Oh so often in this hobby, passionate collectors get caught up in the intricacies of a toy, like how pinpoint movie-accurate the figure is. What they forget is that toys were meant to be fun... to bring joy to those that buy them. With that in mind, NECA has approached their latest ALIENS action figure to do just that: to honor and deliver happiness to a very sick member of their "family". Presenting Sgt. Windrix, a Colonial Marine featuring the likeness of sculptor Kyle Windrix's brother Craig. Craig Windrix, whose favorite movie of all-time is ALIENS, has been dealing with an aggressive form of stomach cancer and is currently undergoing chemo treatment to fight it. NECA originally planned to produce Apone as their next Marine action figure, but when the actor likeness rights were turned down, NECA had to figure out a new approach. Making a generic Colonial Marine action figure came to mind, but NECA's Head of Product Development Randy Falk - knowing of Craig's condition - decided to surprise him (as well as Kyle) with this tribute action figure. The figure will feature a flamethrower and will stand unique in long sleeve BDUs and armor adorned with graffiti that are small nods to meaningful people in Craig's life, such as a heart (representing Craig's girlfriend) and bowling ball and pins (Craig's father). It's a win-win figure: fans get a new Marine and one man's dream is made reality. While tribute figures have been made before, I think this may very well be the first one produced for the mass market.
Sgt. Windrix will debut in Aliens Series 2. The assortment, due out in October 2013, will also star an Alien Warrior (Blue Highlights) and a brand new version of the 1979 Original Alien with new and improved articulation (pictured above). In 2014, NECA will celebrate the 35th Anniversary of ALIEN. While fans will still receive action figures, such as Bishop, from ALIENS, the spotlight will focus on the 1979 sci-fi classic for several waves. Confirmed ALIEN figures include Captain Dallas in Nostromo space suit, Kane and more. The Nostromo's resident feline - Jones the cat (below) - was shown at Comic-Con and will be a pack-in with one of the figures.
In other exciting ALIEN news, NECA showed off an Alien Egg with launching Face Hugger (pictured below). Attentive readers may recall seeing the prototype for this egg on my NECA studio tour HERE. Scheduled for release this September, the egg will measure 4.5 inches tall and will feature LED lights that emit an eerie green glow. Press a button to unleash the spring-launched alien terror inside! SRP of $24.99.
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