Future MOTU Origins Sketch Book Series Figures Part 2

With the confirmation that MOTU Origins Sketch Book Series Spikor and Sy-Klone, with his subsequent figure reveal, package reveal, and preorder, the door is wide open to explore other figure concepts that could make it into the line. Given Sy-Klone’s package reveal, we could see Two-Bad making it to the line, along with He-Man and Evil Incarnate (aka Skeletor) that were teased on Hordak and Grizzlor’s box art. We delve into the depths of MOTU concept sketches in an alternate reality of what could have been with our personal copy of the Power and the Honor Foundation book! We are featuring future MOTU Origins Sketch Book Series figures in part 2 with Dragon Blaster Skeletor, Roboto, Buzz-Off, and Two-Bad!

Dragon Blaster Skeletor

Although no notable action feature is revealed, a precursor to Dragon Blaster Skeletor was illustrated by Colin Bailey. The chains and the lock are identical to those used on the 1985 dragon-centric variant. It’s really cool to see some elements of the concept figures making their way into the vintage lines designs.

Roboto

In the year 1985, the action figure known as Roboto from the Masters of the Universe line was born of an earlier design by Ted Mayer, originally conceived as Transparent Man. Initially, save for his gloves and boots, the figure was envisioned to be crafted entirely of clear plastic. Though it may not be immediately apparent, an illustration from 7th July 1984 offers a glimpse into the character’s internal workings, showcasing the mechanisms within his chest. While the original design did not incorporate any overt action feature, the character’s transparent form, presumably with functional inner components, would have certainly presented a novel and captivating toy. As the design progressed and evolved into the Roboto figure we recognize today, only the chest retained its transparency, while the prominent internal cogs became the most distinguishing and memorable aspect of the final design.

Two Bad

The evil, double-headed strategist Two Bad started life as Schizo, one of Roger Sweet’s most beloved ideas. As one can see in the initial illustration (left), Sweet originally envisioned the character as half good and half evil, which would have resulted in an incredibly conflicted individual. However, somewhat understandably, Mattel’s marketing department was not sure how to present such a character and subsequently asked Sweet to make both sides evil (above) much to Mr. Sweet’s chagrin.

Buzz-OFF

Buzz-Off started life as the more humanoid character Bug-Off, who was also known as Wasp Man. Early Filmation model sheet designs suggest Mattel may have gone so far as to recycle He-Man’s head mold for this figure. Even though he only worked on MOTU a few times, Bailey’s designs made their way into both toy and animated form. He was also known for drawing comic strips featuring Mattel’s employees for fun.

A mock-up prototype was created around the He-Man figure.

Here is a back view of Buzz-Off showing show his wings work as you can flay them out or bring them down.