[windebieste]

I searched and looked for a thread dedicated to this Old Big Chap on these forums and was surprised not to find one. So, I hope it's OK to start this one. Everyone here should know what this figure is, anyway. So I hope such a thread is welcome. This wonderful action figure is the original 1979 Kenner Alien. He's got such an amazing story to tell that you could write a book about it.

Quite possibly one of the most notorious commercially produced toys ever made.

This figure is definitely somewhat a legend - for all the wrong reasons, too, it would seem. I'm a really big fan of this figure and would love to see if other people here have one and what you guys think of it.

The nefarious old figure was made by Kenner Products in 1979. Expecting to match the ludicrous public demand for their 'Star Wars' 3 3/4 inch toys with which Kenner had had phenomenal success, the company went into production early on the Alien figure in an attempt to satisfy the expected high demand. They were obligated under contract with 20th Century Fox to not reveal the nature of the item until the movie, 'ALIEN', was released in May 25th of that year and Kenner decided to adopt the new larger 12 to 15 inch format they had for their next 'Star Wars' action figure range for this particular release and manufactured the figure in a 'matching' scale. The large scale figure was considered to be an appropriate place to start with 'ALIEN' merchandising. So it was that the big 18 inch version of the Alien hit the deck in toy stores with a loud THUD!

Well, it didn't go quite to plan with this release and the poor ol' Big Chap was received in toy stores with all the applause of a drooling psycho sexual goblin molesting barbie dolls. It turned out that 'loud THUD' was the public outcry of jaw dropping disapproval that this ugly thing was being marketed at children 'AGES 5 AND UP'. Some genius at Kenner thought a children's toy based on a terrifying monster appearing in an 'R' rated movie would be a great idea and a commercial success! Well guess what? It turned out this figure was one of the greatest market fails possible. Parents hated it due to it's gruesome appearance; and the kids that it was aimed at (who were unable to relate to such an ugly toy based on a movie they were not allowed to see) failed to find the gigantic drab and unappealing toy to be attractive at all.

A biomechanoid beauty wrapped up in 18 inches of unpopularity.

The repercussions were far reaching for Kenner.

The single run item ceased production immediately and remaindered stock was quickly relegated to bargain bins to clear space for stock that didn't distress the buying public. Kenner wouldn't go near the 'ALIEN' licence again for at least another decade. Even more amazing, an entire range of 3 3/4 inch 'ALIEN' figures planned as a follow up release in 1979 was cancelled and become legendary items in their own right. This range of pocket sized figures did not see production until more than 3 decades had passed. furthermore, they were released well after Kenner had ceased to exist by another company altogether.

In this regard not only does the Original Alien figure released by Kenner possess remarkable historical value, he's a true villain and a total bad-ass to boot! What do you guys think of this figure? If you have one - or more than one - please post some photos. I'd love to see them! I'm very interested in discussing this fellow. I've been doing a lot of research about it lately and would like to know more about it.

-Windebieste.