Mold reuse is one of the most efficient ways to keep costs down in a toyline, and Mattel has gotten more mileage out of that practice than many of their competitors over the years. The original MOTU line was created with mold reuse in mind, even molds from other toylines. This design philosophy enabled the MOTU Classics line to prosper for over a decade, and it's been apparent in the Origins line from the beginning. (Its first release was a two-pack of figures using the exact same parts, with only a few accessories to mix things up, for Grodd's sake!) When Mattel has an opportunity to release a figure that is 100% mold reuse while also giving us a fan-demanded variant, it's a win/win situation! Is that enough to make this 2002-inspired Evil-Lyn an essential purchase for the discerning Origins collector? Read on...
This figure's sculpt is exactly the same as the original release from last year, for better and for worse. It's a straight update of the vintage figure with slightly sharper detailing in most areas, apart from the head. The facial expression is different, and it looks more like the vintage Evil-Lyn's sister than the vintage Lyn herself. Again, this slightly different look isn't really a bad thing, but it is worth noting. (Also be aware that there is a running change with this figure that features improved knees. They're far less ugly than the original design. Mine, sadly, has the old ones.) Unfortunately, the 2002 incarnation of the character had a unique outfit, rather than getting her outfit at the same store Teela shops at, so a simple repaint of the same mold is not enough. This figure needed a few newly tooled parts, but Mattel took the cheap route and settled for a repaint. It sucked when they did it in the MOTU Classics line, and it sucks now. I also had the same quality control issue my first Origins Lyn had, as the damn helmet is crooked! Check out the photo below.
Evil-Lyn has a slightly more complex paint job than many of the figures in this line, and it's applied neatly. Lines are crisp and clean, with minimal overspray. The lighter lavender apps over the darker purple and black areas are particularly well done, are thick enough that the darker color does not show through. The articulation is standard for the line. Evil-Lyn has swivel & hinge shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles, swivels at the waist and boot tops, and a ball-jointed head. All of the joints move and hold poses well, and pop apart in the usual spots for easy swapping.
As with this figure's first release, Evil-Lyn comes up short on the accessory front. She has her magic staff and the wave five minicomic, and that's it. As a release that is 100% reuse, Mattel really should have given us something more here. An alternate head, a cape, the dagger that came with the 2002 figure upon which this color scheme is based, a staff that looks more like the 2002 version, a swappable hand or two, magic blast effects, even a couple of paint apps on the staff to make it look less bland... the possibilities are endless, yet Mattel took the cheap way out once again. That seems to be the biggest ongoing theme with this line, and it's a damn shame.
Like I said, we're well used to repaints in MOTU lines. With this figure's resemblance to such a popular version of a very popular character, Mattel had a chance to do something special here, but they played it safe and pinched their pennies even more than usual, and the figure really suffers as a result. Despite my love for the 2002 iteration of MOTU, I really can't recommend this figure unless you don't yet have an Evil-Lyn at all. This one will fill that role perfectly well if it's to be the one and only in your Origins collection. If you already have the previous release, which felt too light on accessories itself, there's really no need to part with your cash for this one unless you absolutely must have every release. Mattel let us down here, and with so many more cheap repaints on the way, let's hope that this won't be their standard practice going forward. Many of us are ready to stick with this line for the long haul and do our best to ensure it enjoys a long life, but Mattel needs to hold up their end by delivering product that is worth our investment in time and money. That's it for today, but cast a spell to remind yourself to swing back by in three days for more! Until then, stay safe out there, and happy hunting!
No comments:
Post a Comment