Thank you to Fanhome for sponsoring this article.

Attendees at New York Comic Con had a chance to see Fanhome’s stunning E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial model for themselves — and with the first two parts of the subscription kit now available, Popverse took a look at just what’s included, and how easy it is to get involved in building yourself a version of the iconic character. (Spoilers: it’s very, very easy indeed.)

The first two elements mailed out as part of the Fanhome set are, fittingly, E.T. the Extra-Terrestial’s face and facial structure. The face panel is complete in and of itself, with the exception of the eyes (we’ll get to them momentarily); it’s a lovely sculpt, giving life to the character with a wry smile that feels like it communicates his inherent friendliness and kindness — no small feat for something that is just the first part of what will eventually become fans’ own version of one of cinema’s greatest creations.

That process begins with the arrival of the second element, the facial structure and eye assembly. What that means in practice is that subscribers will receive what is essentially a skeleton for E.T.’s eye sockets, along with the eyes that will eventually fit inside. As this is kit construction, a small amount of assembly is required, but it’s particularly easy: the two sides of the face frame simply snap together, while the eye components similarly fit together.

The construction is simple, fast, and not too persnickety for those of us — yes, I’m including myself — who lack the patience for fine motor-skilled work. It’s helped considerably by the detailed instructions included with each mailing, which demonstrate both in text and visuals how to build your own Extra-Terrestrial step-by-step making what could otherwise be an overwhelming task feel, instead, like something not only achievable, but fun. Who knew it could be this straight-forward to make yourself a friendly alien companion?

Of course, not everyone had it easy — and each set of instructions are accompanied by articles detailing the original design and creation of the cinematic creature by master designer Carlo Rambaldi, as well as contextual essays about the 1980s setting of the movie, the career of director Steven Spielberg, and more; it’s not only an E.T. subscribers get a chance to build with each successive mailing; it’s also a greater understanding of what made E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial such a magical movie to begin with.

More information about Fanhome’s E.T. The Extra Terrestrial can be found here.