The first Masterverse Vintage Collection release for 2026 is Teela. Only available via import in the UK at online shops like The Whole Shebang (hmm, looks like this Teela is out of stock at the moment!) and as a Walmart exclusive in the US.
Does this Teela look familiar to you? I mean, beyond being a classic-looking Teela that is! Let’s get into that…
Deja Vu
Anybody who is collecting Masterverse will probably know that in autumn 2025, Mattel released a Teela figure as part of the New Eternia sub-line. Although the new Eternia sub-line is known for it’s sometimes quite different takes on characters, this version of Teela stuck fairly close to her classic look. Nothing wrong with that. After all, not every New Eternia figure has to be a huge departure from a character’s classic look. The New Eternia Man-at-Arms figure being a good example.
The thing that’s puzzled me though is the timing of the release of this Vintage Collection Teela. It really isn’t very long after the release of the New Eternia figure and the two figures look really similar!
Which Teela is Which?
Both figures use the same basic body which doesn’t help. You can’t really blame the designers for this though. Unfortunately the Masterverse line only really has two female figure plans to choose from: The older one as used with the Princess of Power She-Ra figure and a newer one which is taller and has more defined muscle details.
This latter one was used for both of these Teela figures down to including the same bracers, bracelets and boots with just the colours changed up.
The leotard on both figures do have different details if you look carefully. The Vintage Collection version is simplified as it’s sticking closer to the original 1980s figure design. Having said that, at a glance you’d be forgiven for thinking these are the same.
There Are Some Differences Though…
Although the accessories are similar for both – snake armour, shield and staff plus an optional spear for the New Eternia version – these do differ from each other in the finish and details.
For example, New Eternia Teela’s accessories are all moulded in a lovely shiny bronze coloured plastic. While the Vintage Collection Teela’s accessories are moulded in a reddish brown colour with the shield having a more metallic finish to it.
Both sets also have different details and sizing. If you look at the snake armour on Vintage Collection Teela, it flares out more around the head compared to New Eternia Teela. The snake head design on the New Eternia Teela’s staff is much larger than the Vintage Collection equivalent.
Under the (Cobra’s) Hood
The Vintage Collection figure does have an ace in the hole though. If you take the snake armour off, it’s clear that this Teela’s head is very different. It’s wearing a golden helmet which apart from providing an alternative look for Teela, makes it easier to place the armour over Teela’s head.
Not only that, there’s a second head which has the classic hair up with a tiara look for Teela. This isn’t the same as the head for the New Eternia version. The hair isn’t quite as long and the face sculpt is different.
Once the accessories are on the figures, they really do start to look different to each other.
Worth It?
Quibbling over two figures based on the same character looking too alike does seem like madness! However, the closeness of their releases really has me scratching my head in puzzlement. With the benefit of hindsight, perhaps the New Eternia version should have gone for more of a 200X flair in the design?
Still, this Vintage Collection Teela is a great looking version and if you’re able to grab it you won’t be disappointed. For anybody who already has the New Eternia figure, I’d say stick to that. The New Eternia version is pretty faithful to the classic design so you won’t be missing out on a on that front. Additionally, it has some nicely made accessories. I’m a big fan of the bronze-like finished Mattel went for with New Eternia Teela!
Small note regarding availability: I mentioned at the top that this figure is a Walmart exclusive in the US. At the time of writing, folks have been having a hard time ordering this figure from Walmart. Orders getting cancelled along with Walmart shops not stocking the figure. This may well work itself out over time but the New Eternia Teela certainly seems to be the easier one to get!
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