THE CREATURE FEATURED

This item is sold as a hand-painted "Swamp Creature Cold Cast Resin Bust", and I suspect MONSTERS IN MOTION (where it is available for sale) didn't want to use the longish movie title on their heading. It measures 7.68" X 6.18" X 14.57" and sells for a reasonable 60 bucks. No further info is available. It's a pretty good likeness if you ask me. 

THE CREATURE FEATURED

Holy Mackerel! Fans of the Gill-Man are sure to be thrilled by this new, monster-sized statue offered for pre-order by Sideshow Collectibles. There's only one problem: you'll either need to be wealthy or try to find a hoard of sunken treasure in the Caribbean in order to pay for this guy.

Learned Monsterologists will know that the Creature was designed by ex-Disney animator, Milicent Patrick and the suit was created by Jack Keven and several others in the makeup and special effects department at Universal-International. Bud Westmore infamously grabbed all the credit and glory, but it was these folks who, behind the scenes, are responsible for one of the most recognizable monsters in cinema history.

From MONSTERS IN MOTION:

Creature from the Black Lagoon Quarter Scale Swimming Figure:

This officially licensed Universal Monsters collectible is an awe-inspiring tribute to one of the most iconic monster movies to ever grace the silver screen. Now in three-dimensional, quarter-scale, full-color form, fans can collect the mysterious, misunderstood Gill-Man who lurks deep in the jungle ... and in our hearts.

Delving into the depths of monster cinema, Sideshow dares to discover what scientists and explorers have only called the Creature! Measuring 31.5” tall, 13.18” wide, and 12.8” deep, the Creature from the Black Lagoon Premium Format™ Figure depicts the Gill-Man reaching closer to the river’s surface. This amphibious humanoid swims upwards through murky water, translucent plants, and air bubbles, surrounded by a school of red piranhas. Below, its fins brush the rocky riverbed, contrasting it to the alluring dry land above. Just what — or who — will the curious entity encounter when it emerges into the light?

Inspired by Universal Studios’ Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954), this horror collectible is brimming with iconic details, which reflect the time spent by our designers and artists poring over every movie moment in collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences. The environmental base includes a boat cable from when the ship part snapped during the Rita’s hasty retreat. The figure itself is painted in a muted green, with webbed hands, wide eyes, and gills. The Gill-Man is missing a claw on its left foot, referencing the very moment when it was caught in a net by the film’s unlucky expedition. Here, craftsmanship and fandom collide, and no aspect has been forgotten in bringing this extraordinary specimen to life.

Retail price: $769.99

CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON (DELL COMICS)

Titled simply "The Creature" this is Dell''s comic book adaptation of Universal's THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON. The cover is by Vic Prezio and interiors are by Bob Jenney (the scriptwriter is unknown). It was first printed in 1962. The copy shown here is of the 2nd printing from 1964, "Reprinted by popular demand".

There is little to the story that matches the movie, perhaps because of the limitations of licensing agreement. For example, the character's names are changed (including the boat, from "Rita" to "Lucia"). There are a few panels and images of the creature that are familiar, but like Dell's other Universal adaptations, don't expect to relive the movie through these modified stories. Still, it's nice to have them in comic book form.

NEW GILL MAN FIGURE!

Exiting news for fans of the Gill Man. Mondo is now taking orders for their new (and fantastic-looking) Creature from the Black Lagoon 1:6 scale figure.

The figure stands 13″ tall and includes interchangeable accessories to transform him into his character in REVENGE OF THE CREATURE. That's like having two figures in one, which is a nice bonus since the retail price of this guy is a monster-ous $275. Mondo is also trying a new tactic to sell their limited-edition products -- it's only available to buy for ten days. My guess is that -- despite the high price for an action figure -- it'll sell out before then.

Designed and sculpted by Beto Matali with assists from Hector Arce, and Peter Santa-Maria, the figure features a premium, seamless body design with ultra-realistic textures and details.

The Creature from the Black Lagoon 1/6 Scale Figure Timed Edition also includes:

• Creature from the Black Lagoon Figure
• Creature from the Black Lagoon Portrait
• Creature from the Black Lagoon Underwater Portrait
• Revenge of the Creature Portrait
• Upper Torso Base Stand for Swappable Portraits
• Creature from the Black Lagoon Swappable Chest Piece
• Revenge of the Creature Swappable Chest Piece
• x2 Pairs of Swappable Hands
• Creature from the Black Lagoon Fossil Hand
• Harpoon Gun with Stand
• Chain and Shackle
• Environmental Base

According to Mondo: "The Creature from the Black Lagoon Timed Edition will be available to pre-order Tuesday, March 11 at noon CT through Friday, March 21 at noon CT, only at MondoShop.com.