A little bit of context
Rise of the Planet of the Apes… Action Figures!
The Planet of the Apes franchise has captivated audiences for decades with its thought-provoking exploration of humanity, civilization, and the nature of power. From the classic 1968 film to the recent reboots, the series has consistently delivered compelling narratives and unforgettable characters. Among the most iconic figures in the Planet of the Apes universe is Caesar, the intelligent ape leader who challenges the established order and leads his kind to a new destiny.
NECA (National Entertainment Collectibles Association), renowned for its incredibly detailed and highly sought-after action figures, has released figures that pay homage to this beloved franchise. NECA offers different lines of figures with varying levels of detail and accessories. Their standard line features well-articulated figures with character-specific accessories. The “Ultimate” line takes it a step further, offering more articulation, accessories, and intricate paint applications for an even more immersive collecting experience. Two figures that stand out are the Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Caesar Action Figure and the Planet of the Apes Gorilla Soldier Action Figure, with the latter belonging to the “Ultimate” line. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history of these characters, explore the figures in detail, and discuss where to buy them.
Caesar: The Ape Who Led a Revolution
Caesar, a pivotal character in the Planet of the Apes universe, has appeared in both the original and reboot series, showcasing distinct leadership styles and motivations. In the original series, Caesar is the son of Cornelius and Zira, intelligent apes who travel back in time 1. He leads an ape revolution in Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) and strives for peace between apes and humans in Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973) 1. This portrayal emphasizes Caesar’s revolutionary spirit and his inherited legacy as the offspring of time travelers.
In contrast, the reboot series presents a different origin story for Caesar. Born to a chimpanzee named Bright Eyes who was subjected to experimental Alzheimer’s treatment at the Gen-Sys pharmaceutical company, Caesar inherited heightened intelligence due to the viral-based drug ALZ-112 3. Raised by Will Rodman, the scientist leading the experiment, Caesar initially believed himself to be human 4. However, after an incident with a neighbor, he was placed in an ape sanctuary, where he experienced the harsh realities of captivity and witnessed the cruelty inflicted upon his fellow apes 5. This experience ignited a fire in Caesar, leading him to use his intelligence and innate leadership qualities to orchestrate an ape rebellion. He freed the apes from their cages and, in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014), led them to freedom in the Muir Woods National Monument 6.
Throughout the reboot trilogy, Caesar grapples with his dual nature as both ape and human, striving to forge a path for his kind while upholding his values of compassion and empathy. He forbids his followers from killing innocent humans, recognizing the potential for coexistence 1. His leadership is characterized by respect, fairness, and a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of his ape community 7. This portrayal emphasizes Caesar’s internal conflict and his journey towards self-discovery as he navigates the complexities of ape society and his relationship with humans.
Friends and Foes
Caesar’s journey is marked by significant relationships with both allies and adversaries. In the reboot series, his closest friend and confidant is Maurice, an orangutan who serves as an advisor and voice of reason 8. He also forms a strong bond with Rocket, a chimpanzee who initially challenges his authority but eventually becomes a loyal follower 7. Their relationship exemplifies Caesar’s ability to inspire loyalty and forge alliances even with those who initially doubt him.
One of Caesar’s most formidable foes is Koba, a bonobo who harbors deep resentment towards humans due to past trauma. Koba’s rage and thirst for revenge ultimately lead him to betray Caesar and attempt to seize control of the ape community 5. This conflict highlights the challenges Caesar faces in maintaining unity and navigating internal dissent within the ape society.
NECA Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Caesar Action Figure
NECA’s Caesar action figure captures the essence of the character as he appears in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Standing at approximately 7 inches tall, this figure boasts incredible detail and articulation 8.
Detailed Description
- Sculpt: The figure features a highly realistic sculpt with meticulous attention to detail. The fur is intricately textured, and the facial features are remarkably lifelike, capturing Caesar’s expressive eyes and determined demeanor 10.
- Paint: The paint application further enhances the realism of the figure. The fur is painted with a blend of black and brown tones, creating a sense of depth and texture. The tribal paint on Caesar’s face and chest is also faithfully recreated 10.
- Articulation: With 24 points of articulation, the figure is highly posable, allowing for a wide range of dynamic poses 12. The ball-jointed shoulders, elbows, wrists, torso, hips, knees, and ankles provide excellent flexibility. The feet are particularly well-designed, maintaining the ape-like hand shape while providing stability 10.
- Accessories: Caesar comes with a spear that can be separated into two pieces and an alternate pair of gripping hands to hold the spear 10.
Variations
While the standard Caesar figure is widely available, there is also a Series 2 version featuring Caesar with a more aggressive expression and a gun 10. This variation allows collectors to display Caesar in different poses and scenarios, reflecting his evolving role in the film.
Gorilla Soldier: Enforcing the Law of the Apes
The Gorilla Soldier represents the military might of the ape society in the original Planet of the Apes film (1968). These imposing figures are responsible for maintaining order and defending ape civilization from perceived threats, primarily humans 14. They are often depicted as stern and uncompromising, carrying out their duties with unwavering loyalty to the ape hierarchy 15. In the film, Gorilla Soldiers are seen capturing humans who have strayed into forbidden zones or violated ape laws 15. This highlights their role as enforcers of the ape society’s dominance over humans.
NECA Planet of the Apes Gorilla Soldier Action Figure
NECA’s Gorilla Soldier action figure faithfully recreates the iconic look of these enforcers from the classic film. Standing at approximately 7 inches tall, this figure features impressive articulation and a wealth of accessories 14.
Detailed Description
- Sculpt: The figure boasts a detailed sculpt that accurately captures the Gorilla Soldier’s muscular physique and intimidating presence. The facial features are particularly well-defined, conveying a sense of strength and authority. The figure also features a realistic fur texture and intricate details on the uniform and accessories 17.
- Paint: The paint application is excellent, with a blend of black and gray tones used to create a realistic fur effect. The uniform is painted in a dark green color with silver accents, and the weapons are painted in a metallic silver finish 15.
- Articulation: The figure features 12 points of articulation, allowing for a decent range of poses 14. The ball-jointed shoulders, elbows, and knees provide good flexibility, and the swivel wrists and ankles allow for some expressive hand and foot positioning.
- Accessories: The Gorilla Soldier comes with an impressive array of accessories, including three interchangeable heads with different expressions, two batons, a catching pole, a rifle, a belt, a machine gun, a removable backpack, and an alternate hand 14. These accessories allow collectors to customize the figure and recreate various scenes from the film.
About NECA
NECA (National Entertainment Collectibles Association) has established itself as a leading creator and distributor of licensed consumer products based on popular movies, video games, comic books, and pop culture icons 18. Founded in 1996, NECA is known for its attention to detail, high-quality figures, and diverse product lines. The company has acquired other notable brands like WizKids, Kidrobot, and Joseph Enterprises, Inc., further expanding its reach in the collectibles market 19. NECA has produced figures from a wide range of franchises, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Gargoyles, and Universal Monsters, solidifying its position as a go-to source for collectors seeking detailed and faithful recreations of their favorite characters 18.
Where to Buy
Both the NECA Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Caesar Action Figure and the NECA Planet of the Apes Gorilla Soldier Action Figure can be purchased from various online and physical retailers. Here’s a table summarizing some of the options:
Retailer | Description | Link |
---|---|---|
Amazon | Offers a wide selection and competitive prices. | 8 |
eBay | A good option for finding rare or discontinued figures. | 9 |
Target | Offers a curated selection of popular figures, often with exclusive variants. | 14 |
ToyWiz | Specializes in toys and collectibles, with a focus on action figures. | 22 |
BigBadToyStore | A popular destination for collectors, offering a wide variety of figures and pre-orders. | 16 |
Specialty online retailers | Often carry exclusive or limited-edition figures. | 24 |
Local comic book stores and collectible shops | May have a limited selection but offer a more personalized shopping experience. |
The Future of Planet of the Apes and NECA
The Planet of the Apes franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) has reignited interest in the series, introducing new characters like Noa, a young ape who challenges the tyrannical rule of a new leader and seeks to uphold Caesar’s legacy of peace and coexistence 26. With an upcoming sequel planned for 2027 27 and plans for a new trilogy and potentially a nine-movie saga 27, we can expect more exciting stories and characters from this enduring franchise. This opens up opportunities for NECA to expand its Planet of the Apes line by creating figures based on characters from different films and TV shows in the franchise.
NECA continues to impress with its dedication to creating high-quality and detailed action figures. The company has a long history of producing figures based on popular franchises, and its Planet of the Apes line is no exception. With the continued success of the franchise, we can anticipate more incredible figures from NECA, potentially including characters from Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and beyond. We might see figures of new characters like “Bad Ape” or re-releases of older figures like Dr. Zaius and General Ursus 29. NECA could also explore different eras and characters from the Planet of the Apes franchise with its figures, offering collectors a diverse range of options to build their collections.
Conclusion
The NECA Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Caesar Action Figure and the NECA Planet of the Apes Gorilla Soldier Action Figure are excellent examples of NECA’s commitment to quality and detail. These figures not only capture the likeness of these iconic characters but also offer a glimpse into the contrasting leadership styles and societal structures within the Planet of the Apes universe. With the franchise’s continued success and NECA’s dedication to expanding its offerings, collectors and fans can look forward to more exciting releases that delve deeper into the rich history and diverse characters of this enduring saga.
…
Song and Lyrics
Verse 1
Beneath the moonlit crimson haze,
He soars through shadows, lost in the maze.
A whisper of wings, a predator’s flight,
Man and beast, bound by the night.
Chorus
Man-Bat, guardian of the cursed and cold,
In the Gothic City, his story unfolds.
Half a man, half a beast in despair,
A shadowed legend soaring through the air.
Verse 2
In the spires of darkness, he seeks the sky,
A tortured soul with a bloodshot eye.
Once a man with dreams of light,
Now a phantom bound to endless night.
Bridge
Echoes of screams, the city’s cry,
A creature’s roar answers from on high.
In the labyrinth streets, where sins collide,
He’s the monster no one dares to defy.
Chorus
Man-Bat, guardian of the cursed and cold,
In the Gothic City, his story unfolds.
Half a man, half a beast in despair,
A shadowed legend soaring through the air.
Outro
Through the stained-glass windows of a shattered soul,
He watches the darkness take its toll.
Man or beast, no one can decide,
In the Gothic City where shadows abide.
Works cited
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