In their longest running toy line, NECA has been able to take some great risks and delve deep into the expanded universe to bring fans fun and unique Predator designs. They’ve pulled from movies, video games, comics, fan films, and classic Kenner figures to give fans a massive selection of different Yautja for their collections. Predator Series 16 is their third wave of Kenner tribute figures, as they released a Kenner wave in Series 10 and 13. They’ve also released a few exclusives, and even a vehicle! The new wave features the Ghost Predator, Spiked Tail Predator and the Stalker Predator.
NECA was kind enough to provide us with a first look at the figures. We have a massive gallery of over 150 photos! Check out the photos and our review after the jump.
NECA Predator Series 16 Kenner Tribute Assortment
Pros
- Spiked Tail Predator may be their best yet
- Utilizes updated body styles
- Fantastic new sculpted armor and weapons
- Plenty of articulation
- Great bios
- Excellent paint apps
- Removable masks
Cons
- None
Overall
Much like Predator Series 13, the new figures are packed on card backs paying homage to the classic Kenner toy line. The front of the cards feature that great colorful, pixelated heat vision style backdrop with a Predator mask in the corner. The back of the cards showcase the three figures included in the wave. Each figure has a unique bio as well. We’ve seen the bios over the last few weeks and they’re stellar expansions of the Predator mythos. The packaging is just as excellent as Series 13 and it’s a shame you need to cut the bubbles to remove the figures.
Each of the figures is a unique take on their classic Kenner counterpart. Paying homage while updating and improving the designs to work with modern movie themed releases by NECA. They all include removable masks, weapons and utilize the new body style that was introduced with the AvP Predators. This updated body type includes the much loved double jointed elbows and knees, giving them a fantastic range of motion. Below, is an overview of each figures.
Ghost Predator
The new Ghost Predator figure was the hardest one to pinpoint who he was an homage to when first revealed. Ghost is based on the Predator that was included with the Alien vs Predator 10″ scale 2-Pack from Kenner. The NECA figure is, essentially, a preview of their upcoming Ultimate Jungle Hunter Predator as the original Kenner figure was styled after that design. Ghost features a pearl white skin color, silver armor, a removable mask, a sword and an extended spear. Ghost is the most basic of the three figures in the wave, but is sure to be a fan favorite due to his outstanding bio.
The new articulation works like a dream on the Jungle Hunter mold. Double jointed elbows are the highlight there, allowing for great dynamic poses. The removable mask is excellent, and holds in place without any trouble at all. The wrist gauntlet opens, revealing access to the self destruct sequence that the Jungle Hunter made famous. If you’re into the lore set up bu the bio, and want a great companion piece to the upcoming Ultimate Jungle Hunter, then this is a worthwhile addition.
Stalker Predator
The Stalker Predator figure is a direct homage to a classic Kenner release of the same name. The figure is remembered for it’s wild armor, complete with a protruding Alien Xenomorph head on the chest plate. Just about everything on this figure is new. The unique armor, the shoulder mounted weapon, and wildly cool mask are all new. Stalker includes two shortened spears and one elongated spear, the removable mask and an interchangeable hand. The spears can be mounted to the back piece. The bio for the figure has a fun explanation for the glow-in-the-dark skin as well.
This turned into a great update to the original Kenner figure. The helmet is probably my favorite of the wave, featuring glow-in-the-dark horns and a slightly translucent eye piece. The eye piece allows for the glow in the dark skin to show through. The glowing skin works great with a bright green shine wen all the lights are off. The weapons here are retreads, but work well with Stalkers design. Articulation and paint are both excellent. Joints are nice and tight, even on the translucent skin.
Spiked Tail Predator
For the Spiked Tail Predator, NECA went all out. The figure bares a resemblance to the original figure, but takes the design cues to an extreme. Spiked Tail is all the better for it. Featuring an extensive amount of new armor, a stellar head sculpt and a great mask, Spiked Tail is easily my personal favorite figure in the wave. The figure includes a removable mask, an arm cannon that is articulated and can be mounted on his shoulder, a bladed smart disc (which can be mounted to his back) and a bendable, spiked, ponytail. The bio for the figure strongly hints that Spiked Tail may be a hunter of Terminators, using their parts to enhance his own body.
Everything about this figure is stellar. The robotic armor looks great, complete with a breathing apparatus on the Predator’s face. The figure has a cat-like stripped skin paint, while the armor features mixes of metallic green and copper colors. The included cannon held some nice surprises as well. While it can be mounts to the underside of his left forearm, it can also be placed on his back for storage or to be used as a traditional plasmacaster as the gun barrel is articulated. As I said, this is my favorite of the wave, and may be the best Predator figures NECA has released yet.
Series 16 has turned into an excellent expanded universe Predator wave. There are three really strong, and very different, releases here. While the figures are good homages to the original Kenner line, it’s the refined details, paint apps, excellent articulation and removable masks that make these figures so appealing and worth picking up. Check out some highlight photos below, with the full gallery after that.
CompaniesNECA
CharactersStalker PredatorSpiked Tail PredatorGhost Predator
Scale7 Inch