A couple of weeks ago, I became the proud owner of one of my all-time holy grails, an original 1979 Kenner Alien figure. It is beautiful, with the original dome, working jaws, and arms that can still stay up. I wanted to display the figure high up on the top of a bookshelf, away from the kids, but was afraid it might fall from that height and break into a million pieces (along with my heart). So, I decided to get a little creative and devised a simple diorama that would securely hold the figure upright and safe.
All of the materials were found laying around the shop. The base is a square of melamine board and the two upright columns are 1/2″ PVC pipe. I drilled holes for the pipes and secured them with glue, so those things are rock solid! I raided the junk parts bin and added bits and pieces to the back and a few low pieces at the front. My main goal was to make a nice presentation without taking away the focus, which would be the figure.
I glued everything down, made a few quick passes with spray paint, a bit of white dry brushing for the highlights, and the display was complete.
The longer PVC pipe rest securely between the Alien’s arm and back spines, forming a tripod with the two legs, so this guy isn’t going to tip over any more. I planned to run some fishing line up through the pipes and wrap them around the figure, but I ended up using a piece of black wire, which is almost invisible against the dark figure. The wire isn’t even needed to keep the figure upright, but it gives me a whole lot of piece of mind!
This project was so simple and easy to build, I think I might have to do another one for some of the smaller figures that tend to tip over with the slightest breeze. I’m happy with the way this turned out, but more importantly, I don’t need to ever worry about that beautiful toy falling off the shelf.
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Nice job. Creative and functional.
What I want to know is:
1. Between the Alien and Godzilla – who would win in a fight – if they were both the same size?
2. What nasty type of alien would burst out of Godzilla’s chest if it the facehuggers got to Godzilla?
All good questions, but the answers are 1. Godzilla, and 2. Gadzookey.
OK – I know LOL is so 90s, but I literally laughed out loud when reading Gadzookey! That was funny!
I did the same thing with my rubber jiggler monsters. My metal guy made a little metal ring so they could stand up. I will have to post a pic one day.
Good idea. I’d love to see a pic!
You are truly the Martha Stewart of geekdom Brian. This stand is a Good Thing.
Thanks, I think. 😉
What an awesome diorama and stand for that beautiful creature! I want to make some dioramas for my MOUSER figures, but lack the know how. I should give it a shot though, you’ve inspired me!
Do it!
One of the local comic shops has (or maybe had) one of these but I didn’t even bother to ask how much they wanted for it.
Nice, been waiting to see some more pics of this guy! Awesome figure and great idea w the stand 😉
So I guess you’ll be getting the 24 inch Gentle Giant version to display next to him? 🙂
Not likely! That Gentle Giant figure is PRICEY! I prefer the original, but I’m glad GG made their version slightly bigger — I was afraid they would be an identical reproduction, which is never good.
That is gorgeous. And as you know it’s all about the display.
Looks fantastic Brian!
SO great- nice job!
What is the value of the kenner godzilla of 1977 nowadays?
These typically sell in the $100 range but if it’s in excellent shape, it could sell for more.