Asep Darmawan
By Cora Buhlert
The anticipation surrounding the upcoming live-action Masters of the Universe film has reached a fever pitch. With the official theatrical release set for June 5 in the United States—and a select few, myself included, securing seats for a June 3 preview—the cultural zeitgeist is once again dominated by the denizens of Eternia. To capitalize on this cinematic event, Mattel has unleashed a marketing blitz of historic proportions. From apparel and popcorn buckets to unexpected oddities like branded kitty treats, the sheer volume of merchandise is staggering. However, for the true enthusiast, the core of this campaign lies in the plastic: a brand-new, hyper-articulated line of action figures titled Masters of the Universe Chronicles.
The Evolution of Eternian Collectibles
The Masters of the Universe brand has always been defined by its toys. Since the inaugural 1982 line, Mattel has leveraged these figures as the primary vehicle for storytelling. The new Chronicles line represents a strategic pivot. While Mattel is simultaneously releasing a "Core" line—geared toward a younger demographic and featuring a smaller, more accessible scale—the Chronicles line is a clear love letter to the adult collector. Designed to replace the outgoing Masterverse series, Chronicles boasts increased articulation and a level of sculpt detail that attempts to bridge the gap between fantasy action and high-end cinematic realism.
The street date for these figures was April 25, and having pre-ordered the first two waves from Smyths Toys, I recently found my doorstep occupied by a substantial shipment. To provide a comprehensive analysis, I have split my review into two parts. This initial installment focuses on the "Heroic Warriors": He-Man, Man-at-Arms, and the formidable Battle Cat.
Packaging and Aesthetic Presentation
The Chronicles packaging is a masterclass in branding. Eschewing the enclosed boxes of some modern lines, Mattel has opted for window-box displays that highlight the figure and its accessories. The aesthetic is strictly color-coded: vibrant orange for the heroic forces and a menacing deep purple for the villains.
Beyond the colors, the design features a mirrored orientation, intended to suggest a face-off when the boxes are placed side-by-side. Each box displays the character’s name in both standard Latin script and a newly developed "Eternian" alphabet—a simple substitution cipher that eagle-eyed fans have already decoded, using it to identify the statues of ancient kings seen in the film’s promotional trailers. Additionally, the interior cardboard inlays feature artistic renderings of Castle Grayskull and Snake Mountain, providing a perfect backdrop for in-box display. Notably, the Battle Cat packaging features artwork by the acclaimed illustrator Simon Eckert, whose contributions elevate the product from a mere toy to a collectible piece of art.
The Most Powerful Man in the Universe: He-Man
In the upcoming film, Nicholas Galitzine takes on the mantle of Prince Adam/He-Man. The Chronicles figure is a remarkably faithful recreation of Galitzine’s onscreen appearance. The costume design reflects the film’s grounded, gritty aesthetic: the traditional furry loincloth has been replaced by a rugged leather kilt, and the harness features meticulously painted rivets.
The face sculpt is a significant improvement over previous Masterverse iterations. Mattel has clearly invested in high-quality digital printing to capture the likeness of the actor. However, the figure is not without its controversies. Collectors had long feared the "downsizing" rumors—that these figures would be smaller than the Masterverse and Classics lines—and the product proves these fears were grounded. While the smaller, 6.5-inch scale allows for more human-like proportions, it creates a lack of uniformity when displayed alongside older collections. Furthermore, the accessories are sparse; He-Man includes his iconic Power Sword, but lacks the traditional shield and axe, likely because they do not appear in the film. The interchangeability of the hands, which utilize a wrist-based peg, poses a potential breakage risk that collectors should approach with caution.
The Faithful Steed: Battle Cat
Battle Cat remains the heart of the franchise. His Chronicles incarnation is a significant upgrade from the static toys of the 1980s. The sculpt is incredibly detailed, and the inclusion of glassy, clear-plastic eyes gives the beast a predatory, lifelike quality. While the saddle and mask lack paint applications, the sculpt quality is high enough that the lack of color is barely noticeable. The jaw is fully articulated, and the figure successfully manages the "He-Man test"—Prince Adam can sit firmly in the saddle, a feat that has eluded previous iterations. Whether used as a display piece or a centerpiece for the Core figures, Battle Cat is arguably the star of the first wave.
A New Vision for Duncan: Man-at-Arms
The casting of Idris Elba as Man-at-Arms has sparked debate in some corners of the internet, but from a purely objective product perspective, the figure is a triumph. The inclusion of the iconic moustache is a welcome nod to the Filmation era, and the armor, featuring a weathered "Verdigris" wash, perfectly communicates a character who has spent decades on the front lines of the Eternian military.
The figure’s accessories—a golden mace and a small sidearm—are well-scaled, though the pistol is dangerously easy to lose. Unlike the He-Man figure, which felt somewhat stingy with its loadout, Man-at-Arms feels appropriately equipped. The build of the figure, much like He-Man, favors realistic human proportions over the barrel-chested, cartoonish look of the Classics line.
Implications for the Future of the Line
The Chronicles line serves as a barometer for the future of the Masters of the Universe brand. By shifting toward a "movie-accurate" aesthetic, Mattel is betting that fans are willing to sacrifice scale compatibility in favor of cinematic realism.
Key Takeaways for Collectors:
- Scale Mismatch: Chronicles figures are noticeably smaller and more proportional than the bulky Classics or Masterverse figures. They will not blend seamlessly into older displays.
- Deluxe Articulation vs. Quality Control: While the "deluxe" articulation allows for dynamic posing (even the "kissing test," as I’ve demonstrated), the joints can be stiff. Collectors should exercise patience—and perhaps use a hair dryer—to warm the plastic before attempting to pose these figures for the first time.
- The Price Barrier: At 32.99 EUR for figures and 42.99 EUR for Battle Cat, this is a premium line. For the casual fan, the Core line remains a better entry point, despite its simplified sculpts.
- Narrative Cohesion: The decision to lean into the "Multiverse" concept, as explored in the 2019 Masters of the Multiverse comic series, provides a convenient narrative justification for why these figures look different from their predecessors.
Final Verdict
The Masters of the Universe Chronicles line is a bold, albeit polarizing, step forward. It is a high-quality, meticulously detailed collection that prioritizes the visual language of the new film over the legacy aesthetic of the vintage toys. While the smaller scale and higher price point may alienate some long-term collectors, the craftsmanship on display is undeniable.
For the hardcore enthusiast, these figures are a "must-have" to commemorate the latest chapter in the Eternian saga. For everyone else, it may be worth waiting to see how the line expands and whether the cinematic interpretation resonates. As for me, my collection is already growing, and I look forward to putting the Evil Warriors to the test in the second part of this review. The war for Eternia has only just begun.
Rifan Muazin
Lina Hope
