“Badass” MOTUC?

February 3, 2011 | Poe

Here’s an interesting tidbit. DeviantArt artist Noxious1 has posted this Masters of the Universe Classics art, evidently commissioned by Mattel for use in an internal presentation. Later in the comments, he writes:

It was for internal presentation uses. I was basically commissioned to take the characters and their designs from the newly released “Classics” line and make them (and I quote) “BADASS” so I tried and I think it turned out pretty swell. If it were up to me I would redesign most everyone but for these costumes I got to do what I wanted with them. Very pleased with the outcome 🙂

So here’s my question…why did Mattel want to make MOTUC “badass”…? Please begin speculating wildly…NOW.

Edit: Lemonjuice McGee makes a good point–this may have been part of a pitch to a potential licensing partner. Perhaps they’re trying to interest THQ (or the brand managers and THQ are trying to interest Mattel higher-ups) in a MOTUC videogame?

Vote for the Poester Award 2010!

February 3, 2011 | Poe

It’s past that time of year again…yes, I’m running extremely late on my 2010 awards. Nonetheless, I’m determined to go through with them, and as always, this year there will be a Poester Award.

The idea is simple: choose your favorite figure that I reviewed this year. I did not include any guest reviews, for the simple reason that I don’t count guest reviews when writing my own awards. If I included the guest reviews, we might not get the fun of seeing you all disagree with me.

Anyway, click here to vote!

Voting will go until 11:59pm Sunday, February 6.

Bandai’s 8″ Classics Lion-O unveiled

February 3, 2011 | Poe

Toynewsi has what appears to be a rough but large scan from promotional materials of the 8″ Thundercats Classics Lion-O. The article adds that the figure will have 18 points of articulation and come with a with long Sword of Omens, short Sword of Omens, and ThunderClaw glove.

I have to say, the sculpting on that figure is pretty darned good…I wonder whose it is. Anyway, while I’ll be passing on the 4″ line, I’m in for this one.

MOTUC Bio Discussion #35 > Buzz-Off

February 3, 2011 | Poe

Inspired by He-Man.org’s Roast Gooble Dinner podcast, welcome to PGPoA’s latest MOTUC Bio Discussion!

Buzz-Off Bio

Real Name: Tzzzzt zzz zzTTTzz

Heroic King of the Andreenidsâ„¢, a bee-like species closely related to both the Kexâ„¢ insect people and the Arachna Spider-Warriorsâ„¢, Tzzzzt’s race evolved into fierce warriors, guarding their home and their ambrosia honeycombs with stubborn dignity. Although he initially preferred to keep his people’s neutrality, a sky war initiated by Skeletor gave Tzzzzt more than enough reason to ally himself with King Randor’s Masters of the Universe. He often partners with Mekanek using his wings for airborne spying missions.

Portrait Art Source: Original card back

I think the most painful thing about this bio is that it repeatedly refers to Buzz-Off as “Tzzzzt.” They actually managed to make one of the goofiest MOTU names even goofier, and then they doubled down on it. (more…)

Pic of the Day

February 3, 2011 | Poe

apollo Z - Mighty Mugg

apollo Z – Mighty Mugg by partnumber88

Odds ‘n Ends > February 1, 2011 (Updated)

February 1, 2011 | Poe

  • I finally remembered to pick a winner in the Parasite/Hawkgirl contest–it was Reverend Ender. Congrats, RE!
  • The blog Collider has hi-res pics of some of the Bandai Thundercats toys. No pics of the 8″ Classics line yet, though. You can also see the full product list here.
  • It looks like Bif Bang Pow‘s second series of Lost figures may not be produced due to low sales. No surprise there. Look, I don’t want to bag on BBP; they seem like decent guys who really love toys. But Mego-style Lost figures was a bad idea from the start. And now Lost itself is pretty passé. To BBP: Please move on to 6″ non-Mego style Venture Bros. figures. (from Island of Lost Megos, via OAFE)
  • And also make a Prince Vultan for the Flash Gordon line–heck, make it Mego style if you have to, I don’t care. But I think we’ve all waited long enough for a winged action figure of Brian Blessed in kitten heels. (I’m deadly serious here.)
  • Mattel has asked a few websites, such as AFI, to put together a list of QC/engineering problems with the DCUC/MOTUC lines and present them, with pics, at NYTF. Since I’m going, I don’t mind spearheading an operation for this here on PGPoA, if people are interested. Let me know below, and if you are, I’ll put up a specific post and email address for submissions.
  • Update: NOW I remember what my last Odd/End was going to be: the Sword of Ages and the Dread Axe of Darkness will be returning this month!