Clawful vintage figure review thread

[Spacedust]

This week's review thread is on that crab (or lobster?)-like villain with the "grip of evil". It can only be CLAWFUL.

Clawful came out with the third wave of villains in 1983. Based on a lobster / crab (I was never quite sure), his action feature was his spring-loaded left claw, which could be opened and then used to clamp around his victim.

His weapon was a green version of the Castle Grayskull mace, with an extra handle to enable it to be held in his smaller claw-like left hand.

There are two version of the Clawful figure. One has 'claw/bug' legs, such as those used on Buzz-Off and Whiplash. The second version uses standard 'Evil Warrior' legs.

I remember getting my Clawful figure one half-term morning when my Dad was home. He wanted to get some things in town, and I had enough money to get a new MOTU figure. I can't remember whether I had selected my latest purchase beforehand, or if I just decided in the toy shop, but either way, I really liked my Clawful figure. (For the record, my original Clawful was the standard 'Evil Warrior legs' version, although nowadays I own several examples of both).

Clawful was notable for being one of the first new characters added to the first season of the Filmation cartoon series. The only other pre-release character to be used was Jitsu in early episode "The Dragon Invasion". Others, like Lizard Man, seem to have been based on prototypes but were never released (Whiplash?).
Anyway, Clawful appeared in a number of later first season episodes. His appearance varied somewhat from the figure version - probably due to it still being in prototype stage at the time - and his face was almost dragon-like. And although all of Skeletor's goons were pretty bumbling, this version was slightly smarter than some of Skeletor's other cronies, and on occasion was a force to be reckoned with.

Although there wasn't a figure released, Clawful appeared in the Mike Young Productions 200x cartoon series. In this version, whereas most of the Evil Warriors were slightly smarter than their Filmation versions, Clawful was one of those slightly dumbed down. I personally didn't mind this too much, as it seemed to kind of suit him.

More recently, a staction of Clawful has been released. And it is AWESOME. It's massive, and has a really ferocious looking claw. It's quite probably my favourite of all of the stactions to date.

All-in-all, although I didn't consciously realise it as a kid, I really like Clawful. I count the 'classic' characters to be those from the first two waves of figures, but after that, old Clawful is a really good character. I give him 9 out of 10.

So there are my thoughts on Clawful; now I'd like to hear your own thoughts, comments and memories on the character. And whether you post or not, don't forget to rate the vintage figure in the poll!

[kylefromdirtnapp]

I enjoy reading these reviews, but never post. This time is different. Clawful has got to be my favorite figure. He gets a 10 even though his weapon sucks. Who needs a mace when you have a giant claw? I always considered him a crab because one claw was bigger than the other. I think a lobster's are the same size. Or maybe he's a crawdad....

[The Horrorist]

10/10 An excellent figure. Great figure with good feature. Not too gimmicky. I got him from my grandma one time. Good memories, she also got me Two-bad. I also have to admit I don't like his weapon. Buzz-off's weapon is lame too.

[Bowhead Whale]

Clawful is a good concept. It's not everyday that we see a humanoid character with lobster features! To me, he's like the male counterpart of Scorpia!

[davidlogan]

Clawful is a super cool vintage figure. I hated that they made him totally stupid on the new toon. As a kid I remembered thinking he was on of Skeletor's few competent bad guys.

That's the way I like him! 10 out of 10.

Even though his weapon was crap.

[Warpigs]

Clawful was one of my favorite charactors as a child. I loved the claw.

[braxsis364]

I remember me and my brother likeing Clawful alot. Fisto got some good beating from him just like in the mini comics. but latter on when I discovered the comemertives. he was the only one I did'int buy. I looked at him and said to myself. man I don't remember that goofy head sculpt. so ill say a 5

[Evil_Horde]

Clawful is very cool, and great concept but i dont like the colour. Voted 7!

[PaoloKr]

Clawful is one of my fav characters.
9

[kylun flac]

thought clawful was a huge dork as a kid.
liked the claw though.