NECA‘s outstanding Predator Series 16 featured three new figures based on the classic Kenner Predator toy line. As a companion figure to that assortment, they are releasing a fourth, stand alone Kenner inspired Predator. The Clan Leader Predator, much like the original classic figure, is a deluxe release here. The figure comes in a flapped window box as opposed to a card back. The figure, NECA’s tallest 7″ scale Predator yet, includes two tendrils, a removable mask, a bladed staff and more. The bio for the figure points to Clan Leader being one of the most powerful Yautja ever.
The Supreme leader of Yautja Prime, also known as The Grand Elder, Clan Leader has ruled for centuries and is proven to be the wisest and strongest leader amongst all Elders. His superior hunting record, fighting skill, and great cunning are legendary, earning him the highest position in Yautja society. Assassination attempts and tribal uprisings are commonplace for Clan Leader, but he has proved to be an invulnerable force, earning the respect of his people and striking fear into those who oppose him. He is rarely seen by his subjects and stories have grown from what little is known of him. He is said to be immortal, possessing abnormal strength and abilities, and many believe that his mechanical tendrils are sentient beings under his divine control. These tales have yet to be disproven.
NECA has provided us with an advanced sample of the Clan Leader Predator. We have over 70 high resolution photos and a full review. You can see them after the jump.
NECA Deluxe Clan Leader Predator
Pros
- A fitting update to the original
- Excellent sculpted details
- Plenty of articulation
- Bendable tendrils are excellent additions
- Removable mask
- Paint apps are very clean and colorful
- Outstanding packaging
- Figure is huge
- Weapon can be stored on back of figure
Cons
- Ankles a little loose
Overall
The Clan Leader Predator makes a great first impression thanks to it’s wonderful and colorful packaging. NECA took a page from recent “action figure editions” of comic books, where the comic cover looks like a toy card back. The front of the window box has a great piece of art, mimicking a classic Kenner card back design. The interior of the flap features the back of the card, which includes a photo of the Clan Leader on his Bone Throne (coming in 2017!) and the bio. The back of the box itself shows off an assortment of Aliens, Predators and AvP figures. Another nice touch is the inclusion of instructions on the back of the box. The deluxe packaging will fit in perfectly with either your Kenner Predators or even your NECA Video Game, Deluxe and upcoming Ultimate Predators. I hope we see more of this overall packaging design, where the flap itself mimics alternate packaging. It’s eye-catching and makes a great display piece on its own.
Standing at 8.25″ tall, the Clan Leader is NECA’s tallest 7″ scale Predator figure so far. He can nearly stand toe-to-toe with some of the Alien Xenomorphs. The figure features over 30 points of articulation including double jointed knees and elbows. Clan Leader includes a removable mask, a bladed staff, a removable plasma castor, two bendable tendrils and two small tendril end pieces that can be placed in the chest armor or gauntlets, making it look like the tendrils are retracted into the armor. The staff can be attached to the back of the figure for storage using a small clip similar to the AvP Predators. The included plasma caster features an articulated arm and can be removed if you’d like.
The figure features a mix of new and reused sculpted pieces, and combines them to form a very imposing Predator; One that looks every bit the leader his name implies. The overall sculpt here is excellent, with the great small details we’ve been seeing in the Predator line for a while now. The intricate details, such as the texture of the armor, the miniature skulls and the scarred head sculpt all give the figure a high end appearance. The removable mask has a mix of hard texture detailing and smoother metallic looking pieces. This is carried over to the armor and gauntlets as well. The unmasked head sculpt has a great look to it, with the almost exaggerated furrowed brow, closed may and battle damaged scarring. The paint work is very clean, with little to no paint bleed noticeable here. The bright reds, oranges and yellows offer stark contrast to the more muted and darker painted armor parts. For those who are into it, the netting is painted throughout, with fine clean lines. Clan Leader’s articulation is top notch. With double joints on the knees and elbows, nearly any dynamic pose is possible thanks to some softer material used in the armor. The ankles on this sample were a bit on the loose side. Nothing that prevented the figure from standing, but it did take a few extra seconds to get him to stand. The torso features a waist swivel and a ball jointed upper chest. With over 30 points of articulation, there’s plenty to like and a great variety in the type of poses you can get.
In the original Kenner line, the Clan Leader was most remembered for the tendrils that were attached to his mask. NECA made some adjustments here, allowing the tendrils to connect to the upper body armor, and also adding space in the gauntlets to attach them, allowing Clan Leader to use them as whips. These tendrils are handled flawlessly. The wire in the tendrils themselves is very strong, holding every one of the swirling or bent poses I came up with. The held into both the chest and the armor with no trouble. I was surprised that they were light enough and didn’t require any extra effort to keep them in the air while posing. The two nubs included are a nice touch. It took a few minutes to figure out what they were though. These can be put in the gauntlets or in the armor where the tendrils connect to make them look as if they’ve been retracted.
Clan Leader Predator is an easy recommendation for Predator fans. It’ a nice homage, while also being something very new. A perfect fit with the other Kenner Predators, or even with the movie themed figures. Check out a selection of highlight photos below and the full gallery after that.
CompaniesNECA
CharactersClan Leader Predator
Scale7 Inch