The ReAction Alien line is a little weird. We've got three Kanes, two monsters, and our heroine has only two releases. The second is this Ripley (Spacesuit) figure, which is basically the first Kane in new colors and Ripley's head - now molded in flesh color. Her helmet is new, missing the flashlight on top.
The 4-inch tall figure is arguably better than what the 1980s would bring us, as the figure is cast in white plastic with the "plastic" parts of her space suit painted over in a nice white - this gives the figure more texture. It's also the kind of detail Kenner would never do, so it leaves you as the collector to sit here wondering what's more important - an authentic old figure with warts and all, or a figure that's similar to the old ones, but improved in some places where it makes sense? I'm torn myself - Hasbro has opted to do simpler, all-new sculpt figures for $6 and those turned out pretty well. On the other hand, some of the ReAction offerings are pretty good with decent sculpting but when a figure like this one has a super-loose helmet it does disappoint slightly.
She has no problems standing or sitting, and the head in the helmet is similar (if not identical) to the first Ripley except now cast in "flesh." This actually gives it a more authentic retro look, as Kenner would typically mold a figure part in whatever color covers most of that piece and paint in the remaining detail. There are exceptions, like the variations in Ree-Yees' arms, but this is typically how it was done. As such, she looks pretty good here. She doesn't look a lot like Ms. Weaver, but let's be honest - those old figures typically don't look true to life in most respects.
As another figure of Ripley seems like a smart move, I'm glad we got this one - it basically delivers what you should expect for this line and price point, while sadly not being Lambert or Dallas in their space suits... perhaps we'll see them soon. Until then, this is a worthwhile addition to your Alien collection unless you want to spend a lot more money, in which case you can go with the NECA or Hot Toys or other lines. Me, I'm sticking with these - I'll have enough money left over to pursue other fun figures.
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