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.