Early Look – Commando John Matrix Ultimate Figure by NECA

Recently, the Toyark crew was fortunate enough to be able to visit the NECA Toys studio! They have an amazing and extremely talented crew of people working there. It was a blast to look around and see years and years worth of creations (many in 2-up prototype form) as well as the creators themselves in action. We were able to see many facets of the production of their toys from sculpting to painting to refinements, diorama creation and even product photography all take place. It was an exhilarating day to say the least. We had the good fortune to be able to speak with director Randy, diorama creator Stefan, sculptor Chris, photographer Stephen and more. We talked about what’s out now, about some of their upcoming items and about toys in general, all with people who create the type of products we all love to collect. Randy and the crew also supplied us with a few really awesome items to review. Starting today, and over the next few days, we’ll have galleries and reviews to share.

We’re kicking this off with a figure I couldn’t wait to grab. Check out our gallery and review of the NECA Commando John Matrix Ultimate 7″ Scale Figure. After the jump, we have over 50 high resolution photos. Also be sure to check out our NECA Toy Galleries for all of our past NECA photo shoots.

NECA Commando John Matrix Ultimate 7″ Scale Figure

Pros

• Very good Schwarzenegger likeness
• Great use of paint apps
• Plenty of articulation
• Fun accessories
• Strong attention to movie details

Cons

• Vest isn’t removable

Overall
The 1985 movie Commando is one of those great 80’s movies that could never be made today. The great one-liners, the crazy, almost comedic violence, all comes together to make this movie a fun cult classic. This year is the 30th anniversary of the film, and NECA is putting out an ultimate figure of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s John Matrix. The figure comes packaged in a flapped window box, which features one of the iconic poster shots of John Matrix on the front. Inside, the figure sits in a tray along with weapons and accessories. These include a knife, a Desert Eagle pistol, M60E3 machine gun, Valmet M78/83 machine gun, and a M202A1 FLASH rocket launcher with removable rocket.

The John Matrix figure looks to use the Predator Dutch figure as the main base. It’s been modified with movie specific features and has been outfitted with the trademark vest from the film. The likeness to actor Arnold Schwarzenegger is handled very well. The vest, though, turned out especially awesome, as it features great attention to detail. It has the grenades, ammo, knives and a sheath with a removable knife. The figure features over 25 points of articulation. I had no problems getting the figure to pose or hold the weapons. The joints were all pretty tight, which allowed the figure to pose without the need for any figure stands. The paint used is great. The camo paint on the face and arms is a great touch. The paint on the weapons, vest and pants are all clean. The figures skin has a great translucent quality to it that makes the figure appear very lifelike. John can hold all of his weapons without any trouble, or you can use the straps to store a few over his shoulders if so desired.

John Matrix is a fun choice for the Ultimate 7″ Scale figure line. The classic role, the numerous accessories and having another Arnold add up to make this more than worthwhile. About the only crit I can offer is that the soft vest can’t be removed. It can be cut off if you so desire. Other than that, I didn’t have any issues. The sculpting is top notch, the weapons plentiful, the likeness is unmistakable and it has well placed articulation. The figure is scheduled for release at the end of September.

*NECA provided the figure for review purposes.

You can see a few select photos below. The full gallery is available below those.