Vault Review: NECA Alien
Xenomorph (Big Chap)

Surprise NECA week!  Funny thing is, I was actually going to review that fantastic Kenner Lava Predator today.  But as I was checking my local Toys R US last night, I happened across a fresh case of Alien figures.  So I took this nice coincidence and bumped poor Lava back a bit for a review of Big Chap, the first Alien.

axbc1

I haven’t had a lot of luck with NECA’s aliens so far.  I never saw the brown one in stores.  I did see his Marine buds though.  The Genocide two-pack wasn’t as difficult to track down.  Unfortunately my red xeno’s leg broke straight out of package, and there weren’t any left to exchange.  So Chap here is actually my first, and I have to say I’m pretty happy with him.

axbc2

When it comes to sculpt, chap is a mix of new and old parts.  What stands out right away is the classic xenomorph head from the first movie.  While similar in shape, it’s a little less detailed with fewer ribbed cables running along the side.  Then there’s the fantastic translucent dome with a visible sculpted skull underneath.  I’ve always loved this creepy human influence on the monster, and the figure reproduces it really well.

axbc3

Next up are the hands and feet.  Instead of three long fingers, the original Alien had six shorter ones, with the four middle digits grouped together in twos.  His feet were also a lot less animal claw-like and more like a human’s.  His forearms are also new, just being one long bone instead of having that side piece jutting out.

axbc4

Even though he looks a bit plain, chap has a pretty detailed paint job.  The skull under the dome has been given a light gray color with black over the sculpted textures.  The rest of the figure has been molded black with a dark gray layer covering almost all the raised surfaces of the sculpt.  This adds a ton of depth and allows those deep recesses to shine along with the sculpted exoskeleton.  Chap’s also got some silver detailing on his claws and teeth, and the whole figure has been given a glossy coat to make him look a bit slimy.  Continue to page 2…

17 thoughts on “Vault Review: NECA Alien
Xenomorph (Big Chap)

  1. so, have you contacted NECA about the broken limb on the red one? a follow up on that might be worth a TRUEtorial, no? since you can’t get satisfaction at TRU.

  2. That last picture. Damn. I really need this figure. I have the Hicks, Hudson, and the brown Xeno Warrior. But dang, nothing can top Big Chap.

  3. Awesome review. You’ve convinced me to pick it up when before I didn’t really feel the need. Also love those random accessories you bust out in your reviews. Literally LOL’ed at that pic with him drinking the orange smoothie.

    1. It’s accurate to the source material, in the film the top of the head is transparent, but due to lighting it appears to be black (which is what I always assumed) but there are scenes where you can kind of see the skull.

      Personally I think it looks like he’s got a white mohawk and is pretty jarring actually. I prefer the previous release (the Alien v. Pred 2-pack) which although does include a transparent dome, it’s not white. I don’t think I’ll be picking this guy up.

      1. I picked this guy up from TRU last night, but have just been staring at him in the package. I got the brown xenomorph from series one, but was really wanting the Big Chap because I always preferred his design.
        Anyway, I think I’m going to return him. If they re-release him with a smoke or amber colored lid then I’ll get him, but right now it’s just too…jarring I think was a good word to describe it.

        1. Well, I caved and opened him this afternoon. In-hand, really great figure and the milky dome doesn’t bother me at all. What does bother me is that his left foot twisted clean off at the ankle while trying to straighten it from the package, and his left elbow has almost torn all the way through as well because it doesn’t want to bend.
          So, back to the store I go. If they still have one on the pegs I’ll probably exchange him and give it another shot, this time with hot water near me before I move anything.

          1. There’s a trick for stuck joints:
            Put it in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
            Then try to move the joints again. The problem is, the plastic is too soft, so it tears apart, when being forced too much.
            If you “freeze” it, the material gets harder, and in that case more durable. Be ceraful, though!!
            This little hint worked EVERYTIME when i was confronted with color-stuck limbs (and i own the whole Predators/Aliens Series from Neca)…
            Even on my 1/4 scale big chap, which is known for broken ankles/sholders, etc – right out of the box…

            1. Sadly, mine had a stuck hip joint that broken when I tried to move it. And of course, TRU had none left to exchange with. I have him on order at BBTS in a Pile of Loot, but I’m waiting for one more item to come in before I trigger the shipment.

        2. perhaps it just does not photograph well. i could be singing a different tune once i get one in hand. otherwise its a fine figure. i have the brown warrior and it’s a stellar figure.

  4. EEK! It’s scary!
    (and HILARIOUS with the juice cup!)

    I had random Kenner variants (probably lost now?), but my cousin had the original, 18″ mofo…until I snapped the rubber band pushing out it’s mouth while checking it out one day oopsie.

    so much cool stuff, soooooo f’g far out now and limited funds to waste that I need to save for GAS. ugh. :/

Comments are closed.