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Review of Rattlor - Masters of the Universe Classics action figure

Mattel
Date Published:
Written By:
Overall Average Rating: 3.5 out of 4

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MOTUC Rattlor action figure by Mattel

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Introduction

The Masters of the Universe Classics keep on trucking, with the October release of Rattlor. Another of the Snake Men, Rattlor had an extending neck back in the day. With other characters like King Hiss and Kobra Khan already produced, Rattlor seems like a pretty obvious choice.

He sold out pretty quickly at Matty Collector on the 15th, for the usual (for now) $22. This is a series that you need to keep up with in advance - if you wait for the reviews, you'll miss out, at least at retail price.

However, there's a pre-order going on right now for what appears to be a damn cool play set - Castle Grayskull, done up with all the bells and whistles of the 21st century. Matty is about half way to the quantity of pre-orders necessary for the set to go to production, and this is your chance to get in early. It ain't cheap at $250, but it has the potential to be an amazing play set.

Click on the image below for a Life Size version
MOTUC Rattlor action figure by Mattel

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Packaging - ***
I don't think it's possible to really discuss this packaging one more time - it's pretty much just what you've seen for the last several years.

It is nice to see the Snake Men sticker on the front, and they personalize the back in a way, showing shots of the other snake related MOTUC figures.

MOTUC Rattlor action figure by Mattel

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Sculpting - ****
Another amazing sculpt from the Four Horsemen. They've taken that basic Snake Men style and the concept from the old She-Ra version and created this cool amalgamation.

The heavily textured skin looks great, and while the expression is a bit over the top, it works with this character. He stands great on his own, and the large snake-like tail helps in that regard. The end of the tail is actually shaped like the rattle on a rattlesnake, adding to the overall impression of reptilian danger.

If I had one complaint, it would be that the eyes are a little too far forward. It looks fine from the front, but from the side it's a little off putting, making him a bit more like a wolf than a snake. But this is a very minor nit - adding this guy in with the other Snake Men is a highlight of the week. I gotta get out more.

MOTUC Rattlor action figure by Mattel

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Paint - ***1/2
This is a colorful snake, not unlike many in nature. He's predominately red, but there's plenty of blue and pale yellow as well, giving him a very vibrant, eye popping look.

Cut lines are clean and sharp, and colors are consistent. The eyes and teeth are a smidge sloppy, but overall I'm very happy with the final look.

MOTUC Rattlor action figure by Mattel

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Articulation - ***1/2
This figure has all the usual MOTUC articulation, and it's not restricted by the particular sculpt. The ball jointed neck could tilt a little more, but it's still a decent joint, and the extended neck swaps easily enough.

The large tail actually allows for deeper and more extreme poses, since it can support him when his center of gravity is off kilter. There's also an extra joint on the tail, allowing it to turn. I've heard it's removable, but I couldn't get it to pop off. If you try, take care!

It's also worth noting that the end of the tail also 'rattles'. Yep, shake him and it makes noise - ain't that just the cutest damn thing?

MOTUC Rattlor action figure by Mattel

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Accessories - ***
There are technically three accessories - the extending neck, the arm band, and the funky snake staff.

The staff has a cool snake wrapped around the center pole, with the same sort of pissed off expression as Rattlor himself. It fits in either hand, and is very sturdy and solid.

We just had a long necked MOTUC figure last month, but Rattlor isn't quite as giraffe-tastic. The neck adds a couple inches to his height, and it looks pretty seamless.

Finally, he also has what is supposed to be a Horde arm band. It fits nicely over his bicep, but it can also be used on either the long neck or regular neck as a choker. Yes, I know that wasn't the intention (and I even got it upside down in at least one of the photos), but it does work and might be a look you like.

If you're a subscription member, you'll also get a nifty sticker sheet that says "Great Rebellion', just for you Princess of Power fans. It comes in the white box, outside of the actual packaged toy.

MOTUC Rattlor action figure by Mattel

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Fun Factor - ****
These snake related figures make for some great toys. Kids don't even have to know about MOTU to appreciate the cool look, and having the start of a reptilian army with the various releases so far makes them all the more fun.

Add in the great sculpt, decent articulation, and the extending neck, and you've got a great toy overall.

Value - **1/2
Yep, I'm finally getting accustomed to the $22 price tag, at least enough to call it 'average'. And then they'll raise it - you just wait and see.

MOTUC Rattlor action figure by Mattel

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Things to Watch Out For -
I did have a pretty stuck left wrist, something I normally don't see with these figures. As always, take a little care breaking any stuck joint free, especially wrists, since they can rip.

Overall - ***/2
If you've picked up King Hiss and Kobra Khan, then you have to have Rattlor. Could you have Moe and Larry without Curly? I didn't think so.

With a growing gaggle of Snake Men on the shelf, it's making for a terrific theme. Personally, I really like the snake designs, and the extended neck and rattling tail make for an even better toy.

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

MOTUC Rattlor action figure by Mattel

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Where to Buy 
Obviously, you should have picked this guy up on the 15th at Matty Collector. Your best bet now is:

- where he is $35.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
Seems like we just got a MOTUC figure with a long neck - Mekaneck! Other past reviews include the 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.

Discussion:
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MOTUC Rattlor action figure by Mattel

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This product was purchased for the review by the reviewer. Photos and text by Michael Crawford.

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