Man-At-Arms vintage figure review thread

[Spacedust]

After looking at a late figure on last week's figure review thread (Sssqueeze), it's back to the very first the releases this week, with one of the core characters. It's the master of weapons himself, it's MAN-AT-ARMS.

With He-Man and Skeletor, Man-At-Arms was one of the four figures of the original first wave, with Beast Man being the fourth (Zodac, Teela, Mer-Man and Stratos were released as additions a couple of months later).

Man-At-Arms has a distinctive green and orange colour scheme, which matches that of the Wind Raider, one of his creations.

I remember when I very first started getting into the MOTU line, at about 5 years old, and I saw him advertised on the back of one of my other figure boxes, that I couldn't understand his name, and asked my Mum why he didn't have lots of arms! She had to explain that arms was another term for weapons.

In the vintage line, only variants of He-Man and Skeletor were released (unlike the 200x line, who released variants of just about everyone!); and I feel that vintage Man-At-Arms is one of the characters could really have justified a new version. The original was very basic when compared to other slightly later figures, and with his weaponry and inventing streaks, he could have had some really good updates.

The figure came with removable torso armor, arm armor, leg armor, and mace. Although not at all rare, with all of those pieces, naturally finding one complete on the average second hand market can be a minor hunt.

I always wondered why Man-AA only had armor on his left side; I guess this was his vulnerable side. I liked in the Filmation version how they made the armor symmetrical (although this was really so Filmation could save costs by flipping cells over).

I bought Man-At-Arms a little way into my collecting the line as a child. Quite often, I would be tempted away from the basic early releases by the more varied featured newer figures, but for some reason, I felt the urge to save my pennies up for trusty old MAA.
Since collecting the line seriously as a (so called) "adult", one of the Man-At-Arms figures that I have purchased in various bundles turned out to be a later hard-head release, and his colours are also might brighter, with more of a lime green body, and much more yellowy armor.

In the early mini-comics, Man-At-Arms was portrayed as a trusty warrior, experienced in combat and weapons. As things progressed, and Filmation put their spin on the scenario, Man-At-Arms was made into an older, wise soldier. He was given a moustache to make him look more mature, leaving many young figure collectors wondering why their Man-At-Arms figure didn't have one (and more than a few being drawn on in felt-tip pen! ). As the war-ish aspects of the original concept of the MOTU world were toned down slightly, he became more of a scientist and general inventor, constructing machines and vehicles. He was given the 'real' name of Duncan, and was one of the most regularly seen characters, acting as Prince Adam/He-Man's best friend and mentor. Of course, he was also Teela’s loving adopted father, and with King Randor being busy with Royal duties, not to mention that MAA knew of Adam’s duel identity as He-Man, he was in a way a step-father to both of them.

One thing I really liked in the Filmation series was the occasions when we saw Man-At-Arms as a younger warrior, notably in the classic "Teela's Quest", and "The Remedy"). I always felts elements like these really added to the rich history that gave MOTU so much depth. Although He-Man was obviously the central character, I always felt that there was room for more history to other characters.

With Filmation's often limited budget animation, Man-At-Arms did just about everything in his heavy armor and helmet. The dude even swam in it! Only a couple of times (such as "Eternal Darkness" and "The Return of Granamyr") was he seen without.

With him being made more mature, and thanks to the voice work, he could occasionally come across slightly as an old bumbler; I love how Matt on x-entertainment's often used to lay into Man-At-Arms, in his more mature, watered down version, was pretty useless! (Check out HERE, or even here or here for some classic articles featuring examples).

Man-At-Arms was played by Jon Cypher in the 1987 movie. His was one of the more direct big screen adaptations from the original character; his mannerisms were very much the same, and his costume was pretty much identical other than being all in grey (one of the things that some fans didn’t like, the lack of colourful costumes, but that's been done in other threads).

Man-AA was one of the first figures released for the 200x revamp line. I have to confess, it wasn't really one of my favourites. When I first saw it I immediately felt that, like 200x Skeletor, the head was too small, and I didn't really like his exaggerated, manga-type armor, complete with huge armor dome on his left shoulder - what was that all about?
He was also a regular in the Mike Young Productions cartoon. He was given a pretty good overhaul and portrayal, and even often took his helmet off (I wasn't sure about his like ponytail, but I can forgive it). And as well as an inventor, he was given some of his original weapon prowess back to boot.

Anyway, in terms of the vintage figure... it's very basic, but a staple of the line. I think I'll give him an average but reasonable 7 out of 10.

That is my summery of the Master of Weapons.
I'd like to hear your thoughts, comments, memories, criticisms, and anything else MAA related. And whether you post or not, don't forget to rate the figure in the poll.

[galaxy warrior]

MAA sux monkey nuts. always low on my totem. but i was really excited when i found a MAA at toys r us. in 1990 i went looking for python patrol trooper. to replace my recently stolen one had no luck but MAA changed that. it was very uplifting back ten to see a motu fig especially after they had been gone for what seemed like forvever. but even with this touching story he still doesnt hold up. its the colors, its the look. im sorry to dislike him so. but in the toon he was great. it was teh stash man its all about the stash

[Arkan]

I like him, but not that much. A 6/10 is reasonable

[Captain Wow]

I never understood what was up with the green body. In Eternal Darkness, wasn't he shown without it, when he was woken up? I always liked his character, even if some thought he was "useless". I mean, it's true that any weapon or vehicle he invented that wasn't part of the toyline was only ever seen in that particular episode, but it still usually wound up saving the day.

As a toy, I thought he was a cool design. I never actually owned the figure, but my brother did. And yes, we drew in the moustache.

[Arkangel]

why doesnt the figure have a mustache like the cartoon character?

[Spacedust]

I never understood what was up with the green body. In Eternal Darkness, wasn't he shown without it, when he was woken up? I always liked his character, even if some thought he was "useless". I mean, it's true that any weapon or vehicle he invented that wasn't part of the toyline was only ever seen in that particular episode, but it still usually wound up saving the day.

As a toy, I thought he was a cool design. I never actually owned the figure, but my brother did. And yes, we drew in the moustache.

"Eternal Darkness" and "Return of Granamyr" were two times he was shown without the green body, suggesting it was indeed some kind of body suit. I always assumed it was part of the guard uniform, as the Royal guard wore the same. I actually quite like the colour scheme, it's very vibrant.

I like the character, but as I say, it really needed a variant version, to give the figure something more to do than the standard twist waist feature IMO.

why doesnt the figure have a mustache like the cartoon character?

Because the figure came first, at the very start of the toy-line. Filmation added the moustache to make him look older and more distinguished. It filtered through into a lot of other media, such as Marvel comics, etc. I remember one late UK Marvel comic, in the late days that stated "Man-At-Arms has shaved of his moustache, again".

[Louis649]

Man-At-Arms was and still be one of my personal favorite MOTU action figures along with Grizzlor, Jitsu, original He-man and a couple others. I didn't have it in my childhood but a couple of my friends have it and I remembered going to their homes to play with MOTU figures. Today I have it thanks to Ebay.

[jasonwulf]

MAA sux monkey nuts. always low on my totem. but i was really excited when i found a MAA at toys r us. in 1990 i went looking for python patrol trooper. to replace my recently stolen one had no luck but MAA changed that. it was very uplifting back ten to see a motu fig especially after they had been gone for what seemed like forvever. but even with this touching story he still doesnt hold up. its the colors, its the look. im sorry to dislike him so. but in the toon he was great. it was teh stash man its all about the stash

I originally got one just because he was a main character in the show and it would have been hard to re-enact or play with the rest without him but I was always mad he didn't have the mustache! It didn't even resemble the tv character at all. The only thing I enjoyed was smushing his head down into his chest armor and giving him a "god I love being a turtle" moment.

[Spacedust]

I've been thinking, if MOTU returned for a new cartoon series, or even a live action film or series, how should Man-At-Arms be based. The Filmation version was a staple of the series, but lets face it, he was a bit grouchy and a bit of an old bumbler at times!
I like the fact that he was made older than Adam / He-Man, kind of like is mentor. But then again, I kind like how it was loosley interpreted in the early mini-comics, with them more of the same age and best friends who went through adventures together.

I'd kind of like to see a blend of the two versions, with MAA being made a bit older and a mentor, but made a might lighter and not so... well... bumbling.

The Mike Young Productions version was quite good, making him as such - more senior and serious, but still able and competent. But - as with many 200x things - it lacked the 'heart' of the older versions, IMO.

[He-Fan]

Chris here...

Man-at-Arms was always one of my most sought-after figures as a kid, largely because of his strong presence in the cartoon (and many other MOTU canons) - however, in addition to that I love the concept of the character, his personality, and his look very much, and so gave him a 9 out of 10 in this poll!

Take care...

[Spacedust]

Man-at-Arms was always one of my most sought-after figures as a kid, largely because of his strong presence in the cartoon (and many other MOTU canons) - however, in addition to that I love the concept of the character, his personality, and his look very much, and so gave him a 9 out of 10 in this poll!

I was very much this same. While in many cases I was lured away by some of the gimmickier newer releases, in Man-At-Arms' case he was such a core presence in both the Filmation series and the franchise as a whole that I just had to have one for my collection.

[braxsis364]

To me Man at arms was a super genius, with a cyberneticly enhanced brain. who could invent amazeing weapons, or machines. and could also beat Skelertors bumbling minions, with brain power alone. and outsmart them even without a weapon. never liked the cartoon version of him. allways went by the mini comics.

[faker32828]

Man at arms was my 4th figure. He was pretty neat as a figure, but quickly lost his armor to faker. He also didn't get alot of use because his rubberband broke after a week or so, and the hot glue never held well. When I got my first batch of commemoritive figures, he was the 3rd one I opened. and he got the duribility test. I chucked him to the floor (having recently experienced the durability that a certain ex-spiderman writers toys lack), and just like back in the day, he bounced. In retrospect, I think it might have been the comm. series that got me back into motu. Come to think of it, I think this time i have two sets of his armor so he's no longer nikkid.

[Dr Bo]

To me Man at arms was a super genius, with a cyberneticly enhanced brain. who could invent amazeing weapons, or machines. and could also beat Skelertors bumbling minions, with brain power alone. and outsmart them even without a weapon. never liked the cartoon version of him. allways went by the mini comics.

While I do liked the fatherly figure he was in the show, I still liked the mini comics and toys version better. More of a lone warrior, master of weapon and not much of a court inventor. I never really liked that they used his armor as template for the royal guard, always found it removed a bit from him.

As for the figure, I liked the mean looking face and mechanized gladiator suit and big club. I found he was some of the best way Mattel dressed a MOTU figure, making the most of a template body and adding gears to make him stand out.

[zodak74]

Man-At-Arms arrived in an Easter basket in '82 or '81 (if memory serves correct, it was right at the beginning either way), and thus began my infatuation with everything MOTU. He was kind of a mysterious character in the mini-comics and I loved the way he was drawn. The Filmation version on the otherhand, especially giving him that Mario Bros. moustache and making him Teela's father, a feeble old crankmaster, etc... well, I'd rather not go there. The action figure though was very cool. I used to wonder wierd things like if the buttons on his helmet did anything in particular, and if the thing on his armor was meant to be a breathing apparatus of some sort. I also liked that he carried a mace to bash people and or things with. Man-At-Arms in the Battle Ram was often how I used him in battle when I played.
I lost my entire collection to a move during my teenaged years, and a few years back when I discovered all sorts of He-Man related stuff on ebay when I first got my own computer, Man-At-Arms was once again the first figure I (re-)bought to jumpstart an all new collection.

[suckator]

I really liked the removable armor. 10/10

[Orko's Magic Hat]

Not one my my favourite figures, but still a *must have*, although I didn't get my MAA until 1988 or even 1989! I always seemed to skip buying him in favour of other more appealing figures. I like his colours, but HATE the face.

Figure rating ~ 7/10

[Flint]

He was one of the first 3 figures I ever got and to this day he is still my favorite figure (although I do need a new Vinatage one) and character.

I liked his portrayal on the Filmation show, his colors and his armor and yes I did have a felt tip mustache put on mine too

I gave him a 10

[Bowhead Whale]

He's interesting, but I think though he would have been better with a removable helmet.

[TriKlops1971]

Man-At-Arms was the very first MOTU action figure I bought. I thought he looked kind of odd without the mustache, but the mace and removable armor was a big plus. I think MAA made the transition from the toystore shelves to TV very easily. Even in some of the mini-comics, I had the impression that MAA was something of a mentor figure to He-Man. He wasn't what I would call a "flashy" side-kick, like Fisto (with his deep, reverberating voice and giant gauntleted fist) or Roboto (with his interchangeable weapons and visible turning innards), but a classic, stable character that a lot of fans identified with. No insult intended to Fisto or Roboto (I like them both), but I think MAA is a character more based on the "real world". No major super powers, but an intelligent, likeable guy who makes the most of what he was born with. I gave him a 10 with no reservations.

[Captain Atkin]

You know, I am glad Man-at-Arms, Zodac, Stratos and the others didn't have removable helmets in the classic line. If they had, we would all be complaining today about how we lost them!

[Vahn]

10

I know I tend to score figures pretty high, but it's because I always start with 10 and try to think of reasons to take away points. With many of the Masters, there's no reason to deduct. Also when I review these I try to avoid comparisons to representations in other media, so DUNCAN's uselessness in the Filmation show didn't sway me.

On to the review! As one of the original toys, MAN-AT-ARMS was absolutely essential in establishing the feel of the line. Think about it, he was the first character that showed the combination of technology with sword and sorcery. And his asymmetric removable armor he was one of the most fun toys to swap accessories with. And with the WIND RAIDER matching his look, it was like Mattel was making proprietary vehicles (which I wish they would've done for other characters). I was a little weirded out that his green leotard went over his hands and even covered his apparent wrist bracers, and his face was uglier than butt, but he was supremely fun to play with.

[Sir Reilly]

10/10.
Way above usual '81-actionfigure standards and packed with enough accessoires for a second figure.

[danbrenus]

Well,let's make this clear,Man-At-Arms is my favourite heroic warrior,his vintage figure was way above the standard of those years, his armor is a masterwork and it isn't simmetrical because is set on a real hoplite/gladiator style of war-dressing and fighting pose, with the graves only on the leg that stand forward (and thus more exposed to the enemy blows) and the arm plates only on the arm that doesn't hold a weapon.
The combination of helmet and tall-to-nose neck protection from the breastplate realy existed in medieval armor of the 15th century,all this noction plus the state of the art molding (I've never seen a MAA broken accesory)make MAA armor a one of a kind in the best action-figure toyline ever,maybe the master of weapon could've used some more weapons but this can be fixed with Castle Greyskull weaponry.
Plus, his young, mustache-less,battle-hardened face is really well cast.
No doubt, old MAA deserve a 10/10.

[motu77]

This one's an easy 10. I loved how you could take the armor off and in the case of the leg armor add a second piece to the figure. I just wish they made a second arm piece that you could put on his other arm.