Tag: toys

New Leaders

Recommended music: Kim Wilde – Kids in America

It’s #SomethingElseSunday, and we’re back with another Masters of the Universe collaboration alongside Eternian Epic Imagery. Our theme this week is “New Leaders.”

Masters of the Universe has seen many reboots and new takes on its story over the past 40 years. From the Filmation cartoons to The New Adventures of He-Man, DC comics, and the latest Netflix series, the story has never really ended. It’s fun to imagine what happens next, especially who might lead after our current heroes step down. This week, I envisioned Dare, the son of King He-Man and Teela, ruling Eternia with Andra as his queen. I also imagined a new threat: the return of the Snake Men. The rest of the group shared some fantastic photos too, so make sure to check them out.

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Kings and queens change as new leaders step up to take their place.

Sometimes leaders step down or are replaced. In the worlds of Masters of the Universe and Princess of Power, there are always characters eager for power, and we might even see some unexpected new leaders soon.

Has the Eternian Epic Imagery team caught a glimpse of this new order? Take a look at this week’s photos to find out:

@takemoretoyphotos
@emerald_knight_photos
@b.a.dtoyphotos
@glare_foe
@botfaceguynoir
@kidult_1983
@raoof7136
@dalestoys
@cob_web_collector
@raw_photoygraphy

#ActionFigurePhotography
#EternianEpicImagery
#He-Man
#MastersOfTheUniverse
#MOTU
#ToyPhotography

Dr. Finkelstein

Recommended music: Christina Aguilera feat. Dr. John – Merry Christmas, Baby (Live)

For this #WhateverWednesday, we’re checking out more action figures that are perfect for the time between Halloween and Christmas. Today’s pick from the Super7 ReAction The Nightmare Before Christmas line is Dr. Finkelstein!

In the movie, Dr. Finkelstein is voiced by the late William Hickey, an Academy Award nominee who you would certainly recognize as Uncle Lewis in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. His performance makes the character especially creepy. Dr. Finkelstein, credited as “Evil Scientist,” is the wheelchair-bound mad scientist of Halloween Town. He helps Jack Skellington with the plan to take over Christmas by reanimating reindeer skeletons, but I’ve always seen him as a secondary villain because of how he treats Sally, the living ragdoll he created.

Funko excluded Dr. Finkelstein from their Nightmare Before Christmas ReAction line, and Super7 also skipped him when they rebooted the line in 2020. Luckily, he finally appeared in the last wave of NBC ReAction figures in 2022. In addition to the five traditional points of articulation: a ball neck, shoulders, and swivel legs, the doctor’s head also has a hinge to reveal his brain as seen on screen. Although he is sculpted in a sitting position, the figure includes his signature motorized wheelchair. He also comes with a skull for use in his next creation, Jewel, a wife for himself, using part of his own brain. The paint and sculpt are simple and match the line’s style, and the painted details on the chair make this figure a better value than some others in the ReAction series.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#TheNightmareBeforeChristmas
#ToyPhotography

Revolution Emperor Hordak

Recommended music: Emperor Penguin – Glamour Hammer

Happy Monday, MOTU fans! For this #MastersMonday, we’re taking another look at the Revolution figures from the Mattel Masters of the Universe Masterverse line. Tonight, let’s check out Emperor Hordak!

Hordak first showed up in the vintage Mattel Masters of the Universe toy line in the summer of 1985, but not in the original Filmation He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon, which had already finished production. Luckily, the leader of the Horde made his animated debut in March 1985 in the He-Man and She-Ra: The Secret of the Sword film.

The film was based on the first five episodes of the She-Ra: Princess of Power animated series, which premiered the following fall. Though He-Man and Skeletor did appear in select episodes, the main antagonist during the 93-episode run of the series was Hordak. The character returned for the 2002 toy line and cartoon, but his story was cut short when the show was cancelled after 39 episodes, just before the Horde storyline could be further fleshed out.

Hordak has also appeared in many storybooks, mini-comics, and recent DC comics as another enemy of He-Man. He came back again in 2018 as the main villain in the She-Ra and the Princesses of Power reboot.

In the closing moments of the Masters of the Universe Revelation animated series, the Horde were teased as being in control of Motherboard while Skeletor was taken over by technology. This storyline continues in Masters of the Universe Revolution, with Keith David joining as the voice of Hordak. The character played into each episode, and his body was still present at the end, so hopefully his story will continue.

Hordak’s design was kept secret until the Masters of the Universe: Revolution series premiered on Netflix in January 2024. About eight weeks later, this Hordak figure was teased, and it was the only Revolution design in Masterverse wave 13. The sculpt and paint match the animated character well, with more silver in the design rather than the usual primarily black armor. He comes with a simple, soft-goods cape, extra fist hands, and an updated version of his classic staff. The figure is advertised as having a “removable head,” but this doesn’t add much since there isn’t an alternate head with a different expression.

Overall, I’m pleased to see this figure included, as Hordak played a significant role in the Revelation series. Still, a few more accessories, such as an arm cannon or an alternate head, would have made a considerable difference.

Masters of the Universe Revelation/Revolution turned four years old this year! I “figure” there’ll be a new figure from this series to share here for the rest of the year!

#ActionFigurePhotography
#MastersOfTheUniverse
#MOTU
#ToyPhotography

Shock

Recommended music: The Jacksons, Mick Jagger – State of Shock

For this #WhateverWednesday, we’re still focusing on action figures that fit well between Halloween and Christmas. Today’s pick from the Funko ReAction The Nightmare Before Christmas line is Shock!

In the film, Shock is convincingly voiced by Catherine O’Hara and is one of Oogie Boogie’s three mischievous henchmen, alongside Lock and Barrel. This seven-year-old trick-or-treater, dressed as a witch, demonstrates her cunning by helping to “kidnap the Sandy Claws” due to Jack Skellington’s request.

Funko released Shock in the second wave of their Nightmare Before Christmas ReAction line in 2016. The figure has five points of articulation: a ball neck, swivel hips, and shoulders. Her hands are too small to hold her accessories: her signature mask, a bone slingshot, and a cat-in-a-box. I didn’t include these in the photo, but it’s a generous set for a ReAction figure, especially since later henchkids came with fewer extras. I do wish she came with a broom, but I am happy the face is accurate, and the mask stays in place when needed. The paint and sculpt are simple and fit the line’s style. There are larger, more detailed versions available, but this one complements the rest of the ReAction series.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#TheNightmareBeforeChristmas
#ToyPhotography

Revolution King Keldor

Recommended music: X Ambassadors – The Devil You Know

Happy Monday, MOTU fans! For this #MastersMonday, we’re taking another look at the Revolution figures from the Mattel Masters of the Universe Masterverse line. Tonight, we’ll be checking out King Keldor!

The character of Keldor was not included in the vintage Mattel toy line or in the Filmation He-Man and the Masters of the Universe animated series. This all changed for the 2002 toy line and cartoon, as Keldor was immediately introduced as Skeletor’s former self and the brother of King Randor. Some of this backstory was carried over into future DC comics, but the Masters of the Universe Revolution animated series changed the character once again and cast William Shatner to voice him.

In the third episode of Revolution, ‘More Things in Heaven and on Earth,’ we learn that Keldor is the illegitimate son of King Miro and could be the heir to the throne. It’s also revealed that Skeletor is actually Keldor, but he didn’t know about his heritage. What a twist, right?

King Keldor’s appearance was meant to be more of a secret until the series was ready to air, which is why the figure’s inclusion in Mastervese wave 12 did not occur until after the Masters of the Universe Revolution series aired on Netflix in January 2024.

The sculpt and paint on the figure do a good job of matching the animated character. He comes with extra gripping hands and an alternate head with a crown. I think it would have made more sense to include just one head, a removable crown, and maybe another accessory, since this Masterverse release feels a bit lacking. Still, the soft goods cape and fur collar are a nice touch.

Overall, I’m happy to see this figure added to the line. The character played a big role in the Revelation series, and it’s definitely better than getting another Skeletor repaint.

Masters of the Universe Revelation/Revolution turned four years old this year! I “figure” there’ll be a new figure from this series to share here for the rest of the year!

#ActionFigurePhotography
#MastersOfTheUniverse
#MOTU
#ToyPhotography

Winter Chills

Recommended music: Tom Walker – Play Dead (Avelino x Raf Riley Remix)

On this #SomethingElseSunday, we’ve got another Masters of the Universe collaboration with Eternian Epic Imagery. This week’s theme is “Winter Chills.”

Sorry for the late post—it’s probably Monday by the time you see this! I just got back from a wild weekend in Las Vegas and finally had time to update the blog. Last week, we got our first taste of winter weather, which gave me the chance to take some snowy outdoor photos and recreate a scene from He-Man & She-Ra: A Christmas Special, a longtime favorite in our house. The rest of the group also shared some amazing shots this week, so be sure to check them out.

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Winter Chills
A favorite memory on Eternia is the Royal twins’ Birthday, which was also the first time Christmas was introduced. There have been other chilly episodes too, like Black Snow and the well-known quests in the 200X series. We’ve seen the Ice Armour He-Man from that show, along with popular characters like Icer and Frosta.

Let’s see how our Eternian Epic Imagery community captured winter moments in this week’s collaboration.

#eternianepicimagery

@cob_web_collector
@backyardeternia
@takemoretoyphotos
@dalestoys
@the_thanoscopter
@b.a.dtoyphotos
@glare_foe
@81_eternal
@astral_motu_gallery
@raw_photoygraphy
@kidult_1983
@raoof7136
@opt975

#ActionFigurePhotography
#EternianEpicImagery
#He-Man
#MastersOfTheUniverse
#MOTU
#ToyPhotography

Lock

Recommended music: Flowdan – Original Ragamuffin (feat. Wiley)

For this #WhateverWednesday, we are still highlighting action figures that are particularly suitable for the period between Halloween and Christmas. Our selection for today, from the Super7 ReAction The Nightmare Before Christmas line, is Lock!

Along with Shock and Barrel, Lock is one of Oogie Boogie’s three raggamuffin henchmen. This trick-or-treating six-year-old is dressed like a little devil and definitely lives up to that look with his actions against Santa Claus. He also sounds older than he is, since Paul Reubens voices him in the film.

Although Funko included Shock and Barrel in their Nightmare Before Christmas ReAction line, they did not initially release the leader of the trio. Lock appeared in Funko’s Dorbz and Pop Vinyl lines, as well as in Nightmare Before Christmas collections from Applause, Diamond Select, Jun Planning, and NECA, but not in the 3.75-inch scale. Super7 also omitted Lock from the first wave when relaunching the line in 2020. However, he was finally included in the last wave of NBC ReAction figures in 2022.

The figure features the standard five points of articulation and includes one accessory: his mask, as depicted in several scenes from the film. While the paint and sculpt are relatively simple, they are consistent with this line’s aesthetic and accurate right down to the little devil tail. Although larger and more articulated versions exist, this figure integrates well with the ReAction series.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#TheNightmareBeforeChristmas
#ToyPhotography

Revolution Battle Armor He-Man

Recommended music: Bite The Buffalo – Enemies

Happy Monday, MOTU fans! For this #MastersMonday, we’re taking another look at the Revolution figures in the Mattel Masters of the Universe Masterverse line. Tonight, let’s check out Battle Armor He-Man!

In the third episode of Masters of the Universe Revolution, ‘More Things in Heaven and on Earth,’ He-Man’s Power Sword is on the fritz, so Andra provides the most powerful man in the universe with a small chest plate attachment featuring the letter ‘H.’ A few minutes later, as He-Man goes into battle, he presses on the H, and it transforms into a new, more complete chest armor – minus sleeves, of course, and we get our first animated look at Battle Armor He-Man.

Battle Armor He-Man has appeared in every Masters of the Universe toyline for the past 40 years, but Mattel didn’t show this new version at San Diego Comic-Con 2023 with the other Masterverse wave 11 figures. Instead, they kept it under wraps, along with the other wave 12 figures, until just a few months before Masters of the Universe Revolution came out on Netflix in January 2024.

The figure’s bulkier build and paint job look a lot like the cartoon version, and it’s a big step up from the Revelation He-Man in the first wave. Even though the chin is long, the head sculpt is much better than before. The figure is very poseable, with 30 points of articulation, like many other Masterverse figures. He comes with a nicely painted battle axe, extra hands, a swappable “damaged” chest plate, and removable armor. The Classics line also had swappable chest plates instead of the old action feature, but this is the first Battle Armor He-Man I remember that also includes the classic chest harness.

Overall, I’m happy to see my favorite version of He-Man in the new animated series, and I think Mattel did a great job with this figure for the Masterverse price.

Masters of the Universe Revelation/Revolution turned four years old this year! I “figure” there’ll be a new figure from this series to share here for the rest of the year!

#ActionFigurePhotography
#MastersOfTheUniverse
#MOTU
#ToyPhotography

Vampire

Recommended music: Johnny Marsh – Vampire Christmas

This #WhateverWednesday, we’re checking out action figures that are just right for the time between Halloween and Christmas—though not for Thanksgiving. Today’s pick from the Super7 ReAction The Nightmare Before Christmas line is Vampire!

In The Nightmare Before Christmas, four vampire brothers appear among the citizens of Halloween Town, and a fifth shows up playing hockey near the end. The tall vampire helps search for Jack Skellington, saying, “I peeked behind the Cyclops’ eye.” When the town is “Making Christmas,” the vampires are shown making toys to place under the Christmas tree, including a fanged wooden duck pull toy.

Diamond Select and other companies have made vampire action figures before, including a set of all four by Japanese maker Jun Planning, but Funko never added a Vampire to their Nightmare Before Christmas ReAction line. Super7, however, released this one in the first year after relaunching the line in 2020. The figure has the usual five points of articulation, and its legs look a lot like the bell-bottom pants on old Kenner Star Wars figures. Instead of the black umbrella often seen with the vampires, this figure comes with the fanged toy duck, which is a fun touch. Though simple, the sculpt and paint match the film well enough. There are larger and more articulated versions out there, but this Vampire fits right in with the ReAction line.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#TheNightmareBeforeChristmas
#ToyPhotography

Revolution Orko

Recommended music: Rhapsody of Fire – White Wizard (Live)

Happy Monday, MOTU fans! On this #MastersMonday, we continue our look at Revolution figures in the Mattel Masters of the Universe Masterverse line. Next up: Orko!

Across the two seasons of Netflix’s Masters of the Universe: Revelation, Orko the Trollan went through a big story arc. Unlike his earlier appearances in the Filmation cartoon and other stories, this time, Orko struggled with his magic in new ways. In the fourth episode, ‘Land of the Dead,’ he sacrificed himself fighting Scare Glow to save his friends.

In the final episode, ‘Comes with Everything You See Here,’ Orko is brought back to life by God-Lyn’s resurrection. This time, Orko seems much stronger than before and wears a new white outfit, similar to Gandalf the White’s return in The Two Towers.

Mattel didn’t release a second Revelation Orko figure in the Masterverse line, but they kept this new design for the Revolution series. The updated Orko was shown at San Diego Comic-Con 2023 as part of a 2-pack with Gwildor. The set came out just before Masters of the Universe Revolution premiered on Netflix in January 2024. It was initially planned as an Amazon exclusive, but soon became available at other online stores as well.

The figure’s sculpt and paint job look a lot like the cartoon, and Mattel added a creative new stand for the 3-inch floating Orko. He has nine points of articulation, including elbow joints, for the first time since the MOTU Classics line. His ears don’t move like Gwildor’s, but he comes with two new magic effects that fit over his wrists. Orko’s long scarf is missing the gold trim, but could also be included as an accessory, as it can be adjusted a little, unlike the animated scarf seen in the show.

The 2-pack also includes a new version of He-Man’s Power Sword, with a blade that fades from translucent yellow to metallic silver at the handle. These accessories really do add value to the $40 price point. Overall, both figures are solid, and this new Orko is a must-have if you’ve watched the Revolution series.

Masters of the Universe Revelation/Revolution turned four years old this year! I “figure” there’ll be a new figure from this series to share here for the rest of the year!

#ActionFigurePhotography
#MastersOfTheUniverse
#MOTU
#ToyPhotography

Tier Two Heroes & Villains

Recommended music: Yann Tiersen – La Valse d’Amelie (Orchestra Version)

On this #SomethingElseSunday, we’ve got another Masters of the Universe collaboration with Eternian Epic Imagery. This week’s theme is “Tier Two Heroes & Villains.”

This week, our objective was to highlight a lesser-known character from the Masters of the Universe franchise. Given the franchise’s extensive history spanning over four decades and numerous toy lines, the selection process offered considerable variety. Our group discussed the definition of a “tier two” character, and I ultimately decided to exclude characters from the first three waves of the vintage line to focus on those introduced later in the franchise.

I selected Optikk, who was introduced in the 1990s animated series The New Adventures of He-Man, and Dekker, who first appeared in the 2003 Mike Young Productions episode ‘The Island’ of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. Although these characters might be considered below second tier, their inclusion in the Masters of the Universe Classics action figure line demonstrates their significance within the franchise. Additionally, I found the contrast between these one-eyed characters particularly compelling.
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Tier Two Heroes & Villains

Back in the 80s and 90s, many toy lines and cartoons added lots of secondary characters to boost sales and keep the series going. That’s exactly what’s happening with the Masters of the Universe toy line these days, too!

MOTU has never had so many different lines and variants since it first started. With all these new characters, each one builds its own fan base, and it makes you wonder what would happen if some of them became the main stars.

Eternian Epic Imagery has taken on this challenge and brought it to life with their amazing photography. See their own pages for full images:

@b.a.dtoyphotos
@the_thanoscopter
@shadowfigurephotography
@kidult_1983
@emerald_knight_photos
@botfacedudeguy
@raw_photoygraphy
@cob_web_collector
@raoof7136
@dalestoys
@glare_foe
@opt975
@81_eternal

#ActionFigurePhotography
#EternianEpicImagery
#He-Man
#MastersOfTheUniverse
#MOTU
#ToyPhotography

Harlequin Demon

Recommended music: Hans Zimmer – Discombobulate

For this #WhateverWednesday, we’re looking at action figures perfect for the season between Halloween and Christmas. From the Super7 ReAction The Nightmare Before Christmas line, it’s Harlequin Demon!

The Harlequin Demon is inspired by the classic harlequin clown, known for its diamond patterns, feathers, and jester hat. It’s a look that’s both familiar and a bit creepy. Like other Halloween Town residents, this monster loves to scare people and help get ready for Christmas. He’s also puzzled by the new holiday and shows off by turning a dead rat into a hat you can give as a gift.

Funko didn’t add Harlequin Demon to their The Nightmare Before Christmas ReAction line, but Super7 brought him in when they relaunched the line in 2020. The figure’s lower jaw moves for a sixth point of articulation, but there aren’t any accessories, which is a bit disappointing for the $20 price. While NECA Toys and Diamond Select Toys have made better Harlequin Demon figures, and Funko has produced cheaper versions, this figure fits in well with the ReAction line. The sculpt and paint match the movie really well, and I think it would look awesome under a black light.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#TheNightmareBeforeChristmas
#ToyPhotography

Revolution Gwildor

Recommended music: Cory Wong – Cosmic Sans

Good evening and happy Wookiee Life Day, MOTU fans! On this #MastersMonday, we continue our look at Revolution figures in the Mattel Masters of the Universe Masterverse line. Next up: Gwildor!

When the Netflix Masters of the Universe: Revelation animated series ended, it was unclear if we would get any more stories from this canon. Thankfully, this universe was brought back for MOTU: Revolution, and the cast list showed some new, but familiar characters, including Gwildor from Thenur.

If that name doesn’t stand out to you, Gwildor was the inventor and locksmith character who provided much of the comic relief in the 1987 Masters of the Universe live-action film. As the technology and budget did not allow for bringing the flying wizard Orko to the big screen, Gwildor served as his practical replacement.

Portrayed in the live-action film by the late great Billy Barty, Gwildor is now voiced by Ted Biaselli. Not only is Biaselli an executive producer for the Netflix series, but also a life-long MOTU fan and Power-Con attendee who was a driving force in bringing the property to Netflix. The third episode of Revolution, ‘More Things In Heaven and Eternia’, is the first MOTU story to feature Gwildor and Orko together as they fight the Cult of Motherboard, spread by Skeletor.

Mattel revealed a Gwildor and Orko 2-pack at San Diego Comic-Con 2023, with the set being available just ahead of the Masters of the Universe Revolution airing on Netflix in January of 2024. I believe they were supposed to be an Amazon exclusive, but were quickly available at other retailers.

The sculpt and paint job on the figure are similar to the cartoon, but I think the head could use a little more detail, or at least a black wash. Gwildor comes with at least 16 points of articulation, including slightly poseable ears. He also comes with his staff first seen in the Masters of the Universe Classics line, as well as his traditional Cosmic Key accessory. Mattel went cheap with this version, which has exactly three paint hits compared to the two colors seen on the vintage weapon released 37 years earlier. 😄

The accessories help, but we’re still looking at a $40 retail price for a four-inch action figure. This release really relies on Orko to make it a good value. Overall, it’s a good figure, and a must-buy after watching the Revolution series.

Masters of the Universe Revelation/Revolution turned four years old this year! I “figure” there’ll be a new figure from this series to share here for the rest of the year!

#ActionFigurePhotography
#MastersOfTheUniverse
#MOTU
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: Evil Horde

Recommended music: Breaking Benjamin – So Cold

On this #SomethingElseSunday post from the archives, we’ve got a Masters of the Universe collaboration with Eternian Epic Imagery. This week’s theme is “Evil Horde.”

This image was my first contribution to the “Eternian Epic Imagery” group on Instagram. If you search for it, you’ll find all kinds of cool pictures with this week’s Evil Horde theme. For my picture, I chose to share my Mattel Masters of the Universe Classics Battle Armor He-Man.

While I swapped out the MOTUC head for a custom one to get a little more expression, I still used one of my favorite MOTU figures to be at the center of the action. He-Man is surrounded by the Evil Horde in a nod to issue six of the 2013 He-Man DC comic, “Blood Ties”. He-Man certainly looks outnumbered, and I don’t think Mekaneck will be much help. Also, I’ll leave it up to the viewer to decide if that is falling snow or the ashes of war.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#EternianEpicImagery
#He-Man
#MastersOfTheUniverse
#MOTU
#ToyPhotography

Revolution Skeletek

Recommended music: Oingo Boingo – Weird Science

Happy Monday, MOTU fans! So this #MastersMonday finds us continuing our look at Revolution figures in the Mattel Masters of the Universe Masterverse line. Next up: Skeletek!

In the closing moments of the Netflix Masters of the Universe: Revelation animated series, Skeletor tries to attack the idol of Motherboard. This backfires on him as the statue comes to life and immediately infects Skeletor with a techno virus, as he turns to technology in place of magic in the Revolution series. This Skeletor 2.0 figure from Mattel features his transformed cybernetic version of himself with an oversized havoc staff ram head permanently replacing his arm, which is also reminiscent of the ‘snapping skull’ accessory for Terror Claws Skeletor. During the season, he uses this arm to infect Two-Bad and others with some sort of techno virus as well.

Mattel revealed this Skeletor and the rest of Masterverse wave 11 at San Diego Comic-Con 2023, a full five months before Masters of the Universe Revolution appeared on Netflix in January of 2024, with the wave hitting store shelves in the spring.

The sculpt and paint on the figure are similar to the cartoon, and Skeletor comes with 30 points of articulation, one alternate open hand, and his crown from the show. Overall, it’s a decent figure, and the oversized cybernetic legs definitely give me a Clone Wars Darth Maul type of vibe.

Masters of the Universe Revelation/Revolution turned four years old this year! I “figure” there’ll be a new figure from this series to share here for the rest of the year!

#ActionFigurePhotography
#MastersOfTheUniverse
#MOTU
#ToyPhotography