Figure Review: Play Arts Kai Predator

The Predator - I'd consider this guy as one of the meanest, coolest, and most badass characters ever created in the history of geekdom. I first saw him in one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's 80's sci-fi/action flicks, entitled 'Predator'. The story follows an elite band of soldiers, led by Arnie's character Major Alan "Dutch" Schaefer, sent on a mission in a jungle to rescue an official held hostage by rebels/guerillas in Val Verde (which, by the way, is a fictional country). Upon reaching the place, they are secretly stalked by the Predator (played by the late Kevin Peter Hall), a technologically advanced form of extraterrestrial life who crashlands in the jungle prior to the team's arrival. The big guy (he's a bulky, 200+ pound, 7-footer) kills off Arnie's team members one by one, starting with Hawkins (played by Shane Black - yup, that guy who directed 2013's "Iron Man 3"). Schaefer ultimately faces-off with the Predator in a climactic combat/duel, wherein he emerged as the victor. The Predator wasn't able to accept his defeat and entered into a suicidal "if I die, you die" move, setting off his wrist gauntlet as a mini-atomic bomb (which Arnie survives, much to his disappointment - ha ha!).  

One of my most watched sci-fi flicks

I've got to admit that I've watched this movie a million times already since I was a kid (and which I occasionally do so until now), so I know the story quite well. The film was followed by Predator 2, which was set in the streets of Los Angeles, with Danny Glover in the lead role. Other sequels/spin-off/reboots/whatever emerged, namely 'Aliens vs Predator', 'Aliens vs Predator 2: Requiem', and the latest which was entitled 'Predators'.

McFarlane's Celtic Predator - Cool mask!

There were several toy companies in the past that produced Predator figures. As far as I can remember, Kenner produced one of the first lines of these figures, which included several versions - namely the Scavage, Cracked Tusk, Spiked Tail (I never knew Predators had tails though), and Lava Planet versions, among others. McFarlane's also took their chance in representing the Predators, which they based on the original movies as well as the AvP movies - featuring the Elder, Scar, and Celtic Predators (with some boxed sets too). There's also NECA who, until this day, produces a wide array of Predator versions, which are really cool as well. From Kenner to McFarlane's to NECA, the figures improved, particularly on the sculpt and articulation.

SDCC 2014 Prototype - "Two thumbs up!"

Then along came Play Arts Kai. Now, Play Arts is well-known for their keen attention to detail, and when I first saw the pics of the Classic Predator from the San Diego Comic-Con of 2014 circling around the Web, I was completely mind-blown! I mean, a great company to produce one of the most iconic movie characters/aliens (and not to mention one of my favorites) - that's just plain awesome! I only had one thing in mind: "I gotta have it!". Almost a year later, I now own one of the most outstanding figures ever made in the history of making action figures!

Whew! That was the longest intro I've written so far - ha ha! Now, let's get to the review:

That's one dope packaging!

So first, we have the figure's packaging. The front package art shows the Predator (also known as the 'Yautja') standing in a forest, like he's patiently (or impatiently) waiting to kick Arnie's butt. At the back of the packaging, we see the Predator in several cool poses, along with some English, Japanese and German texts. As a trademark of the Play Arts packaging, it has an open flap which features the backstory of the figure. The figure itself can be seen clearly behind the translucent plastic, along with his various accessories (which I will discuss in detail later).

Extra info...

Figure description: "The result of a primitive culture paired with a supreme intellect, the Predator established itself as a new breed of invader from space. Now the original Predator makes its appearance in the PLAY ARTS KAI lineup. Its raw, organic details as well as the realistic metallic sheen of its armor are both captured in this one figure, to bring out the contrasting primal and advanced technological characteristics of the Predator. 

Utilization of translucent parts in select areas and the intense paintwork application creates the realistic wet look of a living creature, while inorganic elements like the armor and weapons are tarnished and weathered, just like in the movie. 

There are a wide variety of accessories, from an interchangeable face piece and helmet, to a human skull that the Predator has obtained through its hunt. Figure also includes display stand and interchangeable hand parts."

A-little-hard-to-open clamshell packaging

Opening the box and getting its content out, we can see the figure neatly and tightly stored within a clamshell package. It would take some effort to separate the translucent plastic from the dark plastic that encase the figure, but that's how you'll know that the figure hasn't been tampered with (otherwise, if you see the two materials already separated even with the slightest distance, then you need to think twice before buying it).

Bulky and useless

Then we have the "obligatory" figure stand. Like I said before in my Armored Batman review, I really don't utilize the stand as it could take up some space within the cab - it's bulky and I can say that it's useless because Play Arts figures can stand well on their own (unless, of course, you're going to display them sporting some dramatic pose). As of now, I've already got tons of Play Arts stands piled up somewhere, perhaps I'd sell them to interested parties.

Let's get down to the accessories. Now, the Predator doesn't have much accessories, but I think he has everything he needs to be an imposing brute. He's got:

(1) A removable mandible/mouth piece and a cool alien helmet (Bio-Helmet):

Say "Aaaaa"

(2) Two pairs of interchangeable hands:

Hands down

(3) An articulated shoulder cannon (Plasma Caster):

Little boomstick!

(4) The skull of Mac, one of Schaefer's unfortunate buddies:

The skull of old Ben...

Moving on to the actual figure:

Sway!

Like I've mentioned earlier, Play Arts really pays close attention to detail, and all I can say is that they've nailed it - 110%! From head to toe, this Predator figure is sheer perfection. It stands about 10 inches tall, and weighs approximately 480 grams.

"You're one ugly motherf*cker" - Dutch

Let's start with the face. According to Dutch, the Predator is "one ugly motherf*cker", and really, no other words can describe its mug. It's got a face only a mother could love - featuring small yellow eyes that are nearly obscured due to their depth, and arthropod-like mandibles with no visible nose. Other sources speculate that their mandibles may be used in reproduction or mating rituals (yikes!). It sports a reptilian-like, brown/green/black combo complexion, with traces of sweat or moisture all over.

Eeekkk!!!

With its mouth opened, the Predator has a limited number of teeth - two on its upper gum and four on the lower one. As hideous as its visage may seem, Stan Winston really did a great job in designing the creature.

"Ya Mon!"

The Predator is well-known for its signature "dreadlocks" - long, hair-like appendages on its head that are set into its skull. The dreadlocks are crafted well into the figure's head, with a magnificent "swaying" effect. The locks have blackish hue, which slowly become translucent at the tips.

Ze epic mask

The figure features an alternate head - the dark gray bio-mask. In the movies, this is perhaps the most important equipment of the Predator, as it contains several systems to enhance the creature's thermal vision, as well as offer additional vision modes in other electromagnetic spectra (ranging from night vision to ultraviolet and even vibration scanning). The mask is superbly sculpted, with three small dots on the upper right side, which serves as the Predator's triangulation laser sight to effectively wound or kill its prey/victim with the shoulder cannon (also known as the "plasma caster").

Alien dud and some decors

Moving on to the torso area, the Predator sports several neat features. The upper part of the torso is comprised of a strap-on dark gray armor, which resembles that of a gladiator's battle armor. The Predator also wears a net-like suit which is evident on its torso, left arm, and both legs. Furthermore, the figure wears two slings adorned with some bone fragments - particularly a spine and several tiny skulls.

He needs extra-terrestrial pants...

For the waist section, the Predator has a dark gray crotch armor, with two hip plates/guards on both sides. Underneath the crotch armor is a Tarzan-ish cloth piece which has a brown-black color tone.

Jurassic feet

On the lower limbs section, the Predator has a nicely detailed leg armor that serves as shin guards. Moreover, the creature's feet somehow resembles that of a dinosaur's, particularly a T-Rex.

Take a bow

As for its weaponry, the Predator sports a plasma caster on the left shoulder, attached to a large shoulder pack. This device is a ranged weapon that is able to direct plasma bolts at distant targets, which is aimed via the Bio-Mask/helmet.

Snikt!

The Predator also has two gauntlets/bracers. The right bracer serves as a storage for the wrist blades (razor-sharp serrated blades used for close combat).

The last resort (Ka-Boom!)

The left bracer functions as the creature's Sat-Com, which (1) incorporates a touch-pad technology to control its cloaking device, (2) serves as a self-destruct mechanism ('hara-kiri' mode), and (3) remotely pilots Predator vessels (as seen in the movie 'Predators') as well. Moreover, the pad can be opened, revealing some really cool details.

Heroic pose!

Open wide!

The Predator can be posed in several epic stances. But like I've stated in my previous review, I tend not to put my figures in their maximum posing capabilities - once I've placed them in a nifty pose, then that's it.

Time Check!

One of my favorite Predator stance is what I personally call the "time-check pose".

Yautjan soliloquy: "To be, or not to be..."

Final thoughts: When I first saw the SDCC pics of the Predator, I was certainly stoked with it. It's movie accurate, and for a price of around 120 bucks (U.S.), it's absolutely worth every penny. In my opinion, this Play Arts version is what I'd call the best among the rest of the Predator figures out there. It's truly a must have for every Predator fan!

Bloodmatch!

Do you reckon this is the best Predator figure yet? Let me know in the comments below.



    

Figure Review: Play Arts Kai Batman Armored

Hey guys, this will be my first blog post for Geek Arcadia. I'm going to review one of my most recent figure hauls, the Armored Batman figure from Play Arts Kai ("Batman Armored" based on the packaging).

Batman Armored packaging (it's as heavy as it looks!)

Figure description: "The agility of Batman with the durability of an impenetrable castle; despite its heavy armor, these characteristics are realized through a wide range of motion, fitting a figure distinctive of the Variant series. The worn gloss and weathering effects on the armor speaks to its history. This armored Batman comes fully equipped with a variety of accessories, including a gun-shaped multi-device that can serve various functions depending on how it is rearranged, as well as a detachable stun stick. The Batsuit and cape are distressed with faded colors, showcasing a realistic rendition of the dark hero."

One wicked Bat insignia

First of all, I just would like to say that I'm quite happy to have this figure, considering that this is actually my very first Batman figure ever (when it comes to comic book heroes, I've always been more on the Marvel side than DC, which is why acquiring the figures of some of DC's most prominent characters hasn't really been a priority).

Armored Bats in the clamshell

The figure has got some nice details on it (a trademark of Play Arts), with good articulation, as well as an outstanding sculpt for representing the Dark Knight. Some sources refer to this as the "Kurogane" or "Black Steel" armor - which sounds kinda dope!

Armored Bats out of the box (pure awesomeness!)

For the figure's accessories, Armored Bats sports some arsenal: a combining gun/rifle (an equipment reminiscent of the one he used in "The Dark Knight Rises"), a little grenade, a mini-sized Batarang (seriously, they could've made it bigger!), as well as a blade/knife. He's also got two sets of extra hands: one opened, and the other positioned to hold his accessories.

Bat-ccessories

Common among Play Arts figures, the package also comes with a display stand. Personally, I think the stand is way too bulky and completely unnecessary, and to think that Armored Bats can stand pretty well on his own.

The obligatory, bulky and unnecessary display stand

Like all the Play Arts figures, Armored Bats' got plenty of articulation. Head, torso, arms, waist, legs - every part's got something to show. Personally, I really don't explore much of my Play Arts figures' articulations; once I get them into a good, bad-ass pose, then that's pretty much it!

Some cool poses!

The armor itself is excellently detailed. From the mask, bat symbol, gauntlets, cape, down to the boots, Play Arts did a great job in making an "impenetrable castle" (as the package description says) out of the Bat.

Neat upper body armor

Joker: "Impenetrable Castle, eh, Batsy?"; Armored Bats: "Wanna bet?"

Steel toes

One thing that I would like to highlight is the coolness of Batman's wrist bracers (or gauntlets). They sport some large, cool-looking spikes that will certainly intimidate any foe planning to take down the Bat. As these features stand out in the figure, I'd like to call them the "Godzilla Bracers" (the spikes resemble Godzilla's back spikes).

Them "Godzilla" Bracers!

Armored Bats can also store his big "boomstick" under his cape. There's actually a holder situated in his back that can hold the two disassembled pieces of the gun. It's pretty dope since it can somehow hide the pieces quite well behind the cape.

There's something under that cape...

Additionally, Armored Bats carries a small sheath/scabbard on his lower right leg where the knife/blade can be stored. It can also be rotated to some extent.

He's not satisfied with his huge boomstick, so...

Final thoughts: When I first saw the promo pics of the Armored Bats, I wasn't really stoked with the figure - I thought his legs were too small for his body, and that his cape was quite bulky and totally inappropriate. However, with the help of a nice Youtube review, I ultimately decided to add it to my growing collection of PAK figures. Definitely an awesome Batman figure, no doubt about it!

...with his blue-eyed "skinny" chick

What do you guys think? Is this the coolest Batman armor you've seen yet? Sound off in the comments below.