Tweeterhead Masters of the Universe Trap Jaw

Sideshow started this "Legends" series of MOTU statues back in 2016, and handed over the reigns to Tweeterhead that has continued the series since about 2021. And for MOTU fans, Tweeterhead have given us some of the best interpretations of these classic characters that have ever been produced.

I'm glad that Tweeterhead have taken this series to the next level. I've loved every one of their releases, and this new Trap Jaw is no exception. Click through below to watch my video review over on the Kool Kollectibles YouTube channel!

Thankfully there is no exclusive version for this Trap Jaw, so every release has all the swap out parts to tailor this just the way you like it. For me, I like to have that hint of the original cartoon style, mixed in with some new interpretations. So I decided to go with the classic, almost NFL-like, head sculpt as opposed to the new orc-like interpretation.

I also coupled it with the more basic hook arm that is also more reminiscent of the cartoon. Together, I think the two swap out pieces pay perfect homage to the 80s cartoon, whilst coupled with the incredibly detailed body and paint application of the rest of the statue.

Every single angle of this piece is amazing to behold. The blue of the skin texture brings that perfect burst of colour to offset the dark purples, silvers and greys, and the muted green and browns in other parts of the statue.

The dark purple of the base is almost grey or dark gun metal in hue, but it does fit in nicely with the older statues from Sideshow that have a slightly more purple tinge. The body of the statue itself is incredible, with sculpted details across the board.

I love the silver and grey metallic paint application for the boots and armour pieces. The browns for the leather sections looks great too, and matches well with the muted jade green in the thighs and belt areas. The swap out pieces are fairly easy to attach, and it all comes together beautifully.

The alternative cannon arm is very intricately detailed, and is monstrous in size. It's almost too big, but does give him a great menacing option for that more modern style. The alternate head sculpt has a nice little open mouthed growl to it, but it reminds me too much of orcs from Warcraft, so I chose the classic portrait instead.

Either of the options will still look incredible on display. The sheer size is impressive, despite some complaints that this series is only 1/5th scale, not 1/4 scale. I'm actually glad they're slightly smaller, and can fit more easily in my display cabinets.

The bad guys together from both the Sideshow and Tweeterhead simpy look amazing. As a MOTU fan from way back in the 80s, these interpretations are how I imagined them in my childhood brain to be. Tweeterhead have produced the perfect mix of adult mature aesthetics with that awesome nostalgic feel to the characters we love.

I've preordered the Beast Man exclusive from Tweeterhead, and cannot wait for that to arrive later in 2024. With teasers of Sorceress and Man-At-Arms, I hope this series continues to release characters from that awesome universe.

Collection photos - 2019 Quarter 1

Here are some pics I've taken of the collection over the past 3 months. It's been a pretty quiet start to the year, but hopefully picks in Quarter 2!

Sideshow Masters of the Universe Orko statue

Sideshow have not announced any further Masters of the Universe statues, so this new Orko may well be the last in their nice but brief foray into this franchise. And what a shame that would be, since this aesthetic style is great for those holding nostalgia for the original cartoon characters but wanting something a bit more modern in their display cabinet.

Overall the Orko is another nice addition to the series. Click the link below to check out my full video review on the Kool Kollectibles YouTube channel. Make sure to click that like button and subscribe to the channel :)

Packaging is simiar to the previous releases, and everything is packed nicely in the foam as you'd expect for statues in this scale. However, I'm not sure why the shipping cost from the USA is so expensive for this statue. It was actually more than the Evil-Lyn statue which I think is larger and heavier. That extra shipping cost and the 10% GST on top of everything put a dampener on that since I ordered from Sideshow to get the exclusive arm holding his magic book.

The base is nicely done in a similar style and paint app to He-Man. The sculpted detail and paint shading is done well, but it would've been nice if those rings were made of metal to give that extra premium feel to the base. The base feels pretty solid and doesn't feel too hollow.

The transluscent plastic for the smoke effect is also quite nicely done, and the gradual change in colour has a nice effect. The main body of the statue connects to that smoke effect via a fairly strong magnetic peg on the lower back.

The sculpting of the red gown has a nice flowing effect, and the various shades of red and black wash give it a realistic colourway. The detailing in the chest plate and belt are nicely done, with sharp paint application too.

The standard right arm comes holding his staff. It looks nice being held the way it is to balance out the statue's pose. This is unlike the book which is held too close (but more on that later). The head sculpt is also pretty nice. I wonder if some mixed media in the cowl would've been a nice difference, but getting those folds consistently made would've been tough.

The ears sticking out through the hat is a style not every fan will like, and I probably would've preferred just the standard cartoon style. But this is a difference that is still nicely done that fits in with the overall aesthetic of the series.

The exclusive comes with the swap out arm holding his magic book. The written detail on the two visible pages is actually quite intricate and is very realistically done. The only fault I have with the swap out arm is that the mold was changed in production from the prototype! The prototype shows the arm being held lower, similar to the staff holding arm, so that the book is held further away from the body.

But now they have the arm held higher and the pages of the book barely miss his right ear. The balanced look with the book held lower is much better. I contacted Sideshow about the difference in sculpt, and they said it was a production change that was made. No reason was given for the change, and they just offered a full refund if I didn't like it. I'll keep it, but it's a shame such a strange change in sculpt was made that negatively affected the way the statue looks on display.

The rear of the statue has some nice detailing in that chest/back plate. The sculpting and paint details on the eagle is nicely done. Overall, most things fit well and seamlessly on the statue to give it a nice dynamic style next to the other characters.

Here you can see some of the detail in the book. The sculpting and paint app on the hat is decent, but I would've preferred a straight red hat with no ears sticking out. Now that would've been a nice exclusive swap out accessory!

Displayed with the others, the current series of MOTU statues do look fantastic. The consistent style really stands out in the collection, and is a great mix of nostalgic details and modern twists. I really do hope that Sideshow and Tweeterhead continue this series and announce more characters in 2019. It would be a complete shame if they decided to stop now when the original concept art print had so many awesome characters to make!