- Year: 1992
- Size: 5 inches.
- Product Line: Produced by Kenner (Tonka).
This fine Mantis Alien is cast in tones of brown with the mechanism levers on its back made in green. First shots like this one are often made in conflicting tones depending on what colored materials were on hand at the time. Often leftover materials (pellets, dyes etc.) from previous product runs will be used, often resulting in mismatched schemes. Such test shots were more concerned with mold functionality and achieving assembly quality compliance rather than focusing the finished appearance for the production run.
As a result, the chance tones found on this item give it a “golden” ambience rather than the familiar translucent green used in retail samples Kenner shipped to stores.
Images courtesy of Matt Porter
