Panel’s Chamber of Chills Toy Review: McFarlane Movie Maniacs Series 1
McFarlane Movie Maniacs Series 1
What’s up horror hounds? Today’s toy review is a personal one. We’re going back to 1998, when Todd McFarlane dropped his Movie Maniacs Series 1 line and completely changed the horror collectibles game.
At the time, horror toys were nearly nonexistent. McFarlane had already proved himself with Spawn and his sports figures, but here he leveled up: half the line dedicated to timeless horror icons, half to then modern shockers. Did it work? Well, let’s break it down tombstone by tombstone.
Leatherface – The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
This one’s the crown jewel of Series 1. McFarlane secured rights to the original film, not a random sequel, and it shows. The sculpt nails the grit, the box art is excellent, and the backdrop includes the classic theatrical poster. Chainsaw and hammer accessories keep it simple but perfect.
Score: 5 out of 5 tombstones.
Eve – Species II
Now here’s where things nosedive. McFarlane’s “modern horror” picks often felt like filler, and Species II is the prime example. Bland sculpt, forgettable backdrop, questionable accessory, and box art that doesn’t save it. It’s a figure that just… exists.
Score: 1 out of 5 tombstones.
Jason Voorhees – Jason Goes to Hell
My personal favorite character, but man — why this movie? Copyright battles meant McFarlane had rights to Jason Goes to Hell, arguably the weakest entry. Still, credit where it’s due: the sculpt rocks, the removable mask is killer, and the box art is strong. If only the backdrop was any other Friday the 13th poster.
Score: 4 out of 5 tombstones.
Patrick – Species II (Again?!)
Yes, you read that right — another Species II figure. Two in one wave. It’s baffling. Sculpt is uninspired, backdrop is dull, and the choice feels like a forced studio deal.
Score: -1 out of 5 tombstones.
Freddy Krueger – A Nightmare on Elm Street
Thankfully, the line closes on a high note. Freddy’s sculpt is razor-sharp, the backdrop uses the iconic poster, and the box art shines. The accessories? A removable fedora (great) and a “Mini Me” Freddy (weird but forgivable). Almost perfect.
Score: 5 out of 5 tombstones.
Final Verdict:
McFarlane Movie Maniacs Series 1 – 3 out of 5 tombstones.
The classics (Leatherface, Jason, Freddy) are absolute must-owns for any horror toy collector. But the double dose of Species II drags the line down like an anchor at Crystal Lake. Still, this series deserves its legendary status for opening the coffin lid on horror collectibles.
👉 What do you think? Was Series 1 a masterpiece despite its flaws, or do the Species II figures kill the momentum?
For more horror classics, explore our Chamber of Chills reviews.
This article is a fan/collector review. Images of the Movie Maniacs figures, packaging, and logos are used for commentary and review purposes under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act (fair use). All rights remain with their original copyright holders.