With the upcoming Aliens – Hadley’s Hope Deluxe Figure Set, NECA continues to get great mileage out of the Aliens license. For this release, they package together the slimy weasel Carter Burke, a concept version of the Alien Xenomorph Warrior and a Hadley’s Hope diorama sign. The Burke figure features the authorized likeness of actor Paul Reiser. The concept Alien is based on the original plan to use semi-translucent domes for the Xenomorphs in the film, much like the Big Chap in Alien. The translucent domes were abandoned early on and replaced with a the ridged dome-less head designs seen in the final film.
The Aliens Hadley’s Hope – Carter Burke and Concept Alien Warrior 2-Pack set is scheduled for release in October. NECA has provided us with an advanced production sample for review. After the jump, you can check out my thoughts on the set, as well as a full gallery.
Aliens Hadley’s Hope – Carter Burke and Concept Alien Warrior 2-Pack by NECA
Pros
- Burke has an excellent likeness of Paul Reiser
- The expression on Burke is hilariously perfect
- The Alien Warrior uses new Ultimate Alien Warrior body
- New articulation is great on the Alien Warrior
- Paint work is very strong on both figures
- Diorama makers will love the Hadley’s Hope sign
Cons
- Restricted ankle articulation makes Burke hard to keep standing
Overall
Packaged in deluxe clamshell packaging, the 2-pack fits right in with similar style 2-pack releases for the Aliens line. Unfortunately, you will need to cut open the packaging to remove the figures. There is nice artwork used in the design as well, featuring Aliens 30th Anniversary markings and great photos of various Aliens figures depicting scenes from the film. The set includes the Burke figure, an Alien Warrior and the Hadley’s Hope sign. No additional accessories or weapons are included.
The Burke figure is based on his appearance on LV-426, at the Hadley’s Hope colony. He sports his ridiculous vest and a plaid shirt. The expression given to the Burke figure was a solid choice, as it can be used in recreating scenes of shock or fear. The likeness is pretty much spot on to actor Paul Reiser, and the use of the translucent skin plastic here works quite well. It doesn’t feel as shiny as that plastic tends to be, and the sculpting work really shines through. Burke has about 25 points of articulation, with single jointed knees and elbows. The range of motion, though, is solid. The only point where it’s an issue is in his ankles. The sculpted pants prevent the feet from moving much, which can cause stability issues when trying to stand him in anything but a straight leg pose. The paint work on Burke is very strong and does a great job of highlighting the sculpted details. On the head sculpt, the eyes are clean, with no misalignment issues. Burke features a paint wash to mimic a 5 o’clock shadow, and it’s probably the best they’ve ever handled that. It’s very subtle, but noticeable up close and doesn’t feel too dark. The plaid shirt could have been a nightmare to properly paint, but the lines are mostly clean with only minor bleed due to the heavier texturing on the outfit.
The Concept Alien Warrior, at first glance, could be mistaken for a standard Alien release, or even an Alien with the wrong head sculpt. Once you examine the figure a bit, you can see a lot of changes have been made to the Warrior mold. The most obvious change is the new dome covering the ridged head sculpt. While translucent, the dome has a black paint covering the interior. It doesn’t completely block out the translucency, so you can still see the ridges underneath. The more interesting updates happen on the new Ultimate body style. Those who skipped out on the Arcade Warrior Alien will be checking out these additions for the first time. The added range of motion in the upper body allows for more fluid poses, allowing the figure to look less stiff. Added articulation, such as the new hands are also welcome additions. The tail has been adjusted as well, offering more flexibility, making it easier to use it for support in standing. The paint here is mostly black and a dark, slightly green-ish gray. The metallic tan highlight washes still bring out the great sculpt work.
Carter Burke was a figure that was often requested of NECA. For a long time, it sounded like there was no real desire to create one, as they didn’t expect sales to be strong enough to justify it. By packing the figure with a Concept Alien Warrior and a Hadley’s Hope sign diorama accessory, I believe it makes the set a much more desirable purchase for more casual fans who will see it as a a cool overall display piece. More dedicated Aliens figure fans will see another great addition the their 7″ human figures from the movie, and a chance to get the new Ultimate Alien Warrior body style in traditional colors (as it was previously used on the Aliens Arcade Warrior Figure). The Hadley’s Hope sign is a great bonus item to sweeten the deal. You can check out some select photos of the set below. After that, you’ll find a full gallery to look through.
The backgrounds in some shots comes from Extreme Sets. Use code TOYARK at checkout for 15% off your order!
NECA Aliens Hadley’s Hope – Carter Burke and Concept Alien Warrior 2-Pack – Toyark Photo Shoot





That last picture really captures Helen Hunt and Paul Reiser from 'Mad About You' so well.
that looks great..
did anyone pick up the pack with the turrets yet??
did anyone pick up the pack with the turrets yet??
Great photo shoot! Looking forward to adding these to my already massive NECA Aliens collection. Thanks for the great set!
I know they have to make this a two pack in order to prevent peg warming, but I really just want the Burke. :/
did anyone pick up the pack with the turrets yet??
I don't really want any of those things in the set except for the turrets themselves.
Great shoot, Joe, and Burke looks amazingly good. It just might be the rare case where the final retail figure actually looks even better than the early prototype pics.
The Concept Warrior is neat as well. If i had to get another Alien, I'm okay with this one.
BTW, is there any truth that they re-used Freddy Krueger's legs on Burke? I have no idea, but that's the word on the street.
Great photo shoot Joe. I Just have one question about the Burke figure.
I speculated that NECA reused the Ultimate NOES1 Freddy legs for this Burke figure.
Are you able to take any photos comparing that figure with Burke? I just want to know in case I decide to customize my Burke when I get one to make it more aestecically pleasing for me.
You know, I'm not sure. That's a good eye. I'll have to take a look over the weekend. My NOES1 Freddy is packed away at the moment and I haven't actually thought about a possible reuse for the lower body. But that would explain the issue with the ankles.
Burke absolutely uses Freddy's legs/crotch (different feet, however). Here's a pic from your Ultimate Freddy gallery to compare:


That's a good pick up. I didn't even think about reused parts. Makes sense to try and keep costs down I guess.
I don't really want any of those things in the set except for the turrets themselves.
I see some people taking issue with me saying "He sports his ridiculous vest and a plaid shirt." for Burke. That's not a negative on either the figure or the film. Burke's outfit was intended to be far removed from the more "futuristic" looks of the military outfits and jumpsuits worn by everyone else. He's dressed like a suburban Dad who's getting ready to go fishing at the lake. He's supposed to look out of place and it's meant to disarm you a bit. He's the normal nice looking guy who turns out to be the monster. After years of watching the movie, we kind of just accept it as being Burke, because we already know what he is.
Some people are retarded, I swear.
NECA Aliens Hadley's Hope - Carter Burke and Concept Alien Warrior 2-Pack Available Now - The Toyark - News
Looks like NECA sent you the very best Burke they could find, Joe, because every single one I've found at retail has HORRIBLE eye paint. I've passed up every one I've come across so far. Such a shame.


Mine should arrive any day now. Love the look of Burke, and his clothing will really make him stand out. As for the concept Alien included, originally I wasn’t particularly interested in it, but looking at the photos it might well be the best xenomorph yet. I’m guessing it’s the upcoming ultimate alien warrior body, but with the dome head. Personally I prefer that look to the ridged one, plus it looks great on the dog alien.
Full Thread: NECA Hadley’s Hope 2-Pack - Toyark Gallery
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