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REVIEW: Sideshow AvP:R WOLF PREDATOR Statue
"You Sending The Wolf?" - Jules (Pulp Fiction)...
Sideshow's AvP:R Wolf Predator Statue is IN-STOCK and ready to ship priced at $299.99. A payment plan is available.
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Sideshow has been on a roll with their 1/5th scale Predator statue collection. Already fans have been treated to many of the sci-fi series' heavy hitters, including the original Jungle Hunter (read our review HERE), Elder, Scar... even a unique creation with the "Bad Blood" Predator (read our review HERE). While I strongly predict a Predator 2 City Hunter is in the near future, Sideshow's newest release hails from 2007's Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem - The Wolf Predator. Like Harvey Keitel's character in Pulp Fiction, The Wolf Predator is sent to Earth to clean up a mess - specifically some escaped alien xenomorphs. AvP:R was better than its predecessor Alien vs. Predator in many ways, namely the incredible weapon and costume design for The Wolf.
Each Predator movie has added a unique new weapon or two and slightly altered the way the alien warriors appear on film. AvP:R goes all out with the Predator arsenal by arming The Wolf with a whip, signature wrist claws, combi-stick, proximity mines, shuriken, AND twin plasma casters. This fella was a walking one man army. His outfit further pleased fans by tweaking the original with random horns and spikes on the feet and Bio-Mask. I'm a sucker for masked Predators and The Wolf ranks way up there as my all-time favorite mask design.
All that said, Sideshow's Wolf Predator statue nails all these intricate details on a nearly 20 inch tall polystone sculpture. Well, almost. You had to pre-order early to secure the Sideshow Exclusive that included an interchangable right hand clutching the whip. That version is long sold out now, but surprisingly collectors can still order the standard Wolf Predator statue priced at $299.99 and limited to only 1000 pieces. As is the norm with high-end Sideshow items, a convenient payment plan is available for as little as $100 per month.
As mentioned, this statue is cast in 1/5th scale - the Predator measuring an attractive 16 1/2 inches tall - a full 20" on the included display base. The entire piece ships safe and snug in an equally large box adorned with a cool close up of The Wolf on the front and a full body shot on the back. You'll find the edition size on the bottom of the package, as well as on the bottom of the base. Once you're removed and split the inner Styrofoam clamshell container, you'll find your Wolf Predator statue in easy-to-assemble pieces. Unlike my review of the original 1/5th scale Predator statue, Sideshow this time around includes a handy illustrated instruction sheet. Even though the assembly process is rather straight forward, its nice to see Sideshow stepping up their game.
The Wolf's body makes up the majority of the sculpt and it plugs securely into the base via a large, sturdy metal rod on the right foot. Next comes the hands - one grasping and ready to activate the combi-stick, while the other is splayed out in anticipation of combat. These attach by powerful hidden magnets. Next, the dual plasma cannons plug into corresponding holes on the back by two metal rods. Sliding these in required a small dab of WD-40 on my part, but I'd rather deal with a tight fit over loose any day. Lastly, a wicked bone trophy necklace on real string must be draped around the Predator's collar before placing on the head. And not just one head, fans have the choice of TWO! A feature usually reserved for exclusive editions, the inclusion of two alternative heads - masked and unmasked - is an amazingly kind gesture on Sideshow's part. Let's face it, many fans love the wild unmasked look of the creature, while others, like myself, prefer the cold steely look of the Bio-Mask. With The Wolf Predator statue you get the best of both worlds, both heads attaching - like the hands - via a strong hidden magnet. Do be careful doing this, however, as the Predator's dreadlocks are extremely thin and fragile and could break if the head isn't attached just so.
Once you've chosen a look, it's time to kick back and admire this awesome piece. As mentioned, all the intricately sculpted details are there. I particularily like the "Cleaner Kit" and power pack on the warrior's back. The detail and paint here is incredible. Paint work overall is clean and amazing - metal armored sections weathered and worn, while the creature's hide is appropriately mottled and sickly green. While I would have prefered real mesh for the Predator's body suit, Sideshow's painters did an excellent good job on the thin black lines. You honestly can't tell the difference. The base is another knockout feature, truly complimenting the statue with it's layered, three dimensional design. The top part resembles a section of sewer, with slimy water and a rusted out pipe hammering home the setting. Chunks of broken concrete further deliver the sense of decay and ruin, the perfect place for this creature of war. The lower half of the base mimics the Predator's armor in color and style, with funky alien glyphs spaced around for an eye-pleasing composition. The entire Wolf Predator statue has great pose and structure, your eyes flow over the piece admiring all the minute details along the way.
Predator fans come in varying degrees of devotion. Some stick with the cool action figures, others prefer higher-end pieces of Predator art. Sideshow's 1/5th scale Predator statue collection delivers the latter in a size that displays very well, especially when more than one statue is collected. With Sideshow focusing on all the major Predator characters, those serious about the license and series have an awesome collection to look forward to. For more selective collectors, The Wolf Predator is by far the nicest 1/5th scale Predator statue released so far and makes for a killer standalone. Invite him in to clean your house today. Just don't expect him to do the windows...
Review and Photos by Jeff Saylor
Review Sample Courtesy of Sideshow Collectibles
