The National Entertainment Collectible Association (NECA) this week began making a marketing push for their new Arnold Schwarzenegger as Dutch from the "Predator" films. Part of this was a marketing campaign via Facebook and Twitter to encourage Pixel Dan to review the figure.
NECA is well regarded in the collectibles industry as the premier source for high quality specialty market merchandise. From toys to key chains to pen sets if there is a big movie aimed at late teens to adults NECA is likely behind the merchandise you see at the store. Their intricately detailed seven inch scale action figures are unrivaled in both their realistic sculpts and superior paint jobs.
The company stormed onto the action figure scene years ago with their Cult Classics series. After years of powerhouse manufacturer McFarlane Toys telling fans that some characters could just never be made in their horror movie lines NECA came along and made them happen. Their releases of Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter proved that they were willing to take a risk on any property. Recently NECA made the news when controversy erupted surrounding their adult collectible figures based on the characters from “Django Unchained”.
One of their most successful lines in recent years has been based on the classic “Predator” films. Eight series have been released covering the film series’ alien monsters from “Predator”, “Predator 2”, and the more recent “Predators”. Last month NECA even released the character “Big Red” who originated in the famous online fan film “Batman: Dead End”.
After six series of monsters NECA is now set to release the original film’s main character Dutch Schaefer, as played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. When the figures were revealed at the 2013 New York American International Toy Fair fans were amazed with the incredible likeness. Dutch will come in a few different versions.
Jungle Extraction Dutch comes from the beginning of the film where Arnold dressed in khakis with a combat vest and some light camouflage painted on his face. In a rarity for mass market toys Dutch even includes a cigar sticking out of the side of his mouth. A variant Jungle Patrol Dutch will also come out at the same time. Both figures come with an M-16, pistol and knife accessories.
NECA will also release a version of Arnold as Dutch from the film's big finale. This figure will come in two variants. First off is a regular shirtless edition. The more sought after release has Dutch covered in mud, replicating his inventive way of getting around his nemesis’s heat vision. Final Battle Dutch will include his handcrafted spear, a jungle base and a flaming torch.
If these do well more humans could make it into the line’s future. Likely possibilities include former Governor Jesse Ventura or Carl Weathers from “Predator” and Danny Glover from “Predator 2”. Adrien Brody and Laurence Fishburne could also make the cut with their roles in the more recent sequel “Predators”.
Look for these and more great products from NECA in stores now.
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