This is finally it. We’ve moved beyond receiving previously released figures; for now I might add. While we’ve bypassed Wave 2, which in itself is a combination of new and old (more on that later), receiving this trio of never-before-owned characters has me all excited. We have NEW – as in BRAND NEW – figures. Goodness, where to begin!
So we’ve been kept apprised of the process leading to the release date of Wave 3. The arrival of this trio doesn’t come without some heartache. Let’s get it out of the way. Cheetara is missing. She’s been stopped short of being released because she isn’t up to standard. The figure had already arrived at the Super7 warehouse finished and boxed, but as per Brian Flynn, she’s not perfect. You know the reasons, so there’s no need to talk about it until she’s in hand (apparently 6 months from now). Luckily we do have the other three figures and they’re all just smashing.
Jaga is one of two characters that we finally saw in 2018 at Power-Con. Back then Mattel, who may (or may not) have still had the license to produce ThunderCats Classic, showed off Jaga and Grune’s prototypes. They were initially part of the first year of Club Third Earth. They were pushed to year 2 mere weeks before the whole thing collapsed. It was bittersweet to see Jaga 2 years later and it also gave me nightmares! The figure was there, it existed, but it was out of reach. You can just picture the nightmare trying to grab hold of that impressive and precious piece of pop culture in plastic. Well he is here now. And while it took a few years longer for him to arrive, he finally made it. Grune, as you all know, is part of the Wave 2 selection of figures and still on its way. That wave itself also includes Pumyra, another previously released character, which makes this third wave stand out even more!
Like Mumm-Ra, Jaga also offers two capes. One wired-fabric, the other plastic. Personally, I prefer the plastic one. It just looks more majestic. While Mumm-Ra makes for great expression with his cape flapping in the wind, Jaga is to me a less aggressive persona and looks quite stately with his plastic static cape. Then again, it all depends on which head you use for him, and he has three to choose from. I will say this, it was a missed opportunity to exclude his younger self’s head. Unless Super7 is planning to release a young Jaga by himself later. Then all will be forgiven.
Jaga’s small array of accessories is also impressive and has great dual purpose. The magic clothing hand is a hit and a very clever move by Super7 to capture that iconic scene in the pilot of the show. (Can we please get naked ThunderCats soon to display that version of Jaga with?) Pair this with the wired cape and the helmet-less head, and you have the Jaga from the first few minutes of the show. His sword, this time with a perfect cat symbol, can also be used for display with Lion-O, of course. He also comes with the short version of the sword. No claw shield here, but then again, he was never associated with it. Perhaps the stand where the sword and clawshield was displayed on could have worked here? Maybe we can get it later. His third head, the older pre-death Jaga, is another iconic moment. It was only on screen for a split second, and while his body appeared more frail, this head eternalizes that scene in plastic too. I’ve seen collectors prefer this head to the standard helmeted head.
Talking about heads, feedback has varied about the paint on his face. One thing I’ve learned is NOT to trust photos online. The slightest change of light will hide or enhance something that should or shouldn’t be seen. I compared the original prototype photos that the Four Horsemen shared and these match what I got. In fact, mine is better. It is clear that these were produced at a different factory, as their quality is superb and definitely better than Wave 1’s. Still, I don’t understand why people would want to jump ship because of Jaga’s face. He is very well done in my opinion and appears more cartoony than perhaps Lion-O, which I favor. Personally Lion-O (although much better than the Mattel version) felt more in line with MOTUC in terms of face applications than the cartoon. I am loving the direction that Super7 is going now with these characters that feel more true to the show.
Why did we get this Jaga first? And not the ghostly one? Probably because he had a human toy, and not a spirited one. (That was a big miss and could’ve been a smash hit if LJN did a glittered up clear blue plastic Jaga, right?) Maybe the fact that we saw him at Power-Con was another reason. Who knows, I’m just thrilled we have him.
Captain Cracker is a surprise choice for release so early in the line. But that is Super7 for you. They tend to throw in odd characters we consider less important. But this is what makes it fun. These surprises we never thought we’d see. I surely didn’t expect it when he debuted at Toy Fair in 2020. Is he everything he could’ve been? I’m fairly confident, yes. The only tiny flaw is perhaps his unpainted nose. It should have a black / dark grey color on the pointy end. But that’s it. His weapons are a mixture of cartoon and toy. That tiny dagger that can slide into the belt around his waste is so cool. Even his jacket looks grandiose for a pirate. I am still conflicted as to which head to use. The more open eyed cartoon head or the agro cartoon growl. Yes, he did look like that in the show. I never realized however that he was baring his teeth until I had it in hand.
Polly the mechanical parrot comes in two shapes; one with closed wings, the other with the wings spread in flight. He pegs right into the shoulder into a tiny hole. Be careful though when you display it, it can fall out if you fiddle with it too much. Trust me, you don’t want this one to drop to the floor (and be picked up by your pets or children if you have either of them). This is the first time that Polly is made in toy form. So he is correctly our first previously unproduced toy of the line. (Looking at you Pumm-Ra!) Super7 factors in the importance of the little guys (and the oft overlooked casual accessory here and there) and this is what I enjoy about these ULTIMATES! They’re THERE! You can have a complete character with all of his addendums and additions. Mumm-Ra without Ma-Mutt isn’t Mumm-Ra, right? The same goes for the Captain.
What I like about him too is that he has some metallic sheen to portions of the paint. That makes him feel robotic. I do wish that his sword was a bit more metallic, but it is a great throwback to the vintage toy. One thing that you need to look out for though, is standing him. It can be tricky. Balancing the one-legged robot pirate is quite difficult and be careful that he doesn’t tumble onto the floor next to Polly. Sticky tack anyone? When you do however get him to stand properly, he will stay that way.
The final character included here is the mighty Slithe. If this doesn’t become toy of the year then I don’t know. Good gracious me, this one is a smash hit deluxe! Hats off to Super7 and the Four Horsemen for designing what was deemed an impossible character. He is perfect. He screams Slithe, in both of his expressions. The head attaches to the front of the neck which doesn’t sit atop his shoulders but leans out over his chest. He is a lizard after all. The scales are wonderful, the dry-brushing on his textured skin enhances his appearance, and even the paint inside his palms and under his feet speak of perfection. These guys really, ok, I’m blushing, let me stop right here. It is obvious I am very happy with him.
Some things to note that people have complained about is the color of his belt. It’s a bright yellow and not a tan or light brown we were shown in the solicitations. I did some digging and found lots of older art showing him with more of a yellow belt than a tan one. In the cartoon itself it varied different colors of tan. It’s not a deal-breaker though. It is what it is.
Weapons are plentiful and are not just from the toon. He has a great toy inspired axe that I bet most folk will display him with. His hands offer you various display options as well. And his tail, although not as flexible as one would expect, does the job. He is a heavy figure and you’d expect him to topple backwards or forwards, but he is balanced just right. He feels sturdy. He looks like he stepped out of the cartoon. A home run for sure!
Something that we’re experiencing for the first time to full effect is that these figures are pinless. While Captain Cracker is not, it is cartoon accurate for most part, so that is not a problem personally. Slithe and Jaga on the other hand finally have us experience it the way Wave 1 was intended to be. This is something new and exciting. We’ve seen it in part here and there before. If you own the Mattel twins, you’ll know that they are actually already pinless. But seeing them in this scale is something different. It works and I’m pleased with it. It enhances the figures a lot. I for one have never been bothered by this, but it sure makes for a more upmarket collector’s item.
For those who keep and enjoy the packaging, you’d be pleased to know that the back of the inner box now features the art we’ve come to see on the ReAction packaging. This was a great move. These art pieces by Jason Edmiston is beautiful and it’s exciting to see them introduced here too.
I am, like everyone else, disappointed that Cheetara is missing from this wave, but on the other hand I am very grateful that she will come back to us fixed and perfect. This wave makes history for bypassing Wave 2, and for also giving us a previously teased character we once thought we’d never own. My shelf feels a lot brighter with these guys on it. Yours should too.