Sometimes, peoples’ expectations of what of these old Kenner ALIEN toys are actually worth is way outside of what the real world will deliver. I’m not talking about pristine boxed samples of the toy being listed for figures in excess of two thousand US dollars. That’s become the norm. I’m referring to seriously sub-standard items like this one currently available on eBay listed with a price tag of US$495. To think at one point, these things were discounted to US$4.95 to clear unwanted stock – and that reduced price point included the figure in an unopened box. Just look at this forlorn old toy and ask yourself how is US$495 even expected? 
This figure is in below average condition and for the price being asked, you can purchase an excellent sample of this very same toy that will include the box AND poster. This one has a shopping list of problems you will want to be aware of before forking out nearly US$500. Let’s take a closer look. This is going to be fun!
Starting at the head, the dome is missing. Also missing are both halves of the tongue and the upper set of teeth, leaving only one of all four mouth parts remaining. This means altogether the head is missing no less than four of five pieces that should be present. As the spine of the back of the toy is also missing, that’s a total of five parts missing. That’s a hefty tally of essential parts gone AWOL. So far, this does not look good. But wait! There’s more! Let’s delve deeper into this incomplete figure for sale
Lacking in features isn’t the only issue present with this vintage toy. It’s problems extend to other body parts being damaged as well. On its own, the severed left arm features another handful of issues. Being severed isn’t too much of a problem as reattaching to the arm to the figure is an easy fix for anyone prepared to disassemble this old toy for that purpose. No. Unfortunately other, more permanent and irreparable problems exist here. That’s correct. There’s more than one issue present on this limb alone.
Firstly, the wrist is visibly damaged as there’s a gap at the rotation point indicating cracks and damage done to this part of the limb. Another issue is to be observed on the elbow. Here, the blunt spur has been abruptly truncated and is missing. Broken elbow spurs aren’t uncommon and they can be easily missed in listing photos like these. They cannot be repaired unless you have retained the broken spur and can then glue it back in situ.
The problems with the left arm don’t exactly end there, either. In photos where the arm is seated into the shoulder socket, it sits slightly too far within the joint. This is an indication that some internal damage has been done to the torso as the arm collapses slightly inward. Any internal damage on the left socket will be present on both front and rear pieces of the torso, with up to four support pins being snapped off inside. All of these problems pertaining to the left arm would indicate the toy has been dropped at some point during its forty years since it was released in October, 1979. Along with the internal damage to the shoulder, there’s the slot in the back of the toy which also appears to be damaged. Not a good track record so far.
The rest of the figure appears to be in OK shape. Well that’s a relief because not too much of it actually remains to be assessed. The right arm appears to be in good shape, if a little worn. Both of the legs and tail also look to be in decent shape; as does the tail and quad dorsal appendages. Let’s see, that’s a total of five good parts being included in this sale that remain in decent shape. Six, counting the head – after all, it doesn’t appear to be damaged – it’s just missing 80% of its attachments.
So there you have it. A significantly substandard sample of the toy with most parts either damaged or missing being listed for almost US$500. Wow. Just… Wow. Of course the seller will take Best Offer. What’s it worth, though? That’s always a difficult question to answer as that outcome will be determined by how much gets offered on this item. Usually, old Kenner ALIEN toys in this condition can sell between US$50 to US$150. Sometimes a little more. Sometimes less. There’s no rule book but this one pushes well outside the limit.
Even US$150 is a lot for an incomplete and poor quality figure that amounts to a pile of mostly missing and broken parts. For the price the seller is asking, he could at least wash the gunk, dust and mange off of it. Free postage to sweeten the deal might be a good idea, too. Right?
-Windebieste.
