Manufacturer: Super7- Released: 2018
Super7 have released yet another of their Super Size ALIENS tribute action figures. They’re licenced 1:1 scale reproductions of the old Kenner ALIEN toy given a 1986 makeover. They’re fresh. They come in a variety of colours. They’re cool. Unfortunately, each one is essentially the same item re-packaged as a new flavour.
This latest figure was released very recently with no fanfare in late February 2019 and wears the identity of ‘Marine Ambush’ Edition. It’s a nice piece, honestly. I can’t fault it on its own merits. This is a stylised item with a brush and wipe paint work to emulate a bronze finish. It may even surprise a casual observer to pick it up only to find it’s made of plastic and weighs a lot less than anticipated. Presentation wise, I was actually surprised it looks so good. I’d been aware of this figure being in development for a couple of years now and was a little apprehensive of the concept. But once in hand I found it works well and looks fantastic in this scheme.
The problem comes when it all boils down to simply more of the same given a new color theme. It’s a difficult task to approach each of these figures with a fresh appreciation when they’re all effectively duplicates with a cosmetic change. In its own right and standing independently of other considerations, it’s a fine addition to a collection. It looks great, has all the significant articulation of the older Kenner toy emulated perfectly right down to the trigger operated jaws and other details. It’s just getting a little stale with each iteration because it can’t conceal the fact its originality is diminishing with each version.
While the figure itself is a variation on the established figure – and a good one at that when in isolation – the same can’t be said for the packaging and other inclusions that come with this figure. The box, blue card insert and blue printed poster are all exactly the same items as those previously used for Super7’s earlier ‘Classic Toy‘ and ‘Acid Green‘ editions of this figure. These are unabashedly duplicate print version of the packaging without any substantial changes. Even the original 2016 date remains unchanged across all versions. You’d expect at the very least a figure released in 2019 to have the release date be accurate. Nope. Not when the box is exactly the same print version that’s been used before. Twice.
You would also think the photos on the box would have been updated to resemble what’s inside as well. That’s another ‘Nope’. This box is adorned with images of Super7’s older ‘Classic Toy’ edition and these are irrelevant to the figure inside the box other than its general morphology. What’s up with that, Super7? Why can’t you at least place photos of the actual figure on the box it is packaged in? I get that this keeps production costs to a minimum but packaging is a critical component to a collector. The same box 3 times now? REALLY???
The only variation in box appearance here is the new barcode sticker. That’s it. No new pictures of the bronze finished ‘Marine Edition’ are present. No new details explaining the design philosophy behind it. No sense of what’s inside is any different to the previous two iterations of this figure. The words ‘Marine Ambush Edition’ don’t even appear on the box. It’s a bit rough to pay US$175 for one of these things and find out none of the package details have been altered in 3 years to match the contents.
If I didn’t have a responsibility to another Project I’m currently working on, I probably wouldn’t have purchased this item. I already own the previous versions of this figure and this one with its pseudo bronze finish isn’t really enough for me to justify owning it. Sheer indulgence just isn’t enough.
I can understand how some Collectors will grab everything that’s name branded with their favourite entertainment property, so they will want it. Other people who just want a single sample of these figures can now enjoy choosing a favourite from a variety of them; and that’s a positive thing. This item and 2 others are still available from Super7’s online store. Take your pick. Choice is good.
If you don’t currently own one of these ALIENS figures or would like a fresh and officially licenced reproduction item that closely resembles the original 40 year old toy this is derived from, then this is a fine choice. Unfortunately, repetition is becoming tiringly apparent with this version. It’s time for a fresh approach to this line of 18 inch figures.
Even if it’s a freshly designed box that accurately depicts its contents. That would be a welcome start.
Score: 7/10
The original Kenner toy this figure is derived from is now 40 years old. This series of updated figures is still good quality but it is certainly rapidly beginning to tire.
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