Madelman 2050 Darman

Darman was my very first Madelman 2050 figure back in the 80s. His retro look and my soft spot for pilot figures are reasons that still make Darman to this day, my actual favorite C.O.T.A. man.

That bubble helmet, the color scheme and plastic texture, plus his outstanding weapon are enough reasons to justify my admiration for Exin´s work with Darman.

1988,Exin

The bubble which protected the Madelman2050 carded figures were a look into the future. Over 25 years later, this is pretty much how all action figures are packed.

Figure: "Darman". Mechanic and NAVESCAM space factory test pilot.

Included accessories.

Absolutely stunning and sturdy construction. No wonder they were so expensive. Usually 2 or 3 times the cost of any given ARAH G.I.Joe figure.

As seen in their first issue, Darman was actually the first "earthling" to use its Magnetron power to reveal Lagard´s true identity. Also, I found the writing for the top image nostalgic and interesting enough to share. Roughly translated: Instructed over the most advanced technology. We all know how the future brough voice command, and touchscreens, but watching those Flash Gordon rocket sort of command handles is always nice!

Status: Unavailable

Madelman 2050 Reptis

Just like any Task Force, the invading unit from Zarkon has its Transmissions Specialist. Reptis was handpicked from the best of Zarkon´s Space Army.  

Used to high temperatures, Reptis took part in the establishment of Zarkons 1st base in the center of the Earth!

MOC 1988,Exin

Figure: "Reptis". Galactic Transmissions Especialist. Interpreter from the Great Crater.

Included accessories.

Just like any Zarkons figure, Reptis comes with Zarkon interactive Force allowing him to change appearance and look like human!

And just like the rest of the invading Force, he took part in their first retreat!

Status: Unavailable

Madelman 2050 Lagard

Last time we met Zan, C.O.T.A. men commander, now it´s Zarkon´s invasion force commander, Lagard!

MOC 1988,Exin

Released by the end of 1988, Madelman 2050 figures by Exin took advantage of the popularity wave of G.I.Joe. However, the original magnetic concept and "war of the worlds" background are factors that completely set this collection apart from any knockoff labelling.

A lizzard-like humanoid race, Zarkons send an invasion force to Earth, the chosen planet to replace their dying world, Zarkon. To lead the attack, Lagard.

Figure: "Lagard". Commander, Zarkon´s planet 1st Invasion Unit.

Included accessories.

Weapon can be attached to backpack!

Zarkons most feared weapon: The ability to change appearance and look like humans. When a C.O.T.A. soldier faces him up close, his identity is revealed. However, if the hero turns his back on a Zarkon, its face will change back to human form!


Status: Unavailable

Madelman 2050 Zan

Madelman 2050 is one of the best (short) lines in the history of 3 3/4" figures. Based on G.I.Joe ARAH, or at least picking up its popularity, it was a Spanish production by Exin. Had great commercials!

MOC 1988,Exin

 BUT, a figure was about twice as expensive as any G.I.Joe back then. About the same price as a MOTU figure! So it was cancelled after a couple of years. So let´s dwell into the world of C.O.T.A. vs ZARKONS and understand why it has so many fans worldwide. 

Included items for this ZAN set. 

Also included with every Madelman 2050 figure, vehicle or playset was a mini-comic. About the size of the vintage MOTU comics but of better paper quality. This comic would explain the backgroung story of this "intergalactic war" and bios for the figures. Today´s figure is Zan, commander and pilot for the C.O.T.A. men. C.O.T.A. was a terrestrial command created to ward off Zarkons and their invasion.

Figure: "Zan", C.O.T.A. men Commander. Much like the 1982 ARAH G.I.Joe (notice it has straight arms - no swivel), high quality plastic and paint detail.

Included accessories. If the figure was constructed with quality plastic, the accessories were even more impressive. Metalized color for the backpack and weapon, eventually to be contextualized with the whole "space figures" concept. This means a lot of money in production thus high prices for the final product.

Since it was common for heroes to have a pet robot hero for comic relief (and as we all now somewhere along the way would save the day), this set included Mascot, C.O.T.A.´s... robot mascot. Looks like a cross between Twiki (Buck Rogers) and V.I.N.cent(The Black Hole) to name just a couple. Mascot could move its upper limbs and even connect with accessories. It had a rotating waist and could roll around since it had wheels.

However, the most distinctive feature of Madelman 2050 was the magnet emplacement. Both C.O.T.A. and Zarkons had magnets, but only the good guys had them attached to the feet. Both sides had magnets inside their torsos to activate the really cool and unique element of this line: Magnetron Interactive Force.

Zarkons, from the dying planet Zarkon, were a desperate, agressive but inventive race of lizzard-like aliens. They metamorphose to look like humans!

Using basic magnet attraction/repulsion forces, Exin created a fantastic feature: C.O.T.A. men could reveal Zarkons true identity. Zarkons had magnetic heads that would rotate whenever a C.O.T.A. was close enough and that was called Magnetron Super Power. 

Status: Unavailable

Masters of the Universe Ram Man

 The Heroic Warriors character was one of the most curious "experimental" figures of the original line. With ability to ram objects, gates and groups of villains as a "Heroic Warrior", as a toy it had the ability to jump half an inch. The 2002 version kept the overall spirit but of course, enhanced it.

 
In his revisited 2002 version,  Four Horsemen Studios recreated the big and stuffed look of the funny character but gave it a more brute look which goes a lot more with the 2002 cartoon vision.

MOC 2002, Mattel.

Figure: "Ram Man". The only thing that is probably missing in this new look is the removable helmet, since Ram Man had a few TV moments that way. Other than that, a fine work as always.

Included accessory: Smashing Axe.

Fits on its back with a nice armor detail.

Just like the vintage figure, push it down and Ram Man will click and be ready to jump.

A very well placed button will activate the spring.

And this would be the way Ram Man would help the Masters in their moments of obstacle trouble. It may very well work with the toy if you´re up to the challenge of throwing your figure around... but don´t try this at home...

Back to "reality", while the 1983 figure was cut from a hollow plastic and totally limited when compared to most of the other MOTU originals, this 2002 figure had a few more articulation points such as neck, waist and wrists. Like I said before, it had a brute look and in many ways its appearance reflected the mix between the original mini comic bio and Filmation´s version for this character. A strong comic relief.

And I loved the (kept) buckle detail... !

Status: Available for trade

  

Castle Grayskull 2003 - Man-At-Arms tour

New for 2003, the v.2 of Grayskull came with a load of switches and sounds, lights and a lot of fun. With cool different details from the "Action Chip" version, it was a lot different from the original 1981 version of Grayskull.

 
With a modern "cartoon" look that actually fits the new story, this version is probably more play-directed since there´s no need for Action Chip figures to fully appreciate the toy.

MIB 2003, Mattel.

And for today´s view and review, please welcome the man responsible for many of Eternia´s security systems, Man-At-Arms as he explains He-Man what this "new" castle unfolds!

Thanks for watching and see you next time!

Status: Available for trade