Toy Tease: NECA Toys Unveils New Predators

Leading up to Toy Fair, NECA Toys has been unveiling plenty of action figures to tease and excite collectors. Some of those highly anticipated figures come from the Predator franchise. One of those, belonging to their increasingly popular line based on video games of our childhood, is Classic Video Game Appearance Predator 2.

Beyond figure design, NECA's Classic Video Game Appearance figures are also known for their packaging which surely have a place in many display cases. This leads to one of what I call "collector's dilemmas." This one being "to open or not to open" (see below). Check out the box art below along with the package of the first Classic Video Game Appearance Predator from my personal collection. This one is based on the 8-bit NES version. Side note: Despite this figure being released last year, I still have yet to officially decide if I'll open it. It's just perfect for display.

Perfectly timed for New Comic Book Day (some weeks back, I should say) NECA revealed yet another Predator. Here's the Dark Horse Comics 25th Anniversary Predator. This one based on Dark Horse Comics' Predator #1 published in 1989. Pictured next to it is the original issue.

Also be on the lookout for the wave 13 Predators: Renegade, Cracked Tusk and Scavage. These figures continue NECA's move of updating the Kenner Predators from the '90s. Collectors can expect neat design, cool weapons and lots of articulation. I'm sure we'll be able to spot the alien hunters on the pegs by the vibrant card art reminiscent of those earlier Kenner toys.

We just stepped into February and there are already plenty of fantastic figures to look forward to this year. With Toy Fair right around the corner, anticipate more reveals. It's well documented how much of a fan I am of NECA. Their toys make up a sizable portion of my collection and that number will continue to grow with these additions.

What do you think of these reveals? What are you hoping to see on display at Toy Fair? Let's hear it. For more information on these Predators and the toymaker, head over to NECA Toys.

Toy Tease: NECA Toys' Devil May Cry ULTIMATE DANTE

While my Twitter timelines were blowing up with the usual internet shenanigans, a tweet from NECA Toys immediately caught my eye. From Capcom's hit action video games series Devil May Cry comes Dante. Take a look at the series' protagonist below, gloriously clad in red.

From NECA's website:

Seven years in the making, this long-awaited action figure is the definitive version of the original Dante, the one who started it all.

The half-demon demon hunter from Devil May Cry stands nearly 7″ tall, with over 35 points of articulation. Dante is extra-detailed, down to his trademark trench coat, which features a dynamic, wind-shaped sculpt. The figure is loaded with accessories, including Ebony and Ivory pistols with removable muzzle bursts, Dante’s sword Alastor, shotgun, and interchangeable hands.

Comes in deluxe window box packaging with opening flap that recreates the look of the original video game box. Limited edition — one production run only!

No denying it, Dante looks slick. For collectors and/or gamers only familiar with the recent entry in the series, DmC: Devil May Cry, Dante's look might throw you off. This is Dante's original look for the first four games in the series. Complete with that cool sword. As a sword lover, you can expect to see pictures of him in my display wielding it in full badass mode. Also, being such a fan of the color blue, I'm curious how he'd look with a royal blue coat of paint with the same style of paint wash.

NECA Toys is known for their high quality collectibles and this one looks to keep that trend going. NECA is no stranger to video games. Over the years, they've consistently (to our bank accounts' displeasure) provided collectors with representations of some of video games' finest characters under their Player Select banner. Some of those have been delivered in full ongoing lines, such as the amazing Gears of War series, or singular figures, e.g. Raziel from Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver.

According to their site, we can except Dante to be available in March. For more images of the legendary demon hunter and information on the toy maker, head over to NECA Toys.

What do you think of Dante? Is there a place for him in your collection? Sound off below.

TOY TEASE: NECA Toys' NES Classic Video Game Appearance Predator

NECA Toys will be adding the original Predator to their Classic Video Game Appearance series. This version of the classic Jungle Hunter Predator is based on the 1989 NES video game. The Predator will be the fourth figure to get this treatment following other iconic characters Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th), Freddy Krueger (Nightmare on Elm St.) and RoboCop. Below is an image of what we can expect.

NECA’s Jungle Hunter Predator (1989 Video Game Appearance) is a fully articulated 8-inch tall figure with extendable wrist blades, removable backpack, and over 20 points of articulation. The Predator is painted in shades of blue with black and a hint of cel shading.

This figure comes in special window box packaging with opening flap to re-create the look and feel of the classic 1989 video game packaging.

In my last video, I mentioned how much of a fan I am of NECA Toys, especially their Predator figures. This one will certainly have a place in my collection. They also released an updated visual guide for the Predator line. Check it out below.

Come May, the hunter becomes the hunted as collectors stalk toy jungles in search of this limited run item. For updates, visit NECA Toys.

VIDEO: Massive Action Figure Haul

In this second video I show off a huge toy haul. There are action figures from across several lines. This video was the main idea behind expanding to YouTube. Sit back and enjoy the toy show.

Thanks for watching.

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.

My Top 5 Toys of 2011

Toys, toys, toys. Beyond the comics, I have a fondness for action figures and know many people who share that love. While most of my collection consists of comic characters, video games and anime characters are well represented.

2011 was a great year for toys. I purchased many action figures throughout the year and thought it would be cool to pick my top five of the year. This gave me a chance to look through pictures of my hauls from the previous year. That's not to say I don't do that anyway, because I do. It took me some time to look through everything because I wanted to make sure my initial list was made up of toys actually released in 2011.

From there, I had to narrow down my choices, which wasn’t as hard as I originally thought for a couple of reasons. One, there are a few figures who were standouts to me and were clear choices. And two, I’m only collecting about 3 current toylines including Marvel Universe, G.I. Joe, and Gears of War. But those are the only actual full ongoing toylines, it’ll be four when Marvel Legends hit shelves again. I’m not counting the figures connected to movies.

Getting that out of the way, let's get to the toys. Because that's why you're here, right? And to the toys we go.


#5. G.I. Joe 30th Anniversary Crimson Hiss Tank

I found this lovely vehicle at Toys R Us. I really dig this new design. I have three of them; one of each release. And yes, that includes the inexplicable brown one. I planned on painting that one black, but then I got my hands on the second release which was black. I still want to customize it, but have yet to decide on a design. Hasbro decided to release it a third time, in glorious red, or crimson as the box dictates. The actual color isn’t as glossy as the box would indicate, but it still looks good. I don't really care for the driver Cobra Crimson Horseman. I hate the mold they used, it's the same as the PoC wave 1 Firefly. The Firefly I didn't like then. But since I keep all my drivers and pilots anyway, he'll always have a home.


#4. G.I. Joe 30th Anniversary Vamp Mk.II

I know what you’re thinking. Two G.I. Joe vehicles? Really? Yes, really. I found this along with the Black Dragon VTOL at Wally World. This new Vamp design is my ideal Joe vehicle. And that model is a jeep/tank type vehicle fitting 4 or more figures. Because of this, it has actually become my favorite Joe vehicle. It has taken the spot of the A.W.E. Striker which has been number one for many years. I actually have two Vamps; both the PoC one and this 30th one. It joins the new Hiss and the A.W.E. Striker as the only vehicles of which I have multiple forms. I don't find the driver Steel Brigade Delta as cool as other people on the internet. But I definitely like him much better than the Cobra Crimson Horseman though.


#3. Gears of War 2 Skorge

I’ve been a gearhead since I played the first one and absolutely love the franchise. I’ve got the games, novels, comics, cog tags, a shirt, other apparel, and of course the toys. When NECA Toys announced Skorge, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on him. I had him set as my default Locust character in Gears 2. His mask or hat or whatever it was looked like dreads. I found him over the summer at TRU along with Kantus. The articulation is getting better on these figures. The first sets were pretty much statues. This deadly Locust comes with his dual-edged chainsaw staff.


#2. Marvel Masterworks SDCC Sentinel

If you don’t know, I’m a big X-Men fan. Always have been and always will be. As such, I’ve seen the Sentinels in action many times. I’ve had them in toy form before too. Hasbro produced these Sentinels in two colors. These classic colors were originally the SDCC 2011 exclusive. The other version, painted in silver and blue. 2011 marked my first trip to SDCC so I was already geeked out. But when I heard about the Sentinel, I knew I had to do what I could to get my hands on at least one. I won’t go into all the details, but anyone who’s been there knows the effort it takes to get some of Hasbro’s exclusives.

It came in a large box covered in art by Joe Quesada featuring six X-Men taking on the mechanical mutant killing terror. It even has lights and sounds. I originally planned to purchase two, but several factors came into play that made me stick to just the one. One of those was the size. I had trouble packing the one away; two would’ve been a struggle. I even carried it on the plane ride back. I wasn’t letting that Sentinel out of my sights for anything. I did receive several strange looks at the airport, but of course I didn’t care; I had my Sentinel. However, sometime after the convention, Hasbro Toy Shop got in some of the formerly SDCC exclusive items. I didn't spend any time deciding on whether to grab a second one and I’m glad. As I told a friend, I couldn’t have just one Sentinel.


#1. Marvel Universe Cyclops

These top two spots could’ve been switched around. That’s how close it was. But in the end, it had to go to Slim. Cyclops is one of my favorite comic book characters and I think he’s the best and most important X-Man ever. And despite all the unexplained pouches, I’m a huge fan of this costume. I actually picked up two, having gotten more into MOC figures. He’s got great articulation which includes the new rolling ankle joints. An awesome figure all around.

And just for fun, here are some more pix for you. I may have had a little fun with this. Not that much, but you know you thought of Night of the Sentinels with Cyclops and that Sentinel, didn't you? Yeah you did.

So there you have it ladies and gentlemen, my top five toys of 2011. There are a lot of toys coming out this year that I can't wait to get my hands on. Most of it will be Marvel stuff; Marvel Universe of course and the return of Marvel Legends. I wonder what SDCC exclusives Hasbro will have. What a year this will be indeed.

Feel free to comment. And thanks for looking.