By JAMES BURRELL
Part of the toy and collectibles scene since 2002, The National Entertainment Collectibles Association–better known by its acronym, NECA–is highly regarded for its ultra-detailed action figures, “Head Knockers” bobbleheads and movie costume and prop replicas. In 2013 the company expanded its product lineup to include a series of 8-inch tall retro-styled horror and cult film figures. Drawing inspiration from the vintage 8-inch dolls manufactured by famed toy company Mego Corporation in the 1970s and early ‘80s, the figures–which sport fabric outfits and come with various miniature accessories–has included several versions of Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger from their various appearances in the Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street franchises; Ash (in both hero and Deadite form) from Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn; Captain Blake from The Fog; Tim Curry’s Pennywise from 1990’s It: The Movie, Tony Todd’s Candyman from Candyman; and most recently, the unstoppable Michael Myers from 1981’s HALLOWEEN II.
To start off, I have to say that this is a fantastic-looking figure. The company has released several Michael Myers-themed products over the years (including a beautifully made Head Knocker in 2004; and an 8-inch clothed figure from 2018’s Halloween), but this is my favourite so far. The figure features two highly detailed, film-accurate heads–a standard version of the HALLOWEEN II mask (fans will know it as being the same modified William Shatner Captain Kirk mask used in John Carpenter’s original film); and an alternate version with bloodied eyes that recreates the climax of the movie (warning: spoilers) when Dick Warlock’s Myers is shot in the eyes by Jamie Lee Curtis’ Laurie Strode. The likenesses of the head sculpts are dead on: the distinctive wider shape of Warlock’s head beneath the mask, along with the missing white paint from along the neck is perfectly captured here. The eyes are darkened, but not painted completely black, which is a nice touch.
When comparing this with previous releases in the retro clothed line, this Myers is slightly larger in size, and features better articulation than past figures. The fabric mechanic’s coveralls are well-tailored, and in keeping accurate to the film, feature six “bullet” holes (with the figure itself sporting “bloodstains” under the clothing). In addition to the second interchangeable head, the figure comes with an alternate right hand, and the various implements the character uses throughout the film: a butcher knife, syringe, hammer, and scalpel. The heads, hands and weapons can be swapped out easily with no problems. The figure comes packaged in a resealable clear plastic clamshell, with striking cardback artwork by artist Jason Edmiston.
NECA has always been known for its attention to detail, and this figure is no exception. Though the company’s previous 8-inch clothed figures have been excellent; NECA has raised the bar with this release. This is a must-have for Michael Myers and Halloween fans. The company has also manufactured a two-figure set of Curtis as Laurie and Donald Pleasance as Dr. Loomis, which is slated to hit stores and online retailers next month.
The HALLOWEEN II Michael Myers 8-inch Clothed Figure retails for around $32.99 USD and you can pick it up now from various online retailers or your local comic shop. Check out NECA’s official website for info on this and other releases.
