Action Figure Review: Mantenna from Masters of the Universe ReAction by Super7

    Today I'm checking out another member of the Evil Horde from Super7's Masters of the Universe ReAction line: Mantenna! Like with the rest of the Horde in this series, Super7 has opted to go with a more Filmation inspired look rather than a toyline inspired appearance. I wonder why, since the line usually seems so inspired by the earliest years of the toyline? Anyways, Mantenna is still easily recognizable and definitely more lovable here. He's just such a lovable loser in the Filmation series that you can't help but feel bad for the poor guy. Mantenna stands out not only because of his unique appearance but also because he features an action feature, something that doesn't often happen in this line (Mekaneck has a working neck while Scare Glow actually glows). Let's check out this evil spy with pop out eyes after the break...

 The Facts:

Height: 3 3/4ths inches

Articulation: Swivel hips, swivel shoulders, a swivel head, and sliding eyeballs.

Accessories: None

Non-Scalper Price: $15 dollars 

 The Positives:


* Modulok is a really nice looking figure. Whether you like the old Kenner style of action figure or just like the Filmation character design, I think Mantenna is a pretty big success. He might look a little more modern than figures from the original Star Wars line but I could see Mantenna being a figure from the mid-late 1980s, more along the actual era of the Filmation series. His collar, Horde emblem, and furry trunks are all sculpted elements with neat, clean paintjobs.

* The headsculpt is excellent. Seriously, it's almost as good as the Club Grayskull Mantenna! I love the shape of the head and the subtle details on the ears. Of course, the eyes are also just killer. Seriously, Mantenna looks excellent with those massive eyes!

 * Here's where the action feature comes in: Mantenna has a small tab on the top of his head which allows you to slide his eyes in and out. It's amazing how fun such a little feature is! I think action features get a bad wrap because so many of them in the 90s devolved into punches and kicks that ruined a figure's articulation or unnecessarily huge missile launchers, but it's amazing how addictive a fun, non intrusive action figure can be on an action figure. My daughter just got one of the new Netflix She-Ra dolls and we've been having Mantenna face off at She-Ra by shooting his eye rays at her!

*  If you've ever picked up a retro figure like this, you know what to expect: 5 points of articulation and all swivel joints. Mantenna feels very well made and sturdy.  Super7 has been very consistent in the quality of their ReAction lines over the past couple of years and has perfected the style. 

 * Mantenna is supposed to have four legs but, like the vintage Mantenna, the ReAction versions legs are sculpted so that it looks like he has two legs, but each leg is actually supposed to be two separate legs. It's a cool effect and definitely seem accurate to how a hypothetical Kenner styled MOTU figure would have turned out.

 * The card art on most ReAction figures released by Super7 is beautiful and their Masters of the Universe line is no exception. Mantenna features an awesome illustration from Jason Edmiston of the character with a new Fright Zone background.  I like how the Evil Horde got their own unique backers. To preserve the card I actually made a slit in the top of the blister so I can slide the figure in and out. It work great and allows the figure to be displayed inside and outside of the card. I've got mine hanging on a metal pegboard similar to what you'd see in a retail store!

   While Hordak might alwas be dropping him down through a trapdoor, Mantenna has managed to climb to the top as one of my favorite MOTU ReAction figures. He's bright, colorful, well sculpted, and simply just fun to play with! I love that his eyes pop in and out! I do wish he included a crossbow like the vintage figure but, still, he's one of the best in the series. I've still got a few more from the most recent series to check out but Mantenna might just be the best of the set. We'll see in the days ahead if he remains the man(tenna), or if he gets dethroned. He's a Great and a 1/2 release!



  
If you're a fan of Mantenna, go stand over there and check out the MOTUC Mantenna or the Filmation inspired Club Grayskull Mantenna.


For more Masters of the Universe ReAction figures, check out the following:
Evil-Lyn
Faker
Grizzlor
Hordak
Hordak (Grey)
Man-At-Arms (Movie)
Mekaneck 
Mer-Man (Carry Case Colors)
Orko
Orko (Cartoon Colors)
Ram Man
Ram Man (Mini Comic)
Scare Glow
Skeletor (Los Amos)
Skeletor (Midnight)
Slime Pit He-Man
Teela (Shiva)
Trap Jaw (Cartoon Colors)