H.P. Lovecraft is not always easy to figure out; some might say you could go mad trying. But SOTA Toys seems to have a firm grasp on his creatures in their Nightmare line. This tribute to the eldritch author comes in the form of some of the most ornate and detailed sculptures available for public consumption.

Removing them from their numbered boxes seemed almost barbaric, as I wanted to seal them away in my airtight panic room, forever preserved and protected. But…I also really wanted a giant Cthulhu to keep watch over my office.

As the box clearly states, these are not really toys. So forget about points of articulation or having Cthulhu crush Barbie and Ken. These are statues, so just focus on the art. Each figure is cast in a heavy resin atop a faux wood base with a lot number printed underneath. Inspired by the Lovecraft mythos, SOTA has put together interpretations that are frighteningly impressive. Cthulhu (pictured above), one of the most well-known of the author’s creations, is brought to life as a winged beast with characteristic squid face and a body that suggests it spends time at the gym when not causing insanity and threatening the common man with total destruction. This Cthulhu also has some not-so-characteristic fishy naughty bits. That’s right—fishy naughty bits. This monster is available in three variations of green, black and red; standing well over a foot tall, it’s an imposing piece of artistic sculpture.

Nyarlathotep may not have the box-office draw of that cosmic deity, but this Outer One is paid just as much respect as the Old One in its SOTA rendering. Sculpted as a grotesque cephalopod-like creature, Nyarlathotep is a twisted mess of gnarly tentacles with eyes hidden in various places. This all-seeing beast also sports a huge tentacle mouth. No fishy naughty bits on this one (but then again, it’s not clear how Nyarlathotep procreates). Also standing at over a foot tall, this cute lil bugger is also available in three shades: grey, black, and putrid. Who can resist putrid?

Also part of the Nightmare Collection is Lovecraftian Father Dagon (due out in late June). This figure is a stellar recreation of the fishy god, representing him as an amalgam of various sea creatures bearing tentacles, spines, pointy teeth, claws and a fishlike head. Dagon will retail for around $225.

Straying from Lovecraftian lore, SOTA’s Nightmare line also features a blindfolded Death who sits atop a half-horse/half-insect steed. While Death’s hand grips the beast’s tongue, pulling it back like the reins on a horse, his other bony hand points a finger toward his next victim. Hold on, I have to turn the statue slightly to the right so it no longer points at me; it’s creeping me out. The figure stands atop a collection of guts and gore along with the bloated face of one poor soul and two demonic skinless bird-creatures. Like the box says, this sucker is truly a “nightmare.”

I know it sounds like I’m gushing, but it’s a rare occasion when I can find art worthy of a place next to my mint-condition Mandarin SPAWN figures and Neca BIOSHOCK Collection. SOTA Toys has crossed over the fine line that separates toys from art, creating a visual masterpiece of sculpted horror. So if you’re into serious collecting, hardcore displaying or just want to spend time explaining to your friends that this is your tribute to the Elder Gods who will eventually destroy us all, save up your pennies and purchase the entire set of these “horrible animate survivors of distant eons.”

 

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