A deluxe John Connor Ultimate Figure was available as a San Diego Comic-Con 2019 Exclusive from NECA Toys. The figure is based on young John as he appeared in Terminator 2: Judgement Day. The future leader of the resistance against Skynet was brash, but also resourceful. When a new model Terminator is sent back to take out the child, the resistance counters by sending a Terminator of their own, as John’s protector. The release includes the John figure, two interchangeable portraits, a hacking device, a backpack, and the severed T-800 Endoskeleton arm in a display case. Also included was John’s Motorbike from the film. The figure was priced at $50.
Our friends at NECA supplied us with the figure, and we have a full photo gallery and review. You can check them out after the jump.
San Diego Comic-Con 2019 Exclusive – T2: Judgement Day – John Connor Ultimate 7″ Scale Figure
Pros
- Highly anticipated figure finally gets a release
- The T2 3D: Battle Across Time portrait was a nice surprise addition
- The motor bike is excellent
- Overall solid set of accessories
- Likeness, especially on bandanna head, is actually pretty good
- Looks great with Sarah or the T-800
Cons
- Jacket isn’t camo painted
Overall
John comes packed in a flapped window box that matches up with the previous Terminator 2 releases. The front includes a photo of actor Edward furlong as John Connor, while the back showcases assorted photos of the figures. The bike and sits on a larger plastic tray along with the hacking device. The figure and other accessories sit on a second plastic tray that sits atop the main one.
Fans have been asking NECA for a John Connor figure for as long as they have been producing Terminator figures. Those requests ramped up after the releases of the various Ultimate T2 figures, especially Sarah Connor. NECA knew that kid based figures were a hard sell at retail. However, after the successful sales of the SDCC Exclusive Newt from Aliens, as well as a retail release of Newt that was packed with a Ripley variant, I think the stance softened a bit. While it’s disappointing for fans looking to pick the figure up at retail, NECA found a way to get a John figure into collector’s hands as a Comic-Con exclusive.
The release is filled with some great items from the film, including John’s motorbike and the Endoskeleton arm. Eagle-eyed fans noticed that the alternate portrait that is included is based on the Terminator 2 3D: Battle Across Time attraction from Universal Studios. Of the two, I’d say that the alternate head sculpt is the better one. Also included are the Endoskeleton arm, which is displayed inside a case as it was in the film. The hacking device is a fun addition as well. However, the biggest surprise inclusion was John’s motorbike. This 1/10 scale bike replica looks fantastic, and scales perfectly with the figure. The handlebars are front tire can turn, and the wheels do spin. A functional kickstand make displaying it very easy. John sits perfectly on the bike, and the hands were designed to grip the handles.
The figure itself is fine. It’s a much needed addition to the T2 line up, and looks pretty much like a small Ed Furlong. The knees and elbows are single jointed, but the torso does feature ab crunch as well as a ball jointed waist. The sculpt work on the clothing is excellent. The expression on the main portrait is meant to look like John is in shock of what he is seeing, much like when the T-100 drives the semi into the canal. However, the more neutral expression of the alternate portrait, I think, works a bit better and looks more like the actor. But, when displayed with the other figures, it looks great with them. Licensing issues prevented them from using the Public Enemy logo on his shirt, or the G ‘n R on the bike. The jacket, however, is solid green here, where the jacket in the film featured a camo print.
If you got or can get your hands on this release, then you’re going to really enjoy it. There’s a lot packed in, and it’s fantastic to have a John Connor that can be displayed with the other T2 releases. Check out some select photos below, and the full gallery after that.
Some of the backgrounds featured in pics below are from Extreme-Sets.com. Enter code TOYARK at checkout and get 15% off your order!
SDCC 2019 Exclusive Terminator 2 John Connor Figue by NECA – Toyark Photo Shoot
*sigh* Perhaps I made a mistake skipping this one...but then I notice that NECA has turned John into an Asian and I find myself more secure in my decision.
Regardless, great, great photo shoot, Joe. You really captured the spirit of T2.
Regardless, great, great photo shoot, Joe. You really captured the spirit of T2.
Love the photos btw.
I have a feeling he wasn't originally planned to be a convention exclusive, since he was advertised on retail packaging during the latest Kenner Terminator wave. Not sure why they seemed to change that at the last second.
Overall I'm not very impressed with the figure, but perhaps NECA will re-release it at retail (with more accurate paint) in a two-pack with Arnold or something, like they did with Ripley and Newt.
Damn, really wanted to grab this one. Hope we see some sort of release in the future.
A Sarah/John hospital escape two pack would be great. Would allow them to give us a variant figure for Sarah that will use most of the existing figure and a retail release John which could have an improved top (camo texture) as well as open hands or fists. That or an end battle pack with an updated battle damaged ultimate t-800 or end battle Sarah.
It looks awesome. Glad they did it. I do wish Sarah's scale was a little closer on these though.
When did John Conner turn Japanese during T2?
Don't really care much for this figure but John does look good with the other figures.
If this shows up on clearance at Target, I'll pick it up. Although to be honest, I want the bike more than the figure.
Full Thread: NECA T2 John Connor - Photo Gallery
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