I'm admittedly not the biggest fan of the character designs from the 200x Mike Young Productions He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon. With Teela in particular, the impossibly-long gravity-defying ponytail seemed extremely silly. And her blue shoulderpads were an odd departure from her typically-simple color palette. That said, I really appreciate when an action figure is a good representation of an animated design. And this Cartoon Collection Teela is a great example of that. There have been a few Teela figures from this show in the past, but they didn't look anything like the source material. But this one looks really good and actually makes me like the 200x animated design a little more. I even splurged on the Mondo preorder after I felt my judgement waning. I'm now surprising myself by looking forward to the Sorceress figure coming in Wave 6 (and I always felt like her redesign was the most tragic). Here's to changing opinions! Let's check out Teela below!
UNITING ALL WOMEN OF PLASTIC
Showing posts with label Teela. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Teela. Show all posts
Friday, July 17, 2026
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe - TEELA!
Monday, April 27, 2026
Masters of the Universe - TEELA!
I'm pretty excited to see the Masters of the Universe movie in June. I admit I have had extremely low expectations for the long-rumored cinematic return of MOTU, but the trailers legitimately have me feeling optimistic. They seem to have a great mix of modern and nostalgic vibes. Of course, I will be at an out-of-town wedding the weekend it comes out with no movie theatre for miles, so I will be avoiding spoilers and reviews until I can make time to see it. I'm happy to see that the main four females from Eternia: Teela, Evil-Lyn, Sorceress, and Queen Marlena are all featured in the film. Camila Mendes plays Teela. I first noticed her as the iconic Veronica Lodge on Riverdale, but she's stayed in my media rotation in her movies Upgraded, Do Revenge, and The Perfect Date... plus her role as the dancing hotel maid in the Side-Effects music video which has been on my YouTube gym playlist for years. It goes without saying that I'm a fan. In fact, I'm a fan of everyone cast in the movie (which is a rarity these days).
Monday, March 23, 2026
Masterverse Vintage Collection - TEELA!
I've been pretty interested in the Vintage Collection offshoot of Mattel's Masterverse line since it began. Actually, back in 2022 when the 40th Anniversary He-Man figure was released was when I first saw the potential of a vintage toy aesthetic on a Masterverse buck. That He-Man wasn't officially part of the Vintage Collection, but I consider him the spiritual predecessor to this line that launched in 2025. I've been waiting patiently for the first female to be included. Predictably, Teela was that trailblazer. She isn't a perfect figure (although perhaps it is just my version what has paint issues), but there's something special about the vintage toy colors and the gold ram-horn chest deco that takes me right back to childhood. The Origins figure from 2020 in this deco was almost too similar to the 1982 figure, but seeing that 80's design on a larger-scale, highly-articulated body is very cool twist on our typical collector's nostalgia. I've excited to see the rumored Evil-Lyn to hit. Let's check out Teela below!
Saturday, March 21, 2026
New Eternia - TEELA!
This figure has had me on a rollercoaster of emotions for the last year. When first announced, I was excited to be getting another New Eternia lady. The 2024 Evil-Lyn was a favorite of mine. But soon leaked production pics started showing up... and they looked bizarre. Her head was tiny and her eyes had an elongated reptilian quality. But I convinced myself that you often see unimpressive prototypes that end up looking gorgeous in person (like the 1987 Movie Evil-Lyn). Then I got her in October 2025 and she looked just as bizarre and unfortunate as I had feared, at least in the packaging. I just opened her last week, and I can admit that (when she has her armor on), she is probably the nicest Teela figure I own. I realize the awkward head size is likely to accommodate for her headdress. And likewise, her weird eyes look fine when she's armored-up. The coppery color of her accessories is very eye-catching and the overall figure is stunning - something I'm still shocked by. Let's check out Teela below!
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Masters of the Universe - TEELA!
I'm pretty sad that my reviews of these Masters of the Universe Altaya figurines are coming to a close. I discovered them shortly after they started being released back in 2022 and it became a major obsession of mine to get all my favorites. There were fifteen female characters released, which were all a requirement for me, and I cherry-picked an additional four male characters. Honestly if I could afford them I would get the whole series. But eBay markups and shipping from Europe were a major roadblock. Teela was the figure that got me hooked. She was the 6th figure in the series and looked just like the 2014 Pop Culture Shock statue I was so covetous of. But when I got her in hand, she was the most disappointing of all due to a mispositioned hairpiece and a stunned facial expression (I fixed the hairpiece that you see in these photos, but when I got her she had a gigantic forehead). It almost made me think the effort to acquire them was too great for the return, but I'm glad I continued. Let's check out Teela below!
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Turtles of Grayskull - TEELA!
Toy property mashups are a pretty fun trend in modern toy lines. The longest-running and most notable examples are definitely Transformers with their early Crossovers lines with Star Wars and Marvel (2008-2010) and then their Collaborative line with Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, TMNT, Top Gun, etc (2019-present). But back in 2019, Mattel started doing mashups with their highly versatile Masters of the Universe Origins line and WWE. These we fun and I loved the three ladies produced: Chyna, Steph McMahon, and Becky Lynch. But it wasn't until the Turtles of Grayskull line where two truly iconic lines were combined that I got obsessed. While the two figures I've purchased haven't quite been the combination of two characters the way I expected, they are still fun reinterpretations of the characters in the other universe. In this case, Teela as an armored turtle warrior. She's very weird but very cool and I hope there are more in the works. Let's check out the Turtles of Grayskull Teela below!
Monday, February 3, 2025
MOTU Revolution - SNAKE SORCERESS TEELA!
My favorite thing about Masters of the Universe Revelation and Revolution was the constant evolutions of the two main female characters, Evil-Lyn and Teela. The journey of these characters was organic and fit into the Masters mythos seamlessly. Evil-Lyn was on her unquenchable quest for power, and Teela was facing her mysterious origins and family legacy. And as toy hobbyists, we have thankfully been blessed with action figures of nearly every incarnation of these characters (at this point, I think we are only missing Teela's final two forms). At the penultimate battle in Revolution, Teela has to call upon the ancient magics and become the ancient Snake Goddess to save Preternia. The lore of the familiar staffs (The Staff of Zoar, the Staff of Ka, and the Havok Staff) each being linked to a different form of Sorceress is genius. Plus the tie-in to the old Preternian Goddess stories from the vintage mini-comics is some glorious fan service. And who doesn't love a cool reptilian action figure. Let's check out Teela below!
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Masters of the Universe - TEELA!
Would you believe this is the 21st Teela action figure released in the last 5 years? And that's not even counting statues, figurines, and novelty figures (but it is counting Goddess repaints). Luckily they keep finding new ways to give her a distinct update with each release. This Cartoon Collection spinoff of the Masters of the Universe Origins line gives us Origins-styled figures (in that updated-vintage construction) but in a deco and sculpt to represent the classic Filmation animated aesthetic. It very similar in spirit to the 2018-19 Masters of the Universe Vintage line from Super7, but with better articulation. This Teela is pretty great. Her armor, hair, and tiara is perfectly styled in that nostalgic cartoon design. The colors are bright and simple, and the rubber armor on her torso moves great without disrupting the waist swivel. The only odd thing is her super detailed face. It looks good by all means, but it looks more like a movie-styled figure than a cartoon. Let's check out Teela below!
Monday, January 1, 2024
MOTU Revolution - SORCERESS TEELA!
One of the most satisfying things in Masters of the Universe: Revelation was the long-awaited ascension of Teela to Sorceress of Grayskull. I had personally been wanting to see this since the original series in the 80s when her path was foretold. But if she had become Sorceress back then, I would wager she would have been designed exactly like her mother, Teela-Na or Kuduk Ungol. But thankfully Teela's story didn't unfold until now so she got the benefit of a unique design reflective of her personality and heritage. This design was only presented at the very end of Revelation back in 2021. But (judging from the trailers) we will be seeing a lot more of it in the follow-up series Revolution that debuts in a few weeks. I am also personally excited that Melissa Benoist (Supergirl) is providing Teela's voice. I like her a lot. Sarah Michelle Gellar was great as Teela in Revelation. But I won't lie and say I wasn't constantly pegging that unique SMG voice. Someone more non-specific will be nice. Let's check out Teela below!
Sunday, May 14, 2023
MOTU Origins - SNAKE TEELA!
I like that Snake Teela has become a unique variant of the traditional Teela character. This design originally appeared in a single Second Skin episode of the 200x show where several characters were temporarily turned into Snake Men. She was likely a visual nod to the early 80's Goddess character, but she was unique in most ways apart from the green hue. The 200x Snake Teela had actual scaly skin, reptilian eyes, fangs, and a forked tongue. In 2003 there was a ToyFare Magazine exclusive repaint of Teela in this scaly form and, in my mind at least, that solidified her as a unique iteration separate from the Eternian Goddess. That said, I still kind of groaned when this was announced as the next Origins female. With so many characters unrepresented in the line, a fourth Teela wasn't the most exciting option. But the figure actually has a new torso and boots, and uses the 200x head which we've only seen once. Combine that with the distinctive green coloring and she makes for a very unique variation.
Friday, January 27, 2023
MOTU Origins - TEELA & ZOAR!
I get nervous about the future of the Masters of the Universe Origins line. When it first launched a couple years ago I was excited and hopeful about all the good characters that could finally get the vintage treatment through this line. At the very least I thought we would see Queen Marleena, but I was secretly hoping for a whole Princess of Power lineup. But instead we keep seeing the same four molds used multiple times: Teela, Evil-Lyn, Sorceress, and She-Ra. Don't get me wrong, I love every figures I've bought in this line so far, I just can't help but feel to the potential of this line is being squandered to save money on new molds. This newest Teela figure is exclusive to Big Bad Toy Store and features Teela in a 200x-inspired deco. This figure is surprising because she actually has a retooled head with a ponytail and a different tiara. It's a subtle difference from the 2020 Teela, but it really give her that extra 200x feel. Zoar, on the other hand, in 100% vintage toy inspired. Let's check out Teela and Zoar below!
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
He-Man Animated Series - SORCERESS!
As much as I enjoy Netflix's He-Man and the Masters of the Universe CGI Animated Series, I often find myself wishing that the character designs weren't quite as removed from the source material. For those who haven't seen the show, the concept is very reimagined. The core idea that instead of just Prince Adam having a transformation sequence to become He-Man, all his friends do as well. Teela transforms into Sorceress, but it's a very different Sorceress than we're used to (the traditional wise sorceress role is instead held by the spectral character Eldress). I was happy with the new concepts and storylines, but I missed a more recognizable Filmation-type Sorceress. But then this great repaint was announced and it was exactly what I wanted. And not only is the the new Teela/Sorceress character decked out in classic colors, but she also comes with the very Zoar-like Cosmic Falcon. I don't think these have a direct connection to the Netflix show, but I'm here for it either way. Let's check her out!
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
MOTU Revelation - TEELA (v2)!
The development of Teela's storyline in the Masters of the Universe Revelation series was nothing short of epic. For the majority of the show, she was a disillusioned marauder roaming the Eternian countryside with Andra and harassing random baddies like Stinkor. This marauder version was quite scandalous in the fanboy community (how dare she have covered legs and a militant haircut?!), but I loved it. That said, I was still very appreciative of the classic Teela look we got in the beginning of the story and flashbacks. But considering they released a toy of the marauder look first, I'm shocked they backtracked and gave us this classic version. She is a great figure and I really love seeing the details of the modernized outfit (it flashes by pretty quickly in the show). If you haven't seen the Revelation yet, she has a third major transformation that is awesome and better get a toy as well. (Also, a Revelation Sorceress in her classic orange plumage is definitely needed in this line). Let's check out Teela below!
Monday, February 14, 2022
He-Man Animated Series - SORCERESS!
The Season 2 trailer for Netflix's He-Man and the Masters of the Universe CGI show was just released so the timing is perfect to finally review this Sorceress figure from Season one. I'm going to give a few spoilers here, so if you haven't finished the season from last Summer, then skip ahead to the pics and don't read anything. This He-Man show is unique because all the characters get powered up from the power of Grayskull. The battlecry is even "We have the power!" I love this adaptation. Every character gets a chance to shine. One of my favorite characters is Adam's friend Teela, who when powered up becomes Sorceress. This toy is aimed at kids and has limited articulation, but I'm obsessed with her. The only way I would like her more is if there was a small hairpiece that could be popped on to better represent her Teela form. It would be like a little topknot that looks like a palm tree. This line is a lot of fun. I can't wait to get Ram-Ma'am and Mosquitara. Let's check out Sorceress below!
Friday, December 24, 2021
MOTU Minis - SORCERESS & MERCENARY TEELA!
I love the surge of Masters of the Universe products hitting the shelves in recent years. I never thought I would see a dedicated MOTU space in the toy aisles of the big box stores, and suddenly there are five unique toy lines (Origins, MasterVerse, Eternia Minis, He-Man Animated, and Mega Construx). Plus a new Imaginext XL line coming soon. So far the only line that blends all the different iterations of He-Man has been the Eternia Minis. It started out as a continuation of the Mattycollector MOTU Minis line, but has quickly shown potential to be so much more. There has been figures from the Vintage line, Revelation, and the new Netflix CGI show, along with vehicles and playsets. I hope this line continues because I want to see so many more characters included, and I would especially love to see that old Mattycollector Snake Mountain playset finally released. These two figures mark the 5th and 6th ladies in the line, and there's at least one more on the way. Fingers crossed the momentum keeps going!
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
MOTU Revelation - TEELA!
I'm partway through the second half of Masters of the Universe: Revelation on Netflix and I'm loving it. Teela has always been the most interesting character in the He-Man universe IMO (with Marlena being a close second). The original Masters of the Universe series was fantastic and iconic, but the stories just didn't have a lot of depth. Most characters were a name and a toy gimmick, and not much else (besides awesome). But the writers seemed to put extra effort into the characters that didn't have a punny name or action gimmick. And Teela (and Marlena) were the big recipients of that attention and got complex intriguing backstories. The fact that Revelation seems to focus on Teela is no surprise at all. She is essentially the only MOTU character with any kind of fated prophecy driving a story. Her transformation to a mercenary warrior is interesting and believable. And, honestly, the initial hate from the fanbase just makes me like this look even more. Let's check out warrior Teela below!
Monday, November 29, 2021
MOTU Origins - ETERNIAN GODDESS!
Masters of the Universe Origins has really been an exciting line for me. All my favorite vintage figures have already been released in this updated retro style and I am anxiously awaiting news of unexpected figures (perhaps Marlena or Catra!) But in the meantime, the variants of the first four ladies have been very fun. We have seen 200x Evil-Lyn, Temple of Darkness Sorceress, rooted-hair She-Ra, and now Green Goddess Teela. For those unaware, in the original minicomics that came with the vintage toys (before the cartoon aired), the Sorceress character was filled by a green-skinned snake Goddess. When the Teela toy was made, Mattel gave her the snake armor to pull double-duty as two separate characters (albeit with no green skin). Over time, kids just kind of assumed Teela had a snake motif and the Goddess lore faded away. But the MOTUC Goddess figure in 2009 brought those early stories back to the forefront (for me at least). I'm excited to see this variant in Origins. Let's check of Goddess below!
Sunday, August 8, 2021
MOTU Minis - TEELA!
I always thought Teela was the most interesting person in Masters of the Universe. Other characters had their entire bio defined by their name or action gimmick. But Teela was layered and kept surprising us throughout the series. Even at first introduction, a female Captain of the Royal Guard is unique and intriguing. Additionally, her duty of protecting the feeble Prince Adam kept her right in the middle of the action. Later we learned she wasn't Duncan's biological daughter but rather adopted under mysterious circumstances. Later still we learned that the Sorceress is her mother and she's predestined to assume the mantle next. Like I said, she's a very dynamic character and was always in need of further tales. In fact, there should be an entire series focused on her. I predict the MOTU fandom would be thrilled about such a great gift and rally behind the creators praising their efforts and talent and demanding more. These fans are always appreciative and able to see the big picture and that's what I love about them.
Friday, June 4, 2021
Masters of the Universe - SNAKE TEELA!
The 2002 He-Man and the Masters of the Universe animated series really focused on the evil SnakeMen factions on Eternia. They were a favorite among fans of the vintage cartoon and toys, but they were criminally underused. The 2002 series really fleshed out their mythology and even titled the entire second season "Masters of the Universe vs The SnakeMen." The later waves of action figures featured lots of repainted figures, with snake-themed accessories, and green SnakeMen packaging. But this ToyFare Exclusive Snake Teela figure is special. She is the only repainted figure with reptilian skin as seen in the episode Second Skin. In the episode, King Hssss found the ancient Serpent Ring artifact that could transform anyone into SnakeMen. Only a handful of heroes were changed: Man-at-Arms, Mekaneck, King Carnivus, and Teela. But only Teela's transformation got the toy treatment. The great thing about this is the big nod to Teela's association to the vintage Snake Goddess character. Let's check her out!
Thursday, June 3, 2021
Masters of the Universe - TEELA!
The 2002 He-Man and the Masters of the Universe animated series did a lot of great things. It re-introduced the whole He-Man mythos seventeen years after the original series concluded (and more than a decade after the New Adventures ended). It inspired a toyline that had more figures than the vintage line (if you count the NECA Stactions). And, as a toy collector, my favorite thing is that it cemented the bond between Four Horsemen Studios and Masters of the Universe that has literally given us hundreds of amazing toys. The cartoon itself was more modern and serious than the 80's series and still holds up today. I highly enjoy it, but I haven't watched it in years. However, one thing I never cared for was the design of Teela. The long ponytail, blue shoulderpads, and snake staff all seemed like really off choices. Luckily the coloring of the action figure was more in line with the vintage figure and her hair was less cartoony. They took a lukewarm design and made a great figure. Let's check her out below!
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