Here’s a 1979 Kenner ALIEN for sale on eBay, missing common parts. Gone are the head dome, the dorsal crest and his upper tongue half. These parts are frequently missing from samples of the toy when they’re found in the wild. What remains here though, is a solid figure with all other features in place. He’s a little worn around the edges and his glow in the dark paint shows some scuff marks but his average condition still makes this sample a good, welcome find for someone. Figures in this condition are relatively common and frequently appear on eBay. They can sell for any price, typically starting around the US$100 mark. Despite this being the case, the US$325 price tag on this item is somewhat high and is usually expected on complete figures. On the other hand, prices on these forty year old toys have been climbing. It’s nothing new.

What is astounding is the frequency these erroneously perceived “rare” old toys appear on eBay. Is someone just selling the same old toy, over and over again? Sometimes it may feel like it, but nay. Kenner made a lot of these things. Estimates put the production number at around 150,000 units. Possibly more. Such a high number pushed out to the world has ensured there’s always a constant supply of Kenner ALIEN toys being unearthed. It’s been four decades since these vintage toys were released in October 1979 and yet, an endless stream of them is always appearing. This is just one more.

-Windebieste.