Over the last couple of years, NECA has brought classic movie monsters back to life as fully realized seven-inch action figures. From the enigmatic presence of Frankenstein’s Monster to the elusive Creature from the Black Lagoon, each piece faithfully recreates many of Universal’s pre-code critters, so they can lurk about the darkest corners of your collection as never before. Now, this frightfully good figure assortment, undoubtedly one of my favourite releases to come out of the New Jersey-based collectibles company, is marking the onset of 2024 by scaring up a childhood classic with the unveiling of the Monsterizer.
Once the pinnacle of Remco’s Universal Monsters line, the original Monsterizer playset arrived at retail in 1980. An ingenious reconstruction of Dr. Frankenstein’s lab table, the toy allowed kids to swiftly energize the glow-in-the-dark attributes of the line’s corresponding monster figures. Appearing as though plucked right out of James Whale’s 1931 masterpiece, the Monsterizer not only upped the playability of the Remco line but also stood as one of the most captivating playsets of the era. In fact, while the monster figures graced retail for just a couple of years, Remco’s Monsterizer continues to remain popular among collectors.
NECA’s Monsterizer pays tribute to the original with flashing lights, illuminating electrodes, and creaking gears. While it has been specifically designed to work with its line of glow-in-the-dark monster figures, the company says that this fantastic diorama piece can accommodate other seven-inch scale characters outside of that range. The Monsterizer also boasts a hinged electrode cage that opens and a lab table that extends when cranked. Additionally, fans can restrain their figures with easy-fasten straps, lower the cage, and flip the switch to activate the special Monsterizer beam. When the monsters emerge, they are fully charged and ready to prowl.
Once assembled, NECA’s Monsterizer measures an impressive 10-inches long and showcases glow-in-the-dark electrode rods, illuminated dials, four different lever-activated LED functions, and a convenient storage drawer for all your extra monster parts — something that’s certain to come in handy for those late nights in the lab.
A NECA Store exclusive in the United States, with an international release on the horizon, the Monsterizer is priced at $79.99 USD and is scheduled to begin shipping by March 2024.
Are you excited to add some retro flair to your Universal Monsters display this spring?
Watch a classic commercial for the original Monsterizer from Remco on the Toy Tales YouTube channel.
