Prototype figures are at the elite level of toy collectibles. These are unique items that represent milestones along the pathway of any toy’s development, manufacturing and eventual mass production for sale. As such, they tend to be unique engineering and production assessment items along with work in progress samples produced in small numbers for in house appraisal, problem solving and other evaluation purposes. Aside from being valuable highly collectible, they can frequently be one of a kind items that provide a glimpse into the process of toy development that is generally concealed from public scrutiny.
I’d like to thank the following people for their contributions and permissions that have made this Gallery Possible:
- Adam ‘Proto_hoarder’ Saker
- Barry@ToyCurious.com
- Bruce White
- Cesar AV Rarámuri
- Caesar V. Jacquez
- crucity2
- Derek Ho
- Eric Christian Magee
- Eric Fischer
- Jerry Buchanan
- Marc Cawiezel
- Scott Morrissey
- Steve Dwyer
- toyzonehk
- Tracey Hamilton
Kenner would frequently use images of prototype figures for promotional purposes. This quality note found on the reverse side of their ALIENS Action Masters packaging is an indicator of how such retail products were often represented in this way.
This practice is demonstrated on the box of the original Kenner 1979 ALIEN action figure. A prototype or production sample is photographed on the box showing a variance in the translucency of the dome and the shapes of the glow in the dark head markings. These features clearly differ from those present on the retail figure. 
1979, MPC (General Mills) 10 inch ALIEN model kit.
The10 inch tall MPC ALIEN kit is the first true commercially available 3D representation of the Alien character. It was released in 1979, a couple months prior to Kenner’s infamous 18 inch tall children’s toy.
1979, Kenner (General Mills) 18 Inch ALIEN action figure.
Not many prototypes of the original Kenner ALIEN toy are known to exist; and those that do survive are fragmentary and incomplete.
Prototypes and other production samples suffered the same fate along with the molds, engineering documentation & drawings, unassembled parts and complete retail figures ready to be distributed beyond the factory premises. They were destroyed and disposed of during late 1979 when Kenner decided to halt and discontinue production on all items connected to the ALIEN licence.
1979, Kenner (General Mills) 3.75 Inch Alien.
Unlike their lucrative Star Wars products, Kenner’s foray into ALIEN movie licenced action figures in the 3.75 inch range didn’t progress beyond prototype stage. The entire range of proposed figures based on the movie was cancelled before mass production could commence.
These prototypes were the inspiration behind the FUNKOxSuper7 ReAction figure line of collectible toys in 2013.
1979, Kenner (General Mills) 3.75 Inch Kane in Compression Suit.
Just like the Alien figure above, the 3.75 inch Kane wearing his compression suit was originally a 1979 prototype figure.
Once again, this was the inspiration for the similar figure that appears in the 2013 released FUNKOxSuper7 ReAction range of collectible toys.
1979, Kenner (General Mills) 3.75 Inch Nostromo Crew (Ash, Dallas and Ripley).
For now, there’s limited number of images (1 of each) for these Nostromo crew members so they’re gathered together here for convenience sake.
I’m hoping to acquire more photos so I can split this gallery into more sections worthy of these pieces.
If you would like to help either by sending me images to post or with contacts, please let me know. Thank you.
1979, Kenner (General Mills), ALIEN 6×9 inch Dallas Action Figure Mock Up Card.
Kenner’s Dallas action figure backing card was going to feature all the design elements we are all familiar with. From the ALIEN logo to the characteristic color scheme, it’s all present on this extremely rare and potentially unique item.
This mock up card back for cancelled Dallas figure may very well be a sole survivor of the cancelled 3.57 inch ALIEN range but it tells us a lot about the design philosophy and style behind the packaging for Kenner’s unproduced toy line.
1990, Kenner (Tonka), ALIENS 3.75 Inch Alien Warrior.
Deviating from screen accurate figures Kenner previously worked on in the ALIEN property, this small item could be considered to be the missing link in Kenner’s range of action figures.
It bridges the earlier 3.75 inch figures with the later releases of the more outlandish variety Kenner produced from 1992 onwards.
1992, Kenner (Tonka) OPERATION: ALIENS Style Guide.
The series of 1992 action figures originally intended to wear the OPERATION: ALIENS moniker eventually became the now familiar items appearing in Kenner’s 1992 ALIENS range of action figures.
This style guide documents and outlines the original OPERATION: ALIENS action figures in an early stage of the product line’s development.
1992, Kenner (Tonka), ALIENS Queen Backing Card Mock Up.
Prototyping extends well beyond the need to develop and evaluate figures along with their accessories.
Packaging also needs to be designed to help accommodate, transport, protect and display the item on retailer shelves. This in itself is a specialised design process and this 1992 Queen Alien prototype serves as a fine example of an early stage in this process.
1992, Kenner (Tonka), Series 1 Backing Card Proof Copies.
A set of 9 proof backing cards from Kenner’s ALIENS Series 1 along with the ATAX backing card from Series 2.
1992, Kenner (Tonka), ALIENS Queen Alien Accessory.
The ‘Deadly Chest Hatchling’ was a 3 inch long accessory included in Kenner’s Queen Alien action figure (See above). Here are 2 production samples of the piece. The item on the left is a test shot while the other piece is a painted hardcopy.
1992, Kenner (Tonka) Winged Queen Alien.
Kenner’s 2nd Queen Alien released in 1992 featured a pair of wings and claws that could be activated.
Working parts for the flapping wing action feature included a push button with a gear rack assembly with matching cogs attached to the wings. A simple and effective piece of engineering easily discernible in these images of prototype samples of the figure.
1992, Kenner (Tonka) Gorilla Alien.
One of Kenner’s most popular figures from this period. The Gorilla Alien is represented with a number of prototype images in this Gallery.
1992, Kenner (Tonka) Bull Alien.
Along with the Gorilla Alien, the Bull Alien was one of Kenner’s popular entries in their early 1990s range of ALIENS figures.
1992, Kenner (Tonka) Mantis Alien.
Another popular – if bewildering concept – was the Mantis Alien. How is a small insectoid creature preying mantis to become host for a Xenomorph? It all comes down to “toy logic” and the comics included with Kenner ALIENS action figures provided the answer. Nonetheless, this outlandish toy was a hit with children (and collectors) around the world.
1992, Kenner (Tonka) Space Marine Lt. Ripley.
Space Marine Ripley is an obligatory personality in Kenner’s range of ALIENS action figures despite the fact she bares only a passing resemblance to the onscreen character.
Nonetheless, prototypes and early production samples of the popular character demonstrate an intriguing re-purposing of how sculpts can be used for a follow up toy range of figures. In this case, become the basis of Kenner’s Karen Ross action figure based on the movie, Congo.
1992, Kenner (Tonka) Space Marine Vasquez
While still taking liberties with the character, Kenner’s Space Marine Vasquez action figure retains much of the onscreen persona in toy format.
1992, Kenner (Tonka) Space Marine Bishop Android.
The Bishop Android action figure prototype has all the features of the final release figure. Pull apart torso, enormous ‘gatling gun’ with rotating multiple barrels and shades.
Screen accuracy may be the farthest it could have gone with Kenner’s gun toting version of ALIENS’ android, Bishop, but the redesigned character in action figure fomat is damn cool.
1992, Kenner (Tonka) Space Marine Hicks.
Space Marine Hicks may not be a 100% screen accurate iteration of the character seen in ALIENS but at least it’s a passable likeness to the soft spoken ‘grunt’.
This hand painted hard copy is still a fine representation of what it means to be a Space Marine action figure.
1992, Kenner (Tonka ) Space Marine Drake.
While not 100% accurate to the onscreen character, Kenner’s interpretation was closer than other figures in their ALIENS line.
This prototype hardcopy is near complete only lacking accessories.
1992, Kenner (Tonka) Space Marine Sgt. Apone.
Once again, a substantial deviation from the on screen character translated to action figure format is clearly observable. Nonetheless, this prototype of Sgt. Apone is consistent with the other action figures of its series.
This one is missing his right leg but this hand painted item is probably a late development sample, prepared as it was for promotional photographic purposes.
1993, Kenner (Tonka) ALIENS Rhino Alien.
Kenner’s Rhino Alien from Series 2 ALIENS action figures featured a thrusting head action feature.
1993, Kenner (Tonka) ALIENS, Panther/Night Cougar Alien.
The panther Alien was a member of Kenner’s third series of action figures. Sleek and fast in appearance, it also possessed an action feature that launched a spring loaded ‘Flying Attack Parasite!’
1993, Kenner (Tonka) ALIENS Arachnid Alien.
Kenner’s Arachnid Alien possessed more than its fair share of features but ironically was one of the least ‘xenomorph’ like toys in this range.
Close to the ground and standing on 6 legs, the head is the most recognisably ‘alien’ feature in this figure.
Of all the toys Kenner released as part of their ALIENS line during the 1990s, the Queen Alien play set featured the most movie accurate character staged on an interactive diorama.
1994, Kenner (Tonka) ALIENS Queen Facehugger.
The Queen Facehugger was one of the Kenner ALIENS more feature rich figures. A rotating tail and three action features make it a distinct piece. While none of the action features are present on this resin hard copy prototype of the toy, the impressive clear see through presentation is just as memorable.
1994, Kenner (Tonka) ALIENS Mini Dropship.
Kenner had already released a trio of vehicles for their ALIENS range of action figures in 1992, the Stinger, Evac Fighter and Hovertread. This ‘mini dopship’ was intended to be released in 1994/5 but was cancelled shortly before factory line production could start on it.
1994, Kenner (Tonka) ALIENS Killer Crab Alien.
Kenner’s Killer Crab Alien might be one of the more outlandish and extreme figures made in the series but this gallery of prototypes documents a general set of landmark production samples. From the initial improvised concept of the figure through various stages to the near finished final item ready for series production. This is an amazing peak into the progressive development of Kenner ALIENS from the 1990’s.
1994, Kenner (Tonka) ALIENS Action Masters, Alien Drone.
Kenner expanded their ALIENS line of figures during the mid 1990s to include small scale collectible miniatures. These items were little more than a couple inches tall and were made of die cast metal and were painted.
The Alien Drone was solely available in the 4 pack.
1994, Kenner (Tonka) ALIENS Action Masters, Alien Queen.
Kenner expanded their ALIENS line of figures during the mid 1990s to include small scale collectible miniatures. These items were little more than a couple inches tall and were made of die cast metal and were painted.
The Alien Queen was available in the 4 pack and singly on its own.
1994, Kenner (Hasbro) ALIENS, Wild Boar Alien.
Kenner ALIENS Series 3 included this wonderful figure with its hinged head and retractable spines.
Prototypes of the same figure accompanied by a set of the original engineering plans used to design it.
Drawings such as these are rare and provide a glimpse into the detailed development of any toy.
1994, Kenner (Hasbro) Swarm Alien.
The cicada like, double decker Swarm Alien is comprised of 2 parts. A carrier and a passenger part. This prototype is complete and features both.
1994, Kenner (Hasbro) AvP Alien.
The very first ALIENS vs PREDATOR action figures were released by Kenner in 1994 in a neat 2 pack. This particular figure also enjoyed later release in 1996 as the blue Warrior Alien – Vicious Alien Attacker! in 1996.
Mid 1990s, Kenner (Hasbro) Egg/Pod Alien.
This unusual Alien figure was unproduced and not a great deal is known about it. 2 different versions are known to be in development at Kenner. The figure was intended to be concealed and fold out from inside the translucent egg attached to its back.
1996, Kenner (Hasbro) Dave Dorman ALIEN Resurrection Concept Drawings.
Dave Dorman, known for his work for Marvel, DC and Star Wars also designed a variety of content for ALIEN merchandise.
Dorman’s production material for familiar characters included the Alien Warrior, the Newborn and the android, Call. He also penned a number of other characters that were never realised beyond this concept stage. The Queen Alien, a colonial marine and a more burly ‘Ape’ Alien were also designed.
1997, Kenner (Hasbro) Signature Series Warrior Drone.
Kenner’s final series of ALIEN action figures were released in 1997. This series of figures was largely licence based on the recently released ALIEN: Resurrection movie. While most of the figures appearing in that set were distinctly modeled on characters and creatures appearing in the 1996 movie, the Warrior Drone displays a resemblance to the creature depicted in the first movie as much as it draws influence from anything seen in ALIEN Resurrection.
1997, Kenner (Hasbro) Signature Series ALIEN Resurrection Alien Warrior.
As the Signature Series content highlighted much of the creatures appearing in the 1996 movie, ALIEN Resurrection, it’s appropriate the Aliens themselves were represented with figure of reasonable likeness.
This prototype is missing the dorsal appendages and tail but remains identifiable as a creature from the fourth movie.
1997, Kenner (Hasbro) Signature Series ALIEN Resurrection Battle Scarred Alien.
This figure was one of the few ALIEN figures Kenner released throughout its 30 years of ALIEN toys that features the tongue extended from the mouth. The final retail version was also painted in bright red and yellow to help define ‘battle damage’ on the figure.
1997, Kenner (Hasbro) Signature Series ALIEN Resurrection Aquatic Alien.
Taking its inspiration from arguably the best scene in the 1996 movie, the Aquatic Alien features a number of fins and webbed fingers and toes.
While not screen accurate, this concept does lend a sense of it being a water dwelling creature.
1997, Kenner (Hasbro) Signature Series ALIEN Resurrection Newborn.
This prototype was released as a retail item as part of Kenner’s ALIEN Resurrection series of action figures. It represents the creature known as the Newborn which appears in that movie’s final act.
1997, Kenner (Hasbro) Signature Series ALIEN Resurrection Facehugger Accessories.
Prototype samples of facehugger accessories from Kenner’s 1997 range of ALIEN: Resurrection action figures.
1997, Kenner (Hasbro) Signature Series ALIEN Resurrection Android Call.
Android Call was one of the few ‘human’ characters featured in Kenner’s ALIEN Resurrection series of action figures. Kenner had already learned in terms of the ALIEN property, the monsters had much more public appeal and only released Call and Ripley as part of this series.
1998, Kenner (Hasbro) Acid Alien Attack Warrior.
Inspired by the creature seen in Alien 3, this item was designed in the mid 1990’s but didn’t see production until 1998 and was released as part of Kenner’s final ALIEN action figure range, ALIENS: Hive wars.
1998, Kenner (Hasbro) 20th Anniversary Screen Accurate Alien.
For the 20th Anniversary of the release of ALIEN, Kenner under the ownership of Hasbro, intended to release a screen accurate action figure based on Giger’s creature.
It’s unfortunate this figure never saw production as the attention to detail is phenomenal and it only exists as a prototype form.
2014, Gentle Giant Glow in the Dark 24 Inch ALIEN figure.
Gentle Giant commenced releasing oversized ALIEN tribute figures in 2014. Their first retail ALIEN item was a head to toe glow in the dark item.
Like many product development paths, this item was originally intended to be a little different.
An unknown number of ALIEN prototype figures were made at Kenner. No one knows where they all are now. They’re in the hands of collectors, enthusiasts, artists, former employees of the long defunct company; and many other people. It is the goal of this section of HIDEOUS PLASTIC to document as many as possible, provide some information about them and appreciate the significant role they play in the development of ALIEN action figures we all love.
If you have any photos and wish to contribute to this growing gallery of fascinating content, please contact me. Currently I am only documenting Kenner (General Mills/Tonka/Hasbro) ALIEN prototype items produced between 1979 and 2001 but intend to go beyond that. I will credit all contributions to the owners of images; or if preferred, I will respect your preference to remain anonymous.
At this point, I am looking to fill in some voids, especially any images of prototypes of the original 1979 Kenner ALIEN action figure and anything from the 1990s. Any assistance in this regard would be terrific!
Finally, I am striving to maintain accuracy in these postings. Dates and names for example, can be easy to make mistakes. If you do find any errors, please let me know and I will correct them.
Thank you for your attention.
-Windebieste.
