With a huge back log of figures (and books!) that I want to take a look at, it’s going to take me a long time to do a full review of this newly released Moss Man figure from Mattel Creations.
So, why not do a shorter first impressions article?
Big! Not Flocked! Scented?
When early descriptions of this figure described it as “oversized”, they weren’t fibbing! Poor Moss Man has to crouch to fit in the box.
Continuing with the tradition started by the vintage figure, this one re-uses a number of parts from the first, deluxe New Eternia Beast Man. I wasn’t surprised at this but I am a little disappointed that so many parts are re-used considering the price.
Another thing that might disappoint some fans is that this figure isn’t flocked. This is something that I’m not at all surprised at. I think flocking such highly articulated figures can lead to headaches and I’d rather no flocking than bad flocking that sheds everywhere.
A few early reports online suggested this version of Moss Man might be scented, just like the original vintage figure. I can confirm though that it isn’t.
When I first opened the box, there was a very strong new plastic smell which I’m assuming is what fooled a few folks. It’s exactly the same smell that the Panthor figure released earlier this year had. It’s not a very pleasant smell at all but does fade pretty quickly.
Funnily enough, I’ve not noticed this smell with the normal retail releases. Only with the recent Mattel Creations releases.
Big Figure, Big Price
In the UK, this Moss Man figure will currently set you back £42 plus shipping. Bear in mind that the previous over sized figure, the Horde Trooper, was £32 plus shipping. Only released late last year, that is a big jump in price between the two.
Some of this can’t all be blamed on Mattel’s greediness, after all a lot has changed in the world over the last year, but a £10 price increase? Hmmm.
Worth It?
As I mentioned above, I was disappointed at the amount of parts re-use considering the price. After a closer comparison between this figure and the early New Eternia Beast Man, there are more subtle differences than I at first realised.
Their torso’s are slightly different for example, with Moss Man standing straighter than Beast Man. The back to back comparison photo further up clearly shows that Beast Man definitely has more of a hunch than Moss Man. The subtle differences continue into Moss Man’s limbs although again, they are clearly based on Beast Man’s.
This is the closest feeling I’ve had to buyer’s regret so far when collecting Masterverse figures. Now that I’ve got the figure in hand and can see the differences better, I am a lot happier. Having said that, I wouldn’t blame anyone for thinking that £42 is too expensive and I’d encourage Mattel to either throw in some extras to justify the increased price or see what they can do to keep prices down for international Creations customers.
