Predator Action Figures
With the release of a new Predators movie in Summer 2010, Predator action figures are set to be popular again. The original Predator, released in 1987, was a big success that helped cement Arnold Schwarzenegger’s status as a major action star. It inspired a sequel, several comic book series and, more recently, two movies that pitted the hunters against the Aliens from that other popular franchise. Here are reviews of some previously-released Predator action figures that are certain to become extremely collectible again.
At present, the license to produce Predator action figures is held by NECA Toys and they have done the license proud. One of its best releases is the Series One Predalien that portrays the Predator-Alien hybrid from the Alien vs. Predator: Requiem movie. The figure is around eight inches tall and features extremely detailed sculpting, as well as multiple points of articulation. The Predalien comes in two variants featuring either closed or open mandibles.
NECA also came up with a very cool Series Four Alien vs. Predator: Requiem 7” Battle-Damaged Predator figure, which comes in masked and unmasked variants. The figure shows an injured Predator complete with a throwing weapon and two accessories: an Alien Chest Burster and Alien Face Hugger. The extremely detailed sculpt even shows some battle wounds through its torn costume oozing green blood.
McFarlane Toys has a well-deserved reputation as a maker of quality action figures its Predator Hunter from Predator 2 is no exception. While the movie was not a success, the figure was extremely popular when it was released in 2004 due to its faithfulness to the likeness of the character as shown in the film. Standing around six inches tall, the figure features multiple points of articulation as well as several accessories including a medical kit, flintlock pistol and Alien skull from the trophy room seen at the end of the film.
MacFarlane also released a popular action figure of the Elder Predator featured at the end of the first AVP movie. The figure is 8-1/2” tall and is extremely detailed, even down to the left wrist control panel which can open to reveal the countdown timer inside, and the removable trophy necklace. It also has 21 points of articulation, making it easy to pose, although like a lot of action figures, it is not meant to be played with but to be displayed.
The defunct Kenner Products produced many popular licensed toys based on franchises such as Star Wars and the Batman movies. It released a 10” Ultimate Predator figure based on the one seen in the first film. Featuring multiple points of articulation, the figure comes with accessories such as a razor-claw gauntlet and smart-disc weapon. Like most action figures nowadays, it is not intended for young children but for adult collectors.
The Japanese toy maker Kotobukiya Chimasuta produced an unconventional Predator figure based on the one the appeared in Predator 2. Dubbed the Howling Stealth Predator, it is essentially a regular Predator figure, except that it’s translucent to indicate that the character is in its invisible mode. While the figure has no accessories other than the spear weapon it holds in its hand, its sheer uniqueness makes it a must-have collectible.
US $.01
