The Movie Maniacs News Archive
11-1-99 - 12-31-99
12-31-99
Maniacs Defeated
Was it poor voter turnout? Silly Pranksters? Or just a whole lot of Nostalgists objectively choosing their favorte playtoys of yesterday over their ultra cool detailed figures of today. Not only did Movie Maniacs lose to MASK toys in Round 2 of Toyfare's Titanic Toy Tussle, but all McFarlane lines except for Austin Powers have now been obliterated from the competition.
A New Poll is up so please go vote on what you think the Mystery Maniac will be.
I hope everyone has a great New Year and that any Y2K disasters will be Minimal. Barring a Crash I will see you all back here in 2000 for lots more great Maniac news.
All the best
-Russ
12-23-99
MANIACS WIN!
Keep supporting them and vote in
Toyfare's Titanic Toy Tussle ROUND 2
Well, The Maniacs slayed their way past Starting Lineup in the first round of Toyfare's Titanic Toy Tussle and are now paired up against MASK for round 2. I know these little guys were cool, but the Maniacs truly kick their @$$. So please head over and vote in ROUND 2 and let's keep the Maniacs Alive.
CLICK HERE TO VOTE IN ROUND 2!!!
Special thanks to Justin again for keeping us on top of this.
Movie Maniac makes BIOGRAPHY
Justin wrote in to let us know that on A&E's excellent show Biography, they were covering Anthony Perkins and at the close of the show Host Peter Graves held up the Norman Maniac, spoke about it a little and contemplated what Tony might think of it.
Check out the Biography Website for info on listings and repeats.
12-17-99
Pinhead's future still Cloudy.
But it is getting clearer at least. Steve The Victim had this to say to all the rumorists on the Message Board.
You guys are jumpin' the guuuuuuuuuun! I told you we're workin' on it, and progress IS being made, but we already have 6 figures AND a boxed figure for series 3. Pinhead, I'd love for him to be in 3, but I seriously doubt it, at this point anyway!
Well, at least 2 good things come from this. Confirmation that Series 3 IS complete along with the final Mysterious figure and whoever the Boxed set may be, and also some hint that the Pinhead license may be slowly untangling after all. We can always hope.
12-16-99
News News News
Pinhead a possibility?
Now I know I don't usually post rumors, but this one I just had a feeling about.
Rumors are growing insanely strong that Pinhead may indeed make it into Series 3. Hopefully we will get some word in today to confirm or deny this, but remember FOR NOW this is JUST A RUMOR!
Remember if this turns out to be true that you heard it here first!
This Snake's from LA
Steve the Victim has confirmed that the Snake Plissken will indeed be from the LA film. Exact details are not known, but the Stealth Suit and Trench coat Snake wore in the film are amazing looking and should make for a great figure. Steve has also admitted twisted surprises sealing with the Thing and Snake Figures. I personally would love to see Snake on a Motorcycle. Only time will tell what these surprises are because Steve is VERY tight lipped.
12-15-99
THE THING added to Series 3
Very little is known right now, but yesterday McFarlane Toys posted on their website that the creature from John Carpenters classic film THE THING will be a part of Movie Maniacs 3.
For those of you who don't know the thing, it is a very abstract and changing creature that should look amazing done by McFarlane. Which incarnation of the creature is to be made, we do not know yet.
Steve the Victim also said that there may be some more news today on MM3 and as soon as we hear it we will let you know. Hopefully we will get a clue on maybe what the rest of the line will contain.
It was also interesting how McFarlane relayed the news. The feature story was about Edward Scissorhands and The Fly being added to the line. Only these figures were highlighted and said to be added to the existing line of Snake, Ash and the Thing, as if it had been announced before.
It was also announced that McFarlane will be doing a line of figures based on the works of renowned artist H.R. Giger. For those of you who don't know, Giger is the man responsible for designing such creatures as the Alien in ALIEN, and The Creatures from the Species films. The figures will be based on one his specific works, more details as they come.
Lastly, this great shot of the Ed figure was posted on the site, it is not known yet if the Tree will be an accessory, but it sure makes for a nice pic. Just click on the pic below to check it out.
Special thanks to Santino for reporting this to us.
The Battle of the Toys BEGINS
Support the maniacs!
Over on the Toyfare website the first round of the Titanic Toy Tussle has begun. This is a contest set up in competition style brackets that pits the best of the best in the Toy world against each other.
We are proud to say Movie Maniacs is among the chosen and is pitted against the Starting Lineup series of figures in Round One.
Take a sec to head over to the site and cast your vote, not only for the Maniacs, but for your favorites as well. Both old and new toys are included and it is a lot of fun! We will be keeping you posted week by week on how the competition is going.
Special thanks to Justin for bringing this to our attention.
Freddy and Jason Invade Matchbox.
These were reported to me from someone who saw them on Ebay. I have not seen or heard of them but the look great.
Each set consists of a plastic figure on top of a Matchbox car. Jason's is an RV from Camp Crystal Lake and Freddy's is a Springwood Boiler Maintenance Van with Claw marks.
I am look for more info, but the best I can say right now is get out there and look. Let me know if you find anything, I have yet to see them myself in person.
Special thanks to XC for the info and Foriegner for the pics.
12-8-99
Jason/Freddy Set now available to order through KB KIDS.COM.
It is priced at a very surprising and reasonable $19.99 and if you order $30 worth of stuff before Dec.12 You get Free Shipping. They also have some other great deals including other Maniacs, so check em out.by clicking the Pic above or the link Below.
New Discussion Board
Well, I have always been against having a discussion board since it is a lot to keep up with, but due to the sudden outbreak of complaints on the Spawn board about people talking about Maniacs, I figure it may be needed.
Now you have a board where you can talk about nothing BUT Maniacs and other related figures. Please try not to abuse the board as a general discussion forum for everyday conversation and such. Keep it on Topic such as the Toys, The films, or related areas.
There are Moderators who will be cleaning the board up and filtering out unnecessary or inappropriate posts so be good and Enjoy!
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE BOARD.
12-7-99
HOBBY XPRESS Blowout Sale
For the Month of December our good friends at Hobby Xpress are slashing the prices of their Series 2 Maniacs. They have plenty available so if you have been looking for them everywhere with no luck, then take advantage of this sale while it lasts. They make great Christmas gifts.
Also, they now have the Deluxe Headless Horseman Boxed set in as well.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT HOBBY XPRESS!
Newsbites
Matt writes in and tells us that Maniacs are showing up at Some Wal-Marts.
If you scroll down to the Search engine at the bottom of the page, you will see a new list called the Horror 100, We invite you to show your appreciation for the page by clicking on it to vote for us.
Matrix and Buffy the Vampire Slayer figures are also now out and have been seen at Media Play and Suncoast stores for those of you who may be interested
Lastly, Luke writes in to tell us that rumors are flying that the Ash figure WILL HAVE removable hands including the Chainsaw. Not a Big shock, but still nice to hear, even if it is still a rumor.
SEND US NEWS
We would love to hear from you. I apologize for the delay in updates but not that much has been going on, plus with Christmas season and all. Let us know if you hear anything good and we will give you credit on the page
THANKS
11-30-99
UPDATE:Jason vs
Freddy set BACK ON TRACK
Just got in this news from Steve the Victim of McFarlane
Toys.
Hey Gang, The Jason and Freddy 2 pak,
along with the MGS 2 pak, will now hit the shelves within the next 2 to 3 weeks. The Paul
and Ol' Fred will be shipping around the same time also. Thought you might want to know!
=c)> The Freddy and Jason will come in the collector case with all their accessories
and be mounted on a new base.
The Snake and Meryl 2 pak, also in the
collector case, will come with a special backround that's designed to be a storage area
for their weapons. It's very nicely sculpted to fit into the back 3 panels of the case.
Each cut out is labeled for each weapon. The wall is made to look like it came right out
of the game.
Sounds like exciting stuff to look forward to! I will keep you informed.
11-29-99
Praise for McFarlane Collectors Club
When I sent off my order I included a request that the Cards be in the best shape possible since they were to keep on card for collectability,
Today I got in my Series 1 Maniacs from the McFarlane Collectors club and I was amazed to see hardly a crease on any of the cards, they are absolutely mint. So if you are buying them to keep closed, you may want to include a similar request and be nice about it. They also were nice enough to send me a refund check because I accidentally overpaid. The Terry Fitzgerald figure is also very nice. I look forward to ordering more from them soon.
If you are still waiting to order you Series 1 Maniacs you better hurry because time is running out.
11-27-99
NEW SERIES 3 PICS!!!
These our shots from the Mid Ohio Con courtesy of our good friends at the RTM
There is a first look at the Fantastic looking Edward Scissorhands. prototype as well as the brand new 18" Michael Myers. There is also a couple of new shots of the Fly.
Just click on any of the above shots for a bigger image.
Again thanks goes out to RTM, Luke and all the others who helped bring us the news.
11-25-99
McFarlane At Mid Ohio Con this weekend, WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!
The good guys from McFarlane will be attending the Mid Ohio Con this weekend and if you are going or live in the area, we desperately need reports, pictures, stories, etc. We will be most appreciative and of course give you full credit on the page!
Brand new figures are expected to be on display but it is not known exactly which ones. Expect new Austin Powers, Movie Maniacs, and others.
For more info check out the Mid Ohio con website by Clicking Here.
Here is the official report from the page. Thanks to NEO for bringing this to my attention.
McFarlane Toys will be at the Mid-Ohio con again, this time displaying some upcoming figures from their 2000 line. You'll see two-up prototypes of their Austin Powers 2 line and some figures from next Halloween's Movie Maniac 3 line. Steve Hamady from the McFarlane Design Group will be on hand to give a talk on how a figure is made at 11:30 Saturday morning. He'll also be in the booth to review sculpts and give tips for anyone interested in a career in sculpting.
The McFarlane Toys Collector's Club will be selling exclusive figures not available in any store, including the light-up display cases and Terry Fitzgerald figure. You can also sign up for a FREE membership in the Collector's Club
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Hope you are all having a wonderful Holiday with your families, and remember, no mater how heated the arguments get, it's nothing compared to watching all the Maniacs fight over who gets to carve the Turkey!
11-23-99
Remember Where You Saw it First!
Those were the closing lines of the intro to this article in Toyfare Magazine that has had me a little uneasy since reading it.
The article is on figures from films that they would like to see made into toys. Sound familiar yet? If not, just wait.
They analyze each figure by giving a brief description of who the figure is and why they should be made. Still not enough?
They then say what would be cool for the figure to come with, and then cite other figures and items that would be good to say..go that extra mile.
Finally they speak on the likelihood of the figure getting made.
With acknowledgement to Dennis Miller, I don't want to get off on a rant here but do I think Toyfare is ripping me off, well, no. I won't say it's brain surgery, but their format does follow my own quite closely, and it brings to the surface a common underlying paranoia of doing a webpage. People ripping off your stuff.
Now some people ask and that's cool. Permission is a big winner in my book. But who's to say if some uninspired person a little higher on the chain than you surfs the web and likes your Ideas, what is really there to keep them from pirating your stuff?
I love Toyfare Magazine, it's exactly why I feature it monthly. The only real problem I have with the article is that closing line. Remember where you saw it first. That's where they cross the line because they are not just ripping off me, but all of the fans who made it happen to get Ash made!
I am just one of many, and all I did was host the petition, but all you readers, all you great guys on the Spawn Board, we are all who made it happen.
So, I ask you, if you feel the same way, to take a small minute and write the great guys at Toyfare and please keep it nice. They didn't mean any harm and you win more flies with honey. Just let them know that the fans are the one who got Ash made, and if anyone deserve credit, it's us.
You can E-Mail them at ToyFanFare@aol.com
Be sure to relay the message to the articles writer James A. Walker.
Or if I am completely out of line, let me know, Click the pic of the article above to read and decide for yourself.
11-20-99
This IS NOT McFarlane's Ash!
Ok,
this is an experiment of sorts, you see, if I didn't say anything I would be plagued with
E-Mails saying Toyfare has a picture of McFarlane's new Ash, which is fine in principle
because you guys help me out and I want to encourage you to report what you see and hear.
This however could turn ugly. The Figure to the right is used in the latest issue of Toyfare for a section that highlights figures they would like to see and they think would make good Toys (Gee, where have I heard THAT before.) The figure is credited as being made by a dude name Scott Fensterer who did a great job. So good in fact that this will fool a lot of unperceptive people into thinking this is the real deal. I just wanted you guys to hear it hear first so maybe it would soften the blow.
I have MUCH more to say on this issue and article, but it is late now and I wanted to get this up.ASAP.
11-19-99
McFarlane and Burton CHAT LIVE on AOL and Sign at FAO TONIGHT.
"Sleepy Hollow" director Tim Burton and Emmy
award-winning producer Todd McFarlane, founder of McFarlane Toys, will be at FAO Schwarz
in Manhattan on Friday, Nov. 19 for a special product signing
and online chat for the new Paramount Pictures' release "Sleepy Hollow,"
starring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci, which opens nationwide that day. The online chat
will run on America On-Line (AOL) from 8:30 to 9 PM (keyword: LIVE), followed by a signing
from 9 to 11 PM.
Burton and McFarlane will sign purchases of McFarlane Toys' new line of highly detailed
and accessorized "Sleepy Hollow" action figures.
We have some GREAT new fonts sent to us by LUKE. They are in the Style of The Crow and SCREAM.
CLICK HERE to check them out.
If you have any cool movie fonts or something you think would look great on our download page, please feel free to
Time Burton made an appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brian last night and they showed a most interesting clip.
Conan claimed the censors or the ratings board would not allow them to show a clip of the Horseman in action so Conan being the sport he is, made his own clip consisting of the Deluxe Horseman set riding along swinging his sword and dragging the tree behind him. His victim, an overconfident Mr.T doll who met the fate of the horseman's other victims.
Sleepy Hollow Hits theaters TODAY! Go check it out!
11-16-99
Newsbites
Above is a scan of an ad featured in the latest issue of Fangoria Magazine for the new Spencer Gifts 18" Collector Dolls. So Far only Leatherface and the new Michael Myers have been spotted in stores. I believe Jason is to be released next and then Ghostface. These are great collectors dolls, that are a little rough on looks but they make up for it in overall coolness with new poseability and unique sounds Also in the ad is a coupon for 15% off one of the dolls which most definitely takes a little edge off the $35 price tag.
Just click on the pic for a bigger view.
Thanks to The 13th Member for this scan.
This shot of Ghostface with his Variant poster comes from the Spencer Gifts Website, I just thought you guys might like to see another shot of it.
These are really turning up everywhere now, and don't seem to be that hard to find at all.
Want to make your Sleepy Hollow figures part of the Movie Maniacs line? Well we have all you need.
Below are links to 2 shots of the Sleepy Hollow Movie Posters sized to fit in a Movie Maniacs Marquee stand. Just download the pic and print it out, remove the poster from any stand you don't like or have an extra of such as Species, remove the extra glue and insert your new poster. I hope to replace these with somewhat better quality ones soon, but these do fine for now.
11-11-99
The Search is on
Hey guys, We have a rather cool new feature here. Scroll down to the bottom, just before the archives and you will find out new search engine. If there is any piece of past news you are looking for, just scroll down and search for it.
We have also added all the exciting news and events of the past couple of months into the new Crypt, you will find that at the bottom of the page as well.
The 13th Member sent us
this pic he found on an Ebay auction of the brand new Spencer's Collectors Edition
Leatherface 18" Doll we reported on yesterday. Just click on him for a bigger
image.
We also have a new poll up we need your help with. To check it out CLICK HERE.
T-Craig tells us that the Sleepy Hollow cases he got were all 2 of each. Either way they shouldn't be too hard to find.
Also, HOBBY XPRESS is now selling the Sleepy Hollow Figures, if you are looking to order them
Just CLICK HERE to check em out.
11-10-99
Webmasters Found Alive, Updates Continue.
Bet some of you were wondering where the heck we were. First let me apologize for the serious lack of updates. I have been trying to develop several projects including a new page called 3F featuring McFarlane's Feature Film Figures line. Don't worry though, this page isn't going anywhere and is still top priority. I would just like to explore some of the other great lines such as Sleepy Hollow and Austin Powers and I am sure some of you would like to see me cover some other stuff too.
Well, first off, Maniacs have been spotted showing up at K-Mart finally, and also at Hot Topic Stores. For those of you not familiar with Hot Topic, it is a Goth store usually located in local Malls.
SLEEPY HOLLOW pics are now up, you can check them out by CLICKING HERE. They will be available on the new 3F page, which I hope to have a preview of up soon. Case assortments from Sleepy Hollow seem Fairly Balanced. I have 2 different reports which makes sense since there is probably 2 different cases. Assortment 1 breaks down with 1 Crone, 2 Ichabod's, and 3 Horseman. Assortment 2 breaks down to 2 Crones, 3 Ichabods, and 1 Horseman.
Thanks to ED for help with this.
Since I feel that Sleepy Hollow could Qualify as Maniacs, I will be posting a couple of shots of the Posters so you can make your own Movie Maniacs Marquee's for Sleepy Hollow. Those should be up in a day or two with more detailed instructions.
The new series of Spencer Gifts 18" Collectors Dolls are showing up little by little. Included in the Series are a New Michael Myers, Leatherface with Chainsaw Revving Sound, Ghostface, and Jason.
Just to clarify these ARE NOT Movie Maniacs figures, but large 18" Collectors Dolls from Spencer Gifts.
The dolls, unlike the first series, are now poseable and all feature a sound of some sort when you squeeze them. They are the perfect companion for Tickle me Elmo ;^)
There is also an ad in the Latest Fangoria featuring the dolls and a 15% off coupon. You can also up the discount by getting a Wild N Crazy Card from your local Spencers ahead of time. It doesn't cost a thing and gives you a little extra edge off the $35 price.
We also have another great shot of the upcoming Fly Maniac from the Chiller Theater Convention. This nice profile shot comes to us courtesy of Zachariah.
Well, hopefully this has tided some of you over for now. I promise to try not be so slack with the Updates next time.
Special Thanks to ANGURIS 12 for pulling me out of my Creative Flux to put something up here, and also for letting me know for all you guys who are still looking for Eve and Patrick, Babbages/Software Etc. Stores have them on Clearance for around $4.99. Prices may vary by store.
Take Care everyone!
11-5-99
Bride of Chucky Pics Up
We got the Bride of Chucky set yesterday and have some great scans up on the page.
CLICK HERE to check them out.
also SLEEPY HOLLOW has been released, we should have scans up by tomorrow.
11-4-99
The Workshop
A new Workshop has been posted featuring suggestions for Boxed sets and Creature packs.
We have also added a couple of more SCREAM Items to the Ghostface page and Michael Myer's Sticker to His page. Special thanks to LOYAL FAN for the latter.
11-3-99
Bigger and Badder
Today we heard word from Chet of Team McFarlane on plans for McFarlane to make Huge 18 inch versions of Jason, Freddy, and Michael Myers.
They will be all new sculpts and have a tentative release date of Fall 2000.
We will post more on this when as we hear about it.
Well, I did my little post Halloween Shopping Spree as usual and came across some great Items. I am really into collecting Fun World's SCREAM stuff since it is the first Horror Flick in a while to be so heavily merchandised. I have added several Scream Items to Ghostface's Page.
CLICK HERE to check them out.
Sad news on the Movie though, I hear SCREAM 3 has been pushed back to February.
CHET being the good guy he is forwarded a copy of last Month's Rue Morgue Magazine to us and we now have the article and interview with Todd up.
It was a pretty good read, you get to see some of Todd's more personal thought's on the line, the concept behind it, and other interesting things such as a little more detail into the Pinhead situation and Todd's thoughts on Series 3.
CLICK HERE to Check it out.
Also, Check out Rue Morgue's Website.
11-1-99
SERIES 3 FIRST LOOK
THE FLY
What a way to kick off November
This is a pic from the CHILLER THEATER convention in Rutherford, NJ. Team McFarlane was there showing off some of there newest stuff including the first member of Series 3. THE FLY.
Other figures shown were many of the figures from the upcoming second wave of Austin Powers figures, and Rob Zombie.
Thanks to Randy at mercyfulfate.com for the use of the shots.
Thanks to KING 1313 for sending the pics our way and the others that let us know about them.
If you missed our special Halloween Greeting yesterday CLICK HERE to check it out. It was something that was sent to me and one of the Funniest things I have read in a while.
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