It’s the 40th Anniversary of the classic 1979 Alien film and NECA Toys is offering the first wave of this line, which includes Ellen Ripley, Dallas Arthur, and the Concept Xenomorph. This is just the beginning, as we’re getting more of these characters that fans can look forward too as revealed back at New York ToyFair. This line-up includes some updated re-releases of previously offered figures, and this wave is exclusive to Target Stores. The second wave includes all-new figures of Samuel Brett and Dennis Parker, along with a blood covered Big Chape Alien. Finally, Series 3 will be coming to Walmart stores soon after that. The third wave includes an all-new Ash, a Gilbert Kane with the actors likeness, and a Big Chap Alien.
Thank you to NECA Toys for providing their Alien 40th Anniversary figures for review.
Availability: June 2020 – Target Exclusive
Each figure is packaged in a window box with artwork that inspired from the Alien figures of the 80’s, and has a great retro style design, and we also have seen this style of packaging used for Alien figures by other companies. These window boxes include a checklist on the back to collect the entire line-up.
Ellen Ripley and Dallas are given updated deco from their previous figure offerings with all new head sculpts using the digital printing technology to capture the actors likeness. Ellen Ripley’s facial likeness is really good and looks very close to Sigourney Weaver as how she looked in the film. The new deco on the outfit is much more spot on as to how she looked in the film, such as the undershirts, her skin tone has a different shade, and pure white shoes really bring out the sculpt. The suit also has a metallic shine to it compared to the previous edition, which is a nice touch, and the color looks to have been slightly changed as well. Ripley includes a carrier for Jonesy the Cat that opens up to put him inside, a Motion Detector, and a weapon.
Dallas primary difference is the new head sculpt and new deco, which looks great on him. His new facial details also use the digital scanning technology and its also a great likeness. The painted sculpted decals on the space suit have more detail painted into it, and his name tag is completely different compared to the previous release. There are also changes such as the white areas of the suit have been changed to a more tan color. Dallas includes a pistol and a light that he used in the film.
The Concept Prototype Alien uses the sculpt used for the Ultimate Big Chap, which works great on him as well. This figure is given translucent plastic, along with some metallic silver painted teeth and nails. This sculpt has the updated articulation, which is listed below.
His articulation includes a ball jointed head, ball hinged shoulders, double jointed elbows, swivel-hinged wrists, ball jointed torso, ball jointed hips, double-hinged knees, hinged and rocker ankles, and hinged toes. He also has a hinged jaw, a bendable tail, and a tongue that pops out. Some key changes to articulation includes changes to the knee and elbows, the bicep swivel has been removed, knee joints enlarged, and the ankles allow more poseability.
Overall, Alien 40th Anniversary Wave 1 is one of the best offerings this year and it gives you such great updates to these memorable sci-fi characters. These changes are enough to warrant another purchase if you already have them, and when you get all 3 waves, this is going to be one great looking collection!
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