Memorabilia: Abe Sapien from Sideshow Collectables

Abe Sapien Maquette -

Sideshow is one of the world's finest movie memorabilia specialists and more. They do not just produce little mannequins with posible arms and legs but fine works of art for any enthusiast or movie lover to admire. These vary from the blockbusting 'James Bond' to 'Lord of the Rings', to otherworldly homes of 'Star Wars' and 'Star Trek', to cult TV favourites of 'Buffy' to 'The Simpsons', to the worlds of Marvel and Froud. With prices to suit most pockets you can pick up a piece of movie memorabilia you can be proud of.

 

'Hellboy' stormed onto the cinema screens in 2004, and Guillermo del Toro brought his unique comic lovers adaptation to Mike Mignola's cult creation, with Ron Perlman as the eponymous hell spawn.
 
Played by the tall, thin form of Doug Jones with the voice talents of David Hyde Pierce, Abe Sapien is brought to life. As a part of the B.P.R.D, a group of mutants and humans, they fight evil and its denizens on earth.
 
Sideshow have taken one of the design maquettes from the movie, sculpted by Don Lanning & Jose Fernandez, and realised this wonderful statue. These guys have a host of effects movies under their belts, from 'Men In Black 2', 'Blade Trinity', 'Underworld', 'Planet of the Apes' to 'Bicentennial Man' and under the group of Spectral Motion they provide 'Hellboy' with the majority of its main character effects.
 
This polystone beast is over two feet high (approx 1/3 scale) and weighs in at a mighty 12lbs. Standing atop a base, emblazoned with the B.P.R.D. logo, based on the red right hand of god. These are limited to only 1,000 numbered copies worldwide ! This is amazingly like the movie's character and one can almost imagine it scarily springing to life.

 

 
The figure has been painted in all its stripy detail; the translucent veined fins on the back of his legs, and webs between his fingers and toes are nice touches. His outfit mostly in black, is detailed down to the seams, stitches and patches. With something of this size, it's not only the details that are emphasised but the flaws seem more noticeable too. Every blemish and imperfection shows up under close scrutiny but seem to add to the characteristics of the piece rather than deter. This is an artwork after all, not just a doll.

Sideshow packages this in a glossy black box, showing the original or prototype maquette on the front. The small measuring holes are clearly visible over its length. Encased in a figure hugging polystyrene shroud, enough protection to withstand a nuclear blast but please do not try, this will get to your doorstep in pristine condition. Sideshow outdo themselves here.
 
The cost is a little on the pricey side for your Average Joe but this is not your average collectable. Lovingly created, this should be a centrepiece in any collection and with 'Hellboy 2' on the horizon things can only get brighter.

 

For more info on this, other Abe Sapien and Hellboy merchandise, and Sideshow Products click here.

 

For more details on 'Hellboy' and associated articles please refer to our database.