MOTU CLASSICS SET 1

It's been a long wait but Super7's first set of Classics figures have finally arrived. They're formally using the designation Collector's Choice, which is a name Mattel introduced to distinguish the Classics from their Filmation counterparts. I don't think the name contributes much, but the distinction is very important, and there is some concern that Super7 is favouring Filmation at the expense of the Classics aesthetic. It's probably a bit premature to judge, but we'll need to be vigilant.

Does this set – comprising Quakke, Fang‑Or, Hawke and Lodar – support that complaint? Possibly in the form of Hawke, who has a very plain design and looks completely at odds from her counterpart, Stratos. (We also know the trend is continuing in the next set, with two out of the four characters following the Filmation look.) However, the Classics style is firmly in place with most of this set, and I hope Super7 takes those strengths into future waves and keeps the Classics concept thriving.

This wave is actually very diverse in terms of source material. Quakke is from the New Adventures line. Fang‑Or was conceptualised during the lifetime of the Classics. Hawke is a cartoon character. And Lodar comes from the third series minicomic, Slave City! It's my hope that the other key characters from that story – Garn and Princess Rana – are produced before long. Some of the best MOTU characters come from the minicomics and the early DC comics.

QUAKKE is from my least favourite faction. As with most of the NA figures, he looks gormless, but I suppose that's the point of the mutants. The space alien style doesn't work in the Masters of the Universe. But this figure can't be faulted for the attention to detail. As an example of toy design he's very impressive. I like how the pipe on the right arm attaches neatly to the hole in the elbow joint. It's a thoughtful sculpt. One of the better NA figures, even if I can't help pronouncing his name as 'Quack'.

FANG-OR is a new Snake Man and a really impressive design. He was supplied with two heads, the second having much shorter fangs. That made him an obvious army-builder character, and I bought a few extra for that purpose. The sculpt is superb, the gold paintwork is eye-catching, and the flying serpent is a great accessory. To me this figure represents how the Classics can legitimately introduce new characters as long as the designs respect the origins of the MOTU. Super7 can be proud of this one.

HAWKE, as mentioned, is the controversial character of this set. The issue is not the introduction of a character never made before – that's part of the ethos of the Classics – it's the execution. She's a little dull, although not to the degree I'd anticipated. A second head was included which is different only in the hair colour and style. The idea was to create a second character, Delora. (Not the human character of that name who appeared in The Siege of Avion and To Tempt the Gods!) Try not to look at her crotch.

LODAR looks really good in Classics form. I love the reappearance of a legendary character's arm plates, now repurposed as shoulder armour. The dark lilac skin colour might have benefitted from some shading, but it works quite well. There are spikes on the soles of the boots which are a minicomic-accurate detail. Lodar is a great villain, and Super7 have done a very good job in bringing him to the line. I love the purple spikes on the mace, and the inclusion of the chain set means Lodar can imprison his victims just like in the Slave City! minicomic.