Review of The Faceless One action figure
Masters of the Universe Classics

Introduction

I don't know about you, but I like my face. It's not a particularly handsome one, but it's served me well for a long time now, and I'd be mightily bummed if I didn't have it.

I was driven to these thoughts by the release of  the latest Masters of the Universe Classics figure, The Faceless One. However, this guy doesn't really know what it means to be 'faceless', since he does have one. Now, if you want to see faceless, check out this guy - THAT'S faceless!

Regular readers know that while I'm a huge fan of the Masters of the Universe Classics action figures, I'm not a huge fan of the Masters of the Universe. Yes, a paradox, I know, but an intriguing one to be sure. It gives me a rather unique perspective in the series, if nothing else.

The Faceless One is Evil-Lyn's pop, but I don't think this character was ever part of the original cartoon or toy line. I might be wrong - no big surprise there - but I believe he wasn't introduced until the 2002 show. That would make this figure sort of a classic interpretation of a modern character, with modern enhancements...it's enough to make your head explode.

He was the June Matty Collector release, and retailed for the usual $20 plus shipping. Of course, he's long sold out now, but you may get a pretty decent deal on him through ebay or one of the listed sponsors at the end of the review.

Packaging - ***1/2
If you've been following along with the series so far, there's nothing about the packaging that's going to be a surprise. For MOCer's, that's a good thing, as that sort of consistency makes for a better looking carded collection. If you're an opener, you probably couldn't care less if you tried, so you're happy too.

It also helps that the original retro design is eye catching and attractive, and there's the usual background text included on the card back. Whether that's of value or not may depend on whether you're happy with the latest revision of the character.

Sculpting - **1/2
I have no particular tie to this character, but then I don't have any particular tie to any of the characters. I generally judge these based on how cool the design and execution is. Sadly, this time around it really isn't doing it for me.

This is largely due to the huge cape he's wearing. While this is technically an accessory, he's pretty much nekkid without it. And when he wears it, he looks weirdly stubby. The head is practically hidden, and while it's just as large as any other in the series, the cape makes it look tiny.

Take away the awkward cape, and the head sculpt looks much better. The skull-like appearance works well, and there's enough detail overall to make him visually interesting. It's just that huge cape giving him a goofy appearance.

Paint - ***
The colors are bright and clean, but there is a little bit of slop around some of the cut lines, and there is nothing about the overall appearance or level of detail that wowed me. The two toned torso looks odd to me, and there's just not enough detail work this time around.

My favorite feature in this category is the translucent pinkish horns on the skull on top of the Havok Staff. The light passing through makes it look terrific, and adds quite a bit to the staff.

Articulation - ***
Without the cape in place, you get the usual excellent articulation. Ball jointed neck and shoulders, pin elbows, knees, ankles and ab, cut wait, hinge hips, cut waist, cut wrists - it's all here.

However, with the cape in place, you lose quite a bit of the posability. I've already complained about the cape, but the issues carry over here, since it restricts the head and shoulders.

Fortunately, the joints are all tight and solid, allowing the figure to hold up the heavy cape, and work well when it's not in place.

Accessories - ***
The aforementioned huge cape is an accessory of sorts, since it's easily removable. I like the figure better without, so that's a good thing. But since it is such a key aspect of the character (and he looks pretty bare without it), I've already did my complaining (and deducting) in the Sculpt section.

There's also his two magical items - the Havok Staff and the Ram Stone. Both have excellent sculpts, although the paint detail is almost non-existent. I'm not quite sure what's so magical about the hood emblem off a Dodge Ram pickup, but who am I to judge.

The sculpted left hand is designed to hold the stone perfectly, and he looks great with it in plenty of poses. The staff fits in the right hand too, and both look good in his grasp.

That's it though - no additional heads this time around, and no additional weapons.

Fun Factor - ***1/2
Whether or not you like the design, this is still a well done toy. This is the sort of thing that I wish we had with every mass market action figure series.

Value - **
I've been feeling a bit better about the $20 price tag this last few months, but that's because the figures have included some great accessories, including extra portraits. No such luck here, and the price tag is a bit more of a hit this time around.

Things to Watch Out For -
No worries about breaking or damaging anything.

Overall - ***
I almost dropped this overall another half star, largely because it's the least interesting figure in the series to me so far. I really don't like the cape design, but without it he's not particularly interesting. It's a catcha 22...

I stuck with the B score though, because the cape issue is really one of aesthetics, not quality. It's quite possible that you'll like him more than I, particularly if you were a fan of the 2002 cartoon version.

Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ***1/2
Sculpting - **1/2
Paint - ***
Articulation - ***
Accessories - ***1/2
Fun Factor - ***1/2
Value - **
Overall - ***

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
I've covered many of the MOTUC releases, including:

- the most recent, Catra.

- prior was Sy-Klone, who sadly, wasn't one of my favorites.

- just prior to that I looked at Panthor, the big kitty.

- King Hssss was last month's release.

- prior was Vikor, and before that the very yellow Buzz Off.

- Grizzlor was November's release.

- the previous month was the swapped shoulders Roboto.

- Gygor makes other big monkeys look silly.

- another character with animal instincts is Chief Carnivus.

- just before that was Whiplash.

- Orko was the SDCC exclusive this year.

You should also hit the Search Reviews page to find many more MOTUC reviews from the past and in case any other applicable reviews were done after this one was published.

Discussion:
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