The full moon rises, casting an eerie glow upon the latest offering from NECA: the 7″ scale Ultimate Werewolf action figure from Joe Dante’s seminal 1981 horror classic, The Howling. This isn’t just another monster mash figure; it’s a meticulously crafted tribute to a film that redefined werewolf cinema, blending practical effects wizardry with a sharp, satirical bite. This highly anticipated figure combines NECA’s signature attention to detail with a design that captures the terrifying essence of one of cinema’s most iconic werewolves.
NECA, known for their dedication to detail and accuracy, has clearly poured their heart (and probably some wolfsbane) into this release. The figure seems to boast an impressive level of articulation, allowing for dynamic posing that recreates iconic scenes from the film. Based on promotional images and NECA’s rock-solid track record, let’s break down the details of what might just be the ultimate Howling collectible to date.
NECA’s Ultimate line is known for offering premium features at an affordable price point. Priced at $49.99, this figure delivers exceptional value with its combination of size, articulation, accessories, and display options. Additionally, NECA’s dedication to collector-friendly packaging ensures that fans can enjoy their purchase without compromising its condition. Whether you’re an out-of-box collector or someone who prefers pristine packaging for display or resale purposes, this figure accommodates both preferences.
The promotional images suggest that NECA has faithfully captured the creature’s design from The Howling. The elongated snout, glowing eyes, and hunched posture evoke the primal horror that made this werewolf so memorable. Fans of practical effects will appreciate how closely this figure mirrors Rob Bottin’s groundbreaking creature design from the movie.
The articulation appears to be top-tier as well. Werewolf figures can sometimes suffer from limited posing due to digitigrade legs and bulky torsos, but NECA has a history of engineering smart articulation schemes that balance form and function. Expect double-jointed knees, a fully poseable head and neck, and shoulders that allow for wide-ranging movement—perfect for recreating those menacing, looming poses from the film.
But what truly sets this figure apart are the confirmed accessories, as revealed in the promotional images. NECA’s Ultimate line is known for its generous extras, and The Howling werewolf doesn’t disappoint. We can definitively expect at least three interchangeable heads: a more human-like transitional head showing the early stages of transformation, a fully realized werewolf head with a ferocious snarl, and a third, potentially more bestial head. This allows for a variety of display options, from subtle menace to full-blown monster mode. The interchangeable hands are also a highlight, including open clawing hands, closed fists, and perhaps even a hand clutching a piece of unfortunate scenery (or victim!). This allows for dynamic posing and storytelling within your display.
NECA’s reputation for quality precedes them. From their Alien and Predator figures to their recent forays into the world of classic horror, they consistently deliver top-tier collectibles. While the final product may vary slightly from the promotional images (it’s always wise to temper expectations until the figure is in hand), NECA has earned a level of trust within the collector community. They understand the passion that drives fans, and they strive to meet (and often exceed) those expectations. This Howling figure is no exception.
NECA has had its ups and downs with production quality—some figures arrive as perfect representations of their promotional images, while others suffer from softer sculpts, factory inconsistencies, or articulation hiccups. However, NECA has been on a hot streak lately. Their recent Universal Monsters line, the American Werewolf in London Kessler Wolf, and the Predator: 100th Figure release all indicate that their production team is firing on all cylinders. Given how much of a grail piece this figure is likely to be for hardcore horror fans, NECA knows they have a lot to live up to. If they stick the landing, this could be the definitive Howling collectible. Werewolf collectibles are relatively scarce compared to other horror icons like vampires or slashers, making this release particularly special. NECA’s American Werewolf in London release in 2022 showed that the demand for high-end lycanthrope figures is real, and this Howling figure could be the one to finally cement werewolves as viable collectibles alongside Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees.
The Howling – Ultimate Werewolf 7” Scale Action Figure is shaping up to be one of NECA’s most exciting releases in recent years. Its combination of size, articulation, screen-accurate detail, and thoughtful accessories makes it a must-have for horror enthusiasts and action figure collectors alike.
Horror buffs and figure collectors alike should be watching this release closely. If NECA nails the execution, we could see a domino effect leading to even more werewolf-related releases—maybe even figures from Silver Bullet, Dog Soldiers, or The Company of Wolves.
The Ultimate Werewolf action figure is currently available for pre-order through NECA’s official store and other retailers like BigBadToyStore. Shipping is expected to begin in July 2025, though pre-order customers are advised to place separate orders if combining with other items to avoid delays. International shipping is available but may incur additional customs fees.
With its July 2025 release date just around the corner, now is the perfect time to secure your pre-order before supplies run out. If NECA’s previous offerings are any indication, this figure will likely become a sought-after item on the secondary market once it sells out. Don’t miss your chance to add this ferocious werewolf to your collection—it’s bound to transform your shelf into something truly terrifying.
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