2025 is almost over and while I will still be reviewing 2025 figures during January of 2026, I thought I'd wrap the year of with one last Universal Monsters release from NECA: The Metaluna Mutant from the 1955 film This Island Earth. This Island Earth, while the subject of a good riffing during Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie, is actually a pretty good film. It has quite a few twists and turns, the production values and special effects are very impressive for the time, and the movie just holds up quite well overall. It's a nice change from the standard alien invasion films of the era, though it can be a bit dull in spots. Interestingly, the Metaluna Mutant is what most people know of or remember from the film, and yet he only shows up briefly at the end. He's long been a favorite for the more robust Universal Monsters toylines since he mixes things up a bit by nicely adding some color to the crew and is just a recognizable pop culture alien. NECA's version is a very well made figure with a completely unique sculpt who stands out in the Universal Monsters/ Classic Monsters toyline. Ready to check out the Metaluna Mutant? Then join me after the break...
Height: 8 1/4ths inches
Articulation: Swivel/ hinge ankles, "boot" swivel, swivel/ hinge knees, swivel thighs, balljointed hips, balljointed waist, balljointed midtorso, swivel/hinge shoulders, bicep swivels, swivel/ hinge upper elbows, swivel/hinge lower elbows, hinged claws, ball jointed neck, and a barbell jointed head.
Accessories: 2 swappable portraits.
Non-Scalper Price: $37-$42 dollars
* This is an excellent looking rendition of the Metaluna Mutant. The colors seem perfect with just a bit of a metallic sheen to the upper body and a variety of blue hues to keep him from looking too uniform. Everything is painted neatly and the sculpt is incredible. Compare it with film stills and you'll be pretty impressed here. There doesn't seem to be anything that could be reused here, either (except for something like a glow-in-the-dark repaint), so NECA didn't cut any corners and brought their A-game.
* This guy is really quite large. Here's him next to the Peter Cushing Van Helsing from NECA and you can see how much dollar and lankier the Metaluna Mutant is. He doesn't come with many extras but he is a rather large figure sold at the price of a standard figure. The current "inflation and tariff-affected price" that is higher than earlier this year, sure, but he's not seemingly being sold as a deluxe release.
* The portrait is really good and captures the unique look of the creature well. The massive exposed brain is wild looking in person and those gold eyes are deeply unsettling. It would be very cool to see an updated take on this creature with the same design but moving faster with the benefit of modern movie-making technology, wouldn't it? The paintwork looks good hear and really complements all of the detail, giving it a very organic appearance.
* Here's a shot from the side so you can see more of the cranium and all of those weird little veins that run all over the Metaluna Mutant's head.
* The second portrait shows the Metaluna Mutant bleeding from a head wound after being hurt during the evacuation of Metaluna. It's pretty similar to the standard head though there is some sculpted damage on the front and back along with some painted on blood. Oh, no! Now he doesn't know how to play the piano anymore!
* Here's a shot from the back that shows off the cool shell-like back piece of the mutant. Oddly enough, it looks kind of like a blue tongue, doesn't it?
* The Metaluna Mutant's arms are incredible. They're insect-like with an exoskeleton covering them, lots of those weird red veins, and some crack looking mandibles. His arms also have two swivel/hinge joints, like he has double elbows. The swivel/hinge shoulder joints are hidden under the shoulder piece, but there is till some movement. Thanks to the double elbows, you can still get the movement you need even with the restriction of the shoulder piece.
* Articulated claws? Yup! Both claws are hinged and can open and close, allowing the Metaluna Mutant to capture and hold onto his prey.
* Due to problems with the costume, the legs intended for the Metaluna Mutant didn't come to pass on screen, so the Metaluna Mutant was given some slightly baggy blue trousers. Odd? Sure. Accurate to the film? You betcha. He's even wearing a belt or sash with an atomic symbol on it. This is high fashion on Metaluna, folks.
* The articulation is great and the Metaluna Mutant is just a super fun figure to mess around with. He also feels like one of the sturdiest figures NECA has ever produced. Everything moves smoothly and there were no issues with stuck joints or anything feeling frail and flimsy. Throw in the hinged claws, the double hinged elbows, and that barbell jointed head and you've got one heck of a toy. This guy is great; who turns down an action figure of a cool alien?
Looking for more of the Metaluna Mutant? I've also reviewed Super7's Universal Monsters ReAction Metaluna Mutant.
For more Universal Monsters/ Classic Horror from NECA check out the following:
No comments:
Post a Comment
What'chu talkin' 'bout?