It's time for the final figure from series 6 of Masters of the Universe Origins so get yourself ready for a look at another take on the Lords of Power Beast Man. This figure is really a repaint of Beast Man from the 2020 Power-Con Lords of Power set but I was surprised to find that I actually like the colors on this version better. It looks closer to the artwork of Mark Taylor, the designer and creator who passed away on December 24th, 2021. Read some books about Masters of the Universe or watch some of the documentaries available and it's clear that the creation of MOTU was a group effort. While credit must be given to Roger Sweet, I (and many others) credit Mark Taylor with not just designing the line but with bringing the heart and soul to it. Just look at the artwork of Mr. Taylor and you'll automatically recognize that he had these ideas in his mind and in his art for years prior to the line being pitched. It's really cool to see the Lords of Power Beast Man get a mainstream release so let's take a look at him after the break...
Height: 5 3/4ths inches
Articulation: Swivel/ hinge ankles, calf swivels, swivel/hinge knees, balljointed hips, swivel waist, swivel/hinge shoulders, swivel/hinge elbows, swivel/hinge wrists, and a double balljointed head.
Accessories: Harness and belt.
Non-Scalper Price: $16-$18 dollars
* The series 6 Lords of Power Beast Man is on the left while the Power-Con 2020 version is on the right. The Power-Con version looks more like the Lords of Power toy prototype while the single carded version, with it's yellow/ gold armor and darker red fur, looks more like Mark Taylor's art. Don't these guys look like the best wrestling tag team you've ever seen?
The Positives:
* Beast Man looks far more fearsome in this figure than he does in so many others. His armor is large and imposing and he looks far more regal than the Beast Man we're used to. This guy doesn't look like he'd take any crap from Skeletor. Seriously, if I didn't know any better and you told me this guy was the boss and Skeletor was his lackey, I'd believe you. The darker red color is really nice and just gives this version of Beast Man a completely unique feel.
* Like I said when reviewing the Power-Con version, Beast Man's new headsculpt is far more savage than the vintage toy and his teeth are massive. You could almost use this guy as another character if you wanted to. Maybe he's Biff Beast Man's older brother, Buff Beast Man!
* The armor is really quite impressive and looks great in this golden yellow color. The medallion on his chest is smaller than on the vintage Beast Man but it's much sharper looking, definitely cleaner. He's also sporting some major spikes on his shoulders. They're crazy looking! Imagine him running at you with those!
* The ornate belt is a removable piece as well. The star design on is reminds me more of the standard Beast Man medallion than the necklace he wears on his chest on this figure.
* I love the claws mounted on the wrists of this version of Beast Man. These are way better than the small claw he's always worn on his right knuckles. These are both ornate and look pretty lethal in a fight.
* The MOTU Origins figures are built like the vintage toys but with more modern articulation. While their bulky frames make the articulation a bit clumsy, they do feel like an evolution of the vintage line. Imagine what you would get if you mixed a vintage figure with a MOTUC figure. They're quite fun to play with and they feel very sturdy.
* Each figure in the series also comes with a mini comic. Yes, an actual minicomic. Everybody gets the same comic but it's a cool way to familiarize kids picking up these figures with the characters.
* They're also modular and can be easily separated to make your own lazy boy customs!
* Ummm..... Is Beast Man going commando? Because, seriously, why are his belt and furry trunks unpainted? If the belt had at least been painted then I could expect that he's just a furry animal, like a Wookie or something, but this is just odd. Yeah, the belt covers up some of it, but it's still noticeable. Maybe this is the special "Party Beast Man" variant?
* Beast Man still has the weird bootie feet that the standard figure has. This would have been a great opportunity to make some more savage looking animal feet, especially since that's what the Lords of Power prototype had.
The Lords of Power Beast Man turned out to be a more exciting figure than I thought. I wasn't really looking forward to this guy as it seemed like just a standard repaint but he really turned out to be pretty cool in hand and a nice tribute to Mark Taylor's artwork. I still wish Mattel would give him some more beastly feet, though, as those smooth sock-like feet just look too darn weird. The unpainted trunks are funny, too. Weird. Still, he's a Great figure and a nice refresh of Beast Man.
I've reviewed so many Beast Man toys that he has his own review archive: Check out Beast Manor for lots of Beast Man toys and collectibles!
For more Masters of the Universe Origins reviews check out the following:
No comments:
Post a Comment
What'chu talkin' 'bout?