The best of two toy universes collide...
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While the ever growing Masters of the Universe Classics toy line is exclusively being sold on Mattycollector.com, Mattel has devised a strategy to gauge retailer interest with new DC Universe vs. Masters of The Universe Classics 2-packs. These new Toys"R"Us exclusive 2-packs are a great way to expand the awareness of the MOTUC line among collectors who may not yet know about it.
The new 2-packs feature a unique combination of classic DC and MOTU elements which mesh together very nicely on the oversized blister package. The clear plastic clamshell features an embossed blast effect in between both characters which creates the illusion of the collision between both characters. The art work featured on the blister card front of both 2-packs is beautifully rendered in a classic Eighties style.
The comics are cleverly concealed inside a clear plastic shell behind a removable cardboard panel which is identical to the background art.
The back of the blister card features detailed character bios of both characters. The glossy paper insert features the MOTUC packaging bricks and the DC Universe blast colliding together along the inside of the clamshell which is not visible unless the 2-pack is opened. Perhaps this was the preliminary design concept for the 2-packs but was changed before production began.
The 2-packs basically consist of a repainted MOTUC figure and a basic DC Superheroes figure. The He-Man figure included with Superman is the corrected re-release version and features a lighter shade of gray on his chest armor, dry-brushed details on the hair, golden wrist cuffs, differently colored boots/belt/loin cloth and a silver shield with black rivets. This version of He-Man screams retro as a result of Mattel's choice of colors which mimic the colors used in the packed-in comic book.
The Skeletor figure from the 2-pack with Lex Luthor utilizes the new rereleased body with the corrected closed gripping left hand and is also painted to resemble his look in the comics. Skeletor's face is painted in a very bright yellow with pitch black eye sockets. The crossbones on his chest armor accented in a metallic purple and his armor and loin cloth is painted in one solid purple color throughout. Skeletor does not include his Havoc staff but does come with a semi-transparent yellow power sword. Both the Superman and Lex Luthor figures from the 2-packs are identical to their previous releases with the exception of Luthor who includes four differently-colored kryptonite rocks. Aside from that, there is nothing special about the DC figures. Although Mattel advertised that the Luthor figure would include his Kryptonite gun, it is not included.
While these new 2-packs do not offer anything new for DC fans, the repainted MOTUC figures, retro packaging and packed-in comics truly seal the deal on these sets. Both the Superman vs. He-man and Lex Luthor vs. Skeletor packs are available now exclusively at Toy"R"Us for $29.99 each.
For tons of new images of these 2-packs, CLICK HERE!
Review and Photos by Jorge Pelaez
Review Samples Courtesy of Mattel