In the Tomb of Horror Icons: The Mummy Rises
In the cryptic pantheon of horror legends, the Mummy lurches forth — ancient, cursed, and wrapped in mystery. For toy collectors, he’s not just a relic of Universal’s golden age; he’s a symbol of timeless terror. Today, we’re unraveling two standout renditions: the vintage Imperial Mummy from the 1980s and NECA’s intricately sculpted Universal Monsters Mummy. One is pure retro kitsch, the other is museum-grade macabre. Let’s see how they stack up.
Imperial Toys Mummy
Imperial Mummy: Bandaged Brilliance from the '80s Imperial Toy Corp’s Mummy was part of their rubbery monster lineup that stalked toy aisles in the early '80s. Sold in corner stores and discount bins, these figures were affordable, spooky, and delightfully weird.
Highlights:
Material: Soft vinyl with a hollow body.
Articulation: Basic — typically just the arms and head.
Design: Cartoonish bandage texture, eerie greenish skin, and glowing red eyes. Less Boris Karloff, more Scooby-Doo villain.
Packaging: Often sold loose or in blister packs with generic monster branding.
Collectors adore the Imperial Mummy for its kitschy charm. It’s not screen-accurate, but it oozes Halloween nostalgia — perfect for retro horror shelves or monster mash displays.
NECA Toys Boris Karloff as The Mummy
NECA Toys Boris Karloff as The Mummy
NECA Mummy: A Tribute to Boris Karloff’s Imhotep NECA’s Universal Monsters line continues to redefine horror collectibles, and their Mummy figure is a sarcophagus-worthy masterpiece. Based on the 1932 film, this figure captures the haunting stillness of Karloff’s Imhotep with stunning detail.
Highlights:
Material: Durable plastic with layered paint and weathering effects.
Articulation: Over 20 points for dynamic posing — even in stiff, undead fashion.
Design: Faithful sculpt of Karloff’s sunken features, cracked bandages, and ancient Egyptian regalia.
Accessories: Alternate heads, hands, and a scroll of Thoth for dramatic diorama setups.
Packaging: Collector-friendly window box with vintage film artwork and gold accents.
This isn’t just a toy — it’s a cinematic resurrection. NECA’s Mummy is built for adult collectors who crave authenticity, atmosphere, and shelf presence.
Final Wrappings
If you’re chasing childhood chills, the Imperial Mummy is a charming throwback to simpler scares. But if you’re building a serious horror shrine, NECA’s version is the definitive undead icon. Both have their place — one rattles with retro fun, the other stands solemn in the shadows of classic cinema.