In the pantheon of science fiction cinema, few creatures have captured the imagination—and the nightmares—of audiences quite like the Yautja, better known as the Predators. Since their cinematic debut in 1987, these alien hunters have stalked the jungles of Guatemala, the urban sprawl of Los Angeles, and the farthest reaches of the galaxy. Yet, for the most discerning collectors and die-hard fans, it is not the main antagonists who hold the greatest allure, but the enigmatic Lost Tribe glimpsed in the closing moments of Predator 2.
Upon its release, Predator 2 (1990) was a seismic shift in the Predator narrative. Gone were the sun-drenched Central American jungles, replaced by the sweltering, urban concrete jungle of Los Angeles, a city simmering with gang warfare and heatstroke. While the “City Hunter” dominated the film’s runtime with his distinctive urban camouflage and brutal efficiency, it was the tantalizing glimpse of the “Lost Tribe” in the film’s closing moments that truly ignited the imaginations of legions of fans. These silent, imposing figures, briefly seen on the City Hunter’s ship, hinted at a rich, complex Yautja society far beyond the lone hunter archetype. Among them, a particular figure, often dubbed the Lost Predator or Armored Lost Predator due to its distinctive, almost futuristic chest armor and a seemingly unique weapon, stood out. NECA, ever the purveyors of niche perfection, has long understood the magnetic pull of these background characters, consistently elevating them from fleeting cameos to fully realized, articulated masterpieces. This figure, often considered by collectors and enthusiasts in online forums as one of the best NECA Predator figures to date, aims to capture the enigmatic allure of this barely-seen Yautja while imbuing it with modern articulation and a plethora of accessories.
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In a crowded field of Predator figures, the NECA Predator 2 Ultimate Lost Predator stands out for its blend of screen accuracy, imaginative embellishment, and sheer play value. Compared to earlier releases, the articulation is superior, the accessories more plentiful, and the paint applications more nuanced. When placed alongside other members of the Lost Tribe, the figure holds its own, offering a unique visual profile that complements the group without overshadowing it. The Ultimate treatment ensures that this is not just a rehash, but a worthy centerpiece for any Predator display.
The sculpting, a perennial strong suit for NECA, is nothing short of phenomenal. The NECA Predator 2 Ultimate Lost Predator is a feast for the eyes. The sculpt is intricate, capturing the character’s biomechanical armor, dreadlocked mane, and fearsome mandibles with uncanny precision. The armor itself is a highlight—an original NECA design that extrapolates from the brief on-screen appearance, blending tribal motifs with cybernetic flourishes. The result is a Predator that looks both ancient and futuristic, a hunter who has survived countless hunts and emerged more formidable for it. Every intricate detail of the creature’s textured skin, the gnarly musculature, and the signature dreadlocks are rendered magnificently. It’s a design that, even with its brief on-screen appearance, left an indelible mark, hinting at technological advancements beyond the more primitive hunters we had seen before.
Collectors know that presentation matters. The box art is a riot of color and shadow, evoking the film’s fever-dream aesthetic. The front flap opens to reveal a window display, allowing the figure to be admired in all its glory without removing it from its protective shell—a nod to the mint-in-box crowd who view their collections as curated museums rather than playthings.
The NECA Predator 2 Ultimate Lost Predator benefits immensely from NECA’s continued evolution in engineering their Ultimate figures. This iteration boasts over 30 points of articulation, a significant improvement over earlier Predator releases. Double-jointed knees and elbows, ball-jointed hips and shoulders, and a well-integrated ab crunch allow for a dynamic range of posing possibilities.
The Arsenal of the Hunter: A Deep Dive into Accessories
A NECA Ultimate figure isn’t truly “ultimate” without a formidable array of accessories, and the NECA Predator 2 Ultimate Lost Predator does not disappoint. This figure comes loaded with implements of destruction, allowing collectors to recreate iconic poses or conjure entirely new narratives.
The Ultimate Lost Predator includes:
- Three Interchangeable Head Sculpts: As mentioned, the masked, light-up head is a showstopper, complemented by two distinct unmasked expressions.
- Multiple Hands: A variety of interchangeable hands—open, gripping, and relaxed—allow for diverse posing and weapon manipulation. This is crucial for dynamic displays and ensures the figure can hold its various armaments securely.
- Shoulder-Mounted Plasma Caster: A staple of any Predator figure, this plasma caster is well-articulated and designed to seamlessly attach to the figure’s back. Forum discussions often laud its bio-mechanical appearance and the individual power wires, a testament to NECA’s commitment to intricate detailing. Some users have noted that the power pack attachment can be a bit loose, a minor quibble for an otherwise excellent accessory.
- Throwing Discs: These iconic, razor-sharp projectiles are included, perfect for recreating those deadly, unseen attacks from the film.
- Skull and Spine Trophy: A grim reminder of the Predator’s hunting prowess, this gruesome trophy is a fan-favorite inclusion and adds a macabre touch to any display.
- Extended and Collapsed Spears: These versatile weapons, essential for any Yautja hunter, offer multiple display options, allowing for both close-quarters combat poses and more defensive stances.
The Lost Predator wields a laser sword—a superheated blade that evokes both samurai and science fiction aesthetics. The sword fits snugly in the figure’s hand and can be posed in various dramatic ways, including the iconic “unsheathing” motion. An open bladed shuriken is included, as well as a closed version sculpted onto the waist for added realism. The shoulder-mounted plasma caster is a marvel of miniaturization, with individual power wires and a ball-jointed armature that allows for precise targeting.
The masked head is a particular highlight, featuring a built-in LED light feature that illuminates the visor, a detail that has garnered considerable praise from the collector community. This light-up functionality, while a simple addition, adds an undeniable “cool” factor and enhances the display possibilities, particularly for those who enjoy showcasing their figures in dimly lit environments. The unmasked heads capture the fearsome visage of the Yautja with uncanny accuracy, showcasing their iconic mandibles and piercing eyes.
Remove the figure from its packaging and you are greeted with a visual symphony. The first thing that strikes you is the interplay of color and texture, a masterclass in paint application that immediately sets this piece apart from lesser collectibles. The Lost Predator’s skin is rendered in a palette that straddles the line between amphibian and reptilian, with red dots meticulously painted across the feet and limbs to evoke an otherworldly biology. This is not a mere wash of color; it is a deliberate, almost obsessive layering that captures the glistening sheen of alien flesh. he blue highlights are not garish or overbearing; instead, they catch the light in a way that mimics the cold gleam of Yautja technology, grounding the figure in the visual language of the films. Subtle brown washes are applied to the front armor and groin area, simulating the grime and wear of countless hunts. This aging effect is not overdone; it whispers of history rather than shouting, a nod to collectors who appreciate nuance. The paint on the mesh bodysuit—sculpted rather than separate—is a muted blue, echoing the shade found on the biomask and chest armor, further unifying the figure’s aesthetic.
There is no evidence of overspray, no errant brushstrokes marring the intricate patterns of the Yautja’s skin or the delicate circuitry of the armor. Each line, each accent, is crisp and intentional. The fishnet detail—a staple of Predator design—is another area where paint shines. The sculpted netting is sharp and crisp, but it’s the paint that brings it to life. Each ring of the netting is highlighted with a slightly lighter metallic tone, making the texture pop against the dark armor.
Across forums, review sites, and social media, the NECA Predator 2 Ultimate Lost Predator has garnered praise for its innovation and quality. Collectors highlight the LED helmet as a standout feature, noting its rarity in figures at this price point. The articulation is lauded for enabling dynamic poses, while the tightness of the joints is seen as a mark of durability rather than a flaw. The abundance of accessories is frequently cited as a major selling point, with many expressing appreciation for NECA’s commitment to value. Collectors have also noted the inclusion of subtle Easter eggs: glyphs on the gauntlets that reference Yautja lore, and a unique pattern on the mask that distinguishes the Lost Predator from his brethren. These touches are not immediately obvious, but for those who know where to look, they add layers of meaning and enjoyment.
Predator 2 has always occupied a unique place in the franchise’s history. Overshadowed at release by its predecessor, it has since garnered a devoted following for its world-building, its willingness to expand the Yautja mythos, and its unforgettable cast of hunters. The Lost Predator, though a background character, has become a symbol of the franchise’s depth—a reminder that every figure in the frame has a story worth telling. The NECA Predator 2 Ultimate Lost Predator 7 Inch Action Figure taps into this legacy, offering fans a chance to own a piece of cinematic history. For hardcore collectors, it is a must-have addition to the ever-growing pantheon of NECA Predator action figures. For newcomers, it is an accessible entry point—a figure that encapsulates the allure of the franchise in a single, striking package. So, as the city lights of Los Angeles flicker in the distance and the echoes of Alan Silvestri’s score fade, the Lost Predator emerges from the shadows—ready to join your collection, and perhaps, to hunt once more.
