Review of Mekaneck - Masters of the Universe Classics figure

Introduction

You can say a lot of good things about the Masters of the Universe, but exceptional creativity in the names of characters is not one. September's release from Matty Collector is a perfect example.

What is special about Mekaneck? Hmmm...I wonder if it has something to do with his NECK! And I'm betting it's...MECHANICAL!

That'd be right of course, but the story has changed a bit over the years. Originally, his neck was a mechanical extending neck, more robotic in nature. However, the new bio mentions nanites, the ultimate Deus Ex Machina. By increasing and decreasing the number of nanites in his body (yes, that's actually what it says, and it makes even less sense than the old story), he can make his neck extend. Why just his neck? The mind reels.

This guy is sold out at the site of course, but you can always hit the secondary market to snag one. He was originally $22, and word is that retail prices will rise again in 2013.

And to avoid missing out next month, remember that on the 15th they'll have Frosta, Cy-Chop and Rattlor!

Packaging - ***
The package is the usual - it has consistency on it's side. The label does tend to hide his head, but it's a minor quibble. The bio on the back is always appreciated if not always sensible, and the general retro look works for me.

Sculpting - ***1/2
The re-use of the majority of the body pieces on this series means that most of the visual interest is usually in the head sculpt. They do get creative with the armor on occasion, but it's really the portraits that give each figure it's personality.

Not so much this time around. The head is pretty boring in fact, with goofy silver goggles and just a peek of the standard masculine jawline. It's a snooze fest.

The normal figure stands 7 inches tall. Add the first neck, and he hits 9.5", and with the second he reaches a whopping 12.5"!

While the rather bland head sculpt takes this score down, the very cool work on the extended necks brings it back up again. It's unusual in this line to get a lot of surface texture and design, so the machine appearance on the neck adds quite a bit of visual pop.

Paint - ***
Didn't we just get a red and blue figure? Yes, yes we did. It was a bit boring last time - it's not getting less so. With such broad colors and so little detail, it's a less interesting design.

The silver highlights are helpful, but they also tend to be gloppy in spots and a bit thick in others.

The best paint work is on the extended neck, where the gray washed finish looks very mechanical. It brings out the detail quite nicely, and improves the overall appearance.

Articulation - ***1/2
All the usual articulation is here, and most of it works well.

The body joints - ball shoulders and hips, pin elbows, ankles and knees, cut wrists, waist, biceps and boots - were a little stiff and tight, but I had no trouble freeing them, and once I did they weren't overly loose or wobbly. The torso armor does render the ab-crunch moot.

The ball jointed neck is where the head pops off, and allows you to pop on either of the two necks. The process works smoothly, and there's plenty of tilt, turn and lean at the body itself. The head doesn't have quite as much range of movement, either on the body or the extended necks, but it's still reasonable.

Accessories - ***1/2
You end up with three accessories here, two necks of varying lengths and a club.

The club was not part of the original show, but it did come with the original figure. They incorporated it into the 2002 show, and it's great to see it here as well.

The two necks allow you to extend the neck 2.5 inches and 5.5 inches. An actual extending neck would be cool, but most likely cost prohibitive. This alternative works well enough, although I'm sure some folks will have an issue with it. Doing it this way also means that there's fewer moving parts, with less chance for it to wear out or break.

Fun Factor - ****
This line is always fun, and his name might be about as uncreative as you can get, but the silly neck concept is actually a pretty good play idea. The necks swap easy enough, so even smaller kids can do it without help. Who wouldn't appreciate an action figure than can peer over the couch cushion fort wall?

Value - **1/2
I'm just getting accustomed to the $22 price tag, and word is it will be going up in 2013. And yes, my value score will drop, unless they come up with some way to give me a bit more for my money.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing!

Overall - ***1/2
Yep, it's all about the extended necks - they make the figure. Without them, he'd be a pretty boring addition, and displaying him without one of the two necks would be a bad idea. He's not going to be one of my favorites of the series, but he's got just the right amount of kitchsy silliness to make him a nice addition to the shelf.

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

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
Last month, there was Sir Laser-Lot, and before that we had the cool Griffin, Slushhead, the excellent Draego, Kobra Khan, Sorceress, Demo-man, Fearless Photog, Snout Spou, 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 recently.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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