For Masters of the Universe Classics, the mantra of the 2015 Club Eternia subscription has been “Complete the Vintage lineup.” That is definitely true, and we are rumbling towards December when the final vintage MOTU figures will get their appropriate updates, but don’t think that for one second that is the ONLY thing going on with Classics this year. Nope, last month the “Club 200X” add-on subscription began, and since the name is not at all deceiving, this mini-sub is allowing us to add a lot of characters, like Callix and Veena, to our collection. It also, thanks to this August-shipping club exclusive, is giving 200X fans a chance to repurpose many of their Classics figures into the more modern look via the Heads of Eternia pack. If you are a fan of this era, this release is going to be a dream come true.
For the very first time, a subscription-exclusive figure is not actually a figure, but rather a collection of new heads. That is pretty remarkable for a couple of reasons: first, we were told that the likelihood of getting a package of heads was slim due to the “morbid” quality of it (believe what you will), and second, this is an actual outlet to make Classics figures, well, less “Classic” and more 200X. What I mean is, with the exception of some early releases where a figure got an alternate head, the Classics aesthetic for all vintage line figures has been based on that original 1980s look. Since that was something that we were told (at one time) was off the table due to a management directive (again, believe what you will), I think an entire splice of fandom had given up hope of anything like this ever happening. Sure, we would get 200X characters, but a method to repurpose existing figures is pretty remarkable based on history. However, from a demand perspective, it is not really remarkable at all — this set makes sense because there has been a demand and people were willing to buy it.
It was a shrewd move making this the subscription exclusive too. The only way you were going to be able to guarantee getting this was to sign up for the whole hog, so I am positive there were plenty of subscribers that did so just for this. While it is certainly good bait for the 200X sect, it was also a merciful move for those that do not have interest in this look because it does not fall inside of the main subscription. That makes it win/win as far as I can see, so if you are into this, get ready to make some swaps, if not, well, you probably aren’t reading this anyway.
I will comment on each head individually, but, honestly, this set came out as close to flawless as you can probably get in an action figure line. I mean, I get that this just a head pack, but all of the sculpts are spot-on and the paint is crispy clean with colors that match the intended base figures. Plus, I know that a lot of the highly demanded characters are getting service here, so the demands/suggestion put out there by the collector community did not go unheard. If I had to give one general warning about the set as a whole, it is that these heads are made of a pretty rigid plastic. That is not really a big deal, but just be careful when you make your head swaps. I don’t foresee anyone breaking anything, but you might have to give an extra push to get them to full snap on. Like I said, though, this is a very small thing.
So let’s look at each new dome individually.
Buzz Off
Yeah, this is a biggie, I know. The 200X Buzz Off had a much skinnier build than the original vintage, and the character design had a head that was more insect-like, and like all 200X figures, it was a lot smaller proportionately. I think they did a good job of taking the 200X look and slightly adapting it to the Classics feel. It has been widened and made a bit bigger proportionately (but maybe not *quite* enough), and that was really a must due to the proportions of the Classics bodies. As far as I can see, this head is exactly what has been demanded and it does a nice job fitting in with the existing base to give a 200X look.
Snout Spout
This head is going to win a lot of people over simply for the fact that it is made entirely of durable plastic. The original Snout Spout head has a “foam” trunk that is decaying in many instances, so to have a version more permanent is certainly a step-up in that regard. Now, I don’t think the Snout Spout look is quite as successful as Buzz Off in the aesthetic carryover into Classics, but it fits the source material really well. There are a LOT of tech details on the face and trunk, so it might stand out a bit on the more simplistic body, but if it does, I am sure it will be forgiven thanks to the more modern look and durable materials.
Sy-Klone
I have to say, Sy-Klone is batting a 1.000 when it comes to head sculpts in the Classics line. His vintage look has one of the nicest face sculpts in the entire line, and this head follow suit perfectly. Frankly, I think this is probably the most successful of all of these heads (or at least tied for the honor), and the added design details still fit with the base well, especially when you add that big ring doodad to the mix. The sculpt really is beautiful, so I see a lot of conversions with this, and if I were going to swap in any of these heads, it would be this one.
Roboto
Roboto has a fairly plagued history in Classics. The original figure was released during the time when some figures were getting alternate heads (and he didn’t get one), and a lot of collectors have experience cracked torsos with their figures. For many, this might be the start of better times for the character, but, frankly, I think this is the least successful of all of the included heads. I know the overall design of the 200X Roboto is very popular, but on the Classics base, I don’t think it is completely successful. The head feels small to me, and much too thin, plus I am not a huge fan of the head design overall, so this version isn’t really for me. The jaw does move, so that is great, but I am just not feeling this one as much. Your opinion, of course, will likely be different.
Grizzlor
Ah Grizzlor, your Classics figure was released with everything you need to make the vintage version, as well as the 200X version… except for this head. Oh, it was even shown in some early promotional photos before it was announced that it was originally axed, and it was probably due to budget concerns. So this is a long time coming for a lot people, but it has finally arrived. I think it is executed pretty perfectly, so you can dress your Grizzlor with his new head, swords, and loin cloth. I don’t particularly care for this look for him because I don’t think it looks NEARLY as savage as the vintage version, and that is central to the character. In my opinion.
Clawful
Clawful is going to be another big winner for this set. Clawful gets split across a hard line of opinion more than just about any figure out there in terms of looks, and for the characters included in this set, he is going to be the runaway winner for a lot of people. I know some people have a strong dislike for the vintage design, so this should help rectify any injustice they might be feeling. The sculpt is prefect and the red matches perfectly. More than any other of the included heads, I think this Clawful mug has been adapted into the Classics style the best while still maintaining the 200X look.
All right 200X fans, this is your set and I know they just started shipping, so you won’t have long to wait now. I think for the purpose this is trying to serve, this is a pretty brilliant set. Roboto is the only head I am not overly keen on, but that might just be me. I will likely not use any of these in lieu of the vintage looks, but, man, they are all pretty much perfect. If you are Club 200X member, you should be getting your set soon, but if not, it’s off to eBay for you!
*Thanks for reading and thanks to the Matty Team for sending this set out for a preview!
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