It’s true. That famous ALIEN logo we all know? It was modified.
An article I wrote a couple years back and have always been wanting to return to and expand that examines Kenner’s wonderful and iconic ALIEN logo has been updated. So here it is, with more information and images, a written piece that explores exactly what lies beneath the curiously censored logo appearing on all of Kenner’s 1979 ALIEN products.
Have fun with this. The ALIEN board game is also investigated broadly in the article as it is a key product in exploring the hidden secret of what lies beneath the modified version Kenner’s ALIEN logo.
-Windebieste.
Yeah, he’s in a “not too bad” state even if his arm is severed as that issue is an easy fix. All of his other parts are present including the dome, shoulder crest and all mouth parts. He appears to be relatively clean, too. It will be interesting to see how high this item climbs as the clock ticks down. It’s a safe bet this fellow will eventually sell in access of US$200. Anything less than that will be remarkable. Anything above US$200 can be expected. Hilarious.
Aside from the heat damage on the lower, middle edge of the right side of the dome, it’s a nice piece. US$470 is a lot to ask for, though; and it’s a good thing the rest of the figure is complete and in fine shape. He also manages to hold a pose with his arms, which is quite a feat in itself considering the neoprene anchors used to attach the limbs to an internal post are as old as the toy itself. 
This is a much more biomechanical finish to the creature and the ambience does appear to suit it much better than the original tangerine of some time back. Here’s what NECA have to say about this upcoming item, “Prepare to be bowled over by the newest addition to NECA’s Kenner Tribute line! The Rhino Alien is back and better than ever with brand new paint deco based on the variant release. Our team took inspiration from Kenner’s classic design and transformed it into an all-new modern behemoth featuring all of today’s detail and articulation. Rhino Alien measures approximately 10” and has a massive ramming horn for attacking its unlucky prey. Comes in all-new deluxe window box packaging.” Sounds very promising. This item is scheduled for release in January, 2021.
Twenty of these books have been sent out now, free, to charitable individuals whose images appear in the book. Such content mostly comprises vintage photos from Christmas 1979, production images of the ALIEN toy and other content, much of it never seen publicly before.
It’s a lot of money to spend on an old toy just to have a duplicate of the poster, though. Yet, that second poster can easily be sold on eBay for anywhere between US$50 and US$120 dollars. The figure itself is a good quality sample, complete with all components in place and has the added attraction of being able to hold a pose, which itself is uncommon. …but is it worth US$1,750, even with a duplicate item thrown in for added value? Probably not. Mind you, the vendor is willing to take offers on this item. So it will sell. That’s a certainty, despite the fact this item is neither rare nor in mint condition. 
He’s nigh on perfect, too, with only minor paint applied to the bulging details on the sides of his head to serve as a distraction from a near immaculate presentation. These look like an old customisation as there is some signs of chipping on the added finish. This is a good thing as the old paint may even be removed with minimum effort by just prying carefully at it with a pointed tool. Some paint won’t come off, of course; but this application looks like it might come away with ease. If you do want to remove previous custom paintwork from these old toys, remember(!) it’s important to use a non-acetone remover as common acetone based paint removers are harmful to the toy and will dissolve the styrene it’s made of. So be very careful if you choose to remove paint. 
Let’s get this out of the way first. For US$200, you can easily purchase a better sample of the toy than what is being offered here. For what you get, this poor ALIEN toy is horrendously over-priced. It’s easier if we start with the usual suspects. All the pieces commonly missing are absent from this figure; and then some. Gone are the head dome, both parts of the tongue and the crest between the shoulders. Also missing is the tail. The arms are included in the listing, but you’ll need to re-attach those. Everything else is there – but even some of those remaining features on the toy have problems. Let’s take a closer look, shall we? 
It’s been a couple months since one of these appeared on eBay. They’re uncommon at best but not to the point of justifiably being called rare. The description on this item is a little scant, “…Great Condition Authentic. Condition is Used. Minor scratches.” but that’s essentially all you need to know what you’re buying. It’s in very good condition and just lacking in a little quality detailing to make it perfect. Pricey at US$150? Sure it is. Then again, these smoky hued things will frequently exceed the US$100 mark when being bid for on eBay at auction. While this “Buy Now” figure sits at the upper price limit the seller is taking offers. Regardless, it’s a safe bet this single, much sought after body part will still sell for no less than US$100. Not bad for loose piece of plastic from a forty year old toy nobody asked for in 1979.
