Thursday, October 23, 2008

Aliens Vs. Predator















Alien vs. Predator

Alien vs. Predator, or Aliens versus Predator (both titles abbreviated AvP), is a science fiction / horror fiction series spanning several media. The series is a crossover between two famous film franchises about extraterrestrial beings: the Aliens and the Predators. In Alien vs. Predator, the two species are in conflict with one another.]

Action figures

In 1994, Kenner released a collection of action figures known as Aliens vs. Predator. This followed the two initial series of Aliens which were actually based on an animated series, Operation: Aliens, that was never broadcast. As such, the inclusion of Predator is often considered the 3rd and 4th series of the Aliens line. This collection includes several Aliens, many of which feature built-in attack features, and Predators, which include removable masks and battle weapons such as spears and missile launchers. The figures generally possess 5 points of articulation, and some include a mini Dark Horse comic book.

While the collection as a whole is known as Aliens vs. Predator, the two character types have their own card art that only features the character at hand. An exception would be the Aliens vs. Predator 2-pack. Since human space marines were included in the initial Aliens line, the Predator was marketed as an alternative enemy to the Aliens. A figure cardback reads:

"The stage is set for the universe's two most ferocious enemies. It's the gruesome and evil Aliens against the big-game hunter Predator. Who will win... the beast or the hunter? Can the Predator stop the evil Aliens before the galaxy is destroyed?!?!?!"[1][2]

The Aliens: Hive Wars series was released in 1995, which included various Aliens, Predators, and larger scaled space marines. More figures, including a female Predator and an Alien/Predator/Smash Mason 3-pack, were designed for this series but never released as part of the line.

Six sets of Aliens and Predator Micro Machines were also planned by Galoob in 1995 but never released. This would have also included the LV-426/Outer World Station Action Fleet Playset. Thanks in part to the research of toy collectors, many photos of these unreleased toys and prototypes have shown up on the Web in recent years.[3]

In December 2002, McFarlane Toys released a highly detailed Alien vs. Predator deluxe set.[4] In 2004, they produced a series of figures based on the Alien vs. Predator film. This line, however, is notorious for its disastrously poor quality. Many accessory parts originally planned for inclusion were suddenly scrapped before their release, leaving the figures with shoddy and incomplete display bases. In addition, some figures even had broken parts within their packages. Alongside the articulated figures, McFarlane also released statuesque display sets depicting scenes from the film.

Hot Toys produced highly detailed 16' tall figures for every movie including Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem in 2007. That same year, NECAreleased two series of Requiem figures.[5]

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