Now here’s a surprise reissue I support wholeheartedly. Not that I haven’t supported previous ones, I’d have to add. But this is one I had to get. And yes, it might be the 8th variant of Lion-O, 9th if you count the version 2 reissue (not that I do!), but this justifies purchasing it right away, even if it is just to own a pinless version of our hero Lion-O.
This one came out of the blue. Alongside Bengali, Slithe and Mandora, who all sport the new look packaging, Lion-O’s rerelease is a highlight to say the least. Why? First of all – and this is very important kids – he is pinless. Yes, we got DX and LED ULT! versions of him as pinless, and a plethora of variants through the years, but never the original sculpt. And before I confuse you any further, this is but is not the original sculpt. So pull up a chair and let me explain.
Back in the day when Super7 saved ThunderCats, it was launched with reissues of Mumm-Ra (mummy version), Panthro, Jackalman and Lion-O. They were all going to be pinless. Something we haven’t really seen to full effect, other than the kittens and Mumm-Ra by Mattel, who were pinless probably because of their size. The other figures all had pins. The Mattel factory, who had those original molds, never updated them to be pinless. And Wave 1 was shipped with pins. Wave 2 however gave us pinless figures, so there was a clear contrast the deeper we got into the line. Super7 eventually moved away from the Mattel factory, and in doing so, they had to retool Lion-O. This then, is where we get to this buck.
Wave 5 gave us the new Super7 sculpt – in the form of Mirror Lion-O. He was gorgeous. But we didn’t have the original Lord of the ThunderCats in pinless form. Many variants and exclusives followed – all pinless. But never THAT first release. Until now. Super7 reissued their mold of Mirror Lion-O. And while giving us the ultimate pinless heroic leader, the accessories and packaging was updated. If you’re expecting the Book of Omens here, you will be disappointed. And yes, it was advertised briefly, but it has now been removed. What we got here instead is an exact replica of Mirror Lion-O’s accessories – the same extra hands, the same swords, the same claw shields. Ok, I do have to add, that while it is the same thing, there are updates to their looks. The swords are shiny silver, the claw shields shiny gold. No more muted colors. These are all bright and shiny. Metal-like, if you will. I honestly, at this point in the line, don’t care that the accessories are not the same as that of version 1. But I do care about the figure, and Super7 did not disappoint.
The figure is perfect. There’s nothing wrong with it at all. NOTHING. Articulation spot on. Vibrant colors rock the look. The face paint is brilliant. He looks like the cartoon. This is how the very first figure should have been. Not that there was much wrong with it – it in itself was an upgrade to its Mattel counterpart. But this one is beautiful. I have a hard time deciding if I prefer this one over the LED one. I don’t know. He is just so darn perfect.
The alt head is good. It is not my favorite. I never liked those expressive faces. But it is good. And the red on there is not as bright as it appears in the photos. It’s also not the exact same sculpt as version 1. There’s a tiny change to it. But I’m sure collectors who prefer his more aggressive look will be happy with this sculpt.
I am pleased that the claw shield with protruding claw is included here. I could finally recreate that scene from the Mirror Lion-O episode. That’s one accessory I’m excited about owning again. In terms of all the others, well, they’re in a Tupperware in the closet, bagged and stored. They’re certainly not a waste of plastic, because I can do with it whatever I want when I need to change up my Lion-O’s appearance.
One of my favorite parts of this release is the packaging. We finally have the back featuring the original bio WITH his picture. The first release had that iconic art, but this one features the art we first saw with the ReAction figure. And of course, with Wave 2 going forward on the back of all releases. I am happy with this, because now the card backs fit better. All I need is mummy Mumm-Ra, Jackalman and Panthro to be rereleased with the card back updated. The two latter ones need to be made pinless anyway. Who knows? One day soon?
The bio itself, while still the same, has updated punctuation. Here and there are new commas, so whoever fixed the grammar did so properly here. It reads better, even if it is still the same as the Mattel copy. As far as why we’re still seeing that, well, Brian Flynn said in an early interview that WB had already approved that original copy and were not interested in updating it. So we’re stuck with it going forward. Which is fine.
If there is any doubt on your end whether you want to splurge, let it all slip away. Go on and S-P-L-U-R-G-E!!! This figure is worth it. It’s like he fits in so good with the core team. Their colors blend better. And his face is just fantastic. Really great interpretation of Lion-O. I was always envious of Mirror Lion-O having that great face. But now the original one has it too. And he is standing proudly on the steps to Cats Lair protecting his fellow ThunderCats. Do yourself a favor – get him now. He is worth it. And you deserve it. He will fit perfectly under the tree…
