Mattel revisits the 200x Cartoon Era with a new Tri-Klops in its Masters of the Universe Origins series.
The latest developments in the action figure world come with a sense of nostalgia and new surprises, especially for those tracking licensed lines and reinterpretations of beloved characters. From Mattel’s expansion of Masters of the Universe Origins to new faces in Sonic figures, the current landscape offers intriguing releases for collectors.
Masters of the Universe Origins: A Nod to 200x
In a notable update for fans of the 200x Masters of the Universe cartoon, Mattel continues to expand its Masters of the Universe Origins with a new Cartoon Collection, recently adding Tri-Klops to its roster. As Action Figure Barbecue points out, this figure is a throwback to the early 2000s “Hyper Anime Detail” style, which was once retired. This highlights Mattel’s shift towards embracing multiple eras of the franchise, reflecting nostalgia-driven trends within the toy industry. It’s worth noting that, alongside Mattel, Mondo is also tapping into this era, although with a higher price point that might deter some collectors.
Sonic and the 8-Bit Nostalgia
In another nostalgic move, Jakks Pacific has released a new 2.5″ figure of Amy Rose in an 8-bit style as part of the Sonic the Hedgehog line, as announced at an SDCC presentation and quickly followed up with availability at stores like Macy’s and Toys R Us. As reported by She’s Fantastic, this addition comes after the digital figures line has previously been dominated by male characters. Amy Rose represents a meaningful expansion of representation within this retro line, tapping into a playful nostalgia for the pixelated art forms of classic gaming.
Stranger Things Continues to Influence
Another significant yet not entirely fresh addition comes in the form of a new 4” Eleven figure from Jazwares’ Stranger Things Season 5 lineup. As She’s Fantastic notes, the Eleven figure is clad in 80s workout gear reminiscent of a Goonies influence, capturing the ongoing retro cultural references that Stranger Things is famous for. Although the figure isn’t a novel reveal, it underscores the sustained impact of the series on action figure lines, likely appealing to the ever-enthusiastic fan base of the Netflix phenomenon.
Introducing Count Ironmoon
Lastly, a collaboration between Fresh Monkey Fiction and Big Bad Workshop brings about Count Ironmoon, part of “The Order of the Crimson Moon” set in a 1970s universe involving a Transylvanian werewolf cult. According to Action Figure Barbecue, this line stands out with unique storytelling while sharing parts with other lines like “Operation: Monster Force.” Although heroes in the story remain unrevealed, the thematic connection to classic British Action Force figures offers an enticing proposition for collectors interested in narrative depth and character lore.
Overall, the latest action figures continue to blend nostalgia with innovative updates, keeping collectors engaged with both familiar and fresh offerings.
