From the creatively twisted minds of the Art Asylum staff and the newly created Aztech Toyz comes this new line of action figures due out in the Summer of 2000. The Silent Screamers line pays homage to the classic German expressionistic horror films of the silent screen era. The first series features characters from two classic films. The first is 1922's Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens (A Symphony of Terror or Horror depending on your translation). This is one of the first tellings of the whole Dracula tale directed by F.W. Murnau and written by Henrik Galeen. The character that most refer to as "Nosferatu" is actually named Graf Orlok (translated as Count Orlok) and was portrayed by the inimitable Max Shreck. In addition to the venerable Graf Orlok, the infamous madman Renfield will also be making his way into the series.

The other movie to get the Silent Screamer treatment is The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (or the original Das Kabinett des Doktor Caligari). This 1919 film directed by Robert Wiene and written by Hans Janowitz and Carl Mayer relates the story of a sleepwalker who can predict the future and the nefarious Dr. Caligari who manipulates all. When Cesare the Sleepwalker predicts a young man's death at dawn, he becomes a prime suspect when the young man is actually murdered. It is a creepy tale of freakish suspense. Both Dr. Caligari and Casere are present in this first assortment of Silent Screamers.

These articulated action figures will also come with removable bases. Dr. Caligari comes with a carnvial base. Casere comes with a dioramic base featuring a streetlamp. The bases for Graf Orlok and Renfield can be interlocked to created one large dioramic setting for these two legends of horror.

To round out the presentation of these figures is the addition of the legendary Alex Ross who will be providing packaging artwork. This is the first time that Mr. Ross has done original work for packaging and we have been told that his initial art is a perfect fit with the entire image that this line is attempting to present.

Below are control art designs for each of the four characters in this first series. These designs were done by the Art Asylum staff who are known throughout the industry for their meticulous designs. Stay tuned for prototype images as we approach Toy Fair. We have seen the actual figures and we believe that collectors will be impressed with the quality and detail of these first four offerings from the newly established Aztech Toyz. Check back soon!

Graf Orlok - The Undead	Graf Orlok with base
Knock Renfield - The Madman	Renfield with base
Dr. Caligari - The Hypnotist	Dr. Caligari with base
Cesare - The Sleepwalker	Cesare with base

Check Out A Sneak Peek Of The Figures In Part 2