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In this chapter of “The Wall” we turn our attention back to a creation from Cast-A-Way Toys. Mr. Hyde here is another character from the “Creepy Classics” wave of very limited edition figures. Like the rest of this assortment only 20 of these guys were made and I was fortunate enough to pick one up. As will be the case when I revisit a company’s particular product, I will do my best to not be redundant and refer you to a previous chapter where certain aspects apply to the current subject matter. In a lot of instances Mr. Hyde here shares a lot of the same ups and downs as CAT’s Zombie. For those points I direct you to Chapter 6-
Now with that little piece of business handled let’s get to the down and dirty on this ugly sucka’ (again, in a good way) who’s hanging out on “The Wall”.
Point #1. What it is.
Point #2. Where it came from.
Point #3. The Good.
Lot’s of good things about this guy. First he is on a Cast-A-Way body which I do like and will recommend. The costume is well made factory pieces. I can’t rave too much about army green scrubs and a lab coat but I do applaud CAT for the quality. Also coming in a resealable clam shell is a really nice perk for me. Being that I’m a collector first and only take them out for an occasional look over or photo shoot this feature is great for keeping this figure in pristine condition for many years to come. The biggest “Good” point about Dr.Jekyll’s alter ego has to be hands down the head sculpt and simplistic paint application. As you can see in the mugshots below Hyde here was very well sculpted.
Point #4. The Bad.
Like all good things there are some bad. In the case of Hyde my only real gripe is the card art. Believe me it has nothing to do with Tim Baron’s work. Instead it has everything to do with the fact that it is too generic if you will. When I got Hyde and the Zombie in the mail I was all giddy seeing these two figures in the flesh. However it jumped out at me really quick that the card art was exactly the same. There was no distinction between the characters on either the front or the back. Again I’m not dissing the artwork at all, it is fabulous. But for CAT to not even add a name title for each individual character to me takes away from the specialness of this creation. I understand printing costs pretty well considering the nature of what I do for a living so I can understand the cost savings in doing 100 of the same verses 25 of each with only the slight modification. Still to me I would feel more confident in the perceived value if this one extra step had been taken.
Considering all of the low cost printing options these days if it were me I would have added die cut stickers stating the titles. Again I’m a graphic designer so I may have a forest for the trees / easier said than done situation so perhaps I’m being too picky but honestly I feel this lack of detail takes away from the overall figure and packaging which is otherwise great.
Point #5. Why I like it.
For whatever reason, I have gotten on a goofy, cartoon looking monster kick over the past year. This figure like many others on “The Wall” are there mainly because they make me giggle. This one here is no exception. Go back and look at the mugshots above and try not to laugh at this maniacal monsters expression. If you don’t laugh and I’ll pray that you eventually develop a sense of humor.
Point #6. Why you should or shouldn’t get one.
Why you should/ Why you shouldn’t:
The reason’s on both accounts in regards to this guy are exactly the same as with CAT’s Zombie so again I point you to Chapter 6 –
See, like I promised you, no unnecessary, bloated regurgitation of the same old facts here folks. That’s how I roll.
In Conclusion
The Cast-A-Way Toys Creepy Classic’s Mr. Hyde is indeed a fun figure to look at and a quality figure to pose and have do your bidding. If you can pick one of these up, go for it! It’s a neat and unique piece for any collection. Just don’t offer him corn on the cob through a picket fence. That REALLY upsets him.
Now, Go Play!
– Jim 04/08/11
Jim Bumgardner is a 20 year veteran of the broadcast industry and currently serves as the news director for television station TKO 8 in Harrison, Arkansas. Jim is the father of two the husband of one and firm believer in the power of toys for both the mind, body and soul. You can contact Jim via email at jimstoybox@gmail.com or visit his website at www.jimsmegos.com
All images and products are the sole copyrighted property of it’s respective owners. Specialty photographs and graphic work used for this article were done by Jim at the TKO 8 Studios located at 500 N. Main St in Harrison, Arkansas. “Little Jim” was created by Dawn O’Connell of Little Buddies Action Figures. Learn more about getting your own Little Buddy at www.littlebuddiesactionfigures.com
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