NECA Dark Horse 25th Anniversary Predator – Toyark Photo Shoot

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first issue of the Dark Horse Predator Comic, NECA has released a figure based on the first issue. The Dark Horse Predator, a repaint of the previous Jungle Hunter Predator, features a deco based on the Predator seen on the cover of the first issue. The comic, which follows the brother of Dutch Schaefer (Arnold Schwarzenneger) as he battle the Predator’s that have infiltrated his city. The figure includes an all new staff accessory to help give it a more accurate look. Also included is a reprinted copy of Predator #1 by Dark Horse.

Toyark sponsor Big Bad Toy Store has provided us with the figure, and I have a full gallery and review to check out.

Related Links
Big Bad Toy Store: Dark Horse Predator, NECA Predator Figures, All Predator Figures
NECA: NECA Toy Galleries

NECA Dark Horse 25th Anniversary Predator 7″ Scale Figure

Pros

• Excellent paint scheme
• Great use of previous mold
• New staff is a great addition
• Good articulation
• Predator #1 included
• Packaging can fit in with Ultimate and VGA figures

Cons

• Shoulder cannon gets in the way of head movement

Overall
NECA has taken a great approach to repaints lately. They start by looking at different incarnations of a specific character. They then tailor a highly detailed paint scheme around that version and wind up with a fresh looking figure. It’s worked extremely well on their Video Game Appearance line, and now with this special edition Dark Horse Predator. The packaging takes the cover of the first issue and the packaging made popular in their Video Game and Ultimate lines. There is a window flap that displays some great art from the comic on the inside. It can easily fit in with your existing VGA boxes.

The figure, if you so desire, can also easily fit in with your current VGA figures. The bright colored paint scheme and dark, ink-type lines, make for a great companion piece. The figure, which tands roughly 8″ tall, sports a wild paint job overall. The armor is painted in a steel blue, while the body is in a muted skin tone. There are assorted comic style highlights throughout, and a nice splash of red that really pops. It comes really close to overthrowing the VGA Predator 2 Figure as best repaint of a Predator figure. If you’ve purchased the 8-Bit Predator figure, or the original Jungle Hunter Predator version of the figure, then you will be familiar with the articulation. It’s a really detailed mold with decent articulation. The only real issue is that the shoulder cannon hinders the ability to turn the figures head much. You can remove it if you like. The figure also includes an all new staff. It’s a beautifully gruesome site, featuring a human skull and spine impaled and wrapped around the top.

You’re not going to get many pure repaints that are this well done. It’s a fantastic homage and great reuse of the Jungle Hunter mold. The packaging, included comic and new staff are all fun bonuses.

Check out some select images below, and the full gallery after that.