Kenner Alien's Asian cousins - the Tsukuda Aliens

[cjefferys]

Last week I managed to pick up not one but two toys I've been wanting for awhile, the Tsukuda Hobby Alien "Big Chaps". They are both based on the '79 Kenner Alien mold. The first one released was the figure on the left, in 1984. It is basically a vinyl model kit, unpainted and molded in black. All you needed to do was to attach the hands, tail and dome (no glue needed), the rest was already assembled. It is articulated like the Kenner figure is (except that the arms aren't attached with disintegrating rubber bands like the Kenner one) and the dome is as ill-fitting as the Kenner one (but it is clear, not smoked). It's almost the same size as the Kenner, and the box is interesting because it looks similar to the box for the vintage MPC Alien model kit, the logo is identical. On the far right is the 1995 Tsukuda Alien, this one is fully assembled and painted but a couple inches shorter. Also on the shelf is the original Kenner Alien for comparison and the little guy is the Revoltech Alien. I was on an Alien shopping spree in Japan this year!

[Hedji]

FANTASTIC line up. Wonderful collection you have.

I love ALIEN, but my collection is limited to the Kenner, the board game, and the Super7 figures. Honestly, I think part of the reason I don't collect more, is deep down the design still frightens and repulses me. But also, few sculpts get it as right as Kenner (and these Tsukuda).

[monitor_ep]

WOW !!!!! Those look great collected all together.

[rche]

The Tsukuda copies are awesome and a fantastic illustration that the '79 big chap was destined to be a collectors grail. The Halcyon model kit was another great homage to the Kenner figure. Stunning pieces and boxes! Beautiful collection. The revoltech item is intriguing as well. I have been interested in their Nightmare Before Xmas items as well as this Alien piece, but have not quite convinced myself to drop the coin.

[samurainoir]

Looks AMAZING! Glad you were able to figure out how to get it all home from Japan... those were BIG boxes!

[mazinz]

nice nice and nice

[cjefferys]

Thanks folks!

The Tsukuda copies are awesome and a fantastic illustration that the '79 big chap was destined to be a collectors grail. The Halcyon model kit was another great homage to the Kenner figure. Stunning pieces and boxes! Beautiful collection. The revoltech item is intriguing as well. I have been interested in their Nightmare Before Xmas items as well as this Alien piece, but have not quite convinced myself to drop the coin.

Yeah, I forgot about the Halcyon one. I think that one's plastic and involves a lot more assembly so I might pass on it. The thing I like about the Tsukuda kit is that there is only minor assembly, doesn't involve glue, and if I wanted to disassemble it to "unused" condition it could be done. The Revoltech big chap is really nice, great detail and articulation. And it comes with an egg and face-hugger. A bit pricey though, luckily I picked this one up for only $15 because there was a small tear in the packaging.

Looks AMAZING! Glad you were able to figure out how to get it all home from Japan... those were BIG boxes!

Yeah, I think these were among the biggest things I ever brought back from Japan (other than a Unifive Garada K7 Jumbo Machinder). I couldn't believe they both fit into one suitcase with room to spare! I also figured out that each suitcase can accommodate 1 boxed Jumbo Machinder if I ever luck out and find one or two at a reasonable price (fingers crossed!)

[drquest]

Love those Aliens you have there!

[vulcan2074]

Wow! Those are super cool. Congrats.
Sammy

[vintage spideyfan]

Nice lineup. Congrats.

[4NDR01D]

That's super cool seeing them side by side.

[samurainoir]

I want THIS!

[cjefferys]

Oh yeah, that puppy has been on my list for quite awhile! I remember trying it out at Kmart quite a bit, I was just so desperate to see any part of that film back in 1979 (an R-rated film in Canada meant 18 and over only, so I had no possibility of seeing it) that I was thrilled to have the chance to see even a snippet of the movie using this thing.

[samurainoir]

RIP Giger.

I'm sure there are kids out there that were disappointed that the Alien in the film didn't move his mouth and say things like "Another Triumph for 'Alien!"

[cjefferys]

Very bummed to hear about Mr. Giger's passing today...