We promised you more from Alessdandra, didn’t we? Well, here we are and as an added bonus, we have a quick interview with the artist herself!
Just incase you missed Part I of this feature, you can read all about Frosta and Mantenna HERE. Now, we promised we would have look at a VERY in-demand character kit, and, to be honest, I think at this point in time, Alessandra’s version of Hordak is about as demanded as it gets right now. It is timely, for sure, and the official Mattel release at this past San Diego Comic Con did not hit all of the marks with many collectors. Well, as seems to be the case more and more these days, several 3rd Party folks jumped at the chance to bring us a real Filmation Hordak, and Ale has brought one of the best!
In addition to Hordak, we also have a look at two versions of He-Man and an all-new 200x version of Beast Man. To start, I want to say that all of the craftsmanship and quality present in the previously-discussed Frosta and Mantenna continues with these pieces, and the “Filmation” He-Man and Hordak kits might be the most factory-like custom pieces I have ever seen.
Now, since Ale has been kind enough to answer some questions for us, and the pictures really speak for themselves, I am going to be fairly brief with most of my comments. As you can see, little needs to be said because these are all fantastic so be sure to visit her Facebook page.
“FILMATION” HORDAK
Well, old Hordikins didn’t really get the full Filmation treatment with his SDCC figure, and while we can chalk that up to budget or just not how the aesthetic will fit into the proper Classics line, Filmation fans have been in search of something to supplement the factory figure. I actually really like the production figure from the neck down; it is a pretty great take on the look if you ask me. Additionally, I don’t mind the repainted Hordak head either, it is just not what really “goes” with the rest of the figure.
I have seen several great kits featuring this look for Hordak, but as you can see, Ale nailed it. I mean, this might be the best direct translation of the Filmation Hordak model to 3D I have ever seen. I got to watch her process play out as she shared pictures of her works in progress, and she made a few tweaks based on feedback from her followers that really helped put this kit over the top. If Mattel ever attempts a Filmation Hordak for themselves, the bar has been set pretty high here.
I think the shape and expression of the face is dead-on, especially for Hordak in the opening sequences of the Princess of Power show. The white is brilliant and the lines of the more “cyborg” facial structure is portrayed in sculpt and some subtle paint highlights. Additionally, the bone collar brings it all together and completes the look. I think this is something that is probably overlooked, but I love how these two pieces sew up the entire figure and makes for my new default display version of Hordak.
“FILMATION” HE-MAN
As you will read in the interview below, not only is He-Man Alessandra’s favorite MOTU (proper, as in, not counting PoP) character, but Filmation is her preferred canon. Again, a lot of great customizers have done some amazing things with a take on Filmation He-Man, but there is something about Ale’s that separates it from the pack.
I think it might be the hair shape and expression in the eyes; this just looks like the cartoon version of He-Man that is instantly recognizable. The coloring used for the hair is spot-on as well, and the bright tone makes it stand out. If you haven’t seen this piece until now, I would be interested to hear your comments below because I really did think it was an official sculpt when I first saw it.
“VINTAGE” HE-MAN
Now, I know that the upcoming Oo-Larr figure will bring us a Classics interpretation of the vintage He-Man head, but Alessandra offers us something that we will not be seeing: a straight-up vintage take for our most powerful man in the universe. As you can see, it actually works really well, and I was interested to see how the eyes would blend with the rest of the line since they are solid colors (just like the vintage).
As you can see, it all comes together well, and when the head is on the Classics body, you can see that Ale captured something that I have not seen in a Classics He-Man yet — she nailed the shape of the vintage head. I know that might seem like a small thing, but it gives the figure that old “8-Back” feel, and I LOVE its look with He-Man holding his old axe and shield.
“200X” BEAST MAN
Now here is something unexpected! I did not know that Ale was even a 200x fan, let alone working on a head from that era. It is interesting that she chose Beast Man for her take and I am glad she did. I really like the more animalistic approach to the character’s details. This head, more than any of the others, really blends the look of the 200x design with the Classics aesthetic. While the Filmation and vintage pieces feel specific to those eras, this one seems like a Classics approach.
The expression is lifted right from the 200x figure and the paint on the piece is something to marvel at. Yes, it is clean and matches the colors of the Classics Beast Man body perfectly, but there is a level of detail in this head that is just amazing. I had to take some really close-up pictures just to show it all off, and the head holds up under intense magnification. I mean, look at the blue and the details between the teeth! Unreal.
To say I am a happy camper with these pieces is an understatement. I really cannot wait to see some of the things she mentions below because I want a LOT of Filmation characters, and it sounds like she will be helping out with that a lot. So, as great added bonus — here is out interview with Alessandra. Please enjoy and thanks, Ale!
Ale – thank you so much for joining us! To start off, can you just tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hello, thanks to you for the opportunity to join you here and talk about my passion with someone who can understand my feelings on this topic! 
I’m a ’80s children, born in Brazil but half Italian because my dad is from Sicily. I came to live in Italy twenty years ago, I always heard about Italy from my dad, grandma and grandpa so I knew early in my childhood that one day I would left Brazil. But my biggest dream was to live in the USA.
I used to love the language and was a good English student at school ( basic English is the secondary language kids study in Brazil). Currently I live in a small town close to the Adriatic coast called Tavullia, where the Italian motorcycle racer Valentino Rossi was born. I’ve been working as a sales agent for a company three years now, but before this I was a vet assistant for about six years. I share my home with Mina, my old baby dog, six cats (Mimì, Neo, Luna, Puky and Miky) and there’s also Corinna, a little bird I saved from Mimì’s mouth… they are all my children.
How long have you been a Masters of the Universe/Princess of Power fan?
Well, since I’m a 80’s children, it’s easy to you imagine that I grew up watching He-Man and She-Ra cartoon… and they were a big success in Brazil!
What introduced you to MOTU? What is your favorite MOTU era?
Definitely the Filmation era. So I consider myself a cartoon fan first and my first crush was for….. He-Man!
MOTU and POP has different factions, it’s a large universe and everyone can chose what they like more. I learnt that most of the times, what MotU fans like most is what they discovered first. For example, most of Brazilian fans used to watch the cartoon then they got the toy line later. This is why big part of them first recognizes the cartoon. In some countries kids got the toys first, then they watched the cartoon series and said “what the hell is that?!” Basically the same I used to say when I found the toys for the first time, especially the POP ones.
Who is your favorite MOTU character(s)? Why?
After She-Ra, definitely Madame Razz. Oh wait, she’s POP but now with Classics can we consider her MOTU too?
My favorite character from MOTU is He-Man himself. He is a nice guy, intelligent and has good principles. Talking about toys I have good memories about Beast Man, so he’s my favorite character from the vintage toy line.
Your work has a very “right from the factory” feel to it, meaning your kits seem so close to production, how do you get your work to be so clean and professional? You cannot even see any brush strokes!
That’s my goal as customizer, the best way to don’t have brush strokes is….. don’t use brushes, lol!
I use resin pigments, so that’s why you don’t see brushes strokes, the pieces comes out of the molds already in color and don’t need to be painted (except for details of course).
Do you have specific sculpting/casting and painting materials you usually work with?
I use lots of different materials. I sculpt with supersculpey, wax, clay, etc…I pick them depending on the project. Sometimes I just go and sculpt directly on the resin.
What kind of reference do you use when you create a new kit? Do you have a favorite media source? Frosta is pretty much a dead ringer for her Filmation look, but the 200x Beastman head has been adapted into Classics seamlessly. How do you do it?
My favourite media source is definitely the Filmation cartoon, but I just select what can be improved/added on a character by character basis.
What is your favorite thing about Masters of the Universe Classics?
I love the variety of characters and the introduction of some figures never released before.
What is your least favorite thing?
The bios! LOL! I just don’t think they are true to what MOTU and its characters’ nature is.
What do you think of the current Masters of the Universe Classics line?
I really, really looooooove it! We got some amazing releases on this line, as She-Ra Filmation styled, which I was waiting for since my childhood!
What got you into making these amazing add-on pieces?
The passion for these characters! The love for artistic work that I carry from my childhood: cut, paste, draw, paint… As adult I become a sorta of alchemist (hahahah) because I love to discover new materials, techniques and use them on the customization of the figures.
Do you have any formal sculpting or customizing training or experience?
No, everything I learn is due to my curiosity and passion. I’m an autodidact… But I will start a sculpture school this year 
Frosta is a piece that has gotten you a lot of positive attention (it is my favorite), what was your thought process in creating your rendition of her? It is spot-on.
Thank you!
We all know that Frosta has some issues on her Classic representation, most of them in my opinion it was about the factory paint. In fact my first touch on her it was a simply face repaint. Then I started to try some clay, learn how create silicone molds and reproduce my creations in resin. One day I decided to recreate her head, but I must admit that I got a very good base to start, the Four Horsemen’s one.
Since Frosta, you have completed Filmation He-Man, vintage toy He-Man, 200x Beastman and Filmation Hordak, how did you come to decide on these?
A simply desire to add my personal touch on certain characters or try a different technique or materials (as I did on Vintage Toy He-Man and 2K Beastman for example).
I know you are working on She-Ra right now, how is your working going?
She-Ra/Adora will have two different expressions. I must to make a new hair to finish her.
What figure do you want to tackle next in terms your own work? I can think of a few that could use some love and care.
I’d like to do new heads for Queen Marlena, Sorceress, fix her wings and complete a vintage toy She-Ra kit.
So far, you have created new kits for characters that already have figures in the Classics line. Do you have any plans for characters that don’t currently have figures?
Zilora, Snowflacke and Ileena comes to mind for MOTU, Melog and King Agho for POP.
What character would you most like to tackle that you have not started working on yet?
Probably some Movie ones, that would be interesting.
You current have a Facebook page for your custom accessories, what has been the fan response so far?
I always got positive response inside the fanbase, maybe due to the fact fans have been knowing me for so long and they feels the love that I put on my creations. I would like to thank them all for the support to my work and for their patience. I want to apologize for my lack of communication, I really didn’t expect it was so difficult to organize and keep track of everything, but I promise I’ll do my best to fulfill all the rquests I got!
Who are some of your favorite “3rd Party” customizers working right now?
We are plenty of talented artists around , Mat O’Tole, AKA Castle Of Power is definitely my favorite! I also love Evil Mike’s weapons and hand kits, they are fantastic!
Do you see this as a way for MOTU Classics to live on, even after the line ends?
Yes, definitely.
Scupltors are out there, 3d modelers are out there… Toys isn’t going to be only an exclusivity of big toy companies anymore, especially on collectors area. One very cool thing that shed some light on the future, was Hasbro, visionary as usual, wich created their Shapeways area, where fans can sell their creations inspired on Hasbro’s brands.
What do you think is the next development for Masters of the Universe?
I don’t know exactly what will come, I only hope they still Masters of the Universe, not something else…
What would you like to tell readers about the work you are doing today?
I’m trying to catch up with all the requests I got and I just would like to thank you everyone that patiently support my work!
Thank you!
Thanks to you Fwoosh!
*Many thanks to Ale for letting us run these features!
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