Back in 2023 Astral Projection Lion-O debuted as part of the Cats Lair offering. Reach 5000 sales and this figure would be included. Unfortunately, this final tier was never reached, and with just about 600 short of this tier, the chance to own this version of Lion-O disappeared. Albeit just temporarily.
Fast forward to 2025, and Astral Projection Lion-O makes its triumphant return as an exclusive for this year’s SDCC. While the price for the figure increased due to ongoing tariff charges negatively affecting the entire industry, the opportunity to own this figure was no longer exclusive for Cats Lair buyers, but open to all who wanted him. Personally I think this was a great way to offer it to everyone. While I bet this figure’s value would’ve skyrocketed on the secondary market if it had been included with the Cats Lair, I am glad that it is available to all. So grab him while you still can!
With my Cats Lair feeling complete at last, my focus shifts to the great packaging of this offering that I’m sure we would not have gotten alternatively. The star motif is gorgeous, and the spirit / aura used on the logo, on the art and the interiors is simply perfect. The episode this Lion-O is from, The Astral Prison, has Lion-O tricked by Mumm-Ra in the guise of the Nether-Witch, and he is transported to the Astral Plain to save Jaga from Nemex’s captivity. Brodo saved the day in the end and helped Lion-O come back to Third Earth, and that iconic shot where he is still transparent in front of the lair is always embedded in my memory. So to be able to do that now with this figure and the lair is wonderful.
What’s interesting this time is that the figure is still the original buck. It’s not the new buck. I don’t mind it. So we have a pinless version of the original buck, even if he is clear. The plastic feels really great. The accessories are just right. The variety of hands are also perfect. We have the clear sword in its extended and short versions. Three claw shields for three display choices. All just right.
Then we get to the heads. Firstly, light is a big trick here. Daylight makes it look different than a flashlight. The lighter parts on his face actually appear black here. So he looks like he has a 5-day old stubble and has two black eyes. Like he’s been in a terrible fight. This is mostly apparent on the two aggressive faces. But move it just a bit then things look different. These are great expressions, but I don’t fancy them that much. Give me the stoic face anyday. Maybe it’s because I don’t associate my Lion-O with this look. But I understand if this is your cup of tea. Don’t be fooled by its dark rings in the packaging. Take him out and play with him. Trust me, light is tricky. I was told in advance by fellow collectors to not be fooled by its initial look. Thanks ToySorceress!
His articulation is exactly what you’d expect. Nothing out of the ordinary. I’m still surprised at how nice it is to open a new Lion-O, even if I’ve done it a few times before. The heads and hands change easily, the figure moves great and it’s clear that Super7 know how to make good quality figures. This one is no exception.
This is the perfect example of what an exclusive figure should be, so I’m really pleased that Super7 still offered us this, and that it was done this way. Now I’m anxiously waiting for Coronation Lion-O. One can never have enough Lion-O’s!
