Frankenstein's Laboratory

Frankenstein’s Laboratory was the last diorama I picked up this year and I am torn on whether or not I like it. The stone walled background again offers a nice gothic visual and the laboratory equipment is really appealing, too. But the sculpts of both the monster and his bride leave me disappointed. The facial features are sort of bland and they look too romantic for my tastes. Is this a decoration for Halloween or Valentine’s Day, huh?

I like the “wooden” floor inlaid into the “stone”, creating a nice layered effect. And the chained mechanism behind the bride looks interesting, although I’m not sure what it is supposed to do. I know one thing it does not do though and that is actually turn, which was pretty disappointing. I know this is only for display, but when you wrap a chain around a set of wheels….. well, it begs to be turned.

Of course, like each of the previous dioramas, this one features a light up gimmick. And here is where it really shines (no pun intended). All of the scientific apparatus behind the characters light up in some way. The effect is really great.

Still, no matter how much I like that, I just feel like something is missing from this piece overall. Something like….an operating table? Eh, probably not enough room for that.

Anyway, I wasn’t about to buy two of these dioramas and not get the third. Despite it’s shortcomings, I’m glad I have this. It did however cost slightly more than the Creature’s Lair and Dracula’s Domain, with a price tag of $14.99 instead of $12.99. I guess the extra cost is either for the extra monster or for the more intricate laboratory equipment. Still way better than $55, though!