Advent Calendar 22: Let's see what you can do in the Sun, Man!

 

This is Sun Man. Who is he?

Sun-Man is a groundbreaking Black superhero and action figure created by Yla Eason and featured in the "Rulers of the Sun" toy line, which was designed to be compatible with Mattel's "Masters of the Universe" line. Sun-Man's creation was inspired by the desire to provide diverse representation in action figure play, particularly for Black children. The name "Sun-Man" reflects the idea that people who live near the equator have darker skin to protect themselves from the sun. Thanks google gemini.

So, basically "Black He-Man". So, I got him for the novelty factor...

Do I get social points for getting both versions?

Let's start the review!

Articulation

Masterverse Sun-Man has standard Masterverse articulation but the fauld blocks some leg articulation.

On the other hand, the wings on the origins version blocks arm articulation.

Masterverse: 4.0

Origins: 4.0

Paint and sculpt:

The Origins Sun-Man is very close to the 80s figure. But with added articulation.

The Masterverse redesign... feels a bit more MOTU-Ish in a bad way. Sun-Man looks "cooler" but at the same time he looks very generic.

But this is not whether I like to sculpt or not; it's whether it has issues or not. 

The only complaints I have with both figures are:

The Origins figure has sloppy paintjob and the Masterverse figure has some ugly pins on the wings that ruin the sculpt.

Masterverse: 4.0

Origins:4.5

I tried switching armors between masterverse and Origins.But they don't work as well as you would think.

Accessories:

Both figures have their respective blade and shield. The Masterverse has 2 alternate hands.

Masterverse: 4.5

Origins: 4.0

Overall:

I wasn't planning on this but both figures actually got the same final score of 4.17 and it was a fluke. They are decent figures but not must haves... Unless you have a nostalgic attachment to the original Sun-Man toy and the Rulers of the Sun toy line. Also, if you are into diversity, particularly from African American characters. Then hell yeah, you need this guy!

MVSM: Why do I hear Alan Thicke Music?
OSM: Whatchu' talking 'Bout Masterverse?
Chief: What the Hell? Why am I Mr. Drummond?
Nefty: Because you're the only old-looking white guy I have. I didn't buy Picard!
MVSM: Why are we shirtless?
Chief: Oh God! This looks like a slaver auction!
OSM: Whatchu' talking 'Bout fake Drummond?
Nefty: You guys are gonna get me canceled. You are shirtless to showcase that you have standard Masterverse and Origins bodies respectively. The only diff'rence is Melanin. The whole Diff'rent Strokes thing was due to Origins Sunman being short with a fro, standing next to his taller bro... Didn't help.
That I binged the first two seasons of Diff'rent Strokes on tubi...

Seriously, sometimes my worst enemy are my intrusive thoughts as they manifest on fictional characters... they help with the self-deprecating humor.