Action Figure Review: Skel-Knight from Masters of the Universe by Mattel

 

   The 2026 Masters of the Universe movie is now out and I had the chance to see it on Thursday night. I absolutely loved it! It's an incredibly fun and colorful love letter to the property filled with fun Easter eggs and deep cuts for the fans and I look forward to speaking more about it in the days ahead. This is not a review for the film, though, so I'm not really going to delve into much that I would consider a serious spoiler but I'm definitely going to talk about some things from the film. Instead, this is a review of the Skel-Knight figure from what is being referred to as the Masters of the Universe "Core" series by most collectors and retailers. What's that mean? This is kind of the main movie branded line that's targeted to kids. It's affordable, has an assortment of vehicles, playsets, and role-play items to support it, and it's absolutely tied to the film (whereas MOTU Chronicles and Origins are getting movie figures, but they're already or will probably evolve into more expansive lines). While geared towards kids and coming it at around $11 dollars each, I think most collectors have been surprised at how decent these figures are. Some of the sculpts are really impressive (though Mattel has done Teela dirty) and the figures are quite fun. I've had my eye on the Skel-Knight as one of my first pickups as these army builders are technically a new concept for the movie (though Skeletor has had skeleton troops before). NOTE: What I talk about from the movie here will be related to Skeletor's army and the Skel-Knights. Ready to check this guy out? Then join me after the break...

The Facts:

Height: 5 3/4ths inches

Articulation: Swivel/hinge knees, balljointed hips, swivel waist, swivel/hinge shoulders, swivel/hinge elbows, swivel/hinge wrists, and a balljointed head.

Accessories: Sword and robe.

Non-Scalper price: $10-$12 dollars

The Positives:

* Skeletor has a diverse army of troops in the film. There are some random evil Eternian henchmen, his crew of powerful Evil Warriors (Evil-Lyn, Beast Man, Trap Jaw, Tri-Klops, Goat Man, Spikor, Karg, and Pig Boy), some troops similar to the Hover Bots, and the Skel- Knights. These guys are featured in multiple battle scenes and while they don't appear weak, our heroes do wipe floor with them many times. Clad in black robes with greyish armor, this is a pretty impressive looking figure that has that muscly, sinewy body type of a Spawn figure. The armor isn't removable but it is a separate piece permanently attached over the torso. The bone effects are dry-brushed on, making the armor appear more ornamental and not like actual bone. It's a very classic look that definitely captures the barbarian fantasy look with a bit of a medieval fantasy feel. 

* There is an army of Skel-Knights in the film and the faces are different. Mattel has an upcoming MOTU Origins Skel-Knight with swappable heads and weapons. This guy gets an unusual face with a barbute inspired helmet to protect him. He's got deep sunken eye sockets but his nose and face look very inhuman. The bone plates on his face are quite intimidating, making his appearance fairly distinct. 

* Here's a shot of the Ske-Knight from the back so you can see the detail and paint effects on his armor, pauldrons, and his removable robe. The helmet also has a segmented armor pattern to it. 

* The Core line comes in at around $10 to $12 dollars each, which is pretty cost effective these days. The articulation is limited, but it's really enough to be fun while keeping them affordable. With swivel hinge or balljoints at most places, it's doubtful that most younger kids are going to ask for much more. They're fun to play with and you can easily remove the Skel-Knight's robe to retain his full hip and knee articulation. These are sturdy, affordable, and fun. Not a bad toy to have on the shelf for kids who see the movie or just have an interest in the designs. 

* The Skel-Knights have different weapons in the film but this guy comes with a pretty cool sword. The sculpt is incredibly cool with a lot of detail and a rather unique design for the blade and hilt.

   Is this guy as nicely sculpted, as impressively painted, and as well articulated as a Masters of the Universe Chronicles figure? Of course not. But, at less than half the price, why would he be? For about the same price as a MOTU Chronicles figure, a kid can pick up three of these movie figures. The Skel-Knight has a neat design that's unique to the movie and provides a villain for kids to have He-Man and friends toss around. This guy is a Great figure and well worth picking up if you're a MOTU collector or building a collection for your kids who are into MOTU.




I really hope Mattel expands the Core line because it does feel a bit more limited than it should be. Right now, you can't really build a complete collection in any one line. Hopefully the movie will do well and these lines will have a chance to grow?


Looking for more of the Skel-Knights? I've also reviewed the Masters of the Universe Origins Skeleton Warriors which are similar skeletal soldiers of Skeletor.