Background

Strangekiss and artist David Lanham chose one artist to work his magic on their Zog vinyl figure – Frank Kozik.  The Zog Murder Edition uses Kozik’s bloody Redrum color scheme on the previously cute character.  The rotocast vinyl figure was first made available (in limited quantities) at San Diego Comic Con and has since been released.

This version is described as “the evil alter ego of the nice Zog”.  If you’re interesting in reading the background story of the character, you can check out our review of the Standard Zog.

Packaging

The Standard Zog and the Murder Edition are packaged in different box designs.  While the inside packaging and window front are the same, the outer package has been designed by Frank Kozik.  Blood-splattered, the box does not have the Zog story (or much writing at all) on it.

The Figure

The Zog Murder Edition is about 7” tall by 8.5” wide.  The rotocast vinyl figure has two points of articulation, at the shoulders.  It has a bottom jaw that is somewhat soft and can be flexed (if you would like to use Zog in your ventriloquist act).  All of the bumps on the head, back and arms are sculpted in various sizes.  Other notables are sculpted chin stubble, back muscles, nails and “man boobs”.

The Frank Kozik designed figure is limited to a run of 200 pieces, although 30 of them went directly to Kozik subbers (those who have a toy subscription through Kozik).  The bottom of Zog’s feet are stamped with David Lanham and Kozik’s signatures and the edition number you have.

Our Opinion

If you’ve not yet read our review of the standard version of Zog, I’ll reiterate that I was very impressed by this figure.  It’s a very solid piece and the sculpting is well done.

Kozik’s Redrum paint scheme has been used on many different platforms, but I think the Murder Zog conveys that blood splattered look the best.  All of the red paint appears to have been pad printed on the vinyl, with the blood splatter work done exceptionally well.  It looks like someone shot up a white Zog with a paint gun.

So, I’m sure the big question is “Which Zog should I pick up?”  I rated the original version slightly higher because it better expresses the “cuteness” of the character.  Knowing that there is a huge Frank Kozik following (cult), they will absolutely love this colorway.

You can pick one up at the following:

Strangekiss: $99.95

Zog Murder Edition:

Quality: 10/10
Paint: 8/10
Packaging: 8/10
Durability: 9/10
Hype: 9/10
Fun Factor: 9/10
Value: 8/10

Overall: 9.5/10

Have this figure?  What do you rate it?