Background
Monsters University is the 2013 released prequel to the immensely popular 2001 film Monsters Inc. Starring most of the same characters and voice talent as the first film, the story follows Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan as they begin classes in the scare program at Monsters U.
Hot Toys, which has the license to produce Cosbaby and MMS Vinyl figures based on the film, has released two different versions of the Mike and Sulley vinyl figure set from Monsters University. The first features Mike and Sulley in all of their nude monster glory. The Mike, Sulley and Archie Deluxe Set (the one we’re reviewing) features both Monsters University students dressed in their school jackets. It also includes Archie the Scare Pig, who was swiped from Monsters U rival - Fear Tech.
The Facts
Mike, Sulley, and Archie Deluxe Vinyl Set
Series: MMS Vinyl
Manufacturer: Hot Toys
Material: Vinyl
Dimensions: Sulley – 9”, Mike – 5”, Archie – 2”
Points of Articulation: Zero
Pricing: $149.99
Packaging
Hot Toys rarely lets folks down when it comes to the packaging of their collectibles. The front of the box features a plastic windowpane that allows you to view the figures as they should be displayed. And the rear of the box features an illustrated version of the characters in the same pose.
The interior packaging actually can be removed and used as a backdrop for the vinyl figures. It’s an illustrated version of the entranceway to the Monsters University campus.
Our Opinion
I recently watched Monsters University on Blu-ray. And while I enjoyed Monsters Inc., I actually thought the prequel was better. While Monsters Inc. was cute and touching, Monsters University was fun and entertaining. It’s pretty much the animated monster version of Revenge of the Nerds.
The Mike and Sulley of the Deluxe Set are based on the animated characters as featured on the Monsters University Soundtrack. Books, jackets…everything is the same. They recreated that look on the rear of the packaging and added in the stolen mascot from Fear Tech – Archie.
The set comes in three pieces, with each character sculpted as a separate piece. Mike, complete with retainer, is standing on a stack of his college textbooks. Sulley is sculpted to be leaning on Mike’s head, so it does look a little weird if he’s all by himself. On the other hand, Archie could easily be displayed on his own.
There’s no articulation on any of the figures, so this set is really more of a statuette than an action figure. All of the sculpting and paintwork on the figure is Hot Toys’ superior quality.
The only thing that I might change is Sulley’s eyes. He has a wide-eyed stare, and that makes him look a little less the animated Sulley from the Monsters films.
It’s fairly expensive for a vinyl collectible, although I’d probably categorize it as a statuette. The Original set is $129.99, while the Deluxe Set runs $149.99. The difference in price isn’t that great ($20.00). It really depends on whether or not you like the Monsters University jackets, since they’re not removable. Also, you only get Archie with the Deluxe Set. So that’s a big selling point.
You can pick one up at the following:
Sideshow Collectibles: $149.99
