- Manufacturer: Super7
- Released: 2018
Up for appraisal today is Set 3 of Super7’s ALIEN USCSS Nostromo crew 3 pack. I’ve already reviewed the first pack in this series and decided I would scrutinise box No.3 today. Set No.2 will be next week. I’m just making the process easier on myself by doing it this way so, no. You haven’t missed it.
Just like set No.1, set No.3 features 3 characters from the movie, ALIEN. In this case we have 2 crew members and the eponymous blighter himself, the Alien. All characters are in the 3.75 inch range with 5 points of articulation. Well, the human characters are, anyway. The Alien has a couple more. In addition to the common head, arms and hips points of rotation shared by all of these figures, the Alien also has a rotating tail and an additional action feature that operates its tongue.
While we’re on the subject of the Alien, let’s check out this interstellar bugbear first. This figure is more or less the standard Alien character we have seen multiple times before from Super7 in this ReAction line of figures. This variant is cast in black and peppered with red spots over its body from head to toe, randomly covering everything from the carapace down to his cute, little toes. Presumably, this colour scheme is intended to represent the arterial spray of his victims. As most of the Nostromo crew did come to a grisly demise due to directly encountering the Alien, it’s a cool finish. Messy and contextual to the narrative of the movie. Nice.
Nonetheless, it’s still just a variant of the same figure we have seen repeatedly released by Super7 since 2013. As of this pressing of the figure, we have seen 15 different variants become available – all exactly alike and only differing in cosmetics. It really is basically the same figure, just given yet another makeover.
16 variants of this exact same pressing of the Alien – and we can expect more. Super7 will be releasing their 3rd blind box SPACE VILLAIN series in June, adding a further 4 variants of this same figure to the line up. All more or less the same bar a general variation in coloured appearance.
Next up, let’s take a look at Captain Dallas. Once again, it’s a familiar pressing of an already extant figure. Much like Ripley in the previous set of ReAction Nostromo crew figures, the good Captain has been afforded a ‘screen accurate’ makeover. This amounts to little more than another cosmetic shift sans any actual improvements to the original sculpt of the figure. Once again, there’s nothing too revelatory here and certainly no new or improved features. It’s an OK figure but nothing outstanding considering it’s just a re-coloured release of what we’ve already seen.
Just like the original carded version(s) of Dallas, he is also blessed to be in possession of his flamethrower. It’s the same, standard piece of equipment we’ve seen previously without any changes other than the material it is cast in. It is unpainted and nothing too extravagant. It’s serviceable as an accessory and fits into his hand; but that’s about it.
2 figures down and one to go; and those first 2 items were just recolours of characters we have seen before. Fortunately, the final item offers a previously unseen version of a character in this range, ship’s navigator, Lambert.
The character of Lambert has been represented previously in this range of figures albeit dressed in one of the Nostromo’s bulky compression suits which makes this a completely different sculpt of the character wearing her crew uniform. It really is a completely new piece. It’s a nice figure, too, featuring a decent sculpt of Lambert’s face in retro toy styling, recognisable without being perfect. Her uniform is well sculpted and colored to be ‘screen accurate’ to match Dallas; but best of all she’s wearing her cowboy boots. Love those boots. Actually, there’s a lot to like about this item. The uniform looks good, the proportions are right (for a retro figure) and if there’s any shortcomings, they’re all overcome by the fact she’s a very welcome addition where one was needed.
Overall, it’s a great figure and I do like it. It’s just unfortunate then that Lambert hasn’t been permitted any accessories. There are a number of items that would have been appropriate for her. A removable headset would have been a great choice. The motion tracker would have been good, too. Maybe even a packet of ‘Balaji’ cigarettes. Unfortunately, No. Nada. Nothing. Zilch. Lambert is deprived of anything extra in regards to accessories that might enhance her character or be narrative appropriate. I guess we should just be grateful to have her at all.
It’s a decent set of 3 figures. Unfortunately, 2 of them; the Alien and Dallas, are just straight up recastings of earlier releases. There’s only 1 accessory in the entire pack, the flamethrower; and that’s a repeat item also. Check it out. This is what you get. It’s OK but hardly inspiring.
Considering the Set 1 of the USCSS Nostromo packs has 5 accessory parts, this is a serious downturn in extra content. It’s disappointing enough to be landed with a pack of figures that have largely been previously released but it seems a little underwhelming to compensate that obvious issue solely with a unique figure – and nothing extra. Lambert really needed something to give the pack extra value.
Score: 6/10
It’s a nice presentation in a triple windowed box but most of the content is recycled, familiar and given a superfluous makeover. Lambert is the real prize here; but only if you wanted her to complete your Nostromo crew set. It makes a purchase of this set hard to justify if you already own the Alien and Dallas pieces. Otherwise, it’s a fine pack if you want all 3 figures.
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