NECA Aliens Series 12 – Toyark Photo Shoot

Aliens Series 12 sees the release of new versions of both Ellen Ripley and Private Jenette Vasquez as well as two (updated) re-releases of the Battle Damages Xenomorph Warriors. The new version of Ripley features her bomber jacket, a pulse rifle and an attachable muzzle flash. Vasquez is seen here in her combat BDU’s, complete with pistol, knife, pulse rifle and attachable muzzle flash. The Battle Damaged Alien Warriors are re-releases of the Xenomorphs included in the 2-packs with Hicks and Hudson from 2013. They have been updated with the new body style being used for the Ultimate Alien Warriors. This series of figures is available in stores now.

NECA sent along the new wave for us to check out. After the jump, check out the photos and my thoughts on these figures. Also, don’t forget to check out our Aliens Hadley’s Hope Photo Shoot, which is a great companion set to this wave.

Aliens Series 12 by NECA

Pros

• Excellent version of Vasquez
• Version of Ripley seen through most of Aliens
• Included muzzle flashes are a welcome accessory
• Damaged Alien Warrior reissues were oft requested by fans
• Alien Warriors updated with new body types
• Strong likeness for Vasquez
• Nice paint application throughout
• Improved wrist joints on Ripley and Vasquez

Cons

• Ripley could have used a new head sculpt

Overall
The figures in this series come packaged in the same clamshell packaging we’ve see since the Aliens series started. The inserts use the 30th anniversary art and design we’ve seen in previous releases. The back includes the same details on all four figures, save for the check list being changed based on the figure in the packaging. No surprises here and will look good for those ho keep the figure in packaging for a bit.

This version of Vasquez, in her BDU’s, turned out to be an excellent addition to the line. The look and design is  different enough compared to the previous releases of Vasquez, though many of the same parts are used. While the original Vasquez release still sits as my favorite of the three figures we’ve gotten, the BDU version is a close second. The head sculpt used here was previously seen on the Kenner style Vasquez release, and the sculpt itself holds up very well. The BDU’s seen here are the same ones used in the original release, just without the vest and smart gun attachments. The included pistol and knife can both be stores on the figure, and Vasquez includes a pulse rifle this time, with a nice muzzle flash attachment. Paint work here is excellent, with the smallest of details, such as the teardrop tattoo, handled very well. Articulation is the same as previous releases, though the wrist joints feel a bit stronger here (the same for Ripley).

Series 12 Ripley is seen in her jumpsuit and bomber jacket, which she wears through much of the film. With this release, NECA has just about covered every major look for Ripley from the first two films. The Bomber Jacket Ripley goes particularly well with the Burke figure. The head sculpt is the same one we’ve seen used a few times before. A new sculpt with a different expression would have been welcome here. The jacket and full jumpsuit look great here. The jacket is not a full separate piece, but is sculpted onto the body, ensuring now hindering to the range of motion. Like Vasquez, paint work is strong and there’s no issues with any of the joints. Also like Vasquez, the wrists feel much more sturdy here, as previous versions of Ripley tend to have their hands pop off while posing. that wasn’t the case here.

The two Battle Damaged Alien Warriors were originally released in 2013. One was packed with Hicks and one with Hudson. These re-releases have been requested quite often by fans, and it’s great to see them packed individually. The splattering acid blood effects still look great, and the paint work is on par with any Alien Xenomorph NECA has released. The figures aren’t just straight reissues, though, as they’ve been updated to the newer body types being used for the Alien Warrior releases now, leading up to the Ultimate Alien Warriors. The update includes new articulation in the arms, hands, waist, tail, knees and feet. It’s a nice bit of updating, that offers a bit of extra incentive to fans who may have the originals.

Aliens Series 12 is a nice send off to the 30th Anniversary of Aliens (along with the Hadley’s Hope set and the upcoming Ultimate Alien Warriors). This definitely won’t be the last we see of figures from the film, but it does sound like they are moving onto later films in the franchise (and new Kenner style figures) for a few waves. Fans will find an excellent Vasquez and a nice Ripley figure here. The two Battle Damaged re-releases are also welcome as it seems Aliens has gained more fans who missed out on those early releases. Check out some highlight photos below and the full gallery after that.

The backgrounds in some shots comes from Extreme Sets. Use code TOYARK at checkout for 15% off your order!