The Universal Monsters movies from Universal Studios are Hollywood’s seminal horror franchise. Creating such pop culture icons as Bela Lugosi’s Dracula, Boris Karloff’s Frankenstein Monster, and Lon Chaney, Jr.’s Wolf Man, the characters became synonymous with the horror film genera. And while Lugosi, Karloff, and Chaney Jr. played other characters within the franchise, they are forever linked to the roles they so memorably originated. Just as quintessential are Karloff’s Mummy, Elsa Lanchester’s portrayal of the Monster’s bride, Ricou Browning’s underwater performances as the Creature, and Claude Rains’ depiction of the Invisible Man. Unlike the big three of the Universal Monsters, however, these portrayals were merely career highlights and not career defining. Still, each of these horror archetypes are instantly recognizable the world over.
Acclaimed comics artist Alex Ross honors these screen legends through this stunning Sideshow exclusive print. From their extremely limited set of Universal Monsters fine art lithographs – which sold out the same day they were released – the print is signed by hand by Ross and is individually numbered out of only 100 produced. Painted in glorious black and white, just as the movies were originally filmed, the lithograph measures 18 by 24 inches, is in nm/mint and undisplayed condition, and will be shipped with the utmost care. It includes its original Certificate of Authenticity.
This particular print features Boris Karloff as the Mummy (Imhotep / Ardath Bey) in the the 1932 film The Mummy. It was Karloff’s first and last appearance as the ancient Egyptian, but his portrayal set the standard for the numerous mummy films that followed. Ross illustrates the moment Imhotep, reawakened from his long slumber, steps forth from his sarcophagus to claim the Scroll of Thoth. His sudden vitality terrorizes archaeological assistant Ralph Norton (played by Bramwell Fletcher) into utter madness…
