The most recent release from Mattel’s MOTU Classics line, Hordak has been one of the most anticipated releases in the line. While the figure before him, Zodac, had lasted four days, Hordak’s popularity brought the sellout time to back under an hour – much to the chagrin of many a He-Man fan. I was lucky enough to get through the red screen and pick up the Evil Leader of the Evil Horde. For Hordak’s review, I snapped some “After Dark” pictures to help show off his sinister side and dispel my belief that he doesn’t have one.

Hordak is pretty loaded as far as accessories come in MOTU Classics. His removable armor aside, he comes with a staff inspired by his 200x version, his classic crossbow, and his bat, another updated classic accessory. His paint aps are solid for the most part.

An attempt at weathering on the silver armor edges gives off more of a sloppy look than intended, but his sculpt details more than make up for it. I have no issue with his half-armor, there are some sculpted indentions in the armor that line up pretty well with the lower torso and make the figure’s silhouette flow from most angles. There has been some contention that the character looks bulky, and I’d agree with that when you consider, the armor, hood, and cape. But a bulky Hordak is tradition.

So I mentioned that I don’t find Hordak all that sinister. Now I respect those who believe him to be the ultimate MOTU badass, as does my co-blogger AdventureVault, but I never had the figure as a kid and didn’t have the opportunity for his badassery to grow on me. Now I did see She-Ra cartoons and that’s the Hordak I remember. Let’s delve into some quotes…

Hordak: “I must learn to control my rocket form better! Where could I be? Castle Greyskull? By Horde World, I’m back on Eternia!”
-or-
Hordak: “You may have defeated us, but you’ll never see this child again! Hahaha!”

See? He just didn’t badass it up enough against She-Ra for me. Plus, the poor guy had to deal with Horde Prime micro-managing, and the occasional visit from Inspector Darkney. Hordak just came across as middle management before I even knew what middle management was.

None of that takes away from a great figure though. MOTU Classics Hordak will take his proud place on my MOTU shelf, just maybe a little further to the back than most.