NECA‘s innovative action figure, “Ghost Face Takes Manhattan,” cleverly references the SCREAM franchise’s expansion beyond Woodsboro and nods to a classic chapter in the Friday the 13th series. Revealed at the recent Power-Con Panel, this New York Comic Con exclusive will debut at the event from October 12th to 15th. For non-attendees, an online presale will follow.

Crafted with designs inspired by Fun World costumes, the exclusive Ghost Face features a fresh robe, masks, hands (including the iconic “knife wipe” hand), knives, voice changer, and updated articulation. The distinctive white mask showcases an exclusive sculpt reminiscent of earlier versions, alongside SCREAM VI‘s aged mask, green glow-in-the-dark, bleeding, and rainbow masks.

Ghost Face also acquires Big Apple souvenirs: a “Little Toy Shop of Horrors” Playkill and a Ghostfaced miniature Statue of Liberty. The figure’s sculpt by Marty Henley and packaging by Chris Raimo are complemented by the design and painting talents of Blaine Rodenbaugh—a devoted SCREAM fan and a valued friend of our site.

Rodenbaugh’s Instagram hints at an upcoming special addition to the package: the Chrome Face with a flamethrower, as seen in SCREAM (2022)‘s STAB requel, a detail only a dedicated fan would consider.

We had the opportunity to talk with Blaine during the Power-Con Event and discuss common passions: SCREAM, Ghost Face, and action figures.

1. How did you become a toy designer and what inspired your journey into this field?
I’ve been an avid toy collector and drawer my entire life. As a child, I loved creating worlds with my imagination, whether sketching concepts or painting toys. I have a background in visual arts and styling, so mixing that with my hobbies and passions seemed like a natural transition.

2. Can you share insights into your creative process?
Lots of research! When I get a project, I try to dive into the brand and understand the themes I’m working on. Watching movies, looking at original concepts and artwork, reading the books, or speaking directly to the talent. I pay a lot of attention to small details, and I think that’s something that NECA prides itself on.

3. How did you join NECA, a company known for its unique and niche horror action figures? What’s it like working there?
I actually began in social marketing. Working with our VP of Product Development, Randy, I was able to show my creative design side by implementing events like April’s April Takeover, which then led to small projects here and there before transitioning to the design team full-time.

4. Among NECA’s action figures, my prized possession is the “Batman Returns” Catwoman. I’ve got Chucky, Tiffany, Elvira [1], and Elvira [2] on my wishlist. Now, in my best Ghost Face impression, “What’s your favorite action figure”?
I am biased toward Elvira, for obvious reasons, but before starting at NECA, my favorite line was the ALIENS. When we finally got Ripley, I was over the moon! She’s one of my favorite Final Girls.

5. Could you describe the creation of “Ghost Face Takes Manhattan”? Did you have early access to SCREAM VI materials?
We were already developing our next Ultimate Ghost Face, with the chrome mask and flamethrower, when we learned about the new “Aged Mask” joining the Fun World catalog. While we don’t have the license for movie-specific content, that mask seemed perfect for this exclusive. Randy Falk, knowing my Ghost Face obsession, agreed. This became a fun opportunity, and I added a touch of New York City flair to the accessories and packaging since I live nearby. Collaborating with our package designer, Chris Raimo, on the packaging was a blast.

6. Did you draw inspiration from previous versions of the Ghost Face action figures? How does this iteration distinguish itself from the ones already released?
Not so much inspiration, as I approached this figure with fresh eyes, taking aspects from the original release and updating them based on current figure-making advancements. The robe was entirely redone, longer and more flowing, with wires added to the hood for an iconic appearance. Including the “knife wipe” hand, infamous in its own right, was a significant change. All the hands and weapons are new, and I also wanted to redo the masks. Each mask is a genuine Fun World creation, and the sculpt detail is impressive. Marty Henley, our digital sculptor, added intricate touches like the breathing hole in the mask’s mouth, elevating the overall design. This exclusive’s classic white mask differs from the upcoming standard release, with a more “warped” look reminiscent of earlier Halloween costumes.

7. Did you collaborate with R.J. Torbert, the “Godfather of Ghost Face,” on this project?
Yes! As this Ghost Face figure is based on Fun World’s costumes, everything we do on the masks and costume undergoes their approval process and is officially licensed.

8. Some years ago, you created concept arts for an entire collection from SCREAM (1996), which generated significant fan interest. Have you pursued these ideas with NECA or other companies to make them a reality?
Those were part of my personal portfolio while pursuing toy design/conceptual art. As a massive fan of those movies, I have mentioned the concept, but without the movie license and talent likenesses, we’re currently unable to proceed. Nonetheless, the interest played a role in my joining the team and developing the new “Icon of Halloween” figures.

9. If you could choose your dream (or nightmarish) project to work on, what would it be?
During my time at NECA, I’ve been fortunate to work on my favorite characters: Ghost Face, Elvira, Pee-Wee Herman, Vincent Price, and a few unannounced ones. Little Shop of Horrors is a personal obsession, so I’ll put that dream out there, even though we lack the license at this time.

In 2023, SCREAM aficionados and Ghost Face enthusiasts have been treated to a new cinematic installment, the announcement of SCREAM 7, SCREAM 3‘s 4K release, and a plethora of merchandise. Our collection grows as we continuously update our merchandise page with the latest additions.

Check some of the past incarnations of Ghost Face as an action figure: