McFarlane’s Monsters series # 3: Six Faces of Madness
McFarlane Toys, the toy company owned by "Spawn" comic creator Todd
McFarlane is known to produce some of the best collectable figures on
the market. With the release of the of their third "McFarlane’s
Monsters" series they have definitely done it again. The sculpting
and painting of the figures are down right amazing. To simply call
the toys would be a mistake. The Six Faces of Madness consist of six
of the most notorious figures in history; Atilla the Hun, Jack the
Ripper, Billy the Kid, Rasputin, Vlad the Impaler, and Elizabeth
Bathory.

Atilla the Hun: The leader of the Blood Thirsty Huns in the fifth
century, also known as the scourge of god. Sculpted in full battle
gear, Atilla hunches in victory on top of a heap of decapitated
heads. The figure comes with two bloody weapons, and is adorned with
lots of little details, like weapons, and bones hanging from his belt.
Jack the Ripper: One of the most notorious serial killers this world
has ever seen. The Ripper brutally murdered at least 5 prostitutes on
the streets of London in 1888. The Ripper figure comes with a brick
wall backdrop that has him seemingly peering around a corner for his
next victim. In one hand, he carries his top hat and a knife, in the
other, a doctor’s bag dripping with blood. He wears a blood apron under
his coat to protect his otherwise gentlemen-like attire. From his
belt hangs several "tools of the trade", and lots of pointy objects.

Billy the kid: Famous American cowboy and gunfighter Billy the Kid
seems almost like the odd man out in this series. The Kid comes with
lots of guns to do what he does best, 5 to be exact, and stands with
on leg on top of an old style deteriorated box coffin.

Rasputin: Noted 19th century Russian occultist and political figure
may just be one of the most bizarre in the series. Rasputin hangs
suspended above his lab from three hooks in his back. Below his feet
are several jagged wooden stakes that would impale him if he were to
fall. His lab comes with several little jars, test tubes and vials
for hours of demented fun. By far one of the coolest in the line.

Vlad the Impaler: Vlad Tepes, the fifteenth century Romanian prince
that spawned the Dracula legend. Vlad gained the nickname the Impaler
because he was known to impale enemies and criminals on large stakes
in front of his castle as an example and warning to his subjects, and
rivals alike. Vald comes wearing a beautifully sculpted Romanian style
armor. The figure wields a bloody stake and stands on a base with a
blood-covered hand reaching up from a subterranean prison. From his
belt hangs a rather large sword with a dragon styled handle,
representing Vlad's association with the Order of the Dragon. This is
a great figure for Vlad enthusiast.

Elizabeth Bathory: The "Blood Countess" of Hungary rounds out the
series. Bathory was said to have killed more than 600 young women in
the late 1500s and early 1600s. Bathory resorted to bathing in the
blood of young women in an attempt to keep her own youth and beauty.
The Bathory figure relaxes in elegant bathtub full of blood. The
detail of this figure has to be seen to be believed, the sculpt on
the tub alone is worth the price of the figure. Elizabeth holds a
dagger in one and a chalice of blood spilling over in the other. The
set comes with a candelabra accessory that has the severed heads of
three young ladies with candles protruding from them. Disturbing?
Maybe, but definitely fitting to the legend of Elizabeth Bathory and,
one of the best sculpts to ever come out of McFarlane Toys.
These figures are available in stores now and run about $13.99. You
can find them in most comic book shops, and places like Suncoast
video stores, and Tower records. You can also purchase these and
other great figures online directly from McFarlane Toys @
http://www.spawn.com.
Written by Ashmodai Nephil
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