The Sketchbook Series is an addition to MOTU Origins which draws upon concept artwork from the Vintage line. This is an interesting idea because although the characters are already known, some may be unrecognisable.

That said, some early illustrations have been published before, so fans might be familiar with some of the source material. For example, the drawing which inspired the new Hordak toy appeared in the Dark Horse art book.

The image which inspired the new Grizzlor toy was drawn by Ted Mayer and might have originally been intended to be a different character. Some fans informally named this character Horde Mammoth due to its long tusks.

A good version of the source material for this image has never been published, so what you are seeing here is an enlargement with distracting background colours and details removed, hence the lack of detail and blurriness.

Hordak and Grizzlor were released as a pair in a nicely designed box with new artwork, including sketches that relate to the original drawings plus an action-packed full-colour panel on the back of the packaging.

It will be interesting to see how many figures get produced. This sort of product should appeal to fans who have a fascination with the history of the MOTU. It has got off to a good start with the Hordak and Grizzlor set.

HORDAK

RUTHLESS LEADER OF THE EVIL HORDE

Very different from how he appeared in toy form in the Vintage line (and later lines), this Hordak is an intriguing figure who has more in common with the minicomic representation of Trap Jaw than his own iterations.

GRIZZLOR

HAIRY HENCHMAN OF THE EVIL HORDE

A curious combination of bat, boar and mammoth. Even to this day it is unclear whether Grizzlor is meant to be a bear or ape creature. This is actually the first retail Grizzlor in the line as the others were limited editions.

SY-KLONE

HEROIC FIST-FLINGING TORNADO

A very likeable version of Sy-Klone based on concept art. The yellow helmet is similar to the design that was used for the Vintage toy, whereas the blue helmet is closer to the original sketches.

SPIKOR

UNTOUCHABLE MASTER OF EVIL COMBAT

This toy could be the best version of Spikor ever made. The tail is new. It’s not the neatest fit but it looks great. The head sculpt is superb. It’s very interesting to see Spikor in such a different colour scheme.

HE-MAN

MOST POWERFUL MAN IN THE UNIVERSE

A decent He-Man figure which includes elements of Mark Taylor’s Torak sketch and other He-Man drafts. The faces are not as good as they should be – they have the typical Origins grimace – but they are adequate.

MAN-E-FACES

HEROIC HUMAN… ROBOT… MONSTER

This figure is based on concept art by Mark Taylor. In one respect it is quite boring… but it’s also fascinating! This character looks more like a cult priest that an actor. The three faces are newly designed and coloured.