Kenner Aliens Wave 1 Bishop (1992)
Bishop was one of the most memorable characters in Aliens, a synthetic human whose calm demeanor and unexpected bravery gradually earned the trust of Ripley and the Colonial Marines. Played by Lance Henriksen, the android was designed to assist with scientific research and piloting, but ultimately risked himself to help the survivors escape. Kenner’s 1992 Bishop figure took a distinctly toyetic approach to the character, featuring a working Gatling gun action feature with sound. The figure also had a torso that could be opened to reveal his mechanical inner workings, a clever nod to the revelation that Bishop was an android. His accessories included the large Gatling gun, ammunition, and an additional weapon, giving him plenty of play value beyond his role as the team’s dependable synthetic. With his unusual combination of medical-science expertise and heavy weaponry, Bishop perfectly represents how Kenner transformed the movie’s characters into larger-than-life action figures. Today, he remains a standout for collectors who appreciate the inventive features and imaginative mechanical details of early-’90s toys.
