show_image_in_imgtagshow_image_in_imgtag-1Internationally renowned Twin Cities–based cryptographer, author and security consultant Bruce Schneier reports that he’s being rendered in plastic as an action figure. But priced at $99 (with a $10 online discount), he thinks it’s too pricey for anyone to buy.

According to ThatsMyFace.com, crypto-groupies can “[b]uy Bruce’s lifelike head mounted on a 12-inch’ action figure body with pre-fitted clothes.” Options include “Casual Bruce” or “Smart Bruce” with “scalp” options that include his trademark ponytail, “bald” or “Cyborg” (for an additional fifteen bucks).

On his blog, Schneier — who weighed in for us in March on the breach of former Sen. Norm Coleman’s donor database — says he doesn’t get any royalties from sales. He says he’d like to see profits go to online civil liberties groups EFF or EPIC, but to do so would’ve raised the price even more.

“I’ve told them that at $100 no one will buy it, but at $40 it’s a funny gift for your corporate IT person,” he writes. “So e-mail the company if you’re interested, and if they get enough interest they’ll do a bulk order.”

Reached by email, he told MnIndy the notion of a Bruce Schneier action figure is “surreal.”

“It’s not as interesting as it might appear,” he added. “I don’t think they’re making them to sell.  I think they’re making them as a custom order when someone buys one.  That’s why the price is so high.”

So far the company doesn’t yet show a photo of the action figure (we’ll post one when it does). To promote the hundred-buck figures it displays a computer rendering of Schneier’s head — a resin version of which, it’s worth adding, can be purchased sans body for a mere $29.