Every now and again, something unusual crops up on eBay. This is one such item. This 1979 Kenner ALIEN toy, complete in iits box is listed on the service for US$2,000. The box is opened with all contents present and complete with action figure, poster and red insert card. It also includes around half a dozen signatures collected from people involved in the production of both ALIEN and ALIENS.
I’m not an autograph hunter so I’m not familiar with some of the names scrawled across the outer surface of the box. Nonetheless, among at least seven signatures present are actors Tom Skerritt (Dallas), Veronica Cartwright (Lambert), Mark Rolston (Pvt. Drake) and William Hope (Lt. Gorman). Also present is 20th Century Fox advertising consultant, Charles Lippencott. This item will be a wonderful addition to someone’s collection. It’s way outside the scope of my finances but no doubt it will eventually go to a deserving home where it will be appreciated.
-windebieste.
Here’s what Funko have o say about this item, “An extraterrestrial threat is scoping out your Aliens collection! This black light Pop! Heralds a neon blue and green colour way whilst showcasing the Xenomorph’s poised attack stance, ready to prove its might as an apex predator. Be sure to act quick and add this incredible Pop! Vinyl figure to your collection today!” This item is some kind of “store exclusive” probably intended for the US market. It’s a safe bet though, you’ll find it anywhere Funko POP! figures are sold. …and that’s just about everywhere. I gotta say it. While I am not a fan of POP! items and don’t own any, the lurid colours is very appealing and I may yet add one to my collection. Maybe.
This head is missing some critical features with parts such as the upper dome and both tongue halves being absent. The chrome finish on the teeth is chipped and worn. On the other hand, the mouth trigger still works and the jaw opens. That’s always welcome. The upper head surface paint is still present, if a little rough in places, but it will continue to serve its purpose, function as intended and glow in the dark. It’s an unusual green custom paint job, probably done on the toy four decades ago by a creative child wanting to further embellish the toy – or possibly done by some basement stoner, bored with life. I’ve heard enough such stories to know it’s well within the realm of possibility. It’s definitely an ideal piece if you want to further customise one of these old toys and this is a perfect sample to exercise further creativity if that is your inclination. There is absolutely nothing wrong with transforming degraded samples of these vintage toys into an Objet d’Art. Just don’t attempt to remove the 3rd party paint with chemicals – you’ll risk damaging and dissolving the features – and that kind of damage is significantly uglier result than the hand crafted highlights that have been applied to this piece. Worth US$50? You have to decide that for yourself. I know if I needed a head in this state (it still works!) I’d buy it. Maybe for no more than US$40, though.
