Tygra MOTU Origins ThunderCats In-Hand Review

The excitement just keeps rolling for Masters of the Universe Origins and ThunderCats fans alike, as none other than Mr. Home Arcade has come through once again with some amazing early in-hand images to feast your eyes on! This time, it’s the MOTU Origins ThunderCats Wave 2 Tygra making his debut well before his wide release. For fans who have been waiting to see how Mattel would bring the loyal architect of Cat’s Lair into the Origins style, these photos provide a fantastic first look at his sculpt, colors, and overall design. Getting to see Tygra outside of stock renders or convention displays is always a treat, and in-hand shots help bring out details and proportions you just can’t appreciate any other way. As with past previews, Mr. Home Arcade’s close-up photography allows collectors to get a better sense of articulation, accessories, and paint applications, which is perfect for those of us eager to size him up alongside Lion-O, Panthro, and the rest of the team. With Wave 2 continuing to build out the ThunderCats roster in the Origins line, Tygra’s appearance marks another exciting step forward in blending these two legendary 80s properties under one banner. Also, check out Mr. Home Arcade’s review on his YouTube Channel!

Packaging and Art

The front packaging for the MOTU Origins ThunderCats Wave 2 Tygra puts him front and center in a clear blister, showing off his classic green armor with sculpted fur details and gold belt buckle adorned with the ThunderCats emblem.The background card art explodes with orange and blue bursts, giving the figure a cosmic, high-energy presentation. At the top, the combined Masters of the Universe and ThunderCats logos dominate, while the title “Tygra – Heroic Thunderian Scientist!” sits just below to call out his role. The card back for the MOTU Origins ThunderCats Wave 2 Tygra explodes with colorful artwork, spotlighting the noble Thunderian scientist in his green armor and helmet as he crouches low, unleashing a volley of red projectiles. To the left, a striking portrait captures Tygra’s determined expression with his fiery red mane flowing back. The bio sets the stage, stating, “The noble scientist, Tygra, discovers that Third Eternia is home to many wonders – both good and evil.” In the artwork, we also get a big tease of a brand-new character mashup, Panthor-Man, shown as the purple-armored foe facing off against Tygra. Toward the bottom, the card highlights the figure with his “Thunder Helmet” feature, along with cross-sell images of He-Man, Tygra, and Panthro.

Figure Details

Shown from the front and back, the figure displays a lean, muscular build with tiger-striped facial details, gray and blue outfit, and orange gauntlets accented with blue bands. The front highlights the ThunderCats emblem across the chest, while the back view shows the strap design draped over the shoulder, along with the sculpted detail carried through to the rear.

The figure highlights the sculpted musculature and tiger-striped detailing along the arms and head. The side views also showcase the layered hair sculpt, the draped shoulder strap, and the boots with their blue and gray color blocking.

Outfitted in his green armor, the figure is shown from the front and back with a spiked shoulder guard, chest plate, and matching helmet. Gold accents on the belt and wrist guards stand out against the armored look, while the back view highlights the strapping system that secures the chest piece and the detailing of the leg armor.

From the side views, the layered green armor is shown wrapping over the torso with the spiked shoulder guard extending outward, while the helmet covers most of his face. Gold wrist guards and the belt add contrast, and the sculpted fur around the boots ties the design together.

Stripped down to just his basics, the figure lounges on his side like he’s ready for a Thundercats pin-up calendar, showing off the muscular sculpt without any armor. Nearby, all of his gear is neatly laid out, including his green chest plate, helmet, gold wrist guards, leg armor, blue whip, and even his furry loin wrap, looking like he just emptied his gym bag after a long day of saving Third Eternia.

Mtr Home Arcade got really creative with this one! this wild mashup combines elements of Tygra, Turtles of Grayskull Moss Man, and G.I. Joe Classified Series Crystal Ball into one striking figure. Cast in translucent green plastic with reptilian clawed feet, spiked shoulder armor, and a menacing chest plate featuring the ThunderCats emblem, the design pulls from Moss Man’s earthy vibe while adding Crystal Ball’s eerie mysticism with the horned helmet and red-eyed, tentacled face. The addition of a jagged green energy blade ties it all together, making this hybrid creation feel like a supernatural enforcer that could easily exist across all three toy universes.

Minicomic: The Power Sword of Omens

The front cover of the mini comic bursts with energy, showing Lion-O and He-Man raising their iconic swords together in unison, the Sword of Omens and the Power Sword glowing with crackling power. Behind them looms a giant serpent-shaped that screams Mumm-Ra, framed by purple clouds and lightning, with the Masters of the Universe x ThunderCats logo above and the title “The Power Sword of Omens” at the bottom. The back cover keeps things clean and focused, featuring the Masters of the Universe x ThunderCats logo above crisp images of He-Man, Tygra, and Panthro figures, each labeled with their titles. The layout showcases the figures in their action-ready poses, highlighting the wave’s lineup in a straightforward presentation.

Picking up where the Wave 1 minicomic let off, the story opens with the Thundercats and Masters of the Universe locating the Black Pyramid, where Tygra is being held. Inside its maze, He-Man, Panthor, and Cheetara discover Tygra unconscious but alive, and He-Man carries him out. Meanwhile, on the other side of the pyramid, Lion-O, Battle Cat, and allies find a tomb they believe houses Skeletor. As Lion-O prepares to strike when the casket is opened, he suddenly sees Tygra—but realizes it is a trap, shouting a warning just as Skeletor is revealed in disguise.

He-Man and his allies realize the Tygra they encountered is not real, warning Cheetara that the true Tygra is elsewhere. Skeletor then springs his trap, claiming the Power Sword and revealing his new monstrous form as “Skell-Ra the Ever-Living.” Declaring his plan to control the universe, he towers over the heroes, but He-Man stands ready to challenge him. As the battle begins, Skell-Ra vows to smite He-Man with the ancient evil of Grayskull, unleashing a powerful attack that shocks the heroes.

In the climax of the battle, the heroes fight to reclaim the Power Sword from Skell-Ra, with He-Man and Lion-O working together. He-Man tosses the sword to Lion-O, who strikes the final blow, sending Skell-Ra to defeat while declaring victory over the ancient evil. With the battle won, Lion-O and He-Man shake hands in mutual respect, acknowledging each other as leaders of their worlds. The closing narration states that as the Eye of Thundera shines over Eternia, the universe can rest knowing that evil has finally been vanquished.

Also, check out Mr. Home Arcade’s review on his YouTube Channel!

Official Images

Tygra comes with his whip and some cool translucent green armor!

Here are some shots of Tygra in his classic look!

Some promotional images show the juxtaposition of his classic ThunderCat’s look and his look when he is all geared up with his green translucent armor! His 3-line bolo whip looks awesome!

Here are some more promo shots of Tygra with his armor and his mask on and off!

Where to Buy!

Preorder for Waves 1 and 2 went live on various online retailers below: