Dario Argento action figure by Luca Bartole.
“Is it right to be obsessed with looking at terrible things and sharing them with other people?”
—Dario Argento
I feel like these words of director Dario Argento are a part of my job description here at Dangerous Minds. Over the years pretty much every DM contributor has brought to light a vast array of car-crashy-can’t-look-away content. On more than several occasions, DM has highlighted the work of both Argento and the Godfather of Gore, Lucio Fulci. Today, the films of both directors collide with the strange, ever-expanding world of action figures. If you’re into collectibles and giallo, you know that a very creepy version of the deranged puppet from Profondo Rosso (Deep Red) exists. Sculpted by the very talented Charlie Lonewolf, only 25 of the officially licensed figures were made. You may also know that Argento opened the Profondo Rosso Horror store in Rome in 1989. It’s full of every kind of Argento-related memorabilia that you could shake your favorite razor-sharp stabbing knife at. According to a person who visited the museum, there were also Argento-centric “action figures” on display.
As I sadly haven’t yet been to what sounds like the happiest place on Earth (to me anyway), this mention of the existence of such action figures sent me on a quest to find them. And find them I did.
Artist Luca Bartole has made all of our nightmares come true by creating a line of custom, handmade action figures based on characters in films directed by Dario Argento and Lucio Fulci. The collection includes 3.75-inch versions of Argento and Fulci as well as Fulci in character as Inspector Carter from the film Demonia (1990). Others include the hatchet-wielding Marta Manganiello (played by actress Clara Calamai) from Profondo Rosso, Jennifer Corvina (played by actress Jennifer Connelly) from Phenomena (1985), and the unfortunate Father William Thomas (played by actor Fabrizio Jovine) from Fulci’s City of the Living Dead (1980). Are these the same action figures displayed at Argento’s museum? Who knows? What I do know is if you’ve always wanted to have your own pocket-sized figure of Dario Argento, now you can.
All the figures retail for $65.59 and ship for free.
Martha sneaking up on Gianna.
Father William Thomas isn’t having a good day.
A few of the figures in action (L to R, Jennifer Connelly (as Jennifer Corvino), Anthony Franciosa (as Peter Neal in ‘Tenebrae’), and Brückner Son (played by actor Davide Marotta in ‘Phenomena’).
Argento hanging out with ax enthusiast Peter Neal from ‘Tenebrae.’
Previously on Dangerous Minds:
‘Reservoir Dogs’ action figures and blood-soaked accessories (including Marvin Nash’s ear!)
‘The Warriors’ action figures: Nunchucks, chains and knives included!
Action figures of Misfits Jerry Only & Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein packaged in cardboard coffins
Bad motherf*ckers: Action figures from ‘Pulp Fiction,’ ‘The Shining,’ ‘A Clockwork Orange’ and more
Covetable action figures based on classic and obscure 80’s horror films up for grabs!
Custom made action figures of Robert Smith, The Cramps, Eraserhead & more!
Old-school action figures based on ‘Motel Hell,’ ‘Creepshow,’ ‘Salem’s Lot,’ ‘Heavy Metal’ & more!
What have you done to BRAD? Meet the new ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ action figures