It appears I now have a whole slew of collectible figurines and busts to purchase in 2010…or more like beg for my birthday in May *hint* *hint*. The latest figurine is from Sideshow Collectibles and is part of their new Premium Format Figure. Who else but the infamous Vlad the Impaler himself would be a better representative to help launch this line during a time when vampires are as trendy as iPhones and reality TV programs? Vlad will stand at 26″ H (660.4mm) x 20″ W (508mm) x 10″ D (254mm) and is handcrafted with a stunning level of detail which includes a fabric costume, featuring an intricate, hand-sewn coat with fur trim and includes a fabric tabard, wired for posability. Even though Vlad himself is not an actual vampire, but merely the historical figure around which the tale of Dracula arose, this collectible comes with a switch-out helmeted head featuring a snarling vampyric likeness and adjustable mask.


Sideshow has included a “backstory” for this particular statue:
Vlad Dracula’s terrible reign in Wallachia began in 1456, when the Romanian nobleman escaped years of captivity with the Turks to reclaim his father’s throne. He gained a sinister reputation for his harsh punishments, treating the offenses of beggars and common trespassers the same as armed military enemies. Soon, he had earned the nickname Vlad the Impaler for his favorite means of execution: suspending victims on sharpened stakes set into the ground, leaving them to die painfully and slowly. His name becoming synonymous with blood and terror, Vlad the Impaler’s vicious and unforgiving tactics are said to have been the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire Count Dracula.





For those of you interested in purchasing one of these limited edition figurines, you’re going to need to save your pennies! Currently the item is available for pre-order for a hefty $319. For a full gallery of images click here.