Lion-O MOTU Origins ThunderCats In-Hand Images

We finally get to see Lion-O in-hand, and this MOTU Origins ThunderCats crossover figure does not disappoint! Thanks to some amazing in-hand photos from Mr. Home Arcade, we get a closer look at the Lord of the ThunderCats as he enters the world of Masters of the Universe. This release is part of Mattel’s wild and imaginative MOTU x ThunderCats crossover line, bringing together two of the most iconic ’80s franchises in one epic toyline. Standing at 5.5 inches tall with 16 points of articulation like the MOTU Origins figures we know and love, Lion-O features some incredible detailing on his armor and Sword of Omens, and comes loaded with accessories, including swappable armor parts, two hair styles, removable shoulder armor, face armor and claw shield! He went up for preorder back in April and if these pics don’t convince you get this figure, I don’t know what will so let’s dive into these Lion-O MOTU Origins ThunderCats images and see how this crossover cat turned out!

The packaging is outstanding and Roy Juarez and team did an amazing job! The illustrations look spectacular and combine the vintage MOTU and ThunderCats feels on the front and back of the card! Speaking of the back of the card, we can see Lion-O’s face up close in stunning detail as he grasps the Sword of Omens as he battle’s Skell-Ra

Lion-O is wearing his iconic blue ThunderCats outfit with a molded chest harness that includes the red and black. The head sculpt captures Lion-O’s signature wild red hair, and his facial expression includes painted details like his eyebrows and ThunderCats insignia on his belt add to the classic feels!

His boots and trunks are rendered in matching blue, and he wears a gold claw on his left hip.

Here is a comparison pic with his original test shot and the produced figures and we are so happy with how it came out! The freckles and yellow paint from the original are gone, leaving classic Lion-O!

Here is what Lion-O looks like sans his hair peice!

Lion-O is geared up with his alternate red hair sculpt that includes face armor with metallic accents, giving him a more battle-ready appearance. His armor features a working back holster for his Sword of Omens.

His face shield is integrated into this hair and his lower half features a “fur-trimmed loincloth with a metallic gold belt, and white fur-trimmed boots instead of the clean blue ones from his classic look.

Here are all of this weapons and accessories and these MOTU ThunderCats figures are jammed packed!

Here is an up close look at the detailing in the claw shield!

The claw shield hangs very awkwardly on his left hip and the execution is mighty disappointing but that is pretty much the only gripe for this figure.

Here is a comparison pic of the Sword of Omens (in silver) and the Super7 version with the blue wash! They look really similar!

Here are comparisons of how the parts are constructed on these new MOTU ThunderCats figures and they are all new parts, which is very exciting!

Here are some parts swapping pics so you can see how the MOTU ThunderCats parts look on the standard MOTU Origins buck!

Here is are some comparison pics with the MOTU ThunderCats Lion-O in the middle and a Cartoon Collection custom by Mr. Home Arcade on his right and Lunar Eclipse Customs version on his left!

Mini Comic: Third Eternia

The cover of the comic titled “Third Eternia” presents an exciting crossover between Masters of the Universe and ThunderCats. Dominating the artwork are heroic figures from both franchises—He-Man and Lion-O—standing back to back, each holding their iconic swords, the Sword of Power and the Sword of Omens. Below them, Cheetara appears in a ready stance with her staff, alongside other characters and elements from both universes. The combined logos of Masters of the Universe and ThunderCats are prominently displayed at the top, emphasizing the fusion of these two beloved worlds. The background features vibrant, dramatic colors and energy lines that highlight the intensity and epic scale of the crossover. At the bottom, stylized depictions of Battle Cat and Snarf’s helmet that hint at a deeper alliance or transformation theme within the story. Overall, the cover sets the tone for a powerful and action-packed adventure uniting these iconic heroes so let’s dive in!

A dark storm brews over the Sands of Time, signaling an evil disturbance. The source is revealed to be Skeletor, who uses an ancient evil tome to summon a powerful force with the goal of finally defeating He-Man and claiming Castle Grayskull. Skeletor calls upon the Ancient Spirits of Evil to grant him power, offering his soul in exchange. This dark magic activates the Black Pyramid, which transcends time and space in response to Skeletor’s summoning. The Thundercats once defeated Mumm-Ra and the Black Pyramid on Third Earth, but now the ancient evil has returned. Back in New Thundera, the Eye of Thundera awakens, alerting Lion-O to the new threat. Using the Sword of Omens, he seeks “sight beyond sight” and discovers the Black Pyramid has returned and Tygra has been taken captive.

A mysterious planet suddenly appears in the sky, pulling the Thundercats’ ship in with overwhelming gravitational force. Cheetara and Lion-O realize they are being pulled into a dangerous situation, and Panthro prepares for a rough landing. Lion-O deduces that if Tygra is on this planet, then the Tower of Omens is left unprotected. The team decides to follow through, prioritizing the rescue. After crash-landing, Lion-O comments on the immense energy readings and wonders where they are. Still, he remains hopeful, believing this strange place may bring a sign of hope. He then begins his battle cry, raising the Sword of Omens and calling forth the Thundercats with his iconic “Thunder… Thunder… Thunder… Thundercats! HOOO!” A signal beams into the sky, summoning the team. In response, Tygra, held captive, spots the signal and calls out to Lion-O, signaling his awareness and hope for rescue.

As the Thundercats arrive on this new world, they encounter He-Man, who cautiously approaches them. A brief standoff occurs, but He-Man makes it clear he seeks no quarrel—only their missing friend. Lion-O identifies himself and is welcomed to Third Eternia. Realizing they share a common goal, He-Man and the Thundercats agree to work together. He-Man and his allies lead the group across the desert to the Black Pyramid, the lair of Skeletor, where Tygra is being held captive. Meanwhile, inside the pyramid, Skeletor is preparing for his ultimate transformation. He plans to combine the Power Sword and the Sword of Omens to create the ultimate weapon, one that would make him unstoppable—even to He-Man. Despite warnings, Skeletor arrogantly believes no one can defeat him. He then invokes the Ancient Spirits of Evil once more, transforming his decayed form into a monstrous new version: Skell-Ra, the Ever-Living, a fusion of Skeletor and Mumm-Ra’s evil essence.

You can also check out Mr. Home Arcade’s video review here:

Where to Buy

You can preorder the MOTU ThunderCats at the following retailers below (be sure to check stock status once you make the jump!)!

Official Images

• This Lion-O action figure is a thrilling crossover of the worlds of Masters of the Universe and ThunderCats, two iconic action figure brands from the 1980s whose legacies continue
• His sword and some of his armor pieces have metallic details. An included mini-comic illustrates the crossover storyline

• Lion-O, the Lord of the ThunderCats, battles back the Ancient Forces of Evil from Third Earth to Third Eternia.
• At 5.5-inch scale this figure has 16 movable joints and a Sword of Omens accessory that can be held or sheathed on his back
• The figure comes with 2 completely different hair looks, swappable boots, swappable armor and halter, a logo belt and a “fur”-trimmed belt, and removable shoulder armor, face armor and claw shield