Review: Masterverse New Etheria Hordak (2025)
Introduction
The Masters of the Universe (MOTU) Masterverse line continues to evolve with the release of the New Etheria Hordak figure in 2025, a 7-inch scale collectible that pays homage to the franchise’s roots while introducing fresh design elements. This figure celebrates the 40th anniversary of She-Ra: Princess of Power, drawing inspiration from the original 1980s TV series but reimagining Hordak in the context of “New Etheria”—a conceptual expansion of the MOTU universe that blends classic villainy with modernized aesthetics.
Priced at retail between $21.97 and $23.99, it’s a Walmart exclusive that’s already showing collectible appeal, with secondary market prices averaging around $56-61, or about 2x retail. As the third Hordak in the Masterverse line, this version stands out for its demonic, bat-themed overhaul, making it a must-have for Horde enthusiasts and collectors. This review draws from official descriptions, in-hand images, and community feedback to analyze its design, features, and overall value.
Design and Sculpt
Hordak’s New Etheria design is a menacing reimagining of the ruthless Horde leader, emphasizing his Etherian origins with a techno-organic aesthetic that feels both nostalgic and innovative. The figure sports a bone-white, skull-like face with gray skin, an open mouth revealing individual fangs, and red paint highlights for a fierce expression. His body features sculpted musculature under intricate red and black armor adorned with the Horde emblem, including a high black collar, armored gauntlets, spiked details, and clawed feet for a battle-ready stance.
The translucent red bat-like wings add a fiery, otherworldly glow, capturing light dramatically and enhancing his demonic presence. Unlike previous Hordak figures that often included capes, this one opts for wings inspired by early concept art, tying into the “New Etheria” branding that embraces bold, alternate interpretations.
The sculpt quality is deluxe, with raised details on the armor and a hood integrated into the chest piece, allowing for seamless integration. Reviewers praise the head sculpt as “awesome” and detailed, noting its compatibility for parts-swapping with other MOTU lines. However, some community feedback highlights potential issues with photo angles or lighting in promotional images, which can make the figure appear less impressive at first glance—though in-hand shots reveal sharper details. Overall, the design strikes a balance between fidelity to the She-Raseries and creative liberty, making it feel like a fresh evolution rather than a straight rehash.
Articulation
With 30 points of articulation, this Hordak excels in poseability, allowing for dynamic, nefarious displays that capture his commanding villainy. Key features include excellent head movement (up, down, side-to-side rotation), bicep swivels, double-jointed elbows and knees, waist swivel, and thigh rotation for grounded stances. The removable wings are a standout: hinged for folding and rotating, they enable epic combat poses like flared intimidation or mid-flight attacks. The joints are tight and sturdy, preventing floppiness, which is crucial for a figure with modular armor and accessories.
In comparisons, this articulation matches the high standard of the Masterverse line, outperforming older Classics or Origins figures in fluidity. One caveat: the wings can be fragile; reviewers warn that removing them after pegging in might cause breakage, as experienced in testing. Despite this, the pose options make it highly displayable, whether leading a Horde army or clashing with heroes like She-Ra.
Accessories
Hordak comes loaded with thematic accessories that enhance play and display value. The bat-topped staff features a coiled serpent/dragon that can uncoil for added detail, evoking Horde minions. A matching bat-shaped shield in striking red provides defensive options, while the swappable cannon arm replaces the right hand and wrist bracer for firepower upgrades—compatible with red blast effects from prior Masterverse Hordak releases (though not included here). Other pieces include removable chest armor, horizontally hinged gripping hands, rotating gauntlets, a New Eternia-style belt, and an Evil Horde arm band on the left arm.
Reviewers highlight the staff’s uniqueness and the wings’ versatility, but note the absence of a native blast effect as a missed opportunity for completeness. Some suggest adding an interchangeable cape for more customization, drawing from classic designs. These accessories tie into the 40th-anniversary theme, offering storytelling potential like expanding conquests in New Etheria.
Comparisons and Compatibility
This New Etheria Hordak shines when compared to predecessors. Against the Filmation-style Masterverse Hordak, it offers more aggressive sculpting and wings over a cape; versus the Revolution variant, it’s bulkier with better wing integration. Parts-swapping works well with Classics and Origins bodies (e.g., armor and head swaps), though fit issues like loose pegs can occur. Scale-wise, it pairs seamlessly with other Masterverse figures like Horde Troopers, Mantenna, or Shadow Weaver, creating cohesive Horde displays.
Community sentiment positions it as the “best Hordak” in many collections, surpassing earlier versions in detail and poseability. It’s less gimmicky than vintage toys but more refined, appealing to adult collectors over kids.
Packaging and Collectibility
The window box packaging is a highlight, featuring dramatic artwork of Hordak flanked by bat swarms, with “New Etheria” prominently displayed and a bio emphasizing his villainous expansion. It’s collector-friendly for in-box display, though some note the artwork outshines initial figure photos due to lighting quirks. As a 2025 Walmart exclusive, it’s already commanding premiums on secondary markets, ranking in the top 20 for Masterverse stats with strong demand. Recommended for ages 6+, it’s more geared toward fans building MOTU collections.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
• Exceptional detail and articulation for dynamic posing.
• Thematic accessories that enhance customization and compatibility.
• Fresh design that honors the anniversary while innovating.
• High collectible value with stunning packaging.
Cons:
• Fragile wings prone to breakage during removal.
• No included blast effect, relying on prior figures for full potential.
• Secondary market markup may deter budget buyers.
• Some accessories (e.g., no cape option) feel like missed opportunities.
Conclusion
The Masterverse New Etheria Hordak is a standout 2025 release, earning praise as a top-tier villain figure with an 8/10 rating from reviewers for its blend of classic menace and modern flair. It excels in design innovation, poseability, and Horde-themed accessories, making it an essential addition for MOTU collectors—especially those focused on She-Ra lore or building Evil Horde armies. While minor flaws like wing durability exist, they don’t overshadow its strengths. If you’re a fan of the franchise’s evolving universe, this Hordak delivers epic value and display potential, solidifying Masterverse as a premier line for MOTU enthusiasts.
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