A little bit of context
Rasputin: The Toy that Refuses to Die (Just Like the Mad Monk Himself!)
Remember Rasputin, the creepy villain from the 1997 animated movie Anastasia? With his glowing green eyes, creepy sidekick Bartok the bat, and that catchy villain song (“In the dark of the night…”), he definitely made an impression! But did you know that Rasputin, like Anastasia herself, has a history that goes way beyond the animated film? Let’s dive into the lore of this iconic character and the toys he inspired!
A Real Rasputin…Sort Of
The animated Rasputin is loosely based on Grigori Rasputin, a real historical figure who served as an advisor to the Russian Imperial family in the early 20th century. Known for his mystical aura and rumored healing abilities, Rasputin was a controversial figure, and his assassination in 1916 only added to his legend. The animated Rasputin takes this historical inspiration and throws in a hefty dose of magical villainy, making him a memorable antagonist for Anastasia and her friends.
Rasputin in the Toy Box
While Anastasia wasn’t a Disney movie (it was produced by 20th Century Fox), it was a hit with audiences, and that meant toys! Here are some of the Rasputin goodies that were available:
- Action Figures: Several companies, including Playmates Toys and Galoob, produced Rasputin action figures. These figures often featured his iconic black robes, staff, and sometimes even his creepy green “Reliquary” necklace.
- Plush Toys: For those who wanted a slightly less sinister version of Rasputin, there were also plush toys available, often featuring Bartok perched on his shoulder.
- Other Collectibles: Rasputin also popped up on other merchandise, like keychains, mugs, and even snow globes.
Where to Find Rasputin Today
Unfortunately, finding Anastasia toys, especially Rasputin ones, can be a bit tricky these days. Your best bets are:
- eBay: This online auction site is a treasure trove for vintage toys.
- Etsy: You might find handcrafted Rasputin items or vintage toys being resold here.
- Online Toy Retailers: Some specialty toy stores may still have Anastasia merchandise in stock.
The Future of Rasputin
While there haven’t been any recent major releases of Rasputin toys, the character remains a fan favorite. With the recent resurgence of interest in 90s nostalgia, perhaps we’ll see new Rasputin merchandise in the future. Maybe Funko will release a Pop! figure, or perhaps a company will create high-end collectibles for adult collectors.
Beyond Toys:
- Video Games: Rasputin was a boss character in some of the Anastasia video games released for PC and Playstation.
- Music: Who could forget his villain song, “In the Dark of the Night,” performed by Jim Cummings? This song is still a popular karaoke choice for those who love a good villainous tune.
Friends and Foes:
- Bartok: Rasputin’s loyal (and slightly sarcastic) bat sidekick is his constant companion.
- Anastasia: The film’s heroine is Rasputin’s main target as he tries to fulfill his curse on the Romanov family.
- Dimitri and Vlad: These two con men get caught up in Rasputin’s schemes, although their motivations are more financial than mystical.
Whether you love him or hate him, Rasputin remains an iconic animated villain, and his toys and merchandise are a testament to his enduring popularity. So keep your eyes peeled for that elusive Rasputin action figure – you never know when he might pop up again!
…
🎵 They say I’m strange, I say unique,
Dancing to the rhythm that makes me me!
Not in the box, I won’t pretend,
Just a twist on the rules they bend. 🎵
(Chorus)
🎵 I’m not bad, just different, see,
A spark of light, a mystery!
I’m not bad, I’m one of a kind,
A little outside, but that’s where I shine! 🎵
(Outro)
🎵 Not bad, just different, yeah that’s me! 🎵