Toy Review: ‘Masters Of The Universe’ Origins Orko Is A Fun Addition

Every 1980s cartoon had a comedic sidekick. Thundercats had Snarf. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had Bebop and Rocksteady. G.I. Joe had Shipwreck (look in your heart and you know it’s true). Masters of the Universe had the ultimate comedic sidekick though, and Orko deserves all the good things because of it.

Orko is one of three residents of Eternia who know Prince Adam’s secret, alongside the Sorceress and Duncan, the Man At Arms. He’s also one of Adam’s best friends, alongside Cringer. Orko is also the Eternian royal court’s magician, who’s often shown as incompetent and bumbling, screwing up tricks and spells more often than not.

I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Orko. He added an element of fun to Masters of the Universe and there was always a well of something more to him. That’s why I loved that he got some awesome heroic moments in the Netflix Masters of the Universe sequel series Revelation and Revolution.

This figure, a part of the Cartoon Collection, though isn’t totally the figure it could be.

First of all, this figure is based on the episode The Return of Orko’s Uncle, which is why it included an alternate bearded head and the Hero medal. I didn’t pull either out because they’re fine.

This figure is the cartoon Orko brought to life though. He looks exactly how you’d hope, and adds impish presence to the shelf. He’s the exact toy you’d hope for a display of classic Masters of the Universe heroes. He can pose like you’d want Orko to, and it’s fascinating how a posable hat is able to give a figure so much character. The stand he’s on is perfect too, preventing the need for just setting this floating wizard on the shelf.

But that’s about it.

This figure doesn’t come with any other accessories. The range of motion in his arms is limited. He doesn’t have any extra hands to create any sort of action. After just a few minutes, he’s just sort of … there.

Two things would have made him better. First a few accessories, like some effects pieces and swappable hands, would have made him much stronger for posing and replay. And second, frankly, this figure shouldn’t have been sold on its own. He should have been part of a two-pack or even the Cartoon Collection’s Prince Adam and Cringer set. Suddenly a somewhat weak figure is made better by inclusion with other characters. You can see in my pictures how much better the figure is just by his proximity to He-Man.

As it is, it’s a fun display piece, but he left me feeling a bit flat and lacking a complete, well-rounded figure. I’m glad I have him, but I definitely wish there was a bit more to him.

(Oh and by the way, just like I love Orko, Shipwreck is one of my favorites. Don’t come for me.)