I am a huge X-Files fan, or rather I'm an "X-Phile" (the name we really obsessed ones are typically called). During the show's 9 year run I amassed quite a lot of X-Files paraphernalia, and after moving it all to our new house I swore that I was going to be much more selective when it came to adding any additional stuff to my X-Files stash in the future. If the first test of my restraint was the X-Files PALZ line from Palisades Toys, I failed miserably... but they're soooo cool I couldn't pass them up. Honest!!

Product Description:

Short, blocky characters seem to be all the rage in the toy business these days. Various toy companies put their own spin on them - with Kubricks, Minimates, Mez-Itz, Blockos, Lego Minifigs, and others that I've probably forgotten. Palisades Toys' entry into this world of superdeformed block figures are the PALz, and they are very nifty little figures indeed.

What sets PALz apart from other similar figures are the multitude of accessories that come with them, as well as very detailed paint jobs and lots of articulation. The sculpts are simplistic, but they make up for that with the paint jobs and little detail touches.

All PALz figures are all generally built the same - they stand 2½ inches tall and are articulated at the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, waist, hips, knees, and ankles. They come apart at the neck, arms, torso, and legs, so the pieces are interchangeable with other PALz in your collection.

The Gray Alien from the X-Files Wave 1 release is definitely spiffy. He has a few differences from your general PALz figure - namely his head has more of a triangular, alien shape than the usual cylindrical PALz head, and his fingers are elongated too. His paint job is arguably less detailed than other PALz, but he is a typical gray alien, after all.

His accessories are plentiful and very cool to fans of the show. They include:
» The nitrogen canister and alien fetus straight out of Season One's "The Erlenmeyer Flask" episode. The alien fetus is in a little cylindrical holder with movable handle that can be put into the canister, and the cnnister's lid can be opened and closed. The fetus has been PALz-ized too, which is a very nice touch.
» A file (or rather an X-Files) labeled "Duane Barry" (the name of a popular Season Two episode) and the numbers x-1013-0205. "Ten Thirteen" is the X-Files production company as well as creator Chris Carter's birth date - the numbers are frequently referenced in various X-Files episodes. "Duane Barry" was episode #5 in season 2, so the numbers on the file are a spiffy little in-joke, however I'm not sure why they reference the "Duane Barry" episode, since the alien-fetus and nitrogen canister are straight out of "The Erlenmeyer Flask" (am I showing my geekiness again?).
» Alien Autopsy chest plate - this piece fits over the Gray alien's chest, making him look like he's the victim of an alien autopsy - the skin is peeled back exposing his ribs and spine below.
» A photo of a UFO in the sky (just like the one seen in the opening credits of seasons 1-7).
» A little clear clip is also included so the alien can hold the X-File or photo in his hand easily.

With all of these tiny pieces, The X-Files PALz Gray Alien is definitely a choking hazard. Palisades Toys recommends these figures for children ages 8 and up.

Our Thoughts & Experiences:

I'm an X-files geek, which doesn't necessarily mean that I love every item put out on the market with an "X" stamped on it. I'm an X-Files geek who loves attention to detail, and that's one thing that these toys have in spades. As a fan who obsessed over the intricate plot lines and who loved the little inside jokes, I think these toys are so special because they do reference those plots I adored along with having the little in-jokes that added a special touch to so many of the shows. With meaningful props and show references, these toys are a must for any X-Phile. That being said, my husband is not an X-Files fan, but even he thinks that these little guys are very cool.

Even though the pieces can be taken apart, when put together they hold up very well, allowing the figure to be posed in a wide variety of unique poses (and with all of the cool accessories the poses can get really "out there"). They are perfect for giving your office workspace some additional personality.

I love the fact that the head and hands on this particular figure are different than the rest of the PALz figures -- making this extra-terrestrial extra-special.

This figure is part of the first release of X-Files PALz figures from Palisades Toys. The other figures in this line include Agent Mulder, Agent Scully, Frohike, Deep Throat, The Flukeman, The Conundrum, and Donnie Pfaster. The three harder to find chase figures in this series are Demon Donnie Pfaster, Captured Scully, and Men in Black Mulder. I was able to complete my collection at Media Play, but the PALz line is supposedly also carried at Sam Goody and Suncoast stores (although our local ones didn't have them), as well as comic book stores and various online retailers.

Final Thoughts:

I'm trying to be more discriminating in my old age, but these PALz figures are fantastic! Super cute, super articulated, with great attention to detail in both the figure and the accessories. I love everything about them!


Related X-Files PALz Reviews:
Agent Fox Mulder (both versions)
Agent Dana Scully (both versions)
Donnie Pfaster (both versions)
The Flukeman

Want to see how obsessed I really am? Read my X-Files Season-based Reviews here:
Season One
Season Two
Season Three
Season Four
Season Five
Season Six
Season Seven
Season Eight



Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 6.99