Space Alien and Armageddon!-This Island Earth Metaluna Mutant

The classic 1950s movie ‘This Island Earth’ was a science fiction film that stood out from the monster from outer space tripe prevalent at the time.

One of the most outstanding characters introduced in the film was the giant insectoid alien the Metaluna Mutant.

At the time the film was produced (the early 1950s) it was considered the most state of the art and spectacular example of visual and practical effects.  Sets, costume designs and character conception with also given high marks.

The film (unlike most sci-fi films of that period) was taken seriously and in it took 2 1/2 years to complete.

Looking back now the film is dated, somewhat cheesy and almost laughable when it comes to effects.

Still, at the time it was produced it had all the earmarks of a classic sci-fi tale as envisioned during the 1950s.

It is evident that a great deal of money was spent on the sets and other facets of the film.  Conceptually the film still stands up.

Aliens from another star system have gathered together the Earth’s greatest scientists under the guide of advancing mankind’s sciences.

The head scientist, Exeter, is the leader of a group of aliens from Metaluna who have come to Earth in an attempt to turn lead into uranium to power energy weapons and shields to stop their enemy, the Zargo, from destroying their planet.

Starting with the Metaluna Mutant’s figure’s head Sideshow Collectibles artists have done an excellent job of recreating the insectoid appearing horror with its huge pulsating brain, deep red veins on the brain and face surface, deep-set black eyes in twin red protruding circles and insect like mouth opening with its layered maw-much like a spider’s.

The huge head sets on the carapaced body between two large exoskeleton shoulders that are covered with red veins and surrounded by a large cluster of veins that wrap around the entire shoulder area.

Although the figure has no leg articulation it does have shoulder, neck, arm, wrist and ankle points of movement.

The figure also comes with a ‘This Island Earth” stand and support wire.

The Metaluna Mutant is a somewhat heavy and awkward figure and depends on the support to stand and pose.

The lower chest area is striated in five overlapping blue panels.

The arms are long and blue with four joints: one at the shoulders, mid-upper arms, mid-lower arms and wrists.

Covered with light blue carapace the arms also have small bumps or protrusions on the lower arms much like a crab or lobster.  Each arm ends in a large pincher hand with huge claws.  Every arm joint has exterior veins and red fleshy areas where the joins come together.

The creature's waist is a large red band that attaches to loose blue trousers that end in red veins at the cuffs.  The feet consist of two large pinchers and are covered with red veins over blue carapace.  

In the film the lower legs were originally supposed to be carapace covered and look similar to an invertebrate's legs.  The design proved too difficult to pull off so the creature wound up wit a pair of trousers with lower cuff veins.

A large carapace covered lump is also on the creature’s back.

Considering the period when the creature was created for the Silver Screen its design is pretty sophisticated and complex.  It’s reported the creature design cost close to $30,000-a considerable amount for that time.