Packaging - ***
The box art is solid, with a nice use of old and new graphics and photos of the
bust itself. The box and foam also keep the busts very safe, but I'm
disappointed that they lack the cool windows that allow you to see what you're
actually getting.
Sculpting - Alien ****; Predator ***1/2
Hootchie Momma! I've liked the whole Alien and Predator lines, even
the less popular chest burster. But these two really take the series to a
new level. These are truly art, and while it's pop art, it's just as fine
as a lot of the stuff in the Louvre today.
How can I possibly say that? The only thing these busts have going
against them is the mass production factor. Otherwise, the intent of much
of the sculpture in major museums - at least early sculpture - is the
same. Look at most of the busts, and you'll realize they are of King
Tootenpoopen of the 3rd Dynasty, commissioned by him for the masses to show off
what a pop star he really was (or at least thought he was). Is this really
all that different?
In your own little museum world, these two will have an honored place.
The detail and sculpting is really amazing, especially on the Warrior
Alien. You might not be able to convince your stuffy friends that these
are art, but you'll know the truth.
Paint - ****
Both busts sport detailed, high quality paint applications. Even with a
fairly small pallette of pretty basic colors, they manage to bring out and
highlight the small detail and differing materials.
While both are again extremely nice in this category, I prefer the Warrior
Alien. The stripes on the 'collar bones' around his throat look terrific,
and the use of a high gloss there instead of the flatter gloss paint used on the
rest of the body adds another dimension of realism and gives these areas a
turtle shell appearance that looks great.
Quality/Design - Alien ****; Predator ***1/2
Once again, both busts do well in this category, but I like the overall design
of the Alien slightly better. Even though I don't ever remember one of the
Predator's wearing the damaged mask quite like this, it looks fairly good and
certainly appropriate. But it's not quite as eye catching as the superb
action pose they've given the Alien.
With the inner mouth extended and the hands ready to strike, you see your
inevitable fate standing before you. This is one of the best looking
versions of the Alien I have on my shelf, and I have a lot of them.
Value - ***
Fifty bucks is a pretty hefty price, I know. Lots of collectors who
buy $10 action figures simply can't find any justification to spend four
or five times that for something like this. But for the bust collector,
and the big Alien/Predator fan, these are a centerpiece item for their
collection. These aren't a Big Lots sort of value, but they are priced at
about the norm for sculptures of this style and size.
Overall - Alien ****; Predator ***1/2
After so few four star busts this year, I've gone nuts this last week!
But there's no denying the exceptional work and quality of the Warrior Alien,
and while the Defeated Predator isn't my favorite of the set, it's still an
excellent piece of work.
Where to Buy -
I've never seen one of these in a store, but your comic shop might have
them. There are several on-line options:
- Aisle Sniper has the Alien
available for $45, and the Predator for $50. They also have pre-orders up
for the next two, and more importantly, they have their own special exclusive of
the Special Edition Alien! It's pricey, but consider this - it's cast in
metal, not resin, comes in a hard wood storage box, has three different
interchangeable clear domes, and is limited to only 500. It's sure to be
the holy grail of this series of busts!
- Killer Toys has the Alien for $45,
and they also have some of the new 'micro' busts available. These are
smaller versions of the busts available at much lower prices.
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