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?