If you’re planning on acquiring a vintage 1979 Kenner ALIEN toy in a box including the all elusive poster for under US$400, you’re in luck! For your consideration, one such item has become available on eBay for US$375. At this price, it is definitely going to attract some attention. This offer has to be too good to be true, right? Yep. You got it. If you are looking for an item in immaculate or even very good state of preservation, you might like to look elsewhere; but if you really want one on a budget, this is an OK purchase. 
What exactly is included in this listing? Starting with the figure, it’s in a rough and incomplete state. It’s missing the usual pieces, the dome, dorsal crest and both tongue parts. The upper teeth have collapsed inwards but are likely to be recoverable. As to whether the jaw mechanism still works, it’s impossible to say. Remove and refit those teeth and it may still function. The left arm is loose and appears to be have been re-attached. The tail and legs look to be in decent condition. A little work is needed here, but the figure can certainly be made to become more presentable, albeit incomplete.
Likewise, the box is also a mess. Creased, torn and missing the box top it’s a long way from being in perfect condition. No amount of caring attention will bring it back to its former glory but a lot can still be done to improve its presentation. The red insert card is present and that’s always welcome. Accompanying the box is the oft missing double sided poster. This component is in better condition than the rest of the package, featuring some light creasing, edge wear and a few water marks/stains here and there. It’s easily the best preserved part appearing in this listing.
Is this old toy that appears to be punched in the mouth and packed in a battered box worth US$375? Hell, yeah! One of these toys in any condition box is easily going to fetch $400. This one, while incomplete and clearly displaying a multitude of imperfections is definitely going to sell. I’ve seen the inclusion posters alone sell for US$100 and beaten up boxes sell for an excess of $200. Toss the figure in for US$75 and it’s a bargain! It’s just a matter of time but this item will be gone soon enough. No doubt about it.
PRO TIP: Already have a loose Kenner ALIEN toy but need the package? Buy this. Now. Just do it. When it arrives, keep the box and poster. Then relist the figure on eBay. Start the listing for US$130 as an auction item. It will sell; and you’ll end up with a cost effective box and poster to display your superior quality figure. Sure, the box is a long way from being perfect but if you’ve been wanting a cheap, original vintage box and poster, this is the best way to achieve that goal. Who knows? you may end up breaking even on the figure’s sale and keep the box and poster at no cost.
There is nothing normal about this toy. It has a crazy history. It’s good to see crazy prices dipping in the other direction for a change.
-Windebieste.
