If and when Panthor gets added to the ranks of MOTUC, he will not be flocked, says Toy Guru.

Yarg. I’d better jump in here. Haven’t seen everyone focus on just one answer so much, especially with so many other good questions!

To clarify, yes, we did indeed let fans at SDCC 2009 “vote” on the flocking of Panthor. The vote was about 60/40 in favor of an unflocked Panthor. And we did tells fans at the con that due to the close vote, we would look into doing a flocked and and unflocked Panthor. And we did that.

Now that we have looked into it as promised, and seeing the difficulty we are having flocking Moss Man, flocking Panthor just won’t work out. The reason the 80’s version worked well is that there was no articulation. The Battle Cat tool is riddled with awesome articulation and flocking technology just has not changed in the last 40 years. It just doesn not work with highly articualted figures. The flocking falls off when joints are moved. Period.

But in the end, we are not ready to move on any “large scale” beasts beyond Battlecat until we see how BC performs. So Panthor is not even slotted in the line yet. So no reason to jump the gun. Perhapes when and if we get to Panthor we could re-release him in a flocked version, but the first release will indeed be unflocked.

We will continue to listen to fan demand and suggestions, but in the end, putting out quality produdct is our first priority. I don’t think anyone wants a Panthor who’s flocking falls off after ten minutes of posing.

That Mattel isn’t keen to flock Panthor shouldn’t come as a surprise, given all the problems they’ve had with Moss Man. Obviously I’m fine with it–I’m all for nostalgia, but flocking is one of the things I really didn’t like about the original toys.

I mean, I also didn’t want MOTUC to have six points of articulation, swivel shoulders, or “twist-and-punch action,” so this goes right along with my thinking. But that’s just my opinion–what say you?

I’m not particularly excited about this bonus figure myself, but I know some of you are, so here’s the scoop, courtesy of Mattel’s Facebook page.

Here’s her bio:

Real name: Sharella

After the death of King Grayskull, the Power of the Universe was transferred from the Sword of He to the Council of Elders who hid it deep within his castle. Knowing the full sword was the key to channeling the power, they split it in two to prevent it from falling into the hands of evil. For five centuries they waited for a worthy heir to be born. During this time their spirit guide, the creature known as “The Goddess” of Eternia, trained secret heroic guardians to keep the two halves of the sword separated. Many of these brave warriors took the name “He-Man” in honor of the sword they protected – giving birth to many different legends of the protector of Eternia.

So there you have it–that last sentence alone explains both the early minicomics and, presumably, Wun-Dar.

For those of you who know nothing of the Green Goddess, she was the original concept behind Teela before the character was reworked, and even appeared as “The Goddess” in some of the earliest MOTU media, such as the minicomic “He-Man and the Power Sword.” Of course, it still doesn’t quite work due to the presence of Man-At-Arms, Teela and so forth, but I suppose one could argue the story in the minicomic is a legend that mixes up one of the earlier He-Men with our Adam-era He-Man. One could argue that–if one was a huge, huge nerd.

Oh, and where’d that name “Sharella” come from, you ask? Oddly enough, I encountered it earlier today when reviewing He-Ro’s original bio in the Powers of Grayskull Licensing Guide from 1987:

“Reared under the tutelage of his mentor, Eldor, and the tribal chieftess, Sharella, Gray was one day…” and so forth. That’s the only mention of Sharella (whose name keeps reminding me of Zurella from Merlin’s Shop of Mystical Wonders–not a good thing, but really my problem). It’s a bit weird, really–who is this Sharella and why is she mentioned at all? At least Eldor had a figure planned.

As for the toy, it has translucent green skin, but otherwise it’s a straight repaint of Teela that includes a new staff, Teela’s shield and He-Man’s harness, axe and shield (a reference to the aforementioned minicomic). For me, it just doesn’t have enough novelty to part me from my twenty bucks plus shipping.

Everyone’s favorite (burger) king is revealed in all his glorious packaging glory on Mattel’s Facebook page.

The bio reads:

Real Name: Randor of the house of Miro

King Miro’s second born son, Randor came of age during the Great Unrest, a time when conflict returned to Eternia following the Count Marzo Uprisings and the subsequent betrayal by his half brother Keldor. After the disappearance of his father, Randor was appointed captain of the guard and lead Miro’s troops in battle against Keldor’s growing rebellion. Randor eventually ended the battles by fatally wounding Keldor and locking his evil warriors behind the mystic wall. For this act he was appointed King by the Council of Elders. King Randor raises his staff exulting his rule over Eternia!

On a side note, I’m calling it: MOTUC Count Marzo in 2010.

Apologies for the late Webstor Day reminder–now that we’re on subscription, I’m less attentive to when the figures go on sale. Well, this month anyway. Next month I have Zodak and Ray to worry about. Anyway, if you’re not on subscription, you can order your Webstor at 12noon Eastern time right here. (more…)