Review : Kenner Vasquez NECA, Aliens Wave/Series : Alien Day 2017 & Alien Club X Exclusive Released : July 2017
£25.00
Pros : complements the other Kenner figures like Ripley and the Series 10 Aliens
Cons : exclusive and limited in numbers
Alien Day (26th April) 2017 and NECA confirmed another Kenner inspired exclusive with this release of Space Marine Vasquez.
Vasquez joins last year's exclusive, Ripley, to face off against the various Kenner Aliens released to date in Series 10 and as special releases.
The packaging for Vasquez is consistent with the rest of the range with a large Aliens header and a front insert with a cartoon illustration of Vasquez and the character name in a militaristic silver and red badge. While the 2016 Ripley figure was a "Lieutenant" there is no rank attached to Vasquez.
Unlike most of the Aliens releases, there are no side art panels for the blister.
Round the back we get a big change in design as NECA recreate the card back of the original 1990's Kenner Aliens figures. The checklist type card back summarises most of their Kenner inspired releases to date from both Aliens and Predator. It also shows off the larger deluxe releases such as the Blade Fighter, Alien Queen and Power Loader.
Like a lot of these cards recently, the thickness of the paper used between the blister is quite thin and that leaves to creasing and warping in the packaging - a pretty poor show for those wanting to display this packaged.
Vasquez herself is a re-use of the 2016 Vasquez figure - but now without her Smart Gun armour. The chest piece has likely had some retooling and she keeps her crucifix as well as a now revealed set of dog tags. The bicep bandage/strip remains in place on her left arm.
Paint work is more "animated" in style, something that is quite deliberate and Vasquez (like Ripley) will stand out against her movie based counterparts. That being said its not a flat style of painting and the colours are vibrant with washes and dry brushing to bring out the detail. You can see the style change particularly in the face with the exaggerated eyes.
Vasquez carries the same articulation as her series 9 counterpart and has a decent range of movement. She comes with a single Pulse Rifle accessory. This is again a re-use of the Pulse Rifle sculpt from the main range - but with a repaint to a camo green against grey/silver parts.
If you are a fan of Kenner and are collecting the Kenner Aliens, then Vasquez is one you will want to hunt down and add to your display. I suspect she won't be the last "Space Marine" and this could be a theme for future Alien Days. For packaged collectors, be mindful you will find it difficult to find one without the paper insert being warped or creased.
I score Vasquez a 4 out of 5
