Toyark 1st Look – NECA Predators Series 14 – Alien vs Predator Figure In-Hand Photo Shoot

Predators Series 14 is scheduled to ship to retailers very soon. Predator is the longest running series by NECA, and they show no signs of slowing down. They have been prepping some all-new figures, and they kick off with these upcoming releases. The Alien vs Predator wave includes newly sculpted versions of the Celtic Predator, Chopper Predator and Scar Predator. NECA refined the designs a bit, making them a little less bulky and more in line with the more traditional Predator designs. by doing so, they were able to give these figures some of the best articulation in the line. Each figure includes multiple character specific accessories, over 30 points of articulation and they stand about 8.25″ tall.

We have a first look gallery and review for the figures. NECA was kind enough to send along the figures for us to check out. We have 100 high resolution images of the figures. Check out the new pics and our full review by reading on.

NECA Predators Series 14 – Alien vs Predator 7″ Scale Figures

Pros

• All new sculpts
• Sculpted detail is very impressive
• Insane amount of articulation
• Plenty of accessories included
• Swap shoulder cannons, weapons, blades and hands between the three figures
• Flawless paint apps
• Great weight balance allows for dynamic poses

Cons

• Chopper can’t hold weapons unless you swap hands

Overall
Alien vs Predator was the film that fans of both franchises dreamed of ever since the Dark Horse comics took the two alien races, and pitted them against one another in a classic series of books. The film versions, however, were much less well received. While the characters do have their own fans, the movies themselves are widely disliked by fans of both franchises.

NECA’s Alien vs Predator wave takes an interesting approach to the movie designs. In the film, the armor and costumes used were extremely bulky. The characters featured far more armor than the Jungle and City Predators. This was meant to give them a hulking, menacing appeal to take on the Xenomorphs. To many people, the designs never felt in sync with the sleeker, minimal armor designs that came before and even since. NECA took a bit of artistic liberty with the designs, slimming the Predators down, and making the armor more form fitting and less bulky. This design choice allows them to fit into the line a bit better. It also has the added benefit of allowing even more articulation than likely would have been possible. The figures come standard bubble card backs.

Each figure includes a Shuriken Blade, forearm blades, a shoulder cannon and other weapons and accessories. With these, some parts are meant to be swapped between characters. Hands can be taken off and used on one of the other AvP Predators. The Chopper Predator includes two closed fists, meaning he can’t hold his weapons unless you swap hands with one of the other Predators. The shoulder cannons can be used on any of the three figures and forearm blades can be attached however you see fit. Heads can be removed as well, and swapped between them, or even with previous Predators if you like. It’s a nice way to allow fans to easily customize the look of the figures a bit.

As I said above, these figures have some wonderful articulation. Elbows and knees are double jointed on each. There are swivels and hinges on both legs and arms. The torso is articulated in two spots on each, and feel like they are ball jointed. The armor designs still prevent some waist movement, that was inevitable. However, the sheer amount of movement, especially in the arms, makes for easy and fun posing. The figures are very solid, and have a good heavy feel to them. They have good weight distribution and very strong ankle joints, which means you likely won’t need a figure stand if you don’t want to use one. Most of the included weapons can also be stored on the characters. Each has a sheath on their leg to hold any swords, and each has a clasp on the back. That can hold the staffs or the skulls (for Chopper). Celtic and Scar also include gauntlets that flip open to reveal their countdown bomb timers. Instead of slide out forearm blades, NECA went with removable and swappable blades, making it a less fragile feeling feature.

Right now, these stand as some of the best Predator releases NECA has put out so for. The painting is top notch on all three. The joints are tight without being paint locked, and they include enough accessories to start a war with your Xenos. And the icing on the cake is that they each have over 30 points of articulation. This is just the first batch of figures from the AvP films. An upcoming Alien wave will give fans movie versions of the Alien Warriors, including the Grid Alien.

Enjoy some highlight photos below, and 100 photos in the full gallery after that.

*NECA provided these for review purposes