REVIEW: Magnificence on the PLANET OF THE APES

Got cash? You’ll want to open your wallet …


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I’ve been an unabashed cheerleader for NECA’s Planet of the Apes action-figure line. I make no apologies because I don’t really need to: The toymaker’s 7-inch scale and 8-inch Mego-style figures are among the best POTA items you’re going to ever get your stinking paws on.

Wave 3 of the 7-inch series presents a challenge, though: It’s a three-piece set, exclusive to shows like San Diego Comic-Con or to Toys R Us. SRP? $75.

That means pretty serious collectors only, for good or bad. (You can always try re-sellers if you’re looking to nab just one character but I don’t generally advocate making life better for scalpers.)

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The packaging is similar to the first two waves.

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Though I do dig that Conquest Gorilla doesn’t get his own hieroglyph. He gets a SWAT shield!

In any event, price considerations are a highly individual decision. It’s worth it to you or it’s not. I do know that NECA has made it pretty clear that if people keep buying, they’ll keep making. Even Ape Law accounts for basic economic principles. But this is a fairly niche market, so I get the impression that the bottom line is even more important here.

So, all that said, what about the new wave — Caesar, Conquest Gorilla and General Aldo?

CAESAR

This is the first wave to completely ignore the first three movies, in favor of Conquest (one of the best in the series) and Battle (by far the worst). Caesar, as shown in Conquest, is the headliner and his figure here is outstanding.

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I say without reservation that I never expected to own a Caesar in a green jumpsuit that’s this accurate. The outfit’s pretty easy to emulate, I grant you, but the details, like the pocket highlights are right on. And keeping him chained on a leash is deviously subversive, just like the film itself.

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Best part is the head sculpt. Rather than simply slapping Cornelius‘ head on his son’s body, the faces are completely different. Actually, Caesar‘s an improvement over Wave 1’s Cornelius, with a more canny approximation of Roddy McDowall‘s look.

Accessories include manacles and a (slightly too small) rifle.

Apedom's First Family!

Apedom’s First Family!

GENERAL ALDO

I’m jumping ahead to Battle here. Aldo is one of the least compelling Apes characters — too stupid to really lead a rebellion — but his figure is solid. Again, his likeness and outfit are on the mon(k)ey and he comes with his requisite weaponry.

Read the sign, Aldo. Oh, wait, that's right ...

Read the sign, Aldo. Oh, wait, that’s right …

 

If Aldo suffers, it’s because he doesn’t come close to the awesomeness of General Ursus on the shelf (or the screen, for that matter). But props to NECA for going kinda deep into the Apes catalogue for this one.

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CONQUEST GORILLA

But if there’s a NECA gorilla who can give Ursus a run for it, it’s this one. Remember what I said about never expecting to own a green-jumpsuited Caesar? Well, that goes double for this guy right here.

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This is a magnificent, glorious, spectacular ape — one of the top two or three figures in the entire 7-inch line. I mean, he comes with a SWAT shield, rifle, kitchen knife and a meat cleaver, for crying out loud.

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If, the Lawgiver forbid, this is the end of the POTA line, Conquest Gorilla takes it out with a fiery, futuristic city-burning bang.

Want more Apes awesome? Click for reviews of:

Wave 1

Wave 2

Lawgiver Statue

Taylor

Soldier Ape (8-inch)

Plus! Behind the scenes with NECA!

Author: Dan Greenfield

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4 Comments

  1. Unquestionably the greatest review ever written–or, likely, to be written–of POTA action figures. The Aldo vs. Ursus debate alone, brilliant and on the money. Bravo, young man. Bravo.

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  2. great looking figures. though here i sit, cash in hand, with no chance of buying them. meanwhile NECA says this set didn’t reach sales expectations and the line is done. I love NECAs products but they truly need to realize that many customers exist beyond american borders.

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    • According to a FB poster, NECA’s license with Fox allowed for U.S. distribution only….

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    • Oh my God, this. I’m in Canada and they’re like, yup, you’re shit out of luck, there’s no way you can get these…and then they have the gall to turn around and say they can’t sell enough of these. And that FB poster is clearly misinformed – waves one and two and the TRU-exclusive two-pack were all available here. I’ve got money if NECA wants it, but they don’t. Moving on…

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