Vykron Trademark Renewal Masterverse Rumor and Speculation
Mattel has renewed the trademark for Vykron, bringing another rumor to the Masterverse line. Is there a figure in the works? We think so!
We wanted to send a special thanks to Toy Habits Crew Member Allison Troy for always keeping us on our toes with Mattel’s trademark renewals! She recently started her own YouTube Channel so be sure to check her out and also follow her on Instagram! Vykron is an interesting character that debut as a figure in 2012 in the MOTU Classics line. Mattel recently filed a trademark renewal for the Masters of the Universe character named Vykron. Sources close to Toy Habits have revealed that Vykron is in the works and it would make the most sense for him to appear in the Masterverse line given his MOTU Classics release. We can’t official confirm that this Vykron Masterverse rumor is true but all signs are pointing to a definite possibility.
May 19, 2023 Update: Masterverse Vykron Confirmed by Mattel
This just in! Mattel confirmed that Vykron is coming to the New Eternia Masterverse line, along with MOTU Origins Fang-Or and Lady Slither.
History of Vykron
Vykron is a character from the Masters of the Universe toy line and media franchise. The character was originally released as a convention exclusive figure in 2012 by Mattel. In terms of his backstory, Vykron is described as a shape-shifting warrior who can take on various forms and appearances. In the original release of the toy, he came with three interchangeable outfits, allowing him to transform into a barbarian, a spaceman, or a military soldier.
Mark Taylor is a former toy designer who worked for Mattel in the 1980s, during the development of the Masters of the Universe toy line. Taylor is known for his contributions to the early development of the franchise, including the creation of many iconic characters such as He-Man, Skeletor, and Battle Cat. The drawing depicts a character with a similar design to the 2012 convention exclusive Vykron figure, with three interchangeable outfits representing different eras of human history (prehistoric, medieval, and modern).
As the Battle Ram Blog states: “As Taylor tells the story, Mattel was looking for a new boy’s action figure line that could be produced without paying licensing fees to a third party. The company had passed on making Star Wars toys, and of course Star Wars had become enormously successful in the meantime. Mattel’s existing boy’s lines (Clash of the Titans, Battlestar Galactica and Flash Gordon) could not compete with Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. As part of the initiative to create a new male action figure line, Roger Sweet (a designer at Mattel), used some of Mark Taylor’s drawings to assist in developing a pitch for a new line of action figures. For a presentation to Mattel CEO Ray Wagner, Sweet created three rudimentary action figures, which were really Big Jim figures packed with extra clay muscles. In Roger’s concept, the character could be a generic hero, outfitted with science fiction, barbarian or military costumes, and would have access to science fiction vehicles.”
MOTU Classics Vykron Figure
Vykron is definitely an interesting piece of history and in 2012, he was released as part of the Masters of the Universe Classics line.
His bio reads: “His Fifty years before Prince Adam was born, Vykron the Warrior fought in the gladiatorial arena of Lord Choloh, ruler of the Vine Jungle. Learning from each defeated opponent, he became a master of many combat techniques and weapons. As much a champion as a showman, he would often dress in outlandish garb to rouse the crowd and show off his skills. In his final match, he fought against the great Gygor. Before a cheering crowd, the evil fighting gorilla ripped Vykron’s body in half – at long last defeating the arena champion. Following this match, Gygor claimed not only the arena championship but rule of the Jungle itself, forcing Choloh to abdicate his throne. In life, Vykron™ was the greatest of Choloh’s gladiatorial warriors, fighting in any environment at any time.”
This figure paid homage to Roger Sweet’s designs and it essentially was a standard He-Man figure that came with a ton of interchangeable armor and accessories to recreate the three different looks. The top of He-Man’s head was notched out so you can replace it with the barbarian style helmet or the space the helmet and the buck was stripped down so you can interchange the armor with ease.
Barbarian
The majority of this figure is the same as He-Man and the forearms and hands were a new design. He was also designed with unique gauntlets (even though they’re only ever visible on the barbarian version of the figure. He had armor that resembled the vintage figure armor with a gray furry back to it.
Space Man
The space armor and suit looks more like he belongs in the Star Wars Universe as the He-Mandalorian although he would be been cast out of the clan because his helmet did not cover his face – “this is the way.” His helmet slips over his head and seats where it’s notched out, similar to his barbarian look. He does have a very large piece of “family jewel” armor that connects to his open chested armor. He looks like he belongs with the New Adventures series but it’s an interesting concept.
Military Soldier
The military sentry or soldier look is the kookiest one of all! His turret head looks more like a face and he has tracks that run around the top of his shoulder armor. They really leaned into the tank look with the long turret and oversized leg armor.
Complete Your MOTU Collection
Be sure to check out our Masters of the Universe shop pages where we’ve curated figures from MOTU Origins, Masterverse, Classics, Vintage and more so you can find the figures you need easier!
