- Manufacturer: Running Press
- Released: 2017
There’s been many small scale ALIEN figures, toys and busts made during the past decades. Some of them are more outstanding than others and sometimes it’s just a simple gimmick that can set one apart from the rest. The case in point here is a one of a kind mixed media product. Running Press have produced a fun little item that bundles together a terrific mini bust with a not so terrific little book as part of their series of Running Press Miniature Editions.
ALIEN: Hissing Xenomorph and Illustrated Book [with Sound] is such an example of a small but unique offering. The main attraction here is the bust itself. It stands around 3 inches tall – so it’s small. Diminutive, even.
For a bust of this size, it’s surprisingly well detailed and you generally won’t be disappointed. The shape of the head and all of its significant features are terrific, the torso is good too; and the little ‘A L I E N’ plaque at the foot of the bust is a welcome addition. There’s the characteristic carapace to be found on top of the Alien’s head and it’s smoky translucency allows for the details beneath to be visible. So yes. There’s a lot to appreciate in this pocket sized item just for its appearance alone.
So far, it’s nothing outstanding to appreciate, though, these things can be said about dozens of ALIEN merchandise items. It’s fortunately not just a mini bust of a grisly creature from space that wants to rip your face off that offers merit. You can purchase any number of ALIEN action figures that are more complete with all of its limbs in place greater range of articulation to match. This particular bust offers a fantastic pair of features that dovetail together in a way that sets it apart from just about every other piece of ALIEN merchandise you could care to nominate.
Along with the arms, you’ll notice almost all the appendages are removed from the back of the bust; save for one. The odd crest that sits between the shoulders is the sole feature projecting from its back. There’s a good reason for those additional appendages being absent – they would just get in the way. This sole appendage is actually a lever and pressing it downwards will reward you with a pair of combined responses. Firstly, the toothed tongue will emerge from the mouth and secondly this darling little mini bust will emit the most horrid screech. Brilliant!
The trigger operated tongue is a feature that can trace its origin all the way back to the original 18 inch Kenner ALIEN action figure. It’s also appeared in various forms on other figures since then. A button on the back of the head of McFarlane figures and the 1992 Kenner Queen Alien also has an air bulb that perform similar tasks; but generally speaking such an action feature isn’t very common.
This makes having such a feature very welcome as they are in the minority. It’s a point of articulation on most other ALIEN figures that at its very best – and where available – is frequently reduced to a sliding arrangement that involves getting your fingers inside the mouth and manually pulling the out the tongue. Not with this item. A trigger operated tongue is always great stuff and very rewarding to activate and play with.
This action item is accompanied by another significant and fabulous feature. Activating the lever will also make the bust screech. It’s battery operated (Battery is already installed.) and surprisingly loud and disconcerting. Really. Calling it a ‘Hissing’ xenomorph doesn’t do the bust any justice. This is a full on unnerving disonance that will impress you. If you have played ALIEN: Isolation you’ll be familiar with the shrieking sound the Alien makes when it spots you just before it charges you down and chews your face off.
Yeah. It’s like that. It will wake you up very fast. The sound is so alarming, if you activated this figure near your sleeping cat, I think it’s a safe bet it won’t think kindly of you. I don’t own a cat so if someone would like to conduct this experiment, I’d love to know the results. YouTube it, if you can, please.
The bust isn’t perfect though. It possesses its own minor oddity. Projecting from the chest is a small spiny appendage similar to the one seen upon its back. It’s odd and out of place. Other than the strange appearance of this odd crest which is clearly visible in photos accompanying this review, this is a great item in terms of representing a xenomorph even if minor details present elsewhere throughout the bust prevent it from being an accurate representation of the creature from the first movie.
It’s a xenomorph with a weird thing on its chest. It’s no big deal but certainly a curious feature that looks like a production error. Nonetheless it doesn’t detract too much from the bust and if you really don’t like it, then just take to it with a pair of nail clippers and remove it. Done.
Also included in the package is a 2nd item and it really isn’t that satisfying and it really should just be considered an accessory. The small 48 page perfect bound book, ALIEN: Remembering A Classic, measures just a few inches across. It’s tiny and not really in possession of too much to recommend it. A brief introduction and story notes by Robb Pearlman are serviceable and the full color content comprising of photographic stills from ALIEN are all well and good but this item feels superfluous and insubstantial next to the awesome main attraction of the trigger activated ALIEN mini bust that can freak out your cat.
Overall, though, this is a great little package. The impressive little bust is worth adding to your collection. It’s cheap, too. You’ll find the price point very attractive. The book is somewhat a non-event and you’ll flip through it once and put it aside. Your shrieking Alien, however, will be played with and you’ll definitely want to do so. Wonderful stuff!
SCORE: 7/10
I probably would have awarded this item 8/10 but the rather forgettable book that is included with the bust does more to diminish the value of the package rather than enhance it. The entire package is buoyed up by the fun core item of the bust itself accompanied by a low and affordable price point.
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