Mattel: Masters of the Universe Classics Club Grayskull Trap Jaw

Some characters have such strong designs it seem inevitable that their action figures will follow suit and always be great. Well, in all his years starring in plastic, Trap Jaw has never had a weak entry, and the new Club Grayskull figure certainly continues the tradition.

We are now into the second month of the new subscription giving us “Filmation” versions of the core MOTU contingent, and while this line did not start until February, we are already a figure ahead of the Collector’s Choice series, due to a delay involving the Vultak figure. Fortunately, Matty is not making us wait for our new Trap Jaw figure, and as I said above, he always promises to make for a great figure. The “Classics” style of these characters will always be my preferred style, so while this Fillmation execution serves as second fiddle, there is no denying the figures so far have been fantastic, despite the relatively small sample size.

Not to get sentimental or anything, but is has been literal YEARS since the last time we got a Trap Jaw figure. Even though the original Classics figure came out in 2010(!), it still stands as a very highly regarded figure and one of the best of the entire line. When Trap Jaw was announced for the Filmation line, I am positive many fans were thrilled with the simple opportunity to buy a re-up of a character that has been out of print for years, but Trap Jaw’s reputation of having a fantastic design made him an early contender for one of the best this year would have to offer. Well, even though he was only the second out of the gate, I am already putting him ahead of He-Man, and he is definitely one of the most fun figures of 2016.

After the original toys, Filmation stands as the strongest MOTU tie for me, at least in terms of nostalgia, so I have a lot good memories about this version of Trap Jaw, and, much like the old figure from the 1980s, his appearance on the old show was very memorable, and he held out as one of Skeletor’s main enforcers for the entirety of the run. Like most of his counterparts, Trap Jaw’s design held through, for the most part, in the show, but like the rest, the design was simplified for the animation process. This figure represents those changes, as well as the other design departures that were made for this show.

Trap Jaw follows He-Man in the streamlining of the details, as compared to Classics. This is most obvious in the furry shorts, the bracers, and the green belt, now left without the skull design insignia. Additionally, his “pants” and boot designs were changed drastically from the original toy, and that carries over here as well. One of the most striking departures was the addition of a great deal more of the hot pink color from Trap Jaw’s helmet carried into the boots and weaponry. The pink was already amped up compared to the color used on the helmet of the standard Classics figure, but when it is distributed throughout, it makes Trap Jaw and even more colorful and striking figure. While I am not sure I would want that in the standard toy design, but I do really like how it works here.

The articulation works pretty much the same as it does with the standard Classics figures, but that should not come as much of a surprise, considering that He-Man set the precedent a couple of months ago. Like He-Man, there are a couple of points that have not become standard for the line, which puts the total articulation count ahead of regular Classics, but this Trap Jaw also loses a point due to the cartoon design. Personally, I am a huge fan of the added articulation in the wrist hinges and ankle tilts. I know the latter caused some ruckus with He-Man, but due to the design of Trap Jaw’s boots, the rockers integrate into the design much better and do not break the lines as much as with He-Man. Since Trap Jaw’s main weapon is mounted to his arm, the ankles allow him to pose in a much more convincing fashion in relation to shooting his gun, and that gives for some dynamic looks.

 

Speaking of the gun, his literal one-armed man theme has always been one of his highlights, and even though, in conception, it is the same as it always been, there are some new gimmicks to be sure. Sure, due to the look from the cartoon, we lose the “elbow” joint in the weapon arm. The gun was shorter on the show, most likely to accommodate Trap Jaw’s constant swapping of various implements, so while it moves less, it is no less interesting. Now, the blaster carries over to this figure (a new sculpt), but the other two pieces are new. The most well-known new piece come in the oft-used energy bow. I am glad to have it, as the figure would have likely felt incomplete without it. As was the theme on the show, more humor was infused, and that certainly comes out in the form of the other piece, the flyswatter. Now, from a tactical sense, it it hard to even fake its effectiveness, but you cannot ignore how genius the comedic overtones are.

My favorite part of the figure is the head sculpt, though, and the Four Horsemen really nailed it this time, and it is not only accurate to the source, but it carries a ton of personality on its own. The signature jaw is more pronounced then before, and while the eyes are as crazy as they have always been, but the exaggerated eyebrows make his face a lot more expressive than ever before.

Now, speaking of the eyes, this would be the one place I would watch out for with this figure. Like the previous Trap Jaw figure, the little dot pupils have a “wandering” issue from figure, so while mine are fine, if you watch Robo’s video review (below), you can see that one is off-center on his figure. So, even though you won’t know it until he lands on your doorstep, watch out.

Overall, Trap Jaw is a great second entry to the new Club Grayskull line, and I think a lot of fans will be quite pleased with him. Always the fan favorite, Trap Jaw has built-in support, but the figure itself really did turn out nicely. The new articulation integrates nicely, and the style that is building with this subscription will definitely add a new dimension in terms of look on your shelf, especially once more figures start to hit. The big man himself, Skeletor, is up next, so be ready in June if you don’t have a subscription, these have been selling out really fast. While you wait, check out Robo’s video review, and thanks for reading: