022 Action Figure Sat-Toy-Day News, 30th April 2016

Issue 22 : Saturday 30th April, 2016

Y A D N ALIE L A I C E SP

Monsterpalooza 2016, and Pop Culture Shock surprised many collectors by announcing their are expanding (or is that shrinking) into 7 inch range of figures.

Ghostbusters Select series 2 are hitting stores this week "This week, the second series of Ghostbusters Select Action Figures ships to comic shops from Diamond Select Toys, with Peter Venkman, Egon Spengler and Dana Barrett"

On display were some unpainted samples from The Thing and American Werewolf in London.

Details have also been released for series 3 and series 4.

We will need to wait until 2017 for series 4.

The Thing prototype was of Kurt Russell's R.J. MacReady - and you would hope the monster would also be included in the range

"Ghostbusters Select Series 3, featuring Slimer, Janine, and Quitting Time Ray will ship later this summer, and pre-orders are open for all three figures starting this week.

As with Series 2, each will come with a diorama piece at comic shops and specialty stores, as well as accessories: Ray will come with his ghostbusting gear; Janine will come with a phone, buzzer and takeout containers; and Slimer will come with two interchangeable faces, one of them stuffed with hot dogs!

Series 4, featuring Gozer, Walter Peck and Slimed Peter will follow later on this year, and Series 5 with Terror Dog, Library Ghost and Taxi Driver Ghost will ship in early 2017."

An American Werewolf in London had prototype figures of the two protagonists from the 1981 classic - David Kessler and Jack Goodman.

There was also a 2D cut out Werewolf itself, indicating this is also planned into the range at some point.

NECA have confirmed the full details of their 2nd Terminator Ultimate figure based on the original movie. The Police Station Assault T-800 is a combination of the older Tanker Pursuit & Station Assault figures with upgraded articulation. There are 3 heads, 2 pairs of hands and an arsenal of weapons with which to arm him with.

All the figures were marked as pending approval, so are a far way off release. There will be a full press release in May 2016

Ultimate T-800 Station Assault will ship in July 2016 "At last, a definitive collector’s version of The Terminator in his iconic look from the original 1984 movie!

The #Ultimate Police Station Assault T-800 features a detailed, bullet-riddled motorcycle jacket and bears the likeness of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The deluxe 7” scale figure has over 25 points of articulation, 3 interchangeable heads, 2 pairs of hands, and SPAS-12 shotgun, AR-18 assault rifle, and Smith & Wesson Model 15 handgun accessories.

Comes in deluxe window box packaging with opening flap. Starts shipping out to retailers this July!"

ALSO… A few sculpted parts and accessories teased by NECA this week for their Predator line.

General fan consensus is that these are for their AvP Elder Predator.

Medicom have been very active in their 1/12 Mafex line recently, pumping our promo images of a number of DC figures from the Batman vs Superman movie. The latest of these is the Nightmare Batman who will hit stores in December 2016.

Nightmare Batman will come with a quantity of accessories, including swap out unmasked head and a "removed" cowl. There is also a pair of binoculars, pistol and machine gun.

Batman will RRP at 5800 Yen, which on direct conversion is £36, but expect to be paying closer to £50 with import and delivery to UK. Also teased this week is the first Mafex figure from Suicide Squad, the Jared Leto Joker. There aren't many more details other than the images but it looks like Joker will come with two head options. Whether or not the coat is removable to show off Leto's Tattooed Joker is unclear.

Bandai Kylo Ren The box art was revealed this week for the Bandai action figure kit version of Kylo Ren. At under £20 (converted) Kylo is available now in the Far East- but due to the licence Bandai operate these figures under they cannot sell direct to the UK so you will need to pay to import these.

Pre-order for the SH Figuarts 1/12 Black Panther went up on the 28th of April.

Sadly for fans outside of the Far East, this figure is exclusive to the Bandai shop.

The figure will then ship in November 2016. That will, at this stage, make Black Panther difficult to obtain for UK and US customers.

After much debate as to whether it would come to the UK, it seems we had nothing to worry about and the Prototype White Boba Fett Elite figure is now up for order at Disney Store for £18.95 + delivery.

Stores also have stocks today.

All the other Elites remain on offer at £15.16 each but no sign of any re-releases as seen in the US.

The Good Smile Company have released images and details of two new Iron Man figures that will be released in their Figma range,, hitting stores in December The Mark 42 and Mark 43 feel a little "old news" considering that Iron Man Mk46 is about to hit screens in Civil War, but with 20 points of articulation, interchangeable hands and clip-on accessories as well as a flight base these will appeal to a lot of collectors.

The converted RRP on these is around £50, but you will have to pay more once you add import & delivery.

The Grid Alien was released in 2016 as part of Series 7, the first series to take the NECA range beyond the solo Alien movies and into the Alien vs Predator film from 2004.

The Grid Alien is arguably one of the most articulated Xeno’s to date and 11% of our voters selected the Grid Alien in their Top 3.

Corporal Hicks is our number 9 figure, with 14% of our voters picking him in their Top 3.

Series 6, 2015, saw NECA move from the Alien movies to the highly popular Alien Isolation Video Game.

Hicks has actually had two figures so far in the range, the single release from Series 1 and the helmeted alternative version from the 2-pack with a Xenomorph Warrior. Both were released in 2013.

Along with figures of Amanda, the daughter of Ellen Ripley, they also released the Isolation Xenomorph. The Isolation Xeno was a cross between the original 1979 Big Chap and the 1986 Warrior and came with upgraded articulation.

Our countdown hits number 7, and it’s our 3rd Xenomorph.

This time it’s the turn of the 1986 Alien Warrior who was originally released in 2013/4 as part of Series 1 (brown) and Series 2 (Blue). He also showed up as damaged versions in the Marine 2-packs.

Even though the hip articulation is now dated and been heavily improved on the more recent Xeno’s, these 1986 Warriors are the ultimate army builder and essential for any hive. No wonder then that 17% of our voters picked this one in their top 3.

The Isolation Xeno picked up votes from 15% of our contributors

It was 2014 and Series 2 when we got our hands on the original “Big Chap” from the 1979 movie - the Alien that started it all.

NECA captured Giger's original design perfectly, and although fans may start to hope for a revisit on this one with the improved articulation we saw on the Concept version, the Big Chap obviously has a place in many collectors hearts picking up votes from 20% of our contributors.

I almost combined the Grid and AvP Warrior into one choice in the vote, but decided against it and it looks like that was the right decision as the fans obviously rate this newest figure from NECA really highly.

The AvP warrior arrived in early 2016 as part of series 6 and shares the same mold and articulation of the Grid Alien. Our number 5 figure rocked in with votes from 21% of our contributors

Not a figure as such, but the Power Loader from 2015 is a real beast and an absolute must for Alien collectors.

Many have tried to replicate the Power Loader in the past, but NECA’s mix of diecast and plastic is pretty close to perfect. The details are amazing and the whole piece comes to life once you insert the pilot.

The Power Loader found a place in the Top 3 of 26% of our voters.

Was there any doubt that Ripley would make the Top 10?

Ripley takes the number 3 spot, and specifically it is her 1986 Aliens figure that 31.98% of our contributors picked in their top 3 - miles ahead of the 1979 Flightsuit Ripley at 9% and Spacesuit Ripley at 6%.

Ripley is pivotal to the Alien saga, and also to the NECA range being both a stand-alone figure in her own right, but also a companion piece to the Power Loader in any final showdown diorama.

The Dog Alien, from Alien 3, hit collections in 2014 as part of Series 3 - and will soon be re-released (and most likely updated) as part of Series 7.

The Dog Alien provides a significantly different look to the other Xenos in the range with his sleek black gloss dome, shorter and more sleeker stature and that brown and black colour scheme.

The Dog Alien sneaked in to the #2 spot in the final few days of voting, with 32.37% contributors picking him a narrow margin of 0.39% over Ripley.

Was there any doubt that our number one would be the “mummy” of them all.

The NECA Alien Queen Deluxe Box Set hit stores in December 2014 and was a huge hit dominating Hive’s all over the world.

From her massive working jaws to the articulated arms to that paint job with it’s bronze highlights and all over slimy sheen.

The Queen came in top with an absolute landslide with a staggering 69% of our contributors picking her in their top 3. I suspect it will take some time until NECA release a figure in the Alien range who will come close to knocking her off top spot?

NECA have revealed full images of the Alien Day Kenner homage Ripley.

For the week of 26th April, she will be available as a Toys R Us exclusive in US with a very limited number available online.

NECA talked about the figure being offered internationally later in the Summer and good to their word UK pre-orders are now starting to go up - click the links right to go to our affiliate partner Forbidden Planet to order.

“Celebrate Alien Day 2016 with a special edition tribute to the classic Kenner Ripley figure from the early ’90s! Lt. Ellen Ripley comes with bandolier and smartgun accessories, plus a commemorative reprint of the Dark Horse mini-comic that was included with the original release in 1993. The 7-inch scale figure features the likeness of Sigourney Weaver, and has over 25 points of articulation. The blister card packaging is an homage to the classic as well, and features a collectible file card with bio.”

As Alien Day got into full swing, Carrie Henn was given the opportunity to tease and eventually announce the arrival of herself in figure form as Newt from Aliens (1986) "I was given the honor of revealing pics & specs on my @NECA_TOYS action figure. Enjoy, more to come #alienday426" Following the first image, Henn went on to confirm that Newt would be coming with a Marine Helmet accessory that can be worn by the figure "I believe this is an accessory many fans have been asking for. @NECA_TOYS #AlienDay426" The final reveal was of the full set of accessories for Newt - the Helmet, a flashlight, Casey the doll's head and her 2nd grader award.

However it then transpired that Newt will be an SDCC 2016 exclusive, putting her out of reach of many collectors especially those overseas and here in the UK. NECA have since tweeted to say that she will "mostly" be an SDCC exclusive and.... "rest assured we do a better job than anyone and if you want a Newt you will be able to get one" More details about Newt and her availability are due from NECA in due course... watch this space

After a week of HUGE news for NECA Alien fans, we finish with the full reveal of Series 9.

Series 9 is an Alien 30th Anniversary wave and will include the previously announced Vasquez figure. A 2nd marine in the form of Frost - announced by actor Ricco Ross on Twitter earlier in the day. The 3rd figure is another NECA curve ball. We all expected at least one Xeno, little did we believe it would be another concept figure - the concept Albino Alien from the early screenplay from James Cameron.

"Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Aliens with three extraordinary action figure debuts! Series 9 includes the first-ever Private Vasquez and Private Frost figures with authorized likenesses, as well as an Albino Alien concept figure based on the original James Cameron screenplay.

Private Jenette Vasquez is one of the most requested action figures of all time and features the likeness of Jenette Goldstein. Her Marine gear is completely faithful to the movie, from the hand-painted mottos to the detailed headgear and shoulder lamp. Vasquez has over 30 points of articulation and comes with a smartgun with fully articulated harness, plus a blast effect that attaches to the muzzle.

Private Ricco Frost – known as “Frosty” to his fellow Marines – comes to action figure form for the first time with the likeness of actor Ricco Ross. His detailed body armor features the same personalized touches as in the movie, and he’s packed with accessories: removable helmet, ammo bag, M240 Flamethrower, and pistol that fits in a functioning holster. Pvt. Frost has over 25 points of articulation.

The Albino Alien is our first concept figure from the 1986 movie. It was inspired by the original James Cameron screenplay, which describes an albino version of the Xenomorph that has an excreting probe in place of the usual second inner mouth.

The Albino Alien has over 30 points of articulation and features a bendable mouth probe and a frightening new color scheme.

All figures stand approximately 7” tall (Albino Alien is over 9” tall) and come in 30th Anniversary clamshell packaging."

Review : Xenomorph Warrior Alien (Alien vs Predator) NECA, Alien Series Wave/Series : Series 7 Released : March 2016 Price : ÂŁ19.99 - ÂŁ22.99

Out of the box and the Warrior is packed in an almost fetal position, very reminiscent of scenes in Aliens where they uncurl themselves from the Hive as they prepare to attack the Marines. A few twisty ties later and the Warrior is in hand, and is very hefty piece. He stands close to 9 inches tall when at full stance, and is close to 18 inches from tail to head.

The AvP Xeno Warrior is the 3rd figure from Series 7 of the NECA Alien series, and if I am being very honest I initially passed on this figure intending only to pick up the Grid Alien as I believed both were too similar to justify both.

How wrong was I?

With the AvP Xeno being voted into the Top 10 of Alien figures in our Alien Day 2016 poll I needed to pickup the figure to include him in the countdown and felt a full review of him on Alien Day itself was a nice touch.

Like the Grid Alien, the Warrior comes in the standard clamshell packaging with the electric blue Alien vs Predator logo on the header. The insert card is a shaped cut out of the Warrior head, again identical to the packaging used on the Grid Alien. Round the back is the standard NECA card back design with a blown up atmospheric image of the figure itself over which is some background blurb relating to the basic plot of the 2004 Alien vs Predator movie. Underneath this we find the "Also Available" checklist where all three Series 7 figures are pictured.

The articulation on these new AvP Xeno's, Grid and Warrior, is a massive improvement on all the other Aliens we have seen from NECA to date. The head moves from side to side on a ball joint which sits half way down the neck rather than in the dome, opening up the head to much more movement. The jaw is articulated and drops open and the inner jaw can then be pulled outward, a feature carried forward from all the other NECA Aliens to date.

The ball jointed shoulders can move fully out to the side and above the head and are then enhanced further with double jointed elbows which allow the arm to almost bend back on itself. The wrists sit on a swivel so rotate all the way round and even the fingers are articulated with the two longest fingers on a joint so you can expand them as a raking claw or clench them against the shorter fingers.

The torso holds another joint, neatly hidden under the Alien's rib cage and like the head this opens up so many more poses allowing the top half to move independently from the legs. The legs have seen big improvements since the line starter. The hips are now ball jointed and feel more robust.

The double jointed knees allow the Warrior to kneel, crawl or stand upright and stances are enhanced with the ankle rockers and the articulated toes. This whole lower section now means you can stand your Alien more naturally and in fact this is the first Alien figure I have had from NECA that has stood on its own - even without the tail supporting.

The Tail is the biggest and bulkiest to date, matching the AvP warriors look on screen, finishing in a wicked looking stinger.

Like all Aliens to date the tail is a rubberised material over a metal armature which means the whole tail is fully pose-able.

Although as stated the figure stands well enough alone, the tail provides a counter balance point and expands the figures ability in achieving even more poses.

There is not a bad thing to say about the AvP Warrior. The articulation is pretty much spot on, sculpt and paint are great and he poses really well. I gave the Grid Alien a 5 out of 5, and this one is arguably better. Not sure what that means for my rating system, but a 5+ wouldn't be far off for this figure - and I can now see why he beat off some other awesome figures to get into the NECA Alien Top 10.

Checkout more NECA Aliens Reviews at www.mephitsu.co.uk Moving onto the sculpt and yes this is pretty much identical to the Grid Alien with the exception of the head dome which is now clear and you can see the skull detail underneath. The whole body is sculpted in grotesque detail with the exoskeleton, bones and tendons stretching throughout.

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It is the paint job that then makes the sculpt, and whereas the Grid Alien was more blue, this one is a browner tone - so there is more variation on your shelf. The paint textures are built up from dark to light, with the chest and jaw area particularly well defined with an almost sandy wash.

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All the time the body retains a high gloss sheen representing the actual wet-look of the Alien.