Tuesday, August 27, 2013

NECA Toys' SDCC 2013 Exclusive Albino Predator Review

You know what to expect with San Diego Comic-Con: a huge parade of geeky madness. Of course that includes another batch of exclusive action figures for collectors to hunt down. While there weren't as many appealing toys as there has been in the past, the best one is enough. That is NECA Toys' Albino Predator.

Collectors who didn't make the trip would usually have to wait a day or so after the show to order exclusives from various online retailers. Yes, that could include paying exorbitant prices on eBay. But NECA Toys changed it up this year to give their fans a chance. The site, NECA Club, had their toys available over the weekend, DURING Comic Con for the folks at home. When I heard this, trust I didn't hesitate in ordering him. Read on to find out if he's ready for the hunt.

Packaging:

On the front, it's standard fare for the series with the addition of the Comic Con exclusive sticker. The card art features Big Red Predator. More on him later. Looking at Albino Predator, it would appear as if he was screaming "get me out of here." No worries, folks, I freed him from his plastic prison. Flip it over and you'll notice a different art style which is a nice touch. The same style was used for Big Red. His bio describes his unique look. The next set, series 10, will consist of Lava Predator, Nightstorm Predator and Hive Wars Predator. This series is a tribute to Kenner's line from the 90s. They'll be available in the fall.



Now onto the figure. If you don't collect NECA's Predator line, you're probably wondering where this vibrant-colored hunter came from. He's one of the three Predators shown at the end of the fan film, Batman: Dead End. Big Red Predator was released in series 7. To round out the trio, NECA will release Wasp Predator later this year. All three figures are captured in the image below from NECA's Facebook page.


Paint Apps:

I'm sure I can speak for many collectors when I say the paint scheme was a big draw and NECA did not disappoint. Albino's bright orange looks great next to Big Red's armor. It's also a great contrast to the rest of the Predator line in general.

Well hello, handsome.

Within the net design exist some minor inconsistencies, but not enough to take away from such a great looking figure. Even the brown bands on his dreads are painted all the way around.



Sculpt:

Albino Predator shares the body of the recent Masked Jungle Hunter Predator with some changes. He's unmasked, which was another big draw for me as he's the only unmasked Predator in my collection. He has a different piece of armor on his right shoulder. His right hand, extending from the iconic wrist blades, is open as opposed to the fist of the Jungle Hunter. Though the figure does not include the shoulder cannon, the slots to fit one in are still there.




Articulation:

If you're familiar with the Predator line, then you know his articulation. Albino Pred has a ball-jointed head, swivel/hinge shoulders and elbows, ball-jointed wrists, swivel waist, swivel/hinge hips, swivel thighs, double-hinged knees and ball-jointed ankles. His "dreads" don't interfere with neck articulation, so you are able to get the full rotation there. The wrist blades are questionable because they're stuck in place and I've yet to put much force into getting them out for fear of breaking them. It appears to be an issue specific to mine, so I can't take points away for that.


The only issue with the design is on the left side. There are two cords, one connecting his chest-piece to his shoulder armor and one from his bicep armor to his forearm gauntlet. Too much movement of the left arm will detach the cords. I know of some collectors who've just removed them anyway.

Accessories:

Seeing as how Albino doesn't rely on weapons as many of his Predator brethren do, he has no accessories. That's how the character prefers to take on his prey, so I don't fault NECA for that. Although, it would've been cool if they threw in an extended spear. Of course I'm only saying that because I don't have one. *hint hint*

Verdict:

As stated, my only issue are the wrist blades which may just be my figure. Overall, Albino Predator is another example of NECA Toys' quality craftsmanship and creativity. He's an awesome figure who'd fit in with any Predator collection. He's also perfect for any action figure fan who collects unique looking figures. Albino Predator retailed at $25. Being an exclusive, a Comic-Con one at that, I'd expect he'd be difficult to find and expensive. If you can find him, he's definitely worth it.

5/5 Skull Trophies


What do you think about the Albino Predator? Sound off below. Thanks for checking out the review and enjoy a few more images of this deadly hunter below.

This was originally for size comparisons but turned into lining up several awesome figures. Also know as the best family picture ever.

Roll credits.

L to R: Warrior, Scout, Albino,
Big Red and Masked Jungle Hunter.

Triumphant.
It wouldn't be right if I didn't leave you with this.

Monday, August 12, 2013

BOOM! Studios Lines up A HIT in September


Come September 4th, your wallet may be in the crosshairs of Los Angeles' finest thanks to BOOM! Studios' new crime noir series, HIT. Created & written by Bryce Carlson and illustrated by Vanesa R. Del Rey. This title also marks the debut of both creators. HIT will be covered by Ryan Sook (right) and will feature incentive variant #1 by Erik M. Gist (seen below).

Carlson and Del Rey take us back to Los Angeles in 1955. The story centers around L.A.P.D. detectives who also operate as hitmen taking out the scum of the city. I haven't read many comics from the genre, but the premise reminds me of films such L.A. Confidential, The Untouchables and Gangster Squad. All of which had me hooked.




From the press release:

WHY WE LOVE IT: We’re suckers for classic film noir, crime comics, and pulp detective novels. We love the secret history of law enforcement in our hometown, Los Angeles. Mostly, we love stories about good men making hard decisions in unforgiving circumstances.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: HIT is a dark crime drama filled with murderers, rapists, and drug lords…and the men who will stop at nothing to bring them to justice. If you’re a fan of CRIMINAL, PARKER, and TUMOR, then HIT is the series for you.

WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Los Angeles. It’s 1955. It’s dark; it’s sexy. It’s dangerous. Everyone has an angle. And while infamous gangster Mickey Cohen rots in a prison cell, Los Angeles ignores the blackest parts of the city’s heart…where clandestine groups of LAPD detectives moonlight as sanctioned hitmen knows as “Hit Squads.”


Here's a page by Del Rey taken from the series' Facebook account. You can view more of her work on both of her blogs, located on Blogger and Tumblr.

From the bit I've seen of Del Rey's art for this book and in general, her style fits the book. I'm looking forward to seeing more of her pages revealed leading up to the book's release.




HIT #1 will be available September 4th for $3.99. Use Diamond order code JUL130912.