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Review of Spikor
Masters of the Universe Classics action figure

Mattel
Date Published:
Written By:
Overall Average Rating: 3.5 out of 4

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MOTUC Spikor action figure by Mattel

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Introduction

Masters of the Universe Classics keep cranking along, amidst rumors of their demise. Those rumors have been constant since they first debuted, and I have to say that one of the highlights of this summer's San Diego Comic-Con was Mattel's MOTUC display. Where other displays disappointed - others even from Mattel, like Cars - the MOTUC line has some strong releases coming out.

The July release was Spikor, a figure that was a tail-ender back in the eighties. On the cartoon, he never used his spiked club, although both his original release and his new release has one. His left arm was sometimes a trident, sometimes not, and this figure allows for those multiple looks.

He was the usual $22, and is sold out at this point.  Matty Collector has their 2013 subscriptions available right now (until 8/6), and there is talk that getting any of the new releases next year without a sub will be more difficult than in the past.

Click on the image below for a Life Size version
MOTUC Spikor action figure by Mattel

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Packaging - ***
No changes to the package - no surprise there, and that consistency is often valued by MOCers who are looking for a clean display.

MOTUC Spikor action figure by Mattel

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Sculpting - ***1/2
After a couple iffy releases for me, this guy gets back to everything I love about this line. A funky monster evil dude with a bad skin condition - how can you go wrong?

This is an odd use of the He-man boots, but then I'm not an expert on the character. The torso covering is a bit clunky, looking more like what it is - a cover over the actual torso than a second skin. Purists may have an issue with this, but I'm cool on all accounts.

Spikor is the usual 7" height, and fits in nicely with the rest of the series. I think he's a particularly good addition to the evil side of the shelf.

MOTUC Spikor action figure by Mattel

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Paint - ***1/2
The eyes are a little clumpy, but it's an extremely minor nit. For the most part, everything is very clean, very sharp, and very consistent.

I like most of the color choices too, other than the rather goofy orange club. The silver trident makes for a nice contrast, and the bright eyes shine through. Even the white fangs, often a source of frustration, are cleaner and neater than usual.

The head and chest are a slightly different color than the torso, arms and legs, but I think that's on purpose. I like the differentiation, as it calls out the spiky sections a bit better.

MOTUC Spikor action figure by Mattel

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Articulation - ***
All the usual articulation is here, but it's a bit restricted by the overall design this time.

My favorite joint, the ball jointed neck, is perhaps the most effected. It turns just fine, but most of the tilt action is stolen by the body 'armor'.

The pin/disc ball jointed shoulders and hips work well, along with the single pin elbows and knees. There's cut wrists, a cut waist, pin ankles, cut shins at the boot tops, and the usual ab-crunch. Although the torso is covered with the spiky plating, it doesn't restrict the ab-crunch entirely.

The left hand swaps pretty cleanly between the regular hand and the two different tridents.

MOTUC Spikor action figure by Mattel

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Accessories - ***
There's no extra head this time - you know how much I love it when they throw in an extra portrait. But that didn't really work for this character, and instead they went with different looks for his left hand. There's a regular gripping hand, along with a short trident and a fully extended trident. As I mentioned earlier, they swap pretty easily, and I had no fear of breaking a wrist joint.

Along with the three 'hands', there's a large spiked club. It can fit in either hand pretty well, and has some serious size. The orange color is a bit goofy, but it's no deal breaker.

MOTUC Spikor action figure by Mattel

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Fun Factor - ****
Like most of the figures in this line, this is a true action figure. There just aren't enough good toys on the shelf like this any more - solid articulation, great play value, cool looking character - kid's are missing out.

MOTUC Spikor action figure by Mattel

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Value - **1/2
Just as I start to get accustomed to the $22 price point, they'll raise it on me again. It looks like 2013 will see another increase, and my score here is probably going to drop once again.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing!

MOTUC Spikor action figure by Mattel

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Overall - ***1/2
Yea, the spiky torso looks goofy, but this line is all about the goofy. The pig face covered in spikes looks terrific, and this is the sort of character design I like best when it comes to Masters of the Universe Classics.

The line looks strong going into 2013, but it's going to require getting a decent number of subscribers for Matty to keep things rolling. Don't forget that your chance to pick one up ends on August 6th!

Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ***
Sculpting - ***1/2
Paint - ***1/2
Articulation - ***
Accessories - ***1/2
Fun Factor - ****
Value - **1/2
Overall - ***1/2

Where to Buy 
This was the July Matty Collector release, and is sold out now of course. However, you can swing by ebay to hunt one down, and get ready for the August 15th release.

Related Links -
I've covered a lot of the newer MOTUC releases:

- last up was the cool Griffin.

- other figures include Slushhead, the excellent Draego, Kobra Khan, Sorceress, Demo-man, Fearless Photog, Snout Spou, Wind Raider, the large Megator, the giant Tytus. Leech, Icarius, Clawful, the Faceless One, Catra, Sy-Klone, King Hssss, Vikor, Buzz Off, Grizzlor, Roboto, Gygor, Chief Carnivus, Whiplash, Orko, Count Marzo, She-Ra, Optikk, Evil-Lyn, Moss Man, Trap Jaw, Adora, Scare glow, Teela, Man-at-arms, Hordak, Zodac, Faker, Mer-man, Stratos, Webstor, Tri-klops, and starting out with He-man, Skeletor and Beastman together in one review.

- I also covered Battle Cat and Panthor, the big kitties.

- check out the cool MOTUC Display stands.

- I've also looked at more weapons recently.the cool custom swords and shields you can get from SpyMonkey Creations.

You should also hit the Search Reviews page, in case any other applicable reviews were done after this one was published.

Discussion:
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MOTUC Spikor action figure by Mattel

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This product was purchased for the review by the reviewer. Photos and text by Michael Crawford.

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