ADVANCE REVIEW: Eaglemoss Alien & Predator Collection – First 6 Figures

UK-based Eaglemoss Collections is well known with collectors for their quality resin figurines from such licenses as Star Trek, Doctor Who, The Walking Dead and Marvel. Aside from their wonderful detail, what makes these pieces so attractive is the wide range of characters made available in each collection and the speed in which they are released. Unlike many collectibles that take months to see store shelves, Eaglemoss collectors receive their figure fix on a monthly basis. These can be purchased individually at your local comic book or specialty store, or delivered to your doorstep thanks to convenient subscription plans (which also happen to save you a few bucks). Small and easy to display, fans can have a sizable collection from their favorite property in no time at all.

Photo Credit: Eaglemoss

Eaglemoss’ newest addition is the Alien & Predator Official Figurine Collection. Part of their new Eaglemoss Hero Collector imprint (www.herocollector.com), the 1:16 scale, approximately 5-7-inch tall resin figurines will span all the Alien and Predator movie franchises. Down the line, even the video games and comics are planned.

Eaglemoss had my attention with the words “Alien” and “Predator,” but what makes this collection even more exciting is that collectors will receive not one, butTWO new figures per month. The line launches this April with the Xenomorph from 1979’s sci-fi classic Alien, along with the Scar Predator from Alien vs. Predator. To give fans an idea of what they can expect from this series, Eaglemoss provided us with a look at the first six figures. These include:

• APRIL: Alien Xenomorph (Alien) and Scar Predator (Alien vs. Predator)
• MAY: Corporal Dwayne Hicks (Aliens) and Dog Alien (Alien 3)
• JUNE: Jungle Hunter Predator (Predator) and Dallas in Nostromo Spacesuit (Alien)

The figures I received are from the subscription plan, the difference being the window box packaging they arrive in (pictured above right). Those that purchase the Eaglemoss Alien/Predator figures at their local comic book/specialty store will get them in a closed box (pictured above left). Closed boxes are being used to better protect the product in transit due to the figurines shipping in Diamond Comic Distributors’ boxes packed with other items to retailers.

Minor design aesthetics aside, both box types provide more than adequate protection; each of my figures was stowed safe and sound, twisty tied down, in a clam shell tray. Box color varies depending on each release, though I’m not sure if there is a visual rhyme or reason to it other than  breaking up the monotony. My Aliens all came in green packs, while the original Predator arrived in red and the AvP Scar Predator in blue. Perhaps color coding  by movie? The informative back of each box appears to indicate this with a sampling of future figures.

The box back also shows you which movie each figure is from, a nice touch that’s also reflected in the included two-page mini catalog.  There’s nothing here that a passionate Alien and Predator fan won’t already know, but it’s great info for someone new to the licenses. Both old and new fans will appreciate the sneak peek at upcoming figures. The entire packaging presentation really helps set the mood – getting you excited about opening the collectible figure inside.

As mentioned, the figures vary in size from 5-inches (Hicks), 5 1/2 inches (Dallas, original Predator, and hunched Dog Alien, 6-inches (Alien), to a tall 8-inches (Scar with spear lifted high in the air). It’s a great collectible size that doesn’t take up a lot of display space.

Construction is also impressive, each figure cast in quality polyresin with an attached base that adds substantial weight. Speaking of bases, I like the uniformity of the hexagonal design and how the bases can “connect” on display, like a honeycomb. Well, all except Scar Predator and his odd-ball of the group octagonal base.

While a minor annoyance in the grand scheme of things, I just had to know why Scar’s base was a different shape… so I asked Eaglemoss. They replied that it “was to accommodate the extra detailed base and the bulk of that particular figure.” I can appreciate that, as the Scar Predator is the heaviest and tallest of the bunch and his display base is my absolute favorite. While all the Alien/Predator bases add some nice environmental details that enhance the figure, the Mayan/Aztec influenced engravings on Scar’s base steals the show. Beautiful sculpting work.

Speaking of sculpting, the work here is excellent across the board. Like the environmental bases, the pose chosen for each figure really helps define the character. From the classic Jungle Hunter with arms outstretched in rage to the Dog Alien ready to pounce with dynamically curled tail, the sculpted poses truly bring this collection to life on display.

While sculpting is stellar, the paint work on this series is hit and miss. Figures like the original Alien, Dog Alien, Scar and Dallas in Nostromo spacesuit stand as good examples of the paint work done right; each figure exhibiting relatively clean paint apps and some nice shading. On the other hand, Hicks and the original Predator are less successful, especially when compared to previously released prototype photos. To be fair, these are small figures and you really have to look close up to notice. Macro photography tends to bring out even the slightest blemish on a collectible. However, for an almost $30 collectible, paint should be better. I strongly suspect the problems with Hicks and the Predator are factory related, the flesh colored paint being the main culprit. I’m sure these issues are confined to this early batch and will be corrected for their final May/June release.

Photo Credit: Eaglemoss

For those new to collecting Alien and Predator figures, or for established collectors seeking something new to display, Eaglemoss’ Alien & Predator Collection is a fine place to start. Aside from a few painting missteps, these figures impress with their small collectible size, quality construction, great sculpts, and extensive range of characters. In addition to the six figures previewed in this review, Eaglemoss has teased figures of the Berserker from Predators, Deacon and Engineer from Prometheus, Alien Warrior from Aliens, and Ron Perlman as the mercenary Johner from Alien: Resurrection. There is certainly no shortage of Alien and Predator characters for Eaglemoss to choose from.

Price wise, each Alien/Predator figure retails for $29.95 , which is in line for a collectible statue of this size. Better yet, Eaglemoss is currently running a promotional subscription deal at herocollector.com. New subscribers will receive the first two figures – the Alien and Scar Predator – for only $9.95 with free shipping included. You’ll also get a free t-shirt along with future special offers.

The Eaglemoss Alien & Predator Collection starts this April!

Scroll down for tons of new photos!

Review and Photos by Jeff Saylor

Review Sample Courtesy of Eaglemoss Collections

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