Background
JAKKS Pacific has a new series of mini figures. The S.L.U.G. Zombies (S.L.U.G. stands for Scary Little Ugly Guys) will bring back fond memories of M.U.S.C.L.E. men and Monster In My Pocket collectibles. Featuring various pop culture references, each Zombie features wacky names and stories (included on a Zombie Guide sheet).
They're already on Series 3 of the line, but for our review, we're going to take a look at a trio of figures from Series 2: Cleopatra Commin'Atcha, Blazin' Basel, and Mr. Jangles.
The Facts
S.L.U.G. Zombies
Series: Series 2
Manufacturer: JAKKS Pacific
Material: PVC Plastic
Dimensions: Around 2” tall
Points of Articulation: Zero
Designs: Zombies (Mash-Up Mike, Stu B' You, Grim Trekker, Macho Mangler, Flesh-Eatin' Phil, Andrew Agony, Mr. Jangles, Dr. Outbreak, Maximus Cadaverous, Teddy Terror, Jump-Shot Rot, and Cleopatra Commin'Atcha) Safehouse (Blazin' Basel, Buck Wilde, Captain Payback, and Gator Jones)
Pricing: $3.99 - 3 Pack (MSRP)
Packaging
The S.L.U.G. Zombies come packaged in three different varieties: Blind Packs, 3 Packs, and 12 Packs. We ended up getting a 3 Pack, which features a clear plastic bubble on a backer card. The bubble has a sticker with the series' logo on the front, and the card back has illustrations of all of the characters in the series.
Our Opinion
With their S.L.U.G. Zombies line, JAKKS Pacific is building on the renewed popularity of mini figures designed in the M.U.S.C.L.E. style. Retro is where it's at, since – I'll admit – most toy collectors are trying to relive their youth.
I think most designer toy collectors will see these figures and compare them to October Toys' Z.O.M.B.I.E.S. line. But other than the zombie theme, the two aren't similar.
The S.L.U.G. Zombies come in two colors – the zombies are green and the safehouse heroes are a flesh tone. That sets them apart from other M.U.S.C.L.E. inspired lines, which are often released in various color runs. Kids will probably like that it's easy to tell the good guys from the bad guys.
The chosen designs have a familiar feel to them. JAKKS Pacific has gone with both generic characters (sheriff, basketball player, fireman, etc.) and loosely based pop culture references (Cleopatra, Andre Agassi, Hulk Hogan, Crocodile Dundee, John Rambo/Snake Plissken, and Indiana Jones).
The trio of figures that we received are well sculpted (considering their size and pricing) and would fit in with any M.U.S.C.L.E. collection. They're super durable, as my two year old can attest to (the Zombies were having an all-out brawl). And whether you want to set them on a shelf or play with them...they're fun.
You can pick one up at the following:
Toys R Us, Target and Walgreens should all carry these
