In the latest wave of Universal Monsters Select Figures from Diamond Select Toys, fans finally had a chance to own a true rival to the monsters. Unlike many of the designs in the series, Van Helsing is based on a completely original design by sculptor Jean St. Jean. The latest series also features a phenomenal Creature From The Black Lagoon and and all new Son of Frankenstein.
Today we have a gallery and review for the Monster Hunter Van Helsing Select Figure. You can find all of the Universal Monster Select Figures at DiamondSelectToys.com. After the jump you’ll find the review and 45 photos.
Monster Hunter Van Helsing Select Action Figure
Pros
- More articulation than I expected
- Strong classic design
- Lots of weapons
- Figure can actually store all included accessories
- Included figure base
Cons
- Can’t quite hold the shotgun properly
Overall
What a pleasant surprise Van Helsing turned out to be. It should come at no shock that the new Creature From The Black Lagoon is probably the best figure in this wave, if not the entire series of Universal Monster Select Figures. This series is a strong follow up and Van Helsing adds some great variety to the line up. There are two versions of this series out there. One is exclusive to Toys “R” Us, and one is exclusive to comic and specialty shops. The comic shop versions include larger themed figures bases. In this gallery, we have the comic shop version of Van Helsing.
Going with a completely original design was risky, as there was a chance it may not have matched up well to the style of characters designed some 70 years ago. However, having the figure in hand, I can see the risk definitely paid off for them. Van Helsing sports an insane amount of sculpted and painted detail. The head sculpt shows a battle tested monster hunter, complete with a scarred eye. The figure includes an attached backpack, which stores all of the included larger weapons. A holster on the belt can store his included pistol. Across the chest are a row of stakes, but those are sculpted in and cannot be removed.
The sculpting on the clothing is detailed and textured. DST made some really smart design choices here as the way this was sculpted hides some of the articulation and swivel points, giving it a nice seamless look. Articulation is where this figure excels. Arms swivel in three spots, while the legs have swivel joints in two spots. The legs can swing out as well as back and forth and the fully articulated ankles allow for solid balancing. There’s also articulation in the waist and neck.
The included figure base features more strong details. There are two peg spots to mount the figure onto the base. The sculpted succubus, tombstones and rock are all painted with great care. The base simply makes this the version to own. I’d say skip the TRU version as this is just a better value in my opinion. Now if I can just find a comic shop version of the Creature From The Black Lagoon (no luck so far), I’ll be set.
Van Helsing is available now and retails for about $25. Below you’ll find a few selected photos, with the full gallery after that.
*Disclaimer: Diamond Select Toys provided this figure for review purposes
Monster Hunter Van Helsing
Die you foul beast!
Use a bit of selective color
Van Helsing approaches the emerging vampiress.
Closer look at the included evil succubus.
Monster Hunter Van Helsing Select - Toyark Gallery
45 Photos available at the link above.
After doing some of the black and white photos, I'd love to see a black and white version of the figure. Would probably go great with the previous black and white UM figures.
Pretty awesome. This is what I'd like Van Helsing to be like in the new series of movies based on the classic monsters they're planning on doing. I hope it works out too because I liked Dracula Untold.
Finally found this last night. Gallery should be up later tonight. Amazing figure.
Full Thread: Van Helsing Select Photo Shoot
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