The Movie Maniacs News Archive
1-1-00 through 2-2-00
2-2-00
Great Custom Ash
Delphar-7 sent in this great shot of his Custom Ash figure. The likeness and detail are very good.
I must say that I am quite pleased with the sudden arrival of people's custom pics, keep it up and we may just need a new section.
1-30-00
Extra Extra...Man puts foot in mouth
Many of you came to the page yesterday and read a little story I put up about Steve Denying Kong as the Boxed figure. Well, it turns out that I didn't follow my journalistic skills, and rapidly just threw the update on the page to have something about it up there. It turns out that I, and many others should have looked a little closer at the message.
The reader asked "Will King King be the boxed figure?" to which Steve replied "No, King King will most definitely not be the boxed figure.", playing off the Poster's misspelling. Many of us, myself included, read through it really fast and didn't notice the error. Therefore, I would just like to apologize to all of you and Steve for doing things so slapdash. I will try and be more careful in the future.
-Russ
1-29-00
Cool Custom Ghostface
Alan Trogdon was good enough to forward a shot to us of his great customized job of Ghostface with Real Cloth Costume. Just click the pic to see a bigger shot.
As always send in pics of your customs and we will feature them on the page if we like them.
1-27-00
And the hits just keep on coming
The details are just oozing out now. Today, Steve the Victim revealed that the Ash figure WILL feature interchangeable hands and will come dressed in the ripped blue shirt from the beginning of Army of Darkness, this has been a much debated and sought after question that I am now glad to say we know the answer to.
Also, there is a VERY informative interview with Todd McFarlane at ANOTHERUNIVERSE.COM
In it Todd speaks of his and McFarlane Toys Plans for the year 2000, including a lineup of 100 figures to be shown at this years Toy Fair next Month.
Most importantly to us though, it seems Todd has been hearing the cries of those who complain that figures such as Edward Scissorhands do not belong in Movie Maniacs. Here's what Todd has to say.
McFarlane is also thinking about expanding on his Movie Maniacs line. At present, he announced that he will be doing two--as the press release calls them--"classic horror/fantasy films of the 1930's [one possibly being King Kong--Editor]." When McFarlane was appearing with Tim Burton for his Sleepy Hollow line, he was also displaying a model of Burton's Edward Scissorhands. At the same time, McFarlane admitted that Edward didn't sit very well with the usual Movie Maniacs figures such as Chucky, Jason Vorhees or Freddy Kreuger. As such, he was thinking of taking Edward out of the Maniacs line and creating a new one around him.
"We're still talking about that," says McFarlane. "We've got Edward down as a Movie Maniac for right now. Depending on whether we get a couple of contracts through or not, then we'll decide if we're going to open up that new line. Like with Shaft, can you put him with King Kong and set up a Movie Classics line? That's something we're considering. For right now though, we're sort of leaving them where they are for right now. Edward can go either way."
We also get the nod from the Editor of the Article that he has heard the possibility of Kong also. Steve would not answer, confirm or deny any such questions having to do with Kong today on the Spawn board so that is also a good sign.
To check out the complete article CLICK HERE.
Many people have been disappointed with the Idea of Kong being the Boxed figure and I don't understand why, except in the case that many of these people are young and just aren't in touch with the classics due to their age. Seeing how McFarlane has done with Cy-Gor, I personally can't wait or Kong.
Also, from the latest advance order catalog of Another Universe.com, we finally see someone offering the Dawn of the Dead figures. The bad news is right now they are onle being sold as a case, however, since American Retailers seem to be getting them, there is a good chance we will see more of them in stores and catalogs in the coming year. We will of course keep you posted.
If you would like to order Dawn of the Dead Cases from Another Universe and can't make out the item code, it is TYDAWNDC
Head to AnotherUniverse.com to order and tell them Movie Maniacs sent you.
1-26-00
The Floodgates open
Some called me a liar, they said there was no way. The company even went to great lengths to dispel it, and what happened in the end? I didn't let you guys down.
Yesterday McFarlane posted the full monty on the upcoming Series 3 including all carded figures and their accessories. More importantly though, they confirmed my much debated news of a month or so ago when I posted the story that there would a second THING figure.
After all this melee and cloak and dagger by McFarlane, I can't help but feel a little offended that they went to such great lengths to dispel us. To me there was no surprise, and actual a little contempt after all is said and done. We'll all get over it though when you read the details of this great line of figures.
So without further adieu, I give you the STATS on MOVIE MANIACS SERIES 3, as provided by McFarlane Toys.
The Thing, version II, will be the sixth figure for the Movie Maniacs III line in 2000. Based on John Carpenter's remake of the classic 1951 sci-fi/horror flick, the monster in "The Thing" had no real form (it took the shape of whatever it consumed). So McFarlane Toys has created two separate action figures based on crucial scenes in the film.Ash, the swashbuckling anti-hero from Sam Raimi's "Army of Darkness." Ash will be packaged with a mini-evil Ash from the film, a shotgun, chainsaw, gauntlet glove and the Book of the Dead.
As you see, there is no mention of a Boxed figure. Apparently with the THING news getting out early, they figure they would throw us a much appreciated bone but keep a secret or two for Toy Fair which is understandable, after all we still have all the great pics to look forward to.
However, in light of recent events, such as you guys getting pretty peeved with me for not saying who the boxed figure is, I have decided to lay my cards on the table. If I'm right again, superb, I hope you have that much more faith in me and the site. If I'm not, then I hope you guys can forgive me, although if I am, I am still betting what I say was at least planned, but I feel fairly confident now.
Enough crap, according to my source, who also filled me in on the Second THING, The Boxed Figure for MM3 is...
King Kong
Take it as you will, I myself am very excited!
Hopefully now, I will at least start hearing from you guys again, head over to the board and let us know you thoughts.
Oh, and for you guys who hate my hints...
3F is coming Friday February Fourth
Who's the Black Private Dick, Who may be on your Toy Shelves soon?
SHAFT!
That's right, McFarlane is negotiating for several Toy line properties right now and one if them is the John Singleton's new film SHAFT RETURNS starring Samuel L. Jackson. The film is based on the Cult Classic from the 70's starring Richard Roundtree.
All I have to say is this figure would be a bad Mutha SHUT YO MOUTH!
Hey, I'm just talking about Shaft.
(sorry I couldn't resist)
The other toy line is South Park which I find odd because creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone claimed the one thing they would never merchandise would be action figures because the characters are so rotund that they wouldn't be able to do much. Then again, it wouldn't be the first time McFarlane worked wonders.
Hey, wouldn't Shaft be a great part of a new ACTION LINE???
1-21-00
The Freddy and Jason Figures with Cars have now been added to the page. They are mostly being found at Target right now. They are overpriced at $9.99 apiece but are very cool nonetheless. They are a great new collectable to have.
Others in the Series are The Mask and I Dream of Jeanie, but Freddy and Jason are the main features of the line. Hopefully more will follow.
CLICK HERE to check them out.
GET READY TO SCREAM
In Celebration of the Final Chapter of the Scream Trilogy being released MOVIE MANIACS will soon begin it's first contest, THE SCREAM TRIVIA CHALLENGE.
Those who dare will face a grueling challenge, answering 10 questions spanning the 3 films. Anything in the Scream Universe is FAIR GAME so start doing your Homework. There will also be a bonus question to serve as a bridge in case a regular question is missed.
The winner will be drawn from a collective of people who answered all 10 correctly. Those who get all 10 and the Bonus will Double their chances of winning. Please enter only once! Repeat mails will be disqualified.
The Grand Prize is a Movie Maniacs 2 GHOSTFACE Action figure with the Ghostface poster.
Hey, I know it's not much, but this is out of my own pocket for YOU the readers. I don't get corporate hand-outs like other sites (although I wouldn't mind.)
Stay tuned to Movie Maniacs as the contest will begin Friday February Fourth, the day Scream 3 hits theaters. There will also be another new addition that day and if you look at the date you can figure it out. No, it's not the mystery figure but that is coming VERY SOON!
Pull out those movies and Start watching!
1-17-00
McFarlane Refuses Bond in favor of Sleepy Hollow
Some shocking news from the latest issue of Toyfare. Apparently McFarlane Toys was offered the opportunity to do figures of James Bond, but passed in order to do Sleepy Hollow
McFarlane says of his reasoning:
"It was either it or James Bond and I turned James Bond away. It's tough for me to sell a guy in a suit. A guy with a severed head, I can do him, That one makes sense to me."
I was rather disappointed that both lines couldn't be done as I have been a big supporter of McFarlane doing Bond, especially after seeing the Metal Gear Solid line. McFarlane's motives may also be understood when he claims people think he is a sellout for doing Blockbuster movies, he claims he didn't see Sleepy Hollow as a sure fire hit. Personally I haven't really heard anyone call him a sellout for doing great movie figures.
Let's hope Todd will rethink this in the future and there maybe hope for 007 yet. After all, there was a time not so long ago where Todd strongly claimed to have no interest in doing an Ash figure.
Bond would be a definite inclusion in the new Action Line I am campaigning for. If you would like to hear more or sign the petition please click here to check it out.
If you haven't yet visited the SCREAM 3 Website, you should really take a minute to check it out.
It is a very smart campaign, having the site be the fictitious Homepage of Sunrise Studios, which is a Hollywood Studio primarily famous for producing Horror films. They are also the Studio responsible for the STAB movie within a movie in the Scream films. There are on set reports from the latest STAB movie as well as a thorough background on the studio's films. Many of them amusing! Just try and figure out all the suttle jokes and plays on past movie names. Media Sensation Gale Weathers even has her own website now.
The 3rd chapter takes place on the set of STAB 3 at the fictitious Sunrise Studios and terror runs rampant on the set as Ghostface uses the familiar aspects of the Studio to unleash his latest reign of Terror on Sidney, Dewey, Gale, Cotton, and a whole new cast of victims.
Who is Under the mask? Who will live, Who will Die, Who will get the final SCREAM.
Find out when Scream 3 closes out the Trilogy February 4th.
3F Still on the way
After much deliberation, I am happy to announce that 3F is still coming. It will be a little different form than before but still the same for the most part.
I have decide, at least for now, not to cover lines such as the Beatles or others that I don't buy myself. This may change in the future, especially if I get more people willing to help out by sending in their personal high quality scans of their figures that I may not have. This will be key. Starting off though 3F will feature Movie Maniacs, Austin Powers, X-Files and The Matrix by WB Toys. While the page will feature McFarlane Toys, I have decided not to limit it to just that.
Look for 3F to go online very soon.
1-13-00
Evil Dead on the rise again
IGN has a great update on the New Evil Dead game "Ashes to Ashes".
There you will find detailed reports of the gameplay and quality as well as a few nice screenshots taken from the demo. This game is going to be HOT and a true ED fans dream!
Special thanks to JASON for pointing it out.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Toy Fair is just a few short weeks away and we desperately need someone to send us news, pics, info, and reports.
If you will be going to Toy Fair this year and wouldn't mind helping us out, please
For more info about Toy Fair and How to attend, please visit the TOY FAIR WEBSITE
A Request from Russ
I have been getting good response on the Action Poll so far, but I really must ask that you not send Ideas to the petition address.
This address is solely for keeping all the names and addresses on file and sending in other mails makes a lot more work for us.
Please keep your ideas for now, because when the time comes we will need them.
Thanks!
YOU BE THE JUDGE!
Ok, here we go, I hope I have everyone's attention.
As many of you know, Toy Fair is just a month away. McFarlane will be displaying all of their new lines for 2000 including Movie Maniacs 3. The COMPLETE LINE is expected.
Steve has said just recently that they finally locked down the boxed set, and are working very hard to get a sculpt done for Toy Fair.
Now here comes the tricky part. Starting today I will run a Poll letting you choose whether or not you want me to release the info on who the boxed figure is. I have already said who the 6th Maniac is and Many of you called me a liar, didn't believe me, and really put me down and that was just reporting what another site had.
I want you to think long and hard before you cast your vote. I am very sure of my source, but there is always a margin of error and things change. Therefore, if my information happens to be incorrect I don't want any of you to say I lied or made it up, or I'm spreading rumors. I know you as fans want to know just as bad what this mystery figure is.
That's not all though, If it's not asking too much, it would really appreciate it, if you see someone saying anything about me that's exaggerated, blown out of proportion, or just altogether wrong please stick up for me. Whether on my board or the Spawn board, or anywhere else.
I'm not saying it's 100% right, but I am saying it is quite possible. Hopefully after all is said and done and Toy Fair gets here I can finally relax a little and stop being so defensive. No matter what the outcome may be.
I will let the Poll Run for at least a couple of weeks, maybe longer. I want to hear from as many people possible so talk to people on other boards and get them to vote as well. If it starts going one sided after a couple of weeks maybe I will start posting clues again.
So without further ado, let your voices be heard.
1-11-00
Let's Take ACTION
It's petition time again. It's a brand new year and I was so impressed at the Power of the fans when our voices were heard to get Ash Made, that I have decided to take the next step on a line many of us have been wanting and dreaming of for a while now.
Just CLICK HERE for more.
Comments on Commentary
This is just a little something I wanted to run by everyone for response.
Orac, my partner here at Base 37 and Webmaster of America's Queen had a revolutionary Idea recently which we capitalized on.
We are big DVD fans and nothing aggravates us more than a lack of Extras, including Commentary. So Orac had the Idea for us to sit down and make fan commentary since we possessed some unique knowledge of the films.
Our first film we did was Beautiful Girls, one of our favorites. I know it doesn't exactly fit into the realm of taste here, but that's the catch. We had such a good time we want to do more and do all manners of film for both sites. Please take some time if you can to visit the page linked below and check out some of our commentary. Tell us if you like it, hate it, or want to here more of it. Any comments would be appreciated,
CLICK HERE to Check it out.
1-6-00
THING figures possibly Round out Series 3
Ok, I admit I have known about this in a vague form for a little while but I wanted to wait until I had more details before I posted anything. Today I got it.
In news, sure to pi$$ off many people and excite others, especially Carpenter fans, There will be multiple figures for The Thing in Movie Maniacs Series 3. 3 incarnations are said to be made according to GOREZONE today.
The Head with the Spider Like legs, The Blair Creature from the end, and Norris on the operating table after full transformation are said to be the 3. Most likely they will be packaged as 2 different figures from the line, the head coming with one of the other incarnations. That is just speculation though.
I also believe that this is what was meant when it was stated that part of the line was related to another. I still believe the Boxed set to be a completely unrelated figure unless it turns out that one of these incarnations is made big enough to box. No confirmation on that though.
As I said before I know this news will disappoint many people, but I myself am very excited. If you haven't seen the film, go check it out before you complain and see just how great these figures will be. There is also a great Collectors Edition DVD out there for rent and sale. Watch the flick before you complain. and remember it is a very difficult thing these guys at McFarlane do trying to acquire rights to figures. They need to get started on them by certain times in order not to delay production and sometimes you have to go with what you have. So remember, hopefully there will be a Series 4 and some of your bigger names will hopefully headline.
For this and other great news from the real of Horror and Sci Fi, visit GOREZONE.
Special Thanks to Paul Edwards for sending this alert our way!
Clues on Hold
Now before you all get mad at me, remember that I try to do the best job I can for you guys. In that respect I make it a point to hardly ever post anything I don't know to be true. If I do I make it known that it is so. That coupled with some circumstances that have arisen forces me to check my facts and make sure I'm not leading you down the wrong path.
I am still very positive on my source, I think either McFarlane is leaking false info to find leaks or else they are pulling a big denial scenario to throw people off.
After I check a couple of things out I hope I can continue to post clues. I know most of you are having fun with it and so am I.
Thanks for understanding!
-Russ
Coolness Defined.
Fome
Boy sent in this cool shot and the below URL.
For those of you who may not know this is one of the original Good Guy Dolls used in Childs Play, or possibly Childs Play 2. A Very cool thing that I myself have never seen.
Before you get too excited though, the $3500 price will probably kill your hopes pretty fast. Still it would be a cool thing to own. Thought I would share it with you guys.
To check out the full deal CLICK HERE.
1-4-00
Again and Again
Wow, all the E-Mail from you guys has been great. It is nice to be on the receiving end of the guesses for once. Lots of great Ideas from you guys as well as some completely off the wall ones. Keep em coming, but remember, I will not E-Mail anyone extra clues or reveal who the mystery figure is anywhere but here.
I should clarify that the figure I am giving clues to is the Mystery Boxed figure and not the final Maniac in the line. I have heard that as well, but am not clear enough on it to give any clues yet.
Ok, here is the Clue for today.
Our Mystery figure has been around the Block. This Character has starred in several sequels.
I hope this is just as much fun for you as it is for me, but just a warning, it could end at any time. I don't know when McFarlane will actually announce the figures. I figured they would wait until Toy Fair, but with growing inquiry, they may be forced to post it early. Then our fun must end :^(
Until then keep checking back for more clues.
1-3-00
A Clue A Clue A Clue
(gesundheit)
Well, the mail has been pouring in, I guess most of you just can't resist taking a chance on writing me to see if I will clue you in on who the Mystery figure is. Well, I'm not. Not until the right time that is. Mail is always appreciated, but requests to know won't be answered. Sorry. But hey, cheer up because here's another clue for you.
The Mystery Figure IS NOT a female
1-1-00
Guess who's in the Box
Welcome to the New Millennium!
In the coming weeks you will begin to see some changes to the look of Movie Maniacs, but don't worry, all your favorites will remain.
We are pleased to announce that we have a piece of news that is worthy of being the very first story of Y2K.
We have learned from what we believe to be a very reliable source, who the mystery Boxed figure for Series 3 and I must say we are impressed and very excited!
Since this is a sensitive issue right now with McFarlane and News has been slow coming, we will be torturing you over a short period of time with a clue every so often. We haven't decided how long it will be between clues but you can probably look for one every couple of days.
Today's Clue is that it is not a character I have ever heard mentioned to me before, it is not even one I had thought of for the line, but I felt like an idiot for that when I heard of it.
Since it is the brand new day of a brand new Millennium and we have lot's of great changes coming, we will give you a bonus clue.
It's not a set (at least not in the typical sense) This is a Headlining Action figure!
MORE TO COME!
We have also compiled the final news of 99 into a new Archive.
Click Here or at the Bottom of the page to check it out.
THE CRYPT
The Movie Maniacs News Archives
News --- Figures --- FAQ --- Poll --- The Workshop --- Buy --- Price Guide --- Downloads
