Art and Masters of the Universe have nothing in common, except maybe the posters. Well, that was before. Lately, Masters of the Universe and art collide, transforming into toys into art. The artist who weaved the artistic strokes is LA-based contemporary artist James Jean. James has given MOTU’s main protagonist and antagonist a surreal and organic transformation.
In addition to elevating He-Man and Skeletor to mythical status, James also created matching artwork for the packaging. The two collectible window boxes are designed to be displayed together to form a larger piece inspired by the composition of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting Battle of Anghiari. That said, these are toys you probably won’t want to remove from their packaging. And then there’s the poster and sticker sheet featuring Jean’s floral-versus-coral take on iconic characters from the Masters of the Universe.
Leading the collection is the MOTU x James Jean Floral He-Man and Battle Cat 2-Pack. Here, Eternia’s most powerful duo trades battle armor for something that looks like it grew straight out of a mythical forest. Perhaps, getting in touch with his softer side (like Prince Adam isn’t already gentle enough, already). He-Man wears floral-styled chest armor and comes armed with a stylized Sword of Power, plus a shield and battle axe. Battle Cat matches the aesthetic with a floral saddle and helmet.
The figures are in Origins scale, with He-Man standing about 6 inches (15.2 cm) tall with 14 points of articulation, while Battle Cat measures roughly 7 inches (17.8 cm) long with 12 points of articulation. The jade-inspired tones reflect harmony, goodness, and light, which should throw Skeletor right off. Like, Skeletor probably thinks he is totally harmless, and Battle Cat is just a gentle giant.
Naturally, Skeletor refuses to be outdone. The MOTU x James Jean Coral Skeletor and Panthor 2-Pack answers with deep red coral-like armor that feels dramatic, regal, and just a little dangerous. Skeletor includes coral-styled chest armor, gauntlets, and waist armor, along with a stylized Havoc Staff, sword, and extra hands.
Panthor also receives a matching coral saddle and helmet details. Like their heroic counterparts, both figures are in Origins scale, with Skeletor at about 6 inches (15.2 cm) tall and Panthor around 7 inches (17.8 cm) long.
Both sets arrive in mirrored window-box packaging layered with artwork and hidden Easter eggs, designed to sit side by side and complete Jean’s interpretation of the eternal clash between good and evil.
Completing the drop is the Masters of the Universe x James Jean Poster and Sticker Set. The poster measures 18 x 24 inches (45.7 x 61 cm) and is printed on premium uncoated linen-finish paper. The included vinyl sticker sheet measures 10 x 8 inches (25.4 x 20.3 cm) and features kiss-cut designs of 16 iconic characters from the MOTU universe, expanding Jean’s floral-versus-coral visual language beyond the main four figures.
The Floral He-Man and Battle Cat 2-Pack and the Coral Skeletor and Panthor 2-Pack are priced at US$100 each. The poster and sticker set is priced at US$50.
Images: Mattel.
