nice, with some sections even made from a sort of soft, fabric-like rubber. While he's unfortunately very lacking in articulation, with simple swivel joints in the neck, shoulders, wrists and waist, I think you can get more than a few dynamic poses out of what you're given. He's great to just mess around with. 

Chucky comes with two accessories; a knife, and a poster display. The knife is exactly the same as that of the Bride figure; it's got a sort of retro, hand-made vibe to it, nothing too realistic, but it looks good and fits snugly in his right hand. You can sort of jam it into his left hand, but it seems intended for the shape of the right. The poster display, a staple of the Maniacs series, is... whatever. I really dislike the excessively edgy skeletal nightmare border - feels like... ghetto tattoo shop and meth. It's cool to get a little poster as a memento of the film, I guess, but I would've probably preferred an actual accessory in it's place. A yard stick, a voodoo doll, a glock - guy had all sorts of memorable weapons in those first three movies.  As I said in the Bride review, these poster displays are probably a little more interesting when you've got loads of these figures side by side, but I think as is it's just not appealing. Feels like filler. 

Naturally, Chucky looks wicked beside the Chucky and Tiffany figures; and in the era of Chucky's neigh-endless cult of clones, they make for a pretty dope display. Surprisingly, while the Bride Chucky's torn getup is clearly modified from the clean standard, standard Chucky and Bride Chucky feature completely different base face sculpts; I would've assumed they might've use the same undamaged face to build off of, but on second thought, I suppose that might be closer to something a toy company would do today, in our digital age, rather than the still more traditional turn of the century. 

Y'know, they should've done a non-possessed Good Guy doll. Would've been cool. 

Movie Maniacs is a mixed bag of a line, especially through today's lens. Even some of the best examples from the series feel a little underwhelming as we've gotten so accustomed to crazy articulation, a landfills worth of accessories, and almost excessive eye for detail. Still, say what you will about Movie Maniacs, but I feel there was always a special touch of effort that inspired the very standard for collector's figures we have today. Seeing as many McFarlane alumni went on to create today's collectors lines, I guess we all have to start somewhere.

The Maniacs Chucky variety isnt't what I'd call a must-have, but they're still a pretty solid set of uncomplicated figures. I think nowadays you're better off hunting down NECA's Ultimate sets of these characters, but if you're like me, and love obscure, weird merchandise, these are your perfect friends 'till the end. Or something.

Now, if I had to choose one? I'm going with the Bride pack. You get both main villains, both looking pretty good, and, considering it's obscurity, it's not so bad on the aftermarket. The solo Chucky feels more like the figure you just need to "complete the set" - it's a little less impressive, but at the same time, he's a fun and unique figure in his own right. I know I've spent more time than any adult should, playing with this doll-but-not; frilling his hair, playing with poses - and, he's a natural in front of the camera. Besides all the serial murder, what's not to love?