NECA has teamed up with Toys “R” Us to offer a new Alien vs Predator 2-Pack. The new set, dubbed the Grid vs Celtic: Rivalry Reborn set, features alternate versions of two NECA AvP figures. Included are the Grid Alien and the Celtic Predator. The Grid Alien is a retooled version of Aliens Series 7 Grid Alien. This one includes the severed tail that many fans had hope for and a slightly translucent dome. Also included in the set is a Battle Damaged Celtic Predator. This modified version includes a claw scrapped mask and has the armor pieces missing that Celtic loses in his fight with the Xeno. The set also includes a net, which gives the Grid Alien his memorable look.
Toys “R” Us is currently taking pre-orders for the 2-pack. It is scheduled to begin shipping on November 2nd and is priced at $44.99. NECA has sent along the set for us to check out. We have 70 high resolution photos and a review. You can see it by reading on.
NECA Alien vs Predator – Grid vs Celtic: Rivalry Reborn 2-Pack
Pros
- Both molds are excellent
- Paint work look great
- Includes severed tail piece that can be used as a weapon
- The net is a fun inclusion
- Gives fans the “complete” screen accurate Grid Alien
Cons
- Celtic doesn’t include as many accessories as his stand alone release
Overall
The AvP set comes packaged in an all plastic packaging. NECA based the packaging art on their recently released AvP figures. the front has a photos of both an Aliens and Predator from the film. The back has some great official photos of the figures in battle. There’s also a feature showcasing the assorted AvP figures released so far by NECA. The plastic, unfortunately, must be cut to remove the figures and is not resealable. The figures on a standard platic try held in by some twist ties. Included are the two figure, a severed Alien tail, a net. The Celtic includes a sword, short wrist blades and a glaive smart disc. It’s a good looking set in package, but this one that’s best taken out to enact the battle.
These figures are mostly the same as the standard releases. For more in depth write ups on these two figures check out my Aliens Series 7 and Predator Series 14 galleries. There a few notable changes, however. The Grid Alien has the smallest amount of changes. Here the figure features the severed tail seen in the film and a semi translucent dome. The tail end is included with the set and can be used as a weapon by Celtic. Otherwise, the mold and paint here seem to be nearly identical to the original release. Celtic Predator, on the other hand, has a more noticeable amount of alternations compared to the stand alone release. The mask is remolded to add in the claw scrapes from the Xenomorph. The original Celtic release featured the fully armored look, where as this version is missing the armor pieces from his right hand side, which he sheds in the film after getting hit with acid blood. The included gauntlet blades are shorter, as they were also melted in battle when he cuts off Grid’s tail.
In the quality control department, both figures were top notch. Paint apps were as clean as I had hoped, with little to no paint bleed noticeable. The joints were nice and solid, with no paint locking issues. I didn’t run into any noticeably loose joints on either figure. The accessories can swap out easily on Celtic and if you’d like to use other hands, weapons, blades or a plasmacaster from one of the other AvP figures, you can.
If you did not get either figure when first released earlier this year, then the set is an easy recommendation. For those who do own the figures, needing this set will come down to how screen accurate you want your figures and whether the changes are meaningful enough to double dip. The Grid Alien in the set is more faithful to his film counterpart than the standard release. The original release of Celtic Predator acted more as a “first appearance” version, while this version is closer to how he appeared right before being killed in the film. For me, personally, the inclusion of a net and severed tail look for Grid make it worth a pick up for my collection.
Check out a few select photos below. The full gallery can be seen after that.
CompaniesNECA
CharactersCeltic PredatorGrid Alien
Scale7 Inch