Desmodus, Ezekiel and Jennocide: a closer look at Living Dead Dolls Series 23
Living Dead Dolls Series 23 arrived with the same gothic menace that made Mezco Toyz a permanent fixture in serious horror collector circles. However, this particular series demands closer attention than most. Three characters, Desmodus, Ezekiel, and Jennocide, represent the creative peak of what Series 23 delivered. Each figure carries distinct lore, sharp sculptural detail, and the kind of secondary market momentum that separates a passing purchase from a long-term hold.
First, some context. Mezco launched the Living Dead Dolls line in 1999, and the brand has sustained collector interest across decades through a combination of tight storytelling, coffin box packaging, and genuine production restraint. Series 23 sits comfortably in the line’s mature era, where craftsmanship and character depth outpace the earlier, simpler releases. That said, early pieces like Damien from Series 1 remain grail-level acquisitions precisely because they defined the template everything else follows.
Damien – Living Dead Dolls Series 1 Figure | Mezco Toyz
This is the one that started it all. Damien is one of the original characters from the very first series of Living Dead Dolls, the iconic horror collectible line that launched in 1998 and went on to become the world’s longest continually running series of horror-themed collectible dolls. Over two decades later, an original Series 1 Damien in factory-sealed condition is a genuinely rare find, a true piece of horror collectible history.
What Makes Living Dead Dolls Series 23 Different
Series 23 leaned harder into gothic horror archetypes than several preceding series. Mezco tightened the character backstories, printed them on the signature death certificates, and matched the narrative ambition with upgraded fabric work on the costuming. For collectors who track the line’s evolution, Series 23 marks a return to form after some mid-series entries that felt creatively cautious.
Packaging and Presentation
Every Series 23 figure ships in the standard coffin-shaped window box. However, the interior backing art on Series 23 received additional detail compared to earlier releases. The death certificates are printed on aged-texture stock, and the poem inserts maintain the line’s tradition of dark verse that collectors actually read. Additionally, the coffin boxes for this series have become display pieces in their own right. Serious collectors keep them sealed, obviously. For resale purposes, box condition matters enormously, often shifting price by 20 to 30 percent on the secondary market.
Production Numbers and Pull Rates
Mezco does not publish official production figures for standard series releases. However, market data suggests Series 23 print runs align with the brand’s typical approach: sufficient to satisfy initial retail demand, then deliberately constrained. As a result, secondary market listings for Series 23 figures tighten considerably within six to twelve months of the original release window. Collectors who sleep on initial availability routinely pay 40 to 60 percent premiums later. That pattern holds consistently across the line’s history.
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Desmodus: The Vampire of Series 23
Desmodus is the vampire character in Series 23, and he is one of the strongest entries in the entire sub-genre of vampire dolls within the Living Dead Dolls universe. The name pulls from Desmodus rotundus, the common vampire bat, which already signals the level of thematic precision Mezco applied here. His costuming features a deep crimson and black color palette with fabric details that reward close inspection.
Sculpt and Detail Quality
The facial sculpt on Desmodus carries an aristocratic menace that separates him from more generic vampire interpretations. His elongated features, pale finish, and hand-painted eye detail reflect production standards that justify the price point. Additionally, his cape construction uses multiple fabric layers, which is a notable upgrade over some earlier series figures. For display purposes, Desmodus commands immediate visual attention on any shelf.
It is also worth comparing him to the earlier vampire entry in the line. The Desmodus Living Dead Dolls Series 21 figure at €110 represents the prior iteration of this character. Collectors who track character continuity across series will want both versions. The design evolution between Series 21 and Series 23 Desmodus is genuinely instructive about how Mezco refines recurring characters over time.
Desmodus Living Dead Dolls Series 21 Figure | Mezco Toyz
Add a sinister creature of the night to your horror collection with the Desmodus Living Dead Dolls Series 21 Figure by Mezco Toyz. Part of the iconic Living Dead Dolls lineup, Desmodus features a creepy bat-inspired design with sharp fangs, pointed ears, and gothic clothing that perfectly captures the unsettling style of the series.
Secondary Market Trajectory
Vampire characters consistently perform well on the secondary market within the Living Dead Dolls ecosystem. However, Desmodus has a specific advantage: his name recognition extends beyond casual horror fans into bat enthusiast communities and gothic subculture collectors who do not necessarily follow the full line. That crossover appeal broadens his buyer pool and supports stronger price floors over time.
Ezekiel: The Preacher Figure Series 23 Needed
Ezekiel brings a fire-and-brimstone horror preacher aesthetic that hits differently in the current collector climate. Religious horror iconography has surged in popularity across multiple collectible categories, and Mezco executed Ezekiel with enough visual specificity to stand apart from generic preacher tropes. His design includes period-appropriate costuming, a hand-painted crucifix detail, and a facial expression that communicates genuine theological menace.
Character Lore and Death Certificate
The death certificate accompanying Ezekiel leans into hellfire and damnation narrative territory. Mezco’s writers consistently deliver on these inserts, and Ezekiel’s certificate is among the more memorable pieces of Series 23 lore. For collectors who care about the complete presentation, the certificate and poem insert complete a character package that works as both a horror artifact and a display object. First-time buyers often underestimate how much these paper inserts contribute to the overall experience.
Pricing and Availability
The Ezekiel Living Dead Dolls Series 23 figure is priced at €105. That price reflects current market positioning for a Series 23 figure with this level of character complexity and costuming detail. Meanwhile, comparable figures from adjacent series regularly trade above €130 on secondary platforms once primary retail availability closes. Buying at €105 represents a defensible position for both display collectors and those managing collections with resale awareness.
Ezekiel Living Dead Dolls Series 23 Figure | Mezco Toyz
Bring eerie horror vibes to your collection with the Ezekiel Living Dead Dolls Series 23 Figure by Mezco Toyz. Part of the iconic Living Dead Dolls series, Ezekiel features a creepy vintage-inspired design with haunting facial details, striped clothing, and the signature unsettling aesthetic that made the franchise a cult favorite among horror collectors.
Jennocide: The Female Lead Series 23 Deserved
Jennocide is the standout female character in Series 23, and she makes a strong case for being the most visually striking figure in the entire release. Her name construction, a compound of “Jenny” and “genocide,” signals the playful-yet-dark naming philosophy that Mezco has refined across the line’s history. However, the execution goes beyond the clever wordplay. Her design, backstory, and facial sculpt combine to create a figure that collectors across multiple taste profiles will want.
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Design and Costuming Breakdown
Jennocide’s costuming features layered textile work in a color palette that photographs exceptionally well. For collectors who document their acquisitions on social platforms, this matters practically. Her facial sculpt uses the asymmetrical paint detail technique that Mezco employs on their strongest female characters, creating a face that reads as genuinely disturbed rather than conventionally spooky. Additionally, her accessory package adds narrative depth without cluttering the figure’s silhouette.
Why Jennocide Holds Value
Strong female characters in the Living Dead Dolls line have historically outperformed male counterparts on the secondary market over multi-year horizons. Characters like Sadie and Posey from earlier series demonstrate this pattern clearly. Jennocide shares those characteristics: a distinct visual identity, a memorable name, and a character concept that resonates beyond the core Living Dead Dolls collector base. The Jennocide Living Dead Dolls Series 23 figure at €100 sits at the most accessible price point in the Series 23 trio. That pricing gap relative to Ezekiel and Desmodus does not reflect a quality disparity. It reflects current market perception, which historically corrects itself within eighteen to twenty-four months for figures of this caliber.
Jennocide Living Dead Dolls Series 23 Figure | Mezco Toyz
Add a dark and haunting collectible to your horror collection with the Jennocide Living Dead Dolls Series 23 Figure by Mezco Toyz. Part of the iconic Living Dead Dolls lineup, Jennocide features a disturbing yet detailed design inspired by the series’ signature gothic horror aesthetic.
Series 23 Head-to-Head: Desmodus vs. Ezekiel vs. Jennocide
For collectors deciding where to allocate budget, a direct comparison of the three figures across key collector metrics makes the decision clearer. Additionally, understanding how each figure fits into different collection strategies helps prioritize purchases when budget constrains a full set acquisition.
| Figure | Price (€) | Character Archetype | Costuming Complexity | Secondary Market Potential | Crossover Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desmodus | 110 | Vampire / Gothic Aristocrat | High (multi-layer cape) | Strong (vampire collector crossover) | Broad |
| Ezekiel | 105 | Horror Preacher | Medium-High (period costume) | Solid (religious horror trending) | Moderate |
| Jennocide | 100 | Female Horror Lead | High (layered textiles) | Strong (female LDD track record) | Broad |
| Criteria | Best Pick | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Budget entry point | Jennocide | Lowest price, strong historical appreciation pattern for female characters |
| Visual impact on display | Desmodus | Cape construction and color palette dominate any shelf arrangement |
| Character depth / lore | Ezekiel | Most developed narrative in the Series 23 death certificate lineup |
| Full set recommendation | All three | Series 23 complete sets command a premium over individual figure pricing |
Rare Inventory Recommends: Buy the Full Series 23 Set
If your budget allows one move, buy all three. Complete series sets in the Living Dead Dolls line consistently outperform individual figure resale by a significant margin. Jennocide at €100 is the most accessible entry, but Desmodus and Ezekiel complete a narrative and visual triptych that serious collectors recognize immediately. Acquiring all three now, at current pricing, is the correct play before secondary market availability tightens. Additionally, complete sets photograph better, display better, and signal collection depth to other serious collectors in a way that single figures simply cannot.
Where to Buy
Rare Inventory stocks all three Series 23 figures and ships across Europe from France, making it one of the most reliable European sources for Mezco Toyz Living Dead Dolls. Browse the full selection and secure your Series 23 pieces at rareinventory.com/ before availability tightens. For collectors building a complete Living Dead Dolls run, Rare Inventory also carries legacy series figures including the historically significant Damien from Series 1, which grounds any serious collection in the line’s origin point.
Frequently asked questions
Are Living Dead Dolls Series 23 figures limited edition?
Mezco does not officially classify standard series releases as limited editions. However, production runs are deliberately constrained, and once initial retail distribution closes, secondary market prices rise consistently. Series 23 follows this same pattern, so buying at current primary market pricing is strategically sound.
What scale are the Living Dead Dolls Series 23 figures?
Living Dead Dolls figures stand approximately 10 inches (25 cm) tall across the line, including Series 23. This scale accommodates fabric costuming, articulated limbs, and the signature coffin box packaging that defines the brand’s presentation format.
Should I keep Living Dead Dolls in their boxes?
For resale value, yes. Mint-in-box Series 23 figures command significantly higher secondary market prices than loose examples. That said, the coffin boxes are display objects themselves, and many collectors display the sealed box as the primary presentation format. Open only if you prioritize the tactile experience over long-term value retention.
How does Series 23 compare to earlier Living Dead Dolls series for new collectors?
Series 23 is an excellent entry point. The character archetypes are immediately accessible, the costuming complexity reflects the line at its craft peak, and current pricing remains reasonable before secondary market pressure increases. New collectors who want historical context should additionally acquire a Series 1 figure like Damien to understand the line’s foundation.
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