As is the usual for 'kid' movies, there was a line of action figures released at the same time. I remember them languishing in the 2 for $3 bin at Kaybee toys...that was until the DVD came out. Then they dried up fast, and now command a big price on the secondary market.

Being the smart guys they can be, NECA picked up the Nightmare license a couple years ago. They started by re-releasing some of the old figures from the original molds, but quickly went on to produce their very own first series of figures, including Jack Skellington, the Vampire, Sally and the Mayor. Now the second series is hitting shelves, including Santa Jack and the Witches (both reviewed today), and the Harlequin Demon and Dr. Finklestein. The third series should be out in another couple months as well, including a second Santa Jack and Sally, along with the Werewolf and the Cyclops. There's also a deluxe Oogie Boogie that should be out for Halloween.

If you missed out on the first series, keep hunting, as these are well worth it. It's perhaps NECA's best line so far, and is excellent for the big fan of the film, young or old.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, you can always reach me at mwc@mwctoys.com. If you enjoy this review, take a minute to check out my other site at Michael's Review of the Week, and let me know what you think. Now on to the review!

"Nightmare Before Christmas Series 2 - Santa Jack and the Witches"

There are actually four figures in this series, the other two being Dr. Finklestein and the Harlequin Demon. If you're looking for a review of those two, just check here.

These are hitting Hot Topics, Media Play and Sam Goody stores right now for around $12 each. I also have some online suggestions for you at the end of the review.

Packaging - ***
The clamshell packaging works great, keeping the figure very safe, but allowing for a full view of everything in the package. The backer cards are a tad dull considering how cool the graphics for this license can be, but that's a fairly minor complaint. The odd sizes will make it tough for the MOCers though, since they won't store all that easy together.

Sculpting - Jack ***; Witches ***1/2
Both of these figures make a very nice addition to the first series, especially the Witches. Jack is sculpted in his Santa suit, including the hat which is held in place with a peg that fits inside the back of his head. It's a nice tight fit, and works quite well.

The rest of his outfit looks great as well, especially the fake Santa beard. The sculpting works well with the articulation, not hindering it and often hiding it. The Jack face is smiling in this version, and the hands are sculpted in cool poses, since the fingers are much too thin to really hold any accessories.

The two Witches are even better. There's every wart and pimple on them, from their noses to their hands. The smaller witch has the bottom of her feet actually extended, so that they fit into either the supplied display stand OR the top of the large book, making it possible for her to easily stand. Again, the sculpt works with the articulation, and the hands of the larger witch can actually work with the broom.

These are perfectly in scale with series 1, and for reference, Jack stands 8 inches tall (without the hat), while the witches are 6 1/2 and 4 1/4 inches tall.

Paint - ***1/2
Both of these figures were extremely clean, especially the Witches. There's almost no slop, although the red on Jack's costume is a little gloopy in a couple spots.

There's no bleed between colors, and the eyes and small details are very well done. There's a nice consistency to each color, especially the blacks and reds. The hair on the witches is actually rooted, and looks great, however some of the black hair on the smaller witch was falling out. She might be shopping for Rogaine in the near future.

Articulation - Jack ****; Witches ***
Somehow, NECA finds ways to get all kinds of articulation into very small, delicate limbs. And even more surprising, they don't seem to have breakage issues.

Jack is loaded with joints, including a ball jointed neck, ball jointes shoulders, cut biceps and thighs, pin elbows and knees, hips, waist and even pin wrists that twist and move forward and back. While his thin limbs don't make it possible for him to stand without the base, with it he can take all kinds of unique poses.

The witches aren't quite as loaded, but that's due largely to their less articulation friendly designs. The large witch has a cut neck, ball jointed shoulders, and waist. These joints don't have a ton of movement, but you can get some decent poses out of her.

The smaller witch has a really cool ball jointed neck, and ball jointed shoulders. Again, there's only so much you can do with this style and design, but there's some posing possibilities here.

Accessories - ***1/2
This line varies from figure to figure quite a bit when it comes to accessories. Both Jack and the Witches have a nice assortment, if not as good as Sally from wave 1.

The Witches come with the large spell book, which can act as a display base for the smaller witch if you like. There's also a separate display base for her if you'd prefer. They also have a wrapped present, and two brooms. Neither of their hats are designed to be removed.

Jack comes with his hat, a display base that works quite well, an empty Santa bag, an opened present, and the best accessory every, the small child with the shrunken head. The open box works nicely with the child, and his shoulders are articulated as well. The paint was a little sloppy on mine, but his expression is priceless.

Fun Factor - Witches ***1/2; Jack ***
Both of these figures work well as collector's toys or as kid's toys, but smaller kids might find themselves popping off the arms and legs a little too often, which can get frustrating. They pop back on easy enough, but kid's have very little patience with things like that.

Value - ***
At $12 each, you're getting some excellent sculpts, great paint, nice articulation, and a good assortment of accessories, all done for a cool license. Oh, sure, I'd like them to be $10, and they'd get another half star for value at that price, but even at $12 each they are above average.

Overall - ***1/2
If you've been a fan of the movie, you shouldn't be passing these up. They look fantastic together on the shelf, and in combination with waves 1 and 3, you'll start to get a nice group of the main characters and monsters. Now we just need a few more, like Santa, Lock, Shock and Barrel, and we'll be doing great.

Where to Buy -
You can find these at Hot Topic or Media Play right now, or online at these fine stores:

- OMGCNFO.com has the individual figures for just $11 each.

- CornerStoreComics has the individual figures for just $12 each.

- Amazing Toyz has the individuals for $12 as well, but they have a great price on the full set of four, at just $44.

- Killer Toys has the full set of four for $53, and still has a few of the series 1 figures available.

Related Links -
Here's some spots you might want to hit:

- I reviewed the first series right here at da Poop.

- NECA's website is always good for info.