NECA Cracks the Konami Code to Deliver Contra Video Game Figures

It's taken years, but the impossible has finally happened. NECA will be bringing Contra to life in action figure form for the first time in well... ever. The beloved NES sidescroller has been a fan-favorite for decades, and though it's spawned sequels across a variety of platforms, Konami never licensed the franchise out for poseable collectibles before. Now, after seeing the success NECA's had with its video game figure wave, the developer has given the blessing for the first non-movie related entry into the popular action figure line.

If you're not familiar with Contra's lead characters Bill and Lance, the duo take on aliens in an effort to protect the planet. Their likenesses are thinly veiled homages to John Rambo and Alan "Dutch" Schaefer, with the Arnold Schwarzenegger poster for Predator being pretty closely ripped off to create Bill. Lance's Rambo roots aren't nearly as transparent, save for the dark hair and red headband. Those two '80s action icons being the inspiration makes the transition for NECA even easier given the company's history with those two characters.

Those of us fortunate enough to have worked with NECA over the years know how much of a passion project this has been for the company, and how long they've been pushing to make this happen. It also is a huge boon for fans though. NECA's video game figures have traditionally been steeped in the licenses the team there already handles, be they Batman, Predator, Alien or any number or horror characters. Now perhaps we'll see the company venture out further into classing gaming nostalgia once older developers see just what NECA can do with a game like Contra.

The two-pack reflects just how much these figures mean to NECA, and there won't only be standard weapons included. You'll also get a spread-shot attachment, a regular blaster attachment and a weapon pick-up accessory to display with the heroes. Both of course will get paint apps reflective of their in-game appearance, which is something NECA's excelled at since kicking this line off. The bodies themselves appear to be taken from the Predator Dutch figure, as the Rambo has much more scarring on his torso than these appear to have. The heads are completely new however, and do justice to the original box art painting they're based on.

No pricing details are available yet, but these should be going up for pre-order very soon according to NECA. The Contra Bill and Lance Two-Pack will be out in April 2016.