by Lysa Goodman
As we prep for the costumes and all-out candy binge of Halloween, I dug into my archives for something spooky with a sense of humor. This delightfully morbid figure was released by NECA in 2001. As the new film readies (+ the brand-new site is online today for the first time ever) you'll recognize him from this scene from Tim Burton's 1988 movie Beetlejuice:
At almost 8" tall, he's thoroughly burnt and bony and it's nearly impossible not to start laughing when you look at him. He's been out of production for a long time, and is pretty rare. Or perhaps, umm, well done? He's not really articulated, which I imagine would be difficult if you were cooked to a crisp (Ed. Note: indeed!), but he does have seams/joints. He may not put the "action" in action figure, but he makes up for it in detail and comic relief.
According to the Beetlejuice Wiki, he's referred to as Char Man. But he's more commonly known as "smoking guy" - doesn't look like he's made much progress trying to quit since the movie's release. I can see him being besties with Human Torch perhaps.
And though it seems like he should come with a side of ranch, I've actually dug out two other rarities to go along with him. Kenner's 1989 Beetlejuice figure - which isn't nearly as fun or detailed as the Smoking Guy - has a spinning head with a tiny shrunken head inside. Plus, he's wearing that fabulous bad-prom-date tuxedo, complete with ruffles. And something you don't see often these days, a vinyl-covered carrying case to tote your creepy figures around in. It's got the old skool metal tab lock on the side and a handle at the top. In the 80s these were quite common.
The other figures that were part of the NECA series were equally fun - the stretch-faced Barbara and Adam, the spike-filled Beetlejuice, and the Shrunken Head Safari Guy (also from the waiting room scene).
As someone who grew up in the 80s, I loved this movie and Burton's warped, dark sense of humor, so it's fun to come across these figures. Keaton really nailed this role. I think Smoking Guy needs a new career - the anti-smoking campaigns are missing a huge promotional opportunity here.
Happy Halloween, collectors!