Some of Dark Shadows' most popular characters are due for the action figure treatment this summer, with the release of a new series of collectibles from Spectre Toys. Rick Phares is the driving force behind the range, and exclusively reveals what's in store...
I am a huge Dark Shadows fan! I grew up watching the show and it had an impact on me at an early age. I think that's why I've had this life-long interest in horror and fantasy. I remember rushing home from school every day and sitting in front of the TV set, totally enthralled. It was really cutting edge – vampires, werewolves, witches, ghosts... all on daytime television.
How did Spectre Toys come about?
I've worked in the toy and collectibles industry for many years, and few years ago I had a company, Majestic Studios, through which I released a few item, including three 1/6 scale Dark Shadows figures, which were very well received. The success of that line was very encouraging, but, due to my other consulting business, I found myself being spread very thin between two companies. I made the decision to focus on consulting, rather than try to release products through Majestic that I couldn't devote the right amount of time to. However, I never quite got rid of that desire to release my own products. Certain events over the past year have now enabled me to fulfill that desire and release products once again. I can now focus on Spectre Toys and devote the time needed to do it the way I always wanted to.
For the uninitiated, what are Mego-style of figures?
Mego was a very popular brand of 8-inch articulated figures with real cloth clothing released in the 1970s. It was known as being the first real action figure line, with numerous movie and TV characters issued as Mego figures. I'd always thought that Dark Shadows would have been a perfect line of figures, but sadly that never happened. In the past few years, EMCE toys has made that style of figure popular again, using the registered Mego-style body. Due to my consulting business, I had to opportunity to meet up with EMCE Toys and one thing led to another.
What's involved in getting a figure from concept to the finished product?
It's a lengthy and labour-intensive process. First is choosing the character, sculpting, prototyping the clothing with fabrics and getting licensor approvals. Then tooling and mould making, followed by actual production and further approvals. There's also packaging artwork and sales and marketing, and then the finished toys are finally shipped from China.
What are the plans for Dark Shadows figures beyond this initial wave?
We plan on releasing numerous figures in the coming years, including all of the most popular characters and some that may surprise even the diehard fans. We'll have Series 2 out later this year, around October or November, and will be at the San Diego Comic-Con this year with prototypes for upcoming figures. On display will be Quentin Collins, Josette DuPres, Dr. Julia Hoffman, Willie Loomis, and Adam!
That's quite a line-up. How are the characters chosen?
We wanted to start with popular characters to launch the line, then mix those with some others that may not be as high profile, but do have a following. We have a poll on our website, where fans can vote on what figures they would like to see released.
Did you have any personal faves you wanted to include?
I'd have to say Barnabas Collins, but the Chris Jennings werewolf is a very close second. I'm extremely pleased with how that figure's turned out. It really exceeded all our expectations and I'm confident fans and collectors alike will be very happy with it.
Chris is planned as a convention exclusive...
I'd like to take this opportunity to clarify some information on this figure. The Chris Jennings werewolf is a San Diego Comic-Con exclusive and we will be making 500 pieces available at the show. However, afterwards, we will have a limited number for sale on our site for fans and collectors that can't make it to San Diego. We want to make our figures collectible, but not impossible to get.
The Barnabas Collins, Angelique Bouchard and Werewolf figures are now available from Amazon. To order, click on the hyperlinked names.
2 comments:
These are fantastic and I have already ordered the first set of 2, and will get Chris Jennings when it's released as well.
In the meantime, I am trying to get my hands on one of the original 12-inch figures of Quentin Collins that were released about 5 or 6 years ago by Majestic Studios. Google searches and eBay have turned up nothing thus far. If anyone has a Quentin Collins that you want to sell/part with, please let me know. Or, if you have info as to where I may find one. I already have both Barnabas figures. (1795 and present day). Thanks in advance! Tracy
I agree with Tracy above, their fantastic for sure. I really love the detail works on "Barnabas & Angelique" that SPECTRE Toys along w/EMCE Toys have begun on the Classic CAST of DARK SHADOWS Classic Gothic/Horror TV show. I would like to see Don BRISCOE/Chris Jennings in Human likeness, too..'if possible. Thanks for bringing the legendary Dark Shadows Casting to life in this fine Spectre/EMCE figure's Collection: can't wait to see the finish detail works of Dr. Julia Hoffman, Quentin Collins, Adam etc.,. DARK SHADOWS has a treasure Cast of talents! Awesome interview w/the vintage Doll figure designer-maker RICK PHARES of SPECTRE Toys.
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