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Introduction
The terrific Filmation style series of Masters of the Universe characters continued last month with the release of both Beastman and Evil Seed. Unlike the Masters of the Universe Classics, these figures are done very much in style with the old cartoon, from colors to sculpt, while still using most of the same standard body parts. While the designs are different, the scale allows them to fit right in with the sister line.
This pair was available through Matty Collector for $25 each, or just $20 each for
those that have a subscription. After market prices seem to be rising on these as collectors who were unsure or unsold in the beginning are starting
to warm up in greater numbers to the cartoon style.
Click on the image below for a Life Size version
Packaging - ****
The packages are very nicely done, with a lot of thought put into the design. There isn't a ton of personalization, but the basic look (with the
closed gate printed on the slip cover, and the open gate underneath, exposing the figure to view through the plastic window) is terrific. It's
fairly collector friendly too, although each one did have one rubber band to keep them in place during shipping.
There's even a nice interior backer card with appropriate artwork which I used for a number of the photos.
Sculpting - ****
Both sculpts look great, although I'm a bit partial to Seed.
It's not that Beastman is ugly or a poor match to the cartoon. He looks terrific in terms of appropriate detailing, right down to the very slight texture on his fur collar. He has removable armor over the standard body that adds additional visual pop, and the head sculpt is an excellent match to the source material. I even love the evil grimace, menacing without constipation. He stands the usual 7 inches tall.
But Seed is just so damn much fun, such a cool and different look, that he takes the edge. His legs, hidden from obvious view by the robes, show his true nature, made of winding, tangled vines. These end in 'feet' that are large and easily support the figure. The head sculpt has a dominant, leader quality to it, and he looks like a weed that is accustomed to telling others what to do. He's a big figure for a non-standard body, coming in at 7 inches tall at the point of his plant-like hat.
Paint - ***1/2
The overall quality on both figures is very good, particularly considering the price point, but I did have a nit or two with each one.
Evil Seed has a bit of an eye issue. The right appears to be looking down, while the left is looking up. It's not a major difference, but it's noticeable. And of course, once you see it you can't un-see it. The majority of the rest of the paint work is good, particularly around the colors of the face and hands. I did have one little blip on his lower lip, but it's quite small.
Beastman has the higher quality paint job on his face, with excellent work on the eye shadow, teeth, and facial coloring. He also has a bit of a wonky right eye, with a pupil that isn't quite perfectly round, but it's less of an issue in hand than Seed's wandering gaze.
His biggest issue will also be a big asset for some. It's the bright orange color, appropriate to the character for sure, but too cheap and toy-ish looking to me. Maybe it's because there's some variation between body parts - the hands are much darker than the legs, for example - or perhaps it's the matte finish that cheapens the look, or perhaps it's just because there's so much of it. Whatever the reason, I'm personally not a fan. The color of the face? Great. The color of the armor and fur? Great. The color of the body and limbs? Not so great.
Articulation - Seed ***; Beastman ***1/2
You won't be too surprised by the articulation on Beastman, although it is an improvement over the MOTUC series. And that's a good thing, of
course.
He would have the full four stars but the fur collar does restrict the ball jointed neck quite a bit. The rotating hinge shoulders, cut biceps, pin elbows, ab-crunch, cut waist, cut calves, ball hips, and pin knees all work as expected. The two joints with added mobility are the wrists and ankles. The wrists are rotating hinge joints, and the cuffs don't inhibit them. The ankles are hinge joints of course, but they added the additional rocker joint to get great side to side movement.
Evil Seed has a ball jointed neck with no impediment, rotating hinge shoulders, elbows and wrists, and something going on at the hips that allows for some basic movement. They are buried up under the robes so it's tough to see, and the robes themselves aren't going to allow any deep stances, but it's enough to get some tilt and lean in the poses.
Overall, they are both quite poseable and able to take realistic, natural stances. They can also use the accessories with most of the poses, adding to the shelf appeal.
Accessories - ***
Both come with two extras, if you don't consider the removable armor on Beastman as an 'accessory'.
He has his shield, as well as his whip. Both look good, and both can be easily held. They're pretty basic sculpts and paint work, but that's to be expected in this style.
Evil Seed has two extras as well. First, there's a hunk of rubbery plant material that attaches to his right hand. This extension takes full advantage of his 'power' of attack. He also has another circle of rubbery plant, perfect for wrapping around the shoulders and arms of any captured hero. This is a creative idea, and a terrific example of coming up with extras when there might seem to be none possible.
Fun Factor - ****
These are terrific toys first, great collectibles second. In fact, Mattel's understanding of what makes a great toy is what makes these great
collectibles as well, something too many companies seem to lose sight of.
Value - ***
Just twenty bucks on the sub? That's a ***1/2 star value, but I'm going to assume you paid the full $25. That's still a solid price,
considering that most figures in this scale at your local Target are $20 these days.
Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing.
Overall - ***1/2;
I have no vested interest in He-Man or MOTUC. I never cared for the cartoon, and still don't. But I really do love the action figures that
Mattel has produced, and this Filmation variation is an excellent addition to the earlier MOTUC series.
Evil Seed was *this* close to a four star figure, and I expect he'll be on my short list for best in this scale at the end of the year. Beastman isn't quite as impressive - that cheap plastic look is getting in my way - but he's still a solid release in the overall series.
Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ****
Sculpting - ****
Paint - ***1/2
Articulation - Seed ***; Beastman ***1/2
Accessories - ***
Fun Factor - ****
Value - ***
Overall - ***1/2
Where to Buy
Matty Collector is the place to pick these up initially. Online options include these site sponsors:
- or you can search ebay for a deal.
Related Links -
Earlier this year I looked at the Filmation style Trap Jaw, and the last regular release figure I
covered was, ironically, Evil Seed.
I might have not covered much MOTUC in the last year, but I've covered lots before that, including Scorpia, the wall display units, Blade, the huge Castle Grayskull, Lord Dactus, Icer, Octavia, Snake Face, Jitsu, Ram Man, Mosquitor, Castle Grayskullman, Rattlor, Mekaneck, Sir Laser-Lot, the cool Griffin, Slushhead, the excellent Draego, Kobra Khan, Sorceress, Demo-man, Fearless Photog, Snout Spout, Wind Raider, the large Megator, the giant Tytus. Leech, Icarius, Clawful, the Faceless One, Catra, Sy-Klone, King Hssss, Vikor, Buzz Off, Grizzlor, Roboto, Gygor, Chief Carnivus, Whiplash, Orko, Count Marzo, She-Ra, Optikk, Evil-Lyn, Moss Man, Trap Jaw, Adora, Scare glow, Teela, Man-at-arms, Hordak, Zodac, Faker, Mer-man, Stratos, Webstor, Tri-klops, and starting out with He-man, Skeletor and Beastman together in one review.
- I also covered Battle Cat and Panthor, the big kitties.
- check out the cool MOTUC Display stands.
- I've also looked at more weapons and the cool custom swords and shields you can get from SpyMonkey Creations.
You should also hit the Search Reviews page, in case any other applicable reviews were done after this one was published.
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This product was purchased for the review by the reviewer. Photos and text by Michael Crawford.
