[PlayTime]

So I was browsing Aliexpress looking at figures and came across a large collection of Predators. No say on legitimacy, but prices are fair and FREE shipping is a plus. Another plus is a lot of older Preds including Big red but many others including all Dutch figures. Prices range US $23.74 - 28.49 / piece with free shipping.
Just type in NECA and you'll get all sorts of figures.

There are many other Alien and Predator figures on the site at fair prices. I may double dip on a figure I have just to compare and see the legitimacy.
Link

[Trivial Psychic]

Instead of speculating on whether or not these figures are authentic or bootleg, maybe someone here with a Twitter account could send a shout out to Randy Falk about it. I know some of you guys here have Twitter and have asked him stuff before.

[PlayTime]

Adding to my Predator collection.
Got Berserker and Unmasked Berserker through a trade and good ole' Classic Predator cost me $15 off a guy on Craigslist

Hunting these down has taken away from adding to my MLI collection. I'm like 4 waves behind! But when these come up I have to jump on them because I've been lucky to get them at really good prices/trade.

[PlayTime]

OK so I got lucky and made a trade with a member on another forum for Albino Predator. So getting all excited to complete my Batman Dead End, I took to the internet looking for the right Batman. But was soon distracted by looking at the Predator costumes.

It seems a majority of people say there are 2 Wasp Predators. We have Wasp fighting Batman, then at the end we see Big Red, Albino, and finally, what most agree on, is another Wasp only without the mask.
Now if one were to create this other Wasp, what open mouth head would work. The movie is kinda dark and hard to see, but looking on the net I found what looks to be the head (far Right) used for the second Wasp. I've tried looking at the NECA reference sheet of Predators but cant seem to match it to any of them.

[OGTrilogy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayTime

OK so I got lucky and made a trade with a member on another forum for Albino Predator. So getting all excited to complete my Batman Dead End, I took to the internet looking for the right Batman. But was soon distracted by looking at the Predator costumes.

It seems a majority of people say there are 2 Wasp Predators. We have Wasp fighting Batman, then at the end we see Big Red, Albino, and finally, what most agree on, is another Wasp only without the mask.
Now if one were to create this other Wasp, what open mouth head would work. The movie is kinda dark and hard to see, but looking on the net I found what looks to be the head (far Right) used for the second Wasp. I've tried looking at the NECA reference sheet of Predators but cant seem to match it to any of them.

I would look for a DC Direct Classic Icons Batman. It's basically the Alex Ross Batman figure with a new head that has shorter ears. The sculpting on the body is based on Alex Ross's realistic style and the cowl on the Classic Icons looks closer to what you see in Dead End. A lot of the costume details are the same too and the scale is really good.

[PlayTime]

Yeah, that's pretty much the one I've been looking at. Was just seeing if there were any other figures that looked close to the Alex Ross style since that is sorta what he was going for. I'll probably just go after that one.

[Trivial Psychic]

Received the newest wave of Predators today courtesy of BBTS. While I didn't think much of Ancient Warrior and Temple Guardian initially, as they looked nearly identical, both yautjas really pop thanks to the use of paints, and it's not really all that evident unless you see it in person. The copper tint used for Temple Guardian in particular is gorgeous, and actually helps it to stand apart from the similar looking Ancient Warrior, giving it a very different look that allows the bio-mask and armor to stand out even more. Because of these awesome uses of color, I actually feel that Masked Scar ends up being the weakest out of the three.

[Augustus_Cole]

Did any of you Predator Collectors buy the Figuarts Predator. I was curious to hear peoples thoughts about it.
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[En Sabah Nerd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkToyLord

Did any of you Predator Collectors buy the Figuarts Predator. I was curious to hear peoples thoughts about it.
__________________

The Wolf they did a while back? I don't have one but I've heard mixed to good things about it. A common complaint I pick up on is his small size, he's only a little over 6" tall. On the good side his accessories are pretty great and he has plenty of display options. His proportions are pretty off since he's kinda buff looking even though Wolf was a very thin and lean predator but that's not so much of an issue. I know some people had breakage issues but it doesn't seem like an across the board problem. I guess to me if you absolutely love Wolf Predator then it's worth thinking about but if you just want a Predator for the sake of having one then it's not necessarily the best pick when more generic looking and less costly options are available. With NECA hinting at a new Wolf in the plans though I feel like a new Wolf from them would be mostly superior with all the new stuff they've been packing into their latest offerings. Some people here actually have the SH one though so you should hear them out I guess.

[PlayTime]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayTime

Adding to my Predator collection.
... good ole' Classic Predator cost me $15 off a guy on Craigslist

Piece of shit BOOTLEG!!!!
OK I know we discussed recent purchases of 'Big Red' and while I wont beat a dead horse, if it's truly a boot/KO, then this pile of crap I just opened tonight makes it look like Hot Toys!

All the joints are just stiff as can be and dont even articulate correctly. Paint is more faded than Snoop Dogg at a Bob Marley concert. The mandibles aren't even painted! The whole paint app sucks really.
The Right shoulder socket wasn't even done right and it keeps popping out. The waist joint just pops right off if you're not careful posing it. It has a strange paint smell that just screams cheap. The 'Big Red' didnt even smell this funky.

Comparing the packaging to some of my other retail boxes, and even 'Big Red', the card is lighter and the insert is faded.

I'm not too upset. I should have paid more attention to it when I got it. It was only $15 and I can always use it as fodder. Fact I already have use for the head as a repaint.
Only now I have to find me another 'legit' classic Predator.

[En Sabah Nerd]

Wow that sucks. Maybe that Big Red really was just a factory reject compared to this clearly knock-off bootleg. If you want a good ol' classic Predator then maybe just wait for the upcoming ultimate figure.

[Augustus_Cole]

Quote:

Originally Posted by En Sabah Nerd

I guess to me if you absolutely love Wolf Predator then it's worth thinking about but if you just want a Predator for the sake of having one then it's not necessarily the best pick when more generic looking and less costly options are available.

I just want one REALLY Slick Ass Lookin' PREDATOR that has better than average poseability and accessories..I don't even know what WOLF is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayTime

Paint is more faded than Snoop Dogg at a Bob Marley concert.

HA

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayTime

It has a strange paint smell that just screams cheap.

or could be screaming "I'm toxic"


..if any of you have an alien or pred "setup" with all your figs...I'd like to see it..

[RamenRider]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkToyLord

I just want one REALLY Slick Ass Lookin' PREDATOR that has better than average poseability and accessories

I'd wait say wait for NECA’s Ultimate Predators then. They make their best versions of certain characters with new sculpting, better paint (if that's even possible) + lots of accessories and call them "Ultimate" versions. First one is the Scarface Predator from the Concrete Jungle videogame, second and third are the Jungle Hunter from the first movie and the City Hunter from the sequel.

And I’ll imagine they’ll do more, a new version of Wolf (The Predator from AvP2) is highly requested so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him being made in the next two years.

As far as articulation goes the Ultimate Preds will have torso articulation which is new-ish for NECA’s Predators so they are not that much less articulated than a Monsterart/Figuart now.

The SHMA Predator is cool, but I think NECA beats Bandai in the Predator department. And I’m a huge Bandai Tamashii Nations fanboy. So I’d say wait and see what NECA does with Ultimate Predator releases and pick your favorite.

[Trivial Psychic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkToyLord

Did any of you Predator Collectors buy the Figuarts Predator. I was curious to hear peoples thoughts about it.
__________________

Sorry I didn't respond to your post earlier DTL, Photobucket has been giving me issues these last two days, and I haven't been able to access my older photos, as I have a few for comparison's sake.

Wolf refers to the name of the Predator in AVP:R, presumably because he chose to take it upon himself and "lone wolf" the Predator distress call and try to take on the Xeno threat himself.

As for the Mosterarts figure, I stand behind my claim that in terms of sculpt, poseability, and accessories, that this figure is probably one of the best, if not the best, Predator figures out there (depending on which version you get, but more on that in a bit.)

If you've had import figures from Figurearts before, then you pretty much know what to expect. The figure is well constructed, but can come apart and reassemble easily, so it doesn't feel fragile in hand. Because of this easy disassembly though, he can have difficulty sustaining some poses without the help of a figure stand, but for the most part, he can strike any pose that you'd like, with some limitations due to the armor.

The fragile thing that En Sabah mentioned lies not so much in the figure itself, but in the accessories. The extended combi-stick in particular can and will break if your Wolf takes a dive from the shelf, so definitely use a figure stand. The same goes for the wrist blades, shoulder cannons, and cleaner kit, which is constructed of a highly detailed but rather brittle plastic.

The sculpt itself is well done, and very well painted. Several of the armor pieces are die cast, and while the body is a bit bulky, it allows the figure to fit in PERFECTLY to scale with Marvel Legends, even better so than the NECA versions, if you plan on getting some play in with the rest of your 6" figure collection.

Finally...without letting this becoming too long of a review, there are two versions of this figure that were released, a standard version, and a "heavy arms" version which was exclusive to Japanese online retailers. While both are very good figures, if I had to choose between either version, I would definitely invest in the "heavy arms" version, as this figure comes with the accessories that you'll actually care about. The standard version is cool, he comes with his cannon, blade, whip and spear, but the H.A. version comes with two shoulder cannons, the modified cannon (his shotty if you will) his laser mines, and shurikens, (in addition to his wrist blades, whip, and combi-stick,) all additions that the original version does not. The only bonus the standard figure comes with is the cleaner kit. That's it.

Both versions come with a swap masked head, and a set of interchangeable mandibles for the unmasked portrait. The H.A. version has a slightly different deco, using darker colors in comparison to the original release.

Thankfully, prices haven't skyrocketed on these, they have actually settled down a bit since they were originally released. You can actually find the the H.A. version for a little less than 60 bucks online depending where you shop. I think it's well worth it.

Now...some pics for you.

Heavy Arms Wolf


Standard release Wolf


With a couple of Marvel Legends to show scale


With NECA's Final Battle Dutch and Predator


(Standard Wolf with cleaner kit...whoooo...)


If you have any other questions...feel free to ask!

[PlayTime]

Here is my current collection of Predator figures.
I'm waiting for the mail to deliver an Albino, Chopper, Water Emergence and Renegade Predators.
Also stuck in my Warrior Alien and had no room to set up my Red Queen Mother. Bitch is too big!

[Augustus_Cole]

@ Playtime - Good shit man...those things look mean...I really like the detail and design on some of those. Man, again..these preds and Aliens look so good..BUT I'm glad those are two licenses I'm not drawn to because i have ZERO will power when it come to a fig i want ..haha..i can admire those from afar...

@Ramen - thanks for the info, when are the Ultimates supposed to be released??

@ Trivial - i appreciate the in depth response and pics. Especially their size relation to Legends, because that's what it really all boils down to ;o)
..and those new ones you got from BBTS look pretty sick too. How are the POA's and poseability on them?...if you even opened them.

[PlayTime]

I will say this. The Kenner versions are really hard to put into pose. At least for me. Some of them are downright impossible. Another issue I find with some, no matter if new or Kenner style, if they are loose, they are LOOSE! I need to add some type of fix to a few of mine because they will fall at the slightest bump.
The 2 worst I have are the Lave Planet and Nightstorm. Lave is more loose than a $2 whore and Nightstorm is as unbalanced as a first time drinker after 3 shots of Wild Turkey.

I wish I had taken interest in these guys long ago rather than just over a year ago. Catching up is hard on the wallet for some of these guys but I've been pretty lucky to get many through trades.

[En Sabah Nerd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkToyLord

..and those new ones you got from BBTS look pretty sick too. How are the POA's and poseability on them?...if you even opened them.

Those share the new super articulated scheme as series 14. Pretty much articulation on par with Marvel Legends figures. I'd actually say if you just want a slick/neat and well done predator for only around $20 then those are some serious contenders, plus they're the biggest predators so far. I got Celtic from series 14 (the wave released just before those in Trivial's haul) and as a toy it's the best predator I own. If they came with more accessories they'd pretty much completely check off on being better than the SH Monsterarts offering.

[PlayTime]

Thought I'd take a couple shots of this big bish. I'd like to get the other queen someday.
(Elvis: WHOA!)

[Trivial Psychic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkToyLord

@ Trivial - i appreciate the in depth response and pics. Especially their size relation to Legends, because that's what it really all boils down to ;o)
..and those new ones you got from BBTS look pretty sick too. How are the POA's and poseability on them?...if you even opened them.

Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to give you the low down on the new wave, simply because 95 percent of my NECA Predators are still on the card, simply for the reason of avoiding the heartbreak that I had as I watched my Mcfarlane series of Predators fall apart due to them being damaged during times where I had to move.

What I can tell you is that I honestly think the Temple Guard is the best of the new predators in the wave. There's really something awesome about the copper wash that was given to the bio-mask and armor, and the mask itself is a really cool design very reminiscent to a horseshoe crab with it's ridges and gills.

[RamenRider]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkToyLord

@Ramen - thanks for the info, when are the Ultimates supposed to be released??

Scarface is out in June I think - Jungle Hunter and City Hunter aren't revealed yet. But they should arrive later this year.

I assume they will be on display at San Diego Comic Con and go up for pre-order soon after.

[suchaname]

Only spotted this thread just now!

Random musings...

Has anyone lit their Preds (or other figs) in a semi-permanent display? If so, how?

My first Pred was Water Emergence even though he's far from my favourite (not that I know who that is, maybe Big Red). Closely followed by Thermal Dutch. I stopped, then Renegade caused a chain reaction and I own nearly all of them now bar ones I'm not keen on, like AvP:R and 'Deliverance Dutch'. I need to come up with more comedy names for 'em all lol.

Backgrounds - I too had the idea of using desktop wallpapers. I've also built up a few materials to make my own sets when I have time.

eBay - both a blessing and a curse. Crappy Chinese/Russian KOs and some of the usual NECA QC problems... but then Forbidden Planet prices/website are laughable.

Stands - I use these I have so many Preds now, they allow for more space management and poses I find:
NECA Display Stands

A build your own line would see me having some sort of breakdown.

Here in the UK that Kenner 2 pack is more often than not a disgrace; crap paint job on the Xeno, broken mandibles/plasma on the Pred, stuff missing...

I didn't even know there was a Night Recon fig! The Xenos from the original line look great on seeing them for the first time too. I hope NECA get around to NR and same for the Xenos.

[PlayTime]

Few more Preds through trading. Well Renegade and Water Emergence. Chopper I got for $15 shipped since he has no hands. Has everything else though. I have some extra hands (bloody) but they dont fit. Socket is too small. Either bore them out with a dremel or look for different hands.

[PlayTime]

Took my bunk bootleg and made a better custom out of him.

'GATOR' PREDATOR

[Bearjew]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayTime

Took my bunk bootleg and made a better custom out of him.

'GATOR' PREDATOR

I like your updates, pretty good customization, way to make lemonade out of lemons

With new models of the predator line coming in I thought we should bump this thread back up