SD Toys Heeds The Call of CTHULHU

[JeffSaylor]

FIRST LOOK: Upcoming Cthulhu Figure and Bell...

NOTE: All photos are of early prototypes and are not the final product. Items subject to change.

If you’re reading this in the United States, you may not be familiar with the name SD Toys. If you’re in Europe or other parts of the world, though, chances are good you know the Spain-based company as a major toy and collectibles manufacturer with awesome licenses like Star Wars, DC Comics, Big Bang Theory, Mazinger, Godfather, Game of Thrones, and many more. Later this year and into 2016 (and beyond?), SD Toys is feeling the dark influence of a Great Old One with a global domination of cool products celebrating H. P. Lovecraft’s most famous creation: CTHULHU! We’ve got a special sneak peek for you today of two of SD Toys’ Cthulhu lineup featuring the 7 inch figure and a unique Cthulhu bell collectible.

The Great Old One called Cthulhu first appeared in H. P. Lovecraft’s short story aptly titled "The Call of Cthulhu," published in 1928. A creature from beyond, Cthulhu once ruled supreme but fell into a deathly slumber beneath the Pacific Ocean. He waits in the sunken city of R’lyeh for the stars to be right to herald his return. Meanwhile, Cthulhu’s dreams influence mankind to do all sorts of horrible things in preparation for his rise. As a creature man can’t fully understand Cthulhu is hard to describe but there are certain physical features that make him immediately recognizable. First off the Great Old One is immense, towering over ships while standing on the bottom of the sea. His body is described as having the attributes of a human, a dragon, and an octopus with wings, a flabby body, claws, and a great mass of tentacles on its face.

SD Toys is celebrating Cthulhu with an international product line that will provide collectors and fans with all sorts of unique items including everything from display centerpieces to fun novelties. At San Diego Comic-Con this year we were lucky enough to get a look at two of the most impressive upcoming products. First up is an all-new 7 inch figure of Cthulhu standing tall, with wings outspread behind him. Check out our exclusive photos of an early, unpainted prototype. The detail even on this early version is stunning, with a great hand-sculpted feel and a genuine love for the monstrous character. It’s at the same time a traditional translation of Lovecraft’s description and also a new interpretation with its own style. There’s a fearsome alien malevolence in Cthulhu’s sunken eyes, and his facial tentacles look like they’re about to wriggle at any moment. The entity’s body is wrinkled and textured, and there’s some really cool details in the four-fingered hands, reverse-articulated legs, and the unique design of the feet. Cthulhu naturally has membranous dragon-like wings, and a somewhat disturbing tail snakes down from his lower back.

Scroll down to check out plenty of pics of the prototype as well as some new promotional shots from SD Toys. The production Cthulhu figure will be fully painted and will stand on a very cool display base; it’ll come packaged in a window box and should be highly affordable (working on around $49.95 - they’re still working on pricing).

Ah, but what is product celebrating "The Call of Cthulhu" without a collectible to summon the great creature? In addition to a Cthulhu action figure, SD Toys will introducing a Cthulhu Bell. Measuring 4 1/2 inches tall, this unique item features the Elder God perched upon a bell with unspeakable script etched around the exterior. Like the figure, the bell is a prototype, though you wouldn't know that by holding it. Cast entirely in solid metal (pewter?), the Cthulhu bell has some serious heft.

As this is the first time SD Toys has ever made a collectible of this kind, they are still working out the price, but hope to have the bell between $19.95–24.95. If they can retain the high quality metal used in this prototype, then collectors are in for a killer deal.

Both the bell and statue should be arriving with the second wave of Cthulhu products from SD Toys, with an expected release window of February/March 2016.


Words and Photos by Scott Rubin and Jeff Saylor

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[Slaargorath]

Thanks for the comparison pics with other figs. It gives me a much better idea of the size.

I hope I can find these!

[Slaargorath]

It would be cool if the display base was also available seperately too. I've got some other figs that would look good displayed on there.

Can't wait for these!