Mattel DC Universe vs. Masters of the Universe Classics Zodac Mattel, 2011
Day #334: February 14, 2012
Zodac Cosmic Enforcer
DC Universe vs. Masters of the Universe Classics Toys R Us Exclusive 2-Pack
Item No.: No. T8024 Manufacturer:Mattel Includes:Gun, poster, Green Lantern figure Action Feature:n/a Retail:$29.99 Availability:July 2011 Other: Comic version, was shipped to Comic-Con in San Diego by accident in 2011
I didn't get the Matty Collector Zodac, but this version is pretty darned close and technically almost cheaper-- if it was on sale, it IS cheaper, otherwise it's about as good. (A Matty figure is $28 shipped, while this was $30 plus tax. And mine was $15.) The original issue of Zodac in the Masters of the Universe Classics was very close to this one, in that it had a gun (not a staff like on the picture of this toy's packaging), Skeletor-style feet rather than boots, and bare hands instead of painted white gloves. So this counts as a variant, but it may not be enough to drive fans who bought the existing Zodac toys to buy another. But if you missed it? Well, why NOT buy this one? (Unless you hate variants, I mean.)
Was your Zodac's right hand bent shut? Mine was. This is easily fixed-- the fist was so tight, you couldn't get anything in it. It is, however, easily fixed-- just microwave a small cup or bowl of water, to the point of boiling, and drop this inside. It takes about 5-10 seconds, but the plastic will get softer and basically reset to its proper shape. I've done this with numerous figures and accessories, and it does let you adjust his hand easily without stretching the plastic.
The sculpt is very similar to the previous Zodac, minus the feet, and he has the same quasi-alien look as the original figure with its bug eyes and weird feet. He feels like something from Jack Kirby's sketchbook, which makes sense given the artist's love of grand alien battles with godlike beings in the cosmos. As a character... well, honestly, I have no real feelings for Zodac. I think he looks neat but it's not like I have any childhood memories of him beyond "Soooo what's this guy's deal?" It's not like he was Mer-Man. I get Mer-Man.
His pistol fits into his left hand easily, and the right hand-- with the aforementioned fixes-- can carry it as well. The chest armor looks a lot like the original toy but with much more detail, like what appear to be rounds of ammunition under his armpits. (Where do you keep yours, under the bed?) The "poster" is basically an 8 1/2 x 11-inch cardstock reprint of the packaging artwork, which to me means "throw this away." I have so many free posters from over the years that, really, unless it serves as a piece of reference material I have no need for it. (And even then, scan it and recycle it.)
As far as "bang for the buck" goes, these Vs. packs are pretty great-- assuming you don't already have figures from them in other forms. Usually they're missing a key accessory which makes the previous releases superior, but in Zodac's case he's pretty much the same except for his hands and feet-- and I prefer boots to freaky foot claws, so this one worked out just fine for me. Since I wanted a Green Lantern too, it all worked out quite well-- and if these packs are ever down to $15 again, I suggest you buy one, two, or all your that your budget allows. They're fantastic figures at or near ten bucks.
--Adam Pawlus
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