Alien and Predator Figurine Collection: Alien 3 Xenomorph’ Review
Over the last couple of weeks we’ve looked at the Marines from Aliens, but this week our Eaglemoss Alien and Predator Figurine Collection review moves back to the Xenomorph. While Alien 3 may not have been the best received of the Alien films, it still had an interesting variation of the alien, based off the animal from which it was born.
Fans will remember that in Alien 3 a Facehugger actually managed to attach itself to a dog. When the Xenomorph ripped itself out of the canine, it came out as a faster variation of the Xenomorph, ready to hunt down the prison staff and inmates.
While David Fincher’s film is legendary for it’s behind the scenes problems, I still think the film stands up well as a unique Alien movie. There are even two cuts of it available, which feature different origins of this Xenomorph’s birth. While these two cuts offer an interesting look at the problems the film faced, we’ll never see Fincher’s true vision come to screen.
With just one Xenomorph hunting its prey, Alien 3 went back to the style of the first film where we saw the more human side of the problem, and not just another “bug hunt”. While it was flawed yes, there were many excellent performances from the likes of Charles Dance, Paul McGann, Brian Glover, Pete Postlewaite, and of course Sigourney Weaver herself.
The real controversy of the third film was of course it featured the death of Ripley, which you would have thought would end the Alien series (if you try to forget Alien: Resurrection existed, then maybe it did). The real problem really was that many fans weren’t ready to see Ripley go in the manner she did.
Back to this week’s Xenomorph in the Alien and Predator Figurine Collection and again, it really is a nice figure, with plenty of detail to it. To show the difference in the Xenomorph, we now see an alien which prefers to walk on four legs (like the dog it was birthed from) though when needed can stand on its back legs. This alien also has the inner teeth exposed, which was something the first Xenomorph figure didn’t.
What I find most impressive about this Xenomorph is the long tale, while the other Xenomorph had a tail too, this one extends out more and allows for a more detailed structure, the sharp end ready for impaling its enemies is also an interesting detail that stands out.
Usually with these models we tend to get some props on the base itself, but this time it seems to be lacking that touch. I can’t really complain about this too much, because the Xenomorph itself is impressive, and a very good addition to the Alien and Predator Figurine Collection.
Looking at the models I’ve reviewed in this collection so far, it is fair to say for sheer design and detail, the Xenomorphs stand out WAY ahead of the Marines. With the Alien, you can’t really skimp on the design, as it would show up. H.R. Giger’s designs for the Xenomorph are iconic and so well-known so for Eaglemoss to get it right with the Alien and Predator Figurine Collection the Alien had to be done right. Thankfully with the two Xenomorph models I’ve taken a look at they have definitely delivered.
****½ 4.5/5
The Alien and Predator Figurine Collection is available from the official website for the collection. For US customers the figurines cost $9.95, with the UK paying £9.99. Postage and packing is free. Be aware that after the first initial figure, the price will rise to $28.95/£17.99 + postage and packing for 2 figures per month.
