REVIEW: Hot Toys Movie Masterpiece PREDATOR

The original comes to life in 1:6th scale form...

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There's no replacement for the original Predator; no matter how many 1/6th scale figures Hot Toys makes.

Now, fans who've been clamoring for the galaxy's original hunter in 1/6th scale form can add it to their collections thanks to Hot Toys...

PACKAGING
This time, Hot Toys have chosen to use a special packaging method comparing to the rest of the Predators figures previously released. Similar in concept to the She-Predator Machiko and Wolf Predator Cleaner Kit version figures, this Predator includes a transparent outer layer sleeve which features the stealth mode texture. Die-hard fans of the film will appreciate this extra effort...

Like previous packaging, the box’s inside includes a special guide to show fans how to install the battery and connect the LED light from the mask to its body as well as plastic trays in which the figure and all of it’s parts are included. However, unlike past figures, fans won’t have to put this figure together; it’s pre-assembled.

SCULPT
Some fans will find this to be the best Predator head sculpt yet (personally, I think the Elder Predator is still best). The small dreads on the head are sculpted to it, which make them look somewhat fake. Preferably, these would have been – like the bigger ones – made of flexible rubber and attached to the head like the larger dreads. Likewise, the upper lip/jaw looks a bit too big, but these are both minor complaints.

As for the armor, Hot Toys has reused some of the Elder Predator’s armor, but the body is a new sculpt…and also the shortest Predator body compared to all of the other Predator made so far. That said, the texture on the body – and specifically the body, chest, and hands – is much improved.

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
The regular version of the figure includes a single, battle-damaged bio-mask while the limited edition includes both a battle damaged mask and a non-battle damaged mask. Both masks include a battery-operated LED “laser net” which shines three small red dots. The directions for connecting the mask to the backpack are included.

Other clothing and accessories include a real fabric net body suit, worn by most Predators (once again, this figure doesn’t have to be assembled, which saves major time); interchangeable open and closed mandibles (similar to Predator 2, Lost Predator and Wolf Predator); an articulated shoulder plasma cannon, movable and featuring fragile cabling connecting it to the backpack; extendable wrist blades, which extended about 1 inch from the wrist (like Predator 2); a wrist computer, which some will notice isn’t quite as movie accurate as it could be; and armor which is extremely similar to the Elder Predator’s armor.

Other accessories included detailed bone trophies, a highly detailed medical kit (including needles, etc), interchangeable hands (including 2 open hands, 2 punch hands, and one for holding the skull trophy). One final impressive accessory is the jungle display base which adds an environment of sorts to the display and helps build a scene for the character.

ARTICULATION
The figure features over 24 points of articulation, including highly poseable legs and arms which allow the figure to be posed in a variety of stance and fighting postures seen in the film.

PAINT APPLICATION
There’s been an amazing improvement in the paint department since Hot Toys began making MMS Predator figures. The paint is darker and looks more realistic. Likewise, the paint on the textured sculpted chest, arms, hands, legs and back looks very impressive. While the inside of the mouth is a bit too red (and should be more pinkish), it too looks better than many early Predator figures.

COST & OVERALL IMPRESSION
At $175 for the exclusive version and $170 for the regular version, this is the most expensive Predator figure so far released by Hot Toys. While the inclusion of the LED mask no doubt contributes to the cost of the figure, the popularity of this character – the original Predator – is no doubt partially to blame.

If you or someone you know is a die-hard Predator fan or collects the Hot Toys Movie Masterpiece Series of figures, this is a “must have.” While there are details which could be improved upon – including the face sculpt, color of the mouth, and figure height – the figure overall is great. Featuring a beautiful sculpt accurately capturing the galaxy’s original sci-fi movie hunter, this figure includes impressive accessories, a well-applied paint application, and excellent articulation.

Be sure to check out the photo gallery below for more images!

- photos and review by CK Lee

PHOTO GALLERY: Hot Toys MMS Predator