Mezco’s Living Dead Doll Creature gets a new design.Tipping the Scales
Last year at this time we were treated to a look at Mezco Toyz’ early prototype for a Creature from the Black Lagoon Living Dead Doll which quickly went on my must have list. Since then the company has done a design rethink on the figure and gave us another early look during last week’s Pre Toy Fair press event. Mezco Toyz’ LDD Creature in original un-produced retro “jump suit” style designThe little Creature’s head sculpt still presents a child like look in keeping with his Living Dead Doll siblings but he has lost the Mego style cloth jump suit that represented his scales in the original design. The rethink gives the doll a nicely sculpted fully molded body more in line with Mezco’s stylized lagoon monster released last year. I was lucky enough to score an all white pre-production “test shot” of that guy, seen in the photo below, at Mezco’s vault clearing sale.At the Mezco “Vault” sale I grabbed this unique all white “test shot” of their stylized Creature.
Due in July 2015, the “creach” will join the Mezco’s other Universal Monster LDD’s Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster and his Bride. Preorder the prehistoric gill-boy here.
Mezco Toyz Living Dead Dolls Series 29, the Nameless OnesDamned If I Know…
What’s In A Name? Well, that which we call a rose might wither in the hand of any of one of Mezco’s long running and award winning Living Dead Doll line. New Series 29 will introduce us to the The Nameless Ones. Fresh from interment these 5 children of the damned are garbed in a variety of togs from party dresses to morning and mourning gowns.
Follow the Jaundiced Brick Road…
Along with their original LDD designs, like the new Grim Reaper kissing booth ghoul, Mezco continues to spin up licensed merchandise in some of the most sort after fan franchises. Leafing through their beautifully laid out 2015 product catalog reveals some interesting surprises ahead. In addition to Child’s Play‘s Chucky (design still pending licensor approval) and The Conjuring’s Annabelle, I’m most excited to see the announcement of Wizard of Oz themed dollies joining the Living Dead roster. Dorothy and her companions The Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Tin Man dolls are first up, but I’m hoping for an LDD Flying Monkey easing’ on down the road.
Party Doll…
As noted in previous features, 2014 marks the Sweet Sixteenth year Mezco Toyz’ Living Dead Dolls have graced the planet. The continuing collection of creepy creations was conceived by Ed Long, Damian Glonek, and Mez Markowitz, who have thus far unleashed 28 multiple doll series encompassing every hobgoblin imaginable. The company has conjured up several interesting ways to pay tribute to the monstrous muñecas this year, including a “time capsule coffin” event, and the LDD party continues with the publication of The Art of Living Dead Dolls.
Over the years Mezco’s putrid progeny have found a home in the hearts of many talented artists and the new book showcases their LDD inspired works. An impressive list of over 100 artists share their unique views of the LDD universe across the book’s 80 pages. The wide array of styles and varied media (oils, gouache and acrylics, to pen and ink, screen print, and digital) produce a visually arresting experience for the reader.
There’s plenty here to peruse and enjoy. I’m currently enamored with Louis Russomanno’s graveyard as schoolyard scene, Emily Yoshizawa’s LDD populated doll house, Becky Bray’s “Rain,” and Chris Garafalo’s Calavera print. Mezco’s Mez, Damian and Ed received Living Dead Doll World Record Award at NY Toy Fair 2014. Chop Shop…
Also featured are photos from the Mezco’s 2006 Living Dead Dolls Art Show, in which participants transformed the dolls into their own hellish visions. There are lots of striking manipulations (mutilations?) including Damien, Mez and Ed’s own iconoclastic dioramas, but it was Randy Falk’s King Diamond LDD remake that made me laugh out loud.
The softbound first edition has an embossed cover which adds a nice touch of depth to Joshua Hoffine’s backwoods at witching hour tableau. The interior color is vibrant and saturated and art reproduction is ace. The book’s foreword is fittingly offered by artist Basil Gogos whose cover paintings for the original Famous Monsters of Filmland magazines virtually invented the modern monster art field. Living Dead Dolls Series 28, all dressed up and ready to party. Fan Dance…
In my experience fans are always in the forefront of Mezco’s doings and they aren’t left out here. Rounding out the book is a full section of art from fans of all ages, as well as a tattoo chapter chronicling the body art of those who have dedicated a stretch of their own flesh to the Living Dead Doll phenomenon.
Mezco will further furnish fans with an exceptional opportunity built around the 2014 NYCC Superweek. On October 10th @ 8PM they will invade their favorite haunt, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium, for a signing by the LDD team and select artists represented in the book. Limited Edition Ripley’s Collector Coins ensure your entry into the Superweek Book Signing Event Details…
Mezco says, “One of the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Times Square Odditorium rooms will be sealed off and transformed into a haven for Living Dead Dolls fans. On display will be an assortment of rare and one of a kind Living Dead Dolls artifacts direct from the Mezco archives. Many of these items have never been seen by the public, and a select number of them will be available for purchase, including hand painted prototypes, and concept art.
The first 200 attendees will each receive a free Living Dead Doll themed goodie bag plus a chance to win a test shot set of Living Dead Dolls Series 28 dolls. Test shot sets are seldom released to the public, making this a rare chance for a fan to acquire one of the most sought after collectibles in the Living Dead Dolls universe.
Each of the 200 goodie bags will contain a set of special limited edition art prints available only at the event along with carefully curated selection of other Mezco and Living Dead Doll themed items.”
Mezco Toyz Unveiled their Living Dead Doll Time Capsule Coffin at Ripley’s Times Square Odditorium
16 Years and a Dead Dolls Chest…
The lingering ghost of winter touched one more frosty finger on NYC the morning of April 16th, 2014 but that didn’t stop Mezco Toyz devotees from beginning to cue up near Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Times Square Odditorium at the crack of dawn, or was it crack of doom? The shivering flock was there to insure a gander at Mezco’s Living Dead Doll “Time Capsule” and its contents before the toy company finds a long term resting place for it. The first 160 early bird fans were rewarded with limited edition LDD coins placed into their cold and clammy claws and a discount to view the fascinating curiosities that line the corridors of the Odditorium.
Sweet Sixteen, and Never Been Bitten?
The coffin shaped encasement commemorates 16 years of Living Dead Doll production. It’s a feat that earned the company special recognition at New York Toy Fair this past February for being the “longest continually produced series of collectible horror themed dolls” in the world. The casket will be loaded with series memorabilia including early production drawings, handmade and production dolls, mini figures, and more. It will also house all of the “What Living Dead Dolls Mean To Me” videos recently created by fans for the year-long anniversary celebration.
Hearsula Pulls Into Ripley’s Times Square Lobby to the Suprise of On-lookers.Ed, Mez and Damian Autographed Living Dead Dolls Collector’s Items for Fans.
Don’t Fear The Reaper…
Series creators Mez, Damian and Ed were all on hand to meet fans, sign collector’s items, and play pall-bearers for the coffin which arrived on Times Square in the “Hearsula,” a tricked out Cadillac hearse. The skull adorned “Cadaveric Superior Hearse” by Joe Baxter and Reaper’s Rides Hearse Limo Service drew surprised stares from tourists and seasoned New Yorkers alike as it u-turned across 42nd street and pulled into the Ripley’s lobby. A lethal legion of gals and guys made up to resemble LDD’s invited unsuspecting passers-by to the event.
Soul Coffin…
With the promotional panache of 1960’s film director William Castle (13 Ghosts, The Tingler) Mezco is earnestly and actively seeking an empty mausoleum chamber in New Jersey or New York for the Coffin Capsule’s resting place. The intention is to revisit its content in 2064 when the Living Dead Doll franchise will reach its 66.6 birthday. Any crypt owner with open space, who relishes the idea of sharing the long sleep entombed with these artifacts should contact Mezco at LivingDeadDollsCrypt@gmail.com with details.
A Brood of Spirited Ghouls Welcomed Attendees to the Mezco/Ripley’s Times Square Event.
SkeletonPete Says…
The folks at Mezco clearly appreciate all of their fans and Ripley’s tie-in events like this one and last year’s 1966 Batman & Batmobile appearance offer an excellent participation factor for the collector community.
Stay tuned, there are plenty of things to explore at the Odditorium and I’ll be giving the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Times Square a close-up look in the near future.
Mezco Toyz, Living Dead Doll rendering of The Creature From the Black Lagoon at the New York Toy Fair 2014
It was great to get an early look at Mezco Toyz’ newest products as outlined in my previous post. Even so, one key piece was missing from the 2014 press preview. The prototype for the upcoming Creature From the Black Lagoon Living Dead Doll was not on view. With the catalog photo as a tantalizing tease I was dying to see it “in the flesh,” but it was unclear if “the creach” would be ready for exhibiting. As you might guess I was thrilled to find him grandly displayed, arms outstretched in his classic pose, at Mezco’s Toy Fair booth today. Now I’m dying to own one.
I’m a fan of Mezco’s stylized spin on iconic figures and I think they’ve done a fabulous job of translating the scaly stalker into an LDD. I love how this sculpt manages to imbue the monster with the Living Dead Dolls’ signature child-like look without blunting its inherent menace. The Creature’s amphibian “jumpsuit” covers a fully articulated body approximately 8 inches tall. I think this is easily my favorite of the LDD Universal Monster series so far.
Creach collectors can look to Fall of 2014 for its release.
Mezco Toyz, Living Dead Dolls Series 27. (L to R) Mephistopheles, The Banshee, Milu, Spring-Heeled Jack and The Hopping Vampire Sweet Sixteen and Never Been Kissed, Any Wonder?…
2014 marks the sixteenth anniversary of Mezco Toyz’ Living Dead Dolls line. This milestone makes these creepy creations the longest continually produced series of horror themed dolls on the planet. Mezco’s Mike Drake informed me that the company will be honored for this world record at the Toy Industry Association’s 111th Annual American International Toy Fair which begins in New York City in just a couple of days.
The outre, coffin encased, dollies are the brainchild of Ed Long, Damien Glonek, and “Mez” Markowitz, whose artistic imagination must be commended on this long run of sardonic but fun characters. Damien notes, “I couldn’t be happier with the support and dedication our fans have given us throughout the years. The dolls have taken on a life of their own…” As for their inception, “There was never a thought out plan when we first started. Living Dead Dolls was built upon a do what we like attitude and it grew into something beyond our wildest expectations.”
Living Dead Dolls Series 27…
A world record calls for a world vision and so for Series 27 the creators have set their nets wide and come up with a cosmopolitan collection of characters of myth and legend.
Spring Heeled Jack – The Victorian urban legend of penny dreadful fame that terrorized London. A creeper and a leaper.
The Banshee – The Irish fairy who heralds death with her mournful wail. If she sits with you for a pint of Guinness be sure your life insurance policy is paid up.
Milu – The Polynesian goddess and guardian of the land of the dead. Mess with this Tiki temptress and you won’t be drinking piña coladas at Trader Vic’s for long. She’ll fill you full of flys and feed you to her pet lizards.
The Hopping Vampire – The life force absorbing Jiangshi of pan-asian folklore and popular film series.
Mephistopheles – The devilish trickster and adversary of Goethe’s Faust. Sign on the dotted line at your own risk.
In addition, Colonial America will get it’s due with a Headless Horseman LDD, complete with malevolent looking pumpkin noggin, and Series 1 character Posey, comes back from the undead in a ghostly white special edition. Mezco’s LDD Creature is still in the working stages, but promises to be a real collector’s treat.
SkeletonPete Says…
Also announced, though not on display at Mezco’s early reveal, is an LDD version of The Creature from the Black Lagoon. It will join the already available Frankenstein, Bride of, and Dracula dolls. It’s going to be a must own for creach fans like myself. The still to be approved prototype is pictured in Mezco’s 2014 Toy Fair catalog and it is already too cool to pass up.
