Toybox REVIEW: NECA Ultimate Chucky (Holiday Edition)

Release Date: September 2024

RRP: $34.99/£34.99

With Cult of Chucky and then the subsequent Chucky television series establishing that there can be as many Chuckys as there are Good Guy dolls and that many of these Chuckys can also look slightly different, personally I feel like NECA aren't releasing enough figures of the iconic killer doll. That said, their output is hardly something to scoff at either, releasing their NECA Ultimate Chucky (Holiday Edition) figure just in time for Christmas 2024. This is their fourth Chucky figure in the "Ultimate" range, and second to be based on his appearance in the TV show.

NECA Ultimate Chucky (Holiday Edition) comes quite literally gift-wrapped in lavish book-style packaging made out to look like a Christmas present, complete with Good Guys branded ribbon and label. The print of the wrapping paper also matches that of Chucky's Christmas jumper, an accessory included in the release which we'll discuss more a little further down. Both sides of the box simply sport the Chucky series logo, but then on the back you'll find some actual images of the figure shown off in various poses with the accessories.  Open the front of the velcro-sealed box and you'll get a great look at said figure (and all those wonderful accessories) stored on their tray, or another lovely image of the figure to the side. Open it up and you'll also discover that the tray's backing card features a roaring fire complete with stockings hanging from it - perfect for a Holiday-themed photoshoot or display.

This version of the iconic murder doll is specifically based on his appearance in the second season finale, and uses the same body as the previously released Ultimate Chucky (TV Series) – that in turn sporting a reworked sculpt when compared to previous versions based on the films. However the Holiday Edition sports a slightly reworked deco, giving both the body and (default) head sculpt a healthy splatter of blood. Then finally it's all topped off with a Santa hat to get you in the Christmas mood, which again is similarly soaked in blood. The head itself is reused from the TV Series version, but there it had a clean deco. Credit where it is due, NECA have absolutely outdone themselves with the head sculpt on the TV Series version. The previous figures were great, but this one really goes above and beyond when it comes to capturing Chucky's likeness. Whether it's just the detailing on the face or the manic expression they've sculpted it in, either way it works brilliantly. Other little differences the TV Series sculpt has to the original and Bride of Chucky figures are darker blue overalls, as well as brighter paint and slightly sharper detailing on the shoes. They're minimal differences, but immediately stand up when you line them up side by side. Given that a bloody deco simply involves dousing a figure in red paint it's something you can very easily go overboard with, but again NECA have done a good job when it comes to balance. There's a whole lot of red, but it does genuinely look like it's soaked into the overalls and hat. Although in terms of overall appearance it may technically just be a repaint, you really can't go wrong with a blood-splatter repaint of a horror figure and Chucky in particular is one that fits the bill perfectly.

But despite some changes all of the Ultimate Chucky figures are fundamentally the same under the hood, which means largely identical articulation across the board. Altogether this version features; 

- Ball jointed head, waist and hips 

- Swivel hinge shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees and ankles 

A big different between the film and TV versions is that the TV version has swivel hinge/peg wrist joints, whereas the film version had ball joints. Other than the hands now having a hinge running through the middle (which isn't all that noticeable anyway) there's actually very little difference between them – if anything the new joints actually have a little bit more flexibility. Although there is definitely a waist swivel buried in the torso, as it's then covered by those fairly rigid overalls it sadly doesn't offer much in the way of movement. "Highly articulated" has never felt like a huge priority for NECA and honestly that's okay – Chucky is still able to pull off plenty of basic poses and there's no obvious issues with any of the joints. Onscreen Chucky might be able to pull off more human-like movement despite the handicap of being a doll, but even with more limited movement the figure can switch between relaxed and murderous poses rather well.

But undoubtedly it's the accessories where NECA's Ultimate range really shines - it was the case for the previous Chucky figures, and it's definitely the case again here. To kick things off the set comes with two alternate heads (one with a neutral expression and the other a sinister grin), both of which have been carried over from the previous TV Series version. This might be a little disappointing for those who bought that figure as well, but when the head sculpts look this good it isn't surprising that NECA want to get some good use out of them. Next up are two additional pairs of accessory-holding hands, which nicely compliment the neutral pair that come attached. Then we come onto the weapons, something Chucky has had an extremely good range of across all of his figures. The Holiday Edition doesn't come with quite as many, but what it does come with certainly makes up for that. In addition to the obligatory kitchen knife there's also a rather hefty chainsaw, again directly lifted from the second season finale where he cuts Lexy's mother Michelle clean in half (easily his best kill in the series, and one of the best in the whole franchise too). The chainsaw is very nicely detailed and can be wielded either one of two-handed, but the fun doesn't stop there either. Even when he's using it to kill Chucky knows the importance of proper chainsaw etiquette, so two pairs of protective eyewear have also been included - one clean and the other blood-splattered. Both pairs are made of translucent yellow plastic and slot into small gaps on each side of the head, sitting comfortably in place.

But even with something as impressive as a chainsaw, any old Chucky figure can come with weapons. What sets this figure apart are all the Christmas/Holiday-related items he comes with, starting with a nice clean alternate version of the Santa hat. This pairs rather nicely with his Christmas jumper, based on the he wears at the end of season two whilst recapping his kill count. This soft goods jumper is exactly like the one worn in the show – red with snowflakes and "Ho Ho Ho" written across it. Rather than have to remove the arms to get the jumper on it opens via a velcro strip at the back – making putting it on the figure incredibly easy. Covering his blood-splattered overalls after a hard day's killing, Chucky is now ready to celebrate the Holidays with a warm mug of cocoa from his branded Chucky mug. Again this appears directly in the show itself, because Chucky is exactly the kind of killer that would use his own merchandise. On top of that there's also a glass of milk and plate of cookies to leave out for Santa, complete with a loose cookie for Chucky to sneak away and eat himself. Finally there's Chucky's naughty list, which of course consists of series main characters Jake, Devon and Lexy. The list fits comfortably in Chucky's hands for him to check over, but is made of paper so caution should be taken so not to rip it. All of these pieces aren't just well made, they're also gloriously silly – completing leaning into the comedy/horror blend the Chucky franchise thrives in. Why pose yet another Chucky figure in the midst of killing when he relax and celebrate this special time of the year?

There are already some incredible Chucky figures in this range (and one of the many joys of the franchise is that army building them is canon), but the NECA Ultimate Chucky (Holiday Edition) might just be the best of them all. Advancements in sculpting and engineering have certainly made this the best in terms of looks, but as usual it’s the accessories that really make these releases such a prize package. Not only is there a great little assortment of alternate body parts and weapons, but the Christmas-specific pieces are so wonderfully tailored to Chucky's brand of humour that it perfectly captures the spirit of the franchise. The Christmas season may only be a couple of months every year, but this Chucky is one to celebrate all year round.