 |
Kenner Aliens Hive Wars Acid Alien
by benlepensive
The Aliens films are some of the favourite movies, excluding the ones where they turned into 'Alien vs Predator.' The best of the bunch in my opinion has to be the second films 'Aliens.' It was not until the mid nineties though that toymaker Kenner decided to start producing action figures from the film. Given that 'Aliens' does indeed ... have lots of aliens and lots of marines it seemed a good place to start. The films are aimed at a much older audience though and the figures are designed for younger kids, though I have to question this!
This alien is the nasty Hive Wars Acid Alien and he is one of the later figures in the lineup to have been produced. First off, great packaging and really cool colours which bring to mind the scenery from the film, so this is an instant draw for me as a collector and film fan. The figure inside can be posed at the limbs and bears a likeness to the very original alien from the first film. His body is spindly and slim and the head is a good elongated shape, just like the HR Giger creation. There is a shiny surface to the alien and the bodywork is smooth and refined.
The model benefits from some bold articulation on the torso and this brings it to life and there is some definition on the legs and head too. The only downsides are the colours, which are quite one dimensional and the spindly legs make him hard to balance. The toy is a decent size though and he stands at several inches in height and looks authentic and monstrous. A must-have item for the fans of the films and a consideration for the casual action figure buyer.
Read the complete review |
 |
Kenner Aliens Alien Arachnid
by benlepensive
The Aliens figures were released in the mid nineties to a lukewarm reception. Part of the problem was that the films were all rated eighteens and the toys had stickers saying 'ages four and up.' You can instantly see a problem! The toys were going to appeal to an older audience and I would be surprised if any mother would have let their ... child see 'Aliens' and then buy them the toys. As it happens, the toys are really well made, inspiring and really good fun too. They are all based on the 'Aliens' films, where there were several different types of alien. I collected these figures, both the evil aliens and the heroes too and built up a really neat collection.
The Arachnid figure can be bought boxed to this day for about ten pounds and loose figures will be half the price if you search online auctions. Made from plastic, he has movable limbs so you can create exciting positions. This alien is like a spider with a crouched pose. The bodywork is predominantly black and it has HR Giger's authentic alien design running throughout the bodyshape of the figure and this pleases me as a purist!
The toy has long drawn out spindly legs to scamper along with and you can get some movement from the figure by bending these legs. It is a beastly looking thing, but the design work is impressive and it does look an alien/spider hybrid. The toy measures about ten inches or so, so what you get is a pretty big figure to play with. Mine stood up to playing with and the paint never wore off them. I also rate the packaging, which is bright and catchy and displays more figure choices on the reverse. Be warned, if you buy this one, you will want the set and there are quite a few more aliens to choose from! A fun filmic item and despite the age flaw, well made and amusing.
Read the complete review |
|
|
Kenner Star Wars Princess Leia Organa in Hoth Gear
by benlepensive
In the Star Wars films, Princess Leia Organa went through varying stages of beauty. In the first film she was pretty gorgeous in her white robes with ear muffs, then who could forget that golden bikini she wore while smooching with Jabba The Hutt. There was a time inbetween these fine outfits when she lost it a bit though. I am talking ... about her Hoth attire. The costume Leia strapped on for her time in the snowy landscapes. It was not very flattering and her hair was tied back, giving her a stern and commanding look.
The character was first made into an action figure by Kenner in the early eighties. Years on, Hasbro have taken the original design and revamped it for a new generation. The four inch figure is made from plastic and can be posed at the head, arms and legs, allowing to strike new poses.
Leia has a soft feminine face here and the pale skin is done well. You can see that the severe haircut is in place though, with a good match to Carrie's, tucked behind her head. The outfit is an improvement over the Kenner model, with a bulkier outer jacket this time around and better attention to colour schemes. Leia's beige under garments look good and have strong detailing around the chest area. Hasbro have also succeeded in carving her a shapely mid-drift which makes her look more womanly!
Leia comes with a pleasing black blaster weapon, a satisfying enough weapon, but it would have been good if she had come with something extra like a com chip. Nonetheless, this is a faithful adaption of a fan favourite. Collectors will approve and kids might like the toy, even though it lacks the visual appeal of the alien figures. Expect to pay about four pounds for a boxed figure or a pound for a loose figure at auction.
Read the complete review |
