eBay – “Magic Condition” ALIEN for Sale.

Lately there’s been an noticeable increase in people selling off their 1979 Kenner ALIEN toys in Australia. This “magic condition” figure has just been listed. It appears to be a good, clean piece with all of its parts in place, if not fully intact. This one is being sold by the owner for Au$999. A high price for sure and a closer look is warranted. At a glance, this item appears to be a near perfect example of the toy but the dome is in less than desirable condition for the asking price. Large cracks at the rear of the dome along with a pair of minor cracks towards the front mar its near perfect presentation. Sadly, these cracks will always be present regardless of how well they have been repaired. Make an offer. There’s no telling how long this item will remain available but heĀ  won’t last long, regardless of the negotiable asking price.

-windebieste.

UPDATED – ImPerfect Organisms – Kane with 2 Right Arms.

Continuing with my fascination with factory errored ALIEN products and stuff with wonky features, Kane with two right arms attached has now been added to the section dedicated to this kind of messed up junk, ImPerfect Organisms. I’m not even going to attempt to speculate on how errors of this nature happen during production. They just do; but there appears to be a great many samples of figures boasting anomalous features out there in the real world. A lot of them. I’ve only been able to document just a small sampling which are known to exist. Go check out the ALIEN freakshow where other ImPerfect Organisms such as this item now comfortably reside.

-windebieste.

eBay – Limbless Kenner ALIEN for Sale.

Way back in the 1960s when I grew up, Australian toy manufacturer TOLTOYS released a game called Creepy Critters. This substantially incomplete ALIEN toy for sale on eBay reminds me of that old game. Just start with the torso and build your insect-like “creepy critter” by rolling a die and continue until all body parts have been added. A game of chance selection for kids. All you need is a torso and you can start building from there. Obviously there’s a lot of parts missing from this toy and it’s not priced to be sympathetic to anyone who may want to ‘DIY’ their own Kenner ALIEN. Nonetheless, it’s a good base for a complete rebuild. There’s signs of wear throughout the figure and you’ll need to spend a substantial amount of more coin just to acquire the parts necessary to complete it’s presentation. To do so, you’ll need: both arms, both legs and the tail just to get it to a basic presentable state. Those are relatively easy to find. The more elusive parts such as the head dome, dorsal crest and both tongue parts may present a challenge, both to your patience and your wallet. Nonetheless, some of these parts necessary to rebuild this item can already be found on eBay.

Providing the screws are present in the remnants of this vintage toy, you’re good to go! The screws, if missing, can be replaced with compatible screws used to assemble Kenner’s 1979 Star Wars Millennium Falcon play set. Those are readily available in abundance on eBay. Once the screws have been removed, this item should be easy to pry apart to work on the reconstruction, providing no glue has been used in fastening both torso halves halves together. One quick message to the seller regarding the use of glue on this wonderful incomplete relic may be wise. Otherwise, this rebuild project may come to a grinding halt if both halves are assembled with adeshive. Having said all the above, this item is the perfect opportunity to build your own extraterrestrial creepy critter. You just need to roll a 1, first.

-windebieste.

eBay – Kenner ALIEN Crest for Sale.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen one of these much sought after loose body parts for a 1979 Kenner ALIEN toy for sale on eBay. This crest is currently listed for US$99.99. Sure, it’s a little pricey for a small piece of worn plastic but these old toys occupy a very unique place in the history books in every sense of the definition.This sample is a little rough around the edges with some burring along the connectors with other minor imperfections present. Nonetheless, this item is a genuine piece salvaged from a forty year old vintage toy and not a reproduction part. Prices like this are commonplace, matching the demand for these elusive parts. Along with the dome that sits on the head (and to a lesser degree, the dual tongue halves) this item is the most sought after body part for collectors wanting to complete their own Kenner ALIEN toy. An estimated 60-70% of surviving samples of the toy released in 1979 now lack this odd shaped piece. It’s worth watching just to witness the duration of the sale and see how long it takes to sell. Someone will buy it. It won’t take long, even at this price.

-windebieste.

UPDATED – ImPerfect Organisms – Scorpion Alien.

Doing some research in my own collection and I didn’t even realise I had this Kenner ALIEN Scorpion package error. Here’s a Scorpion Alien with an incorrect mini comic inclusion. Featured inside the Scorpion Alien package is a comic intended for Kenner’s Mantis Alien figure.Intriguingly, this isn’t an isolated instance of this package error. I know of at least one other sample where this same error has occurred on this exact same product item. This item has now been added to this blog and become a resident of HIDEOUS PLASTIC’s section dedicated to production errors, ImPerfect Organisms. Click on that link! Check him out along with a sample of other extraneous ALIEN items featuring curious errors and mysterious anomalies.

-windebieste.

eBay – Canadian Kenner ALIEN for Sale in Australia.

As a counterpoint to my post immediately below, here’s another 1979 Kenner ALIEN toy for sale in Australia. At only Au$500, this one is a considerably better consideration, and for more than just the monetary benefit, too. Not only is this old toy cheaper by a keen Au$300, it’s considerably more complete. Both tongue parts and the dorsal crest are present; and importantly, all are original pieces. The only body part missing from this sample is the dome on the head. Everything else is present. There’s a small stress fracture in the location of the dorsal crest where it attaches to the body and three of the four the “weird tubie things” on its back appear to be broken at the base and rotate freely. Nonetheless, this is a reasonably easy fix can be made to get them back into situ so it’s not too much of a problem.

The real bonus here is beyond any concerns for regularly missing parts being present. This item is one of the rarer samples of the toy, made in Canada. The subtle differences here compared to one made in the US are not obvious in photos. Nonetheless, at Au$500, the seller is considering offers for this almost complete, four decades old vintage item.

-windebieste.

eBay ā€“ Kenner ALIEN for Sale in Australia.

A relatively common find in the US but outside that country can be a challenge, this average condition Kenner ALIEN toy is available for purchase in Australia on eBay. The seller currently has it listed for Au$899. In anyone’s book, this is a high price but considering the rareness of these forty year old vintage toys and the demand they commonly command, it’s not surprising. It’s simply unfortunate that significant features on this sample are not up to the price being asked.

This is a good, average condition figure. It’s clean with a few knocks and marks here and there but what really hurts it’s value are the multiple reproduction pieces that populate this item. It’s the same typical four items that often go missing on these old toys that are lacking and have been replaced here. The head dome, both tongue parts and the crest mounted between the shoulders are all reproduction parts.

Had all of these been original pieces rather than facsimiles, then the asking Au$800 wouldn’t be unrealistic. At least one complete sample ALIEN sold for around the Au$800 mark about three months ago. It’s not an isolated instance, either. Mind you, that piece was a rare sample made in Canada. Canadian made ALIEN toys were distributed internationally outside of the US, including here in Australia.

The sample being offered for sale here is the commonly found US version of the figure. There are subtle differences between the US and Ca product runs and most people won’t care for the minor discrepancies between them. Especially here in Australia where a Kenner ALIEN toy for sale is a truly rare find, at any time. Nonetheless, it’s still a highly sought after vintage toy regardless of the reproduction parts being present and the seller will probably move it before too long. Maybe a little longer if this price is maintained.

-windebieste.

Updated – Prototype Mantis Alien Added.

I am slowly filling in holes in the section dedicated to Kenner ALIEN(S) toy product development samples, prototypes, test shots et al with at least one sample of each figure Kenner produced. Kenner’s Mantis Alien is now represented with this gorgeous sample. Photos courtesy of Matt Porter. Thank you for permission to use these images.

This section is gradually being fleshed out with almost every released ALIEN item Kenner made. Along with some curios that never saw a production run. I’m still looking to post samples of the Scorpion Alien and few others. It’s taken me more than a couple of years to build this repository of Kenner “prototypes” and it’s slowly nearing as complete a stage as I could have ever hoped to achieve. For now, Mantis Alien is represented here.

Thank you to all the contributors who have helped to make this a possibility.

-windebieste.

DIY ALIEN ReAction Figure Mini Box.

It looks like artist Baptiste Coudert has had a busy week creatively messing around with ALIEN ReAction figures. Not only has he given us the wonder that is the improvised shoe box diorama (see post below), he’s also crafted a mini box in 3.75 inch scale to house and protect loose figures. The Kenner designed package is simply adorable in this scale. This is a complete emulation of the four decades old blue box Kenner used to package their nefarious eighteen inch tall action figure back in 1979. Even the red insert card within the box used to hold the figure in place is present.

Baptiste has been kind enough to freely share the files used to create this item. Here’s a link to his flickr gallery for you to easily download the images required to print out and make it. Fantastic stuff; and thank you Baptiste for sharing freely with us all.

-windebieste.

DIY ALIEN Nostromo Shoe Box Diorama.

Way back in 2014, Super7 released an egg chamber play set for their 3.75 inch ALIEN ReAction figure line. During the intervening nine years since its release, this item (there were two variants) has become rare, sought after and very expensive. It’s been disappointing to see this was the only ALIEN play set Super7 released. Some fans I know have been wanting a Nostromo play set for years. Unfortunately, Super7 no long produces their ALIEN line of toys. So, it’s unrealistic to expect one to ever be forthcoming from them. This dire problem needs to be rectified. It must be remedied! Luckily, we have been rescued!Baptiste Coudert has provided us with all we need as a solution. Well, maybe not everything; but the essential printable components to make a Nostromo play set for yourself is now a reality. Here’s a link to a set of downloadable images on flickr you can print out and assemble to make your own Nostromo play set. Oh yeah. You’ll need an old shoe box to mount the printed components inside. The truly great thing about this improvised play set is manifold. Not only will you be constructively re-using an old shoe box to use as a display for reliving great action setups including having captain Dallas being dragged away in the airshafts by the Alien but there are other benefits, too. You will also be able to put the lid back on the box and use it to stow your figures in a safe place.

Now that’s genius! Now you won’t have to buy one of those expensive Super7 ALIEN carry cases to stow your figures, either. That makes the Nostromo play set a fantastic all round money saver and every home should have one, especially if you have an abundance of old shoe boxes lying around the place and been wondering what on Earth you were going to do with them.

Go grab and empty shoe box and download and print the Nostromo play set files right now! You’ll be glad you did. Thank you Baptiste for implementing this wonderful idea.

-windebieste.

eBay – Kenner ALIEN Parts for Sale.

If you are looking for some parts to help bring your Kenner ALIEN up to more complete condition, it looks like another handful of loose parts have become available on eBay. These are being sold individually by the seller. Up for grabs are both legs, a tail and an unbroken set of “those weird tubie things on its back”. The tail appears to be neat, clean and tidy and also includes the serrated circular clip to hold it in place. The quad appendage piece appears to be a little rough around the edges but is otherwise complete; and both legs display no breaks but do appear to have been touched up with silver painted highlights on the toes and other areas of the lower leg. These pieces are priced thusly:

  • US$74.95 – Quad appendages still attached to plate.
  • US$84.95 – Tail and circular clip to hold it in place on the figure.
  • US$94.95 – Right leg with silver painted highlights.
  • US$94.95 – Left leg with similarly painted highlights.

Sure, these prices are somewhat high even by today’s inflated metrics but Best Offers will be accepted. I am going to have to “ummmm & aaaaah” ’bout that tail, though. I could use one of those.

-windebieste.

eBay – Kenner ALIEN Dome for Sale.

Up for auction on eBay right now is a fine 1979 Kenner ALIEN toy dome that will fit (almost) perfectly on the top of your old vintage toy. Bidding started on this item at US$3.99. CHEAP! Not that the bidding stayed at that point for very long. Right now the highest bid stands at US$36. STILL CHEAP! But wait… there’s more!Yes, there is more. That is, there’s still four more days remaining on the clock before this auction closes. At this stage, it’s difficult to determine what this item will sell for. As this much sought after piece is in very good condition and the sale started at a low US$3.99, the outcome is anyone’s guess at this stage. I’m thinking this dome could easily sell for upwards of US$100. NOT SO CHEAP – BUT THEM’S THE FACTS! It’s not a precedent, either, as they can easily top that mark. Nonetheless, the low start price will attract buyers and at the end of the sale, it will be the last hand in the air that determines its value. Will it sell for more than three figures? Let’s watch and see!

-windebieste.

Are XENOMOFOS Still Happening..?

I’ve recently had a few inquiries about XENOMOFOS. Some have come from visitors to this blog, curious about them due to the random header banners I use; and others who have been aware of the project for some time and have been seeking an update. The short answer is simple. YES! XENOMOFOS, after some delays, are definitely still alive and well!Ā  They’ve just been put on hold as dictated by real life concerns; but soon I will be in a position to return to working on this project once again. …and I’m looking forward to it.But, hey… what are XENOMOFOS, anyway?

I’m glad you asked. XENOMOFOS is a project I’ve been working on for some time now and are tribute items dedicated to the weird and wonderful world of Mexican bootleg toys. It’s no secret Mexican bootleggers are renowned for their cheap knock-off product and XENOMOFOS will celebrate this clandestine industry with limited releases. Satire and parody are paramount with these unashamedly unlicenced reproductions of reproductions (of reproductions of reproductions…). The pair of 5 inch Three Headed XENOMOFOS shown above are early inhouse concept and viability studies for the project. It’s since evolved beyond this stage with fresh masters generated. I’ll have more information regarding progress later this year. Watch this space. XENOMOFOS are coming!

-windebieste.

eBay – “Vintage ALIEN Kenner 1979 … Rare Authentic” for Sale.

Living in France and looking to purchase a much sought after 1979 Kenner ALIEN toy? This appealing item may look like a good opportunity at US$550 but it’s always a good action to look a little deeper, do some important research and understand Kenner’s ALIEN toy has re-appeared in many different variants. This is one of those variants – and it wasn’t made by Kenner, either. So… what is it, exactly? Derived as it is from the older 1979 action figure, this listed item is a built version of Halcyon’s 1991 vinyl kit. It draws an indirect relationship with the Kenner ALIEN toy as it is a recast of the intermediate Tsukuda Hobby ALIEN repressing released in 1984. So, it’s not a Kenner at all but rather a third generation re-pop of the nefarious toy. It’s not complete either. It’s missing the (very) pliable rubber dome that should be present on the head along with the rear glans-like cranial posterior. These are both parts typically associated with this version of the 1991 ALIEN model kit. Continue reading

UPDATED ā€“ ImPerfect Organisms: Inverted Dog Alien Card Back.

As I continue to expand the site and its content, sometimes “good things” drop into my lap.Here’s a case in point. I’ve recently been fortunate and grateful to acquire this wonderful factory error sample. Some package errors are subtle, almost undetectable upon initial inspection. Take this suspicious looking NECA Dog Alien for example. It looks mostly to be perfectly fine. Mostly. Except the card back inside this clam shell figure is definitely incorrectly oriented. It certainly becomes blatantly obvious when the back of the package is inspected. This wonderful unopened inverted Dog Alien action figure now has a permanent home here on HIDEOUS PLASTIC in a section dedicated to faulty curios and other haphazard errors. Go check out that link if you want to see it and witness more head scratching ALIEN error items that really should not have gotten passed quality control.

-windebieste.

UPDATED ā€“ ImPerfect Organisms: Paint Anomaly Xenomorph.

Let’s add some more curiosities to the section on this blog dedicated to production errors, faulty goods and defective product. Let’s start by adding this 2021 Super7 ALIENS ReAction figure release that should have been painted gold (or maybe bronze?).While the items on the left and middle were released in correct colour schemes, the item on the right is simply inexplicably painted the wrong colour. As this curiosity may be an error (or potentially some kind of paint test/product development sample) it’s now been ceremoniously added to the page full of ImPerfect Organisms. That section is growing to be quite lengthy now. It’s almost time to start splitting it up. After all, more such “imperfect organisms” are heading to these pages very soon. Very, very soon…

-windebieste.

Mr. FORD’s Amazing Rehabilitation – Links Added.

Recently I acquired a wrecked and incomplete 1979 Kenner ALIEN action figure and set about to restore it. I fully documented the process in eight installments as Mr FORD’s Amazing Rehabilitation. Now all eight pages are complete. For ease of navigation links have been made and a permanent shortcut to this lengthy article has been added to the sidebar at right for quick access. If you are remotely interested in the 1979 Kenner ALIEN toy or want some tips on how to repair or restore one of these old action figures, you might find something very useful here. Go for it! Links are also available below.

Part 1: Recovery.
Part 2: Dismantle & Clean.
Part 3: Working on the Head.
Part 4: Attaching the Arm.
Part 5: Attaching the Tail.
Part 6: Replacing a Leg.
Part 7: Reattaching the Dorsal Quad Appendages.
Part 8: Final Assembly.

This task of taking a messed up and broken down derelict action figure relegated to council kerbside rubbish collection was fortunately recovered by a keen eyed passer by who recognised it for what it was. Transforming this ruined vintage toy into something worth much more than a candidate for landfill fell to me. Doing so was a ton of fun and it’s all there.Ā  I’ll do this again sometime. Enjoy Mr. FORD’s Amazing Rehabilitation.

-windebieste.

Kenner ALIEN Rehab. (Part 8) ā€“ Final Assembly.

Welcome to the last entry regarding Mr. FORD’s rehabilitation. In this entry we wrap up his repairs with a final assembly and comparison images. The condition he was when I received him to how he looks now are dramatic to say the least. His work is finished. Well, almost finished. He’s as good as can be – for now. I simply don’t have all the parts needed to make him complete but that is a task for another time. This effort was a lot of fun! Later I will link all the pages together into a cohesive piece of work and it will be easier to read through the entire eight page article without coming back to the front page. Nonetheless, The final page of Mr. FORD’s restoration is posted and is now live.

-windebieste.

Kenner ALIEN Rehab. (Part 7) ā€“ Reattaching the Dorsal Quads.

We’re getting to the closing stages of Mr. FORD’s amazing rehabilitation! This effort is being made to restore him to as good as condition as possible and for him to become worthy of display. We’re almost there. At this point all that remains is simple. His quad dorsal appendages need to be refitted, straightened out and made secure on his back. Not a difficult task.All we need to do is return all four of those “weird tubie things” onto his back. Three of them are broken and will need to be repaired. We’ll do that by using nothing more complicated than a trio of common and easily acquired paperclips. How is this repair supposed to work? Good question. Check out Kenner ALIEN Rehab, Part 7 and find out.

-windebieste.

Kenner ALIEN Rehab. (Part 6) ā€“ Replacing a Leg.

Let’s address the issue of having Mr. FORD’s legs returned to his torso. Like everything else regarding this beat up old toy, neither of these limbs are in perfect condition. While damaged, his left leg is still intact and imminently useful. Unfortunately, his right leg suffers significantly more damage than can be easily repaired.It’s obvious this damaged limb isn’t going to useful and it’s a great thing these old toys can be disassembled. Mr. FORD will just have to have a complete limb replacement. This task is now documented in the latest installment (Chapter 6) of his rehabilitation.

-windebieste.