Fang Man Evil Fanged Minion of Skeletor! He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Cartoon Collection Basic Figure Item No.: Asst. HYD16 No. JBM91 Manufacturer: Mattel Includes: Wheel of Infinity, mini-comic Action Feature: n/a Retail: $19.99 Availability: May 2025 Other: Wheel of Infinity, turn turn turn, tell us the lesson that we should learn
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For Q2, let's shift over to Masters of the Universe Mondays! I have a big backlog to finish up.

I am a little surprised that Mattel did not prioritize the design of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Cartoon Collection Fang Man over Reptilax, his head-brother. Both figures have the same head. Fang Man came first - and in the cartoon, has ears and different head spikes. It was my understanding that Reptilax was designed to be a slight reuse/retool of Fang Man parts... and Mattel did it backward. So, those wanting a real cartoon version of Fang Man's head may want to hold on to their Fang Man Classics figure [FOTD #664].

Usually I'd say "good enough" but this one feels more like an "Origins" figure and not like a "Cartoon Collection" figure. And it is - it reuses other parts to make a new guy, but it's not without some cartoon-specific parts like the boots, the clothing, or the Wheel of Infinity.

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Most of the Cartoon Collection releases take steps to sort of merge "cartoon" with "toy," with small details that really drive home the point that this is a different figure... or more importantly, a reason to shell out twenty bones on a toy you already own. Maybe it's a new accessory, a color change, or a smirk, but each figure has been giving new heads and new stuff to make you feel like that answer is "yes." The Fang Man figure, on the other hand, has a shortened muzzle, eyes that look in slightly different directions, shorter head spikes, and arguably too much detail. I'm pretty sure the cartoon lacked lower fangs. He definitely had ears. This figure has gills, but the Matty version didn't. Also, the posture on the cartoon and previous figure was a bit more slouching forward.

So there's a little too much detail, and it's a little too detailed for my liking. It's arguably better than nothing, but nothing would mean that maybe they'd try again. It's a character I don't believe your average fan would miss, but collectors would - and they've got the other figure to compare.

...also I am just now realizing he's colored a lot like Captain Planet.

Articulation is standard for the line, and you only get one accessory... which is kind of disappointing. The Classics figure had that, and the Wheel of Time - which looks perfectly good - plus another accessory that was not a Flux Capacitor. Given other figures in this line come with a lot of goodies - Orko's got a whole alt figure worth of parts. Faker's got an extra head. He-Man has a bonus sword. It would be nice if Fang Man had a little something "extra," especially in light of the head.

I assume this figure came up short due to budgeting. I'd probably do the same thing Mattel did... minus the head, I'd definitely give Reptilax a Fang Man head rather than the other way around. (Nobody would complain.) The seam in the jaw is a little ugly, too, but the colors are good. Articulation's fine. He can hold the Wheel of Time just fine. It's not terrible - it just gives a fan a lot to complain about. I'd say it's probably skippable unless you're all-in on the cartoon line (as you should be.) Mattel really knocked the line mostly out of the park - I've got a few quibbles. I wouldn't complain if they did some more "2.0" figures, like He-Man with a better wrist or Evil-Lyn with a cape... or Fang Man with a new head. There's a 3-pack I'd like to see for a store exclusive next year. I'd say get this figure if you like it as-is and don't give much thought to cartoon accuracy. It's still a cool beast, with bright colors and a vibe that's very 1980s via the late 1960. --Adam Pawlus

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