Super Dave Interview: MOTU Diorama Secrets & Toy Reviewing
When it comes to action figure collecting, reviewing, and diorama storytelling, few creators bring as much passion, practical expertise, and hands-on creativity as Super Dave. From his early days immersed in the world of 3¾-inch G.I. Joes to his deep dive into Masters of the Universe Classics, 1/12 scale custom setups, and high-end articulated lines, Dave has carved out a unique space in the toy community.
Here at FantasyActionFigures.com, we pride ourselves on delivering authentic, hands-on insights into the collectibles scene. We sat down with Super Dave—creator of the @Super_Dave YouTube channel—to talk about the roots of his fandom, the mechanics of articulate figure photography, crossover lore, and the real-world grit of running a toy review channel today.
Part 1: Roots, Crossovers, and Community
Q: What first sparked your love for action figures, and how did that evolve into starting your YouTube channel focused on reviews, especially MOTU and articulation-heavy lines?
Super Dave: Hi, and let me first say thank you to FantasyActionFigures.com for their kindness in including me in this special and highlighting some of my video reviews with their website reviews. It has been an honor!
I am an only child, so as a kid I leaned heavily on my imagination with action figures. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe by Filmation in 1985 was my very favorite cartoon. I couldn’t wait to get home from school to watch it. I had most of the figures and Castle Grayskull, but no vehicles or Snake Mountain. I enjoyed playing with them. But then from the influence of my neighbor, Dean Nunnally, he got me into G.I. Joe. I was instantly hooked on the cartoon and the 3¾ scale action figures because they had such good articulation compared to He-Man. I also loved the plots and the characters in the cartoon.
Long story short: When I became an adult, I started taking my many G.I. Joe characters and doing dioramas with them. I would create stories and do still shots of them in scenes that were almost comic book style reading on a webpage. It does not exist anymore, unfortunately. Neither do any of the pics. I sold my G.I. Joe collection not long after a divorce. That was the end of my action figure hobby… or so I thought.
But then around 2013, I learned about MOTU Classics figures and ordered a Club Grayskull (Filmation) style He-Man. One figure led to another until I was collecting the MOTU Classics pretty heavily. I decided to start doing dioramas again, but this time in 1/12th scale. Then I did a Masters of the Universe Movie story Part 1, 2, and 3. Still need to finish that, but here is Part 1 if you are interested: Watch MOTU Movie Story Part 1.
Then a friend of mine, Travis Housley of the “Savd Toys” YouTube channel, challenged me to start doing reviews of my action figures. Well, I was already familiar with reviews because of “Pixel Dan.” His channel had influenced me a lot, especially in buying many of the MOTU Classics figures. So I did. And I had so much fun doing that combined with my dioramas—which I eventually began to highlight in the background of my reviews—that I have been doing it ever since.
Q: As someone who’s reviewed everything from MOTU Chronicles to Bigfoot figures and high-end lines like Mondo 1/12 scale, what childhood memory or early collectible still stands out as the one that hooked you for life?
Super Dave: As I said, G.I. Joe 3¾ scale action figures are what really got me hooked on action figures. I collected them for years… into my 30s. I still do now, via the Classified series. I just don’t have the 3¾ scale figures anymore.
Q: You’ve done some awesome creative storytelling videos, like putting Premium DNA’s Earthworm Jim right into Eternia. Where did that ’90s Sega Genesis meets Castle Grayskull crossover concept come from, and do you have plans to drop any other unexpected characters into your MOTU lore?
Super Dave: LOL! I loved playing Earthworm Jim on the Sega Genesis back in the day. It was my favorite Genesis game. I loved how Earthworm Jim had that southern drawl saying “Yeah!” or “Hey.” I also loved his silly story in how a normal little earthworm became this strong superhero. So it was only natural (in my imagination) to bring him to Eternia and let their stories mix. I mean, Jim was always flying all over to different planets, so why not? I think he makes a good ally to He-Man and the other Masters.
As far as other figures joining Eternia: Mystic Land’s Liya Alopex, Bigfoot (as you mentioned), TMNT by MeTy Toys, all of the Savage Crucible figures, John Carter from Mars (Frank Frazetta art-inspired figure by Iconic Collectibles), Skaar from Marvel Legends, Gridman, oh—and Lockjaw from Marvel Legends, because Eternia needed a giant dog, you know… Kasos from XesRay Studio’s Fight for Glory Combatant Bull figure, and Goliath and Demona from Gargoyles have all become part of my MOTU Universe. (Do you think I could get away with putting Voltron, the Legendary Defender from Dreamcast in my MOTU? He could be from Roboto’s home planet Robotica, right? LOL!)
Super Dave's Eternia Crossover Roster
Action figure lines integrated into his custom MOTU lore
Q: What’s the most surprising or unexpected feedback you’ve received from viewers about your reviews—something that changed how you approach a video or display?
Super Dave: That is a tough one. What comes to mind is a viewer that said, “Would you please stop interrupting your Articulation segment…” So I started doing a “closer look” segment first at times, and then an Articulation segment.
But I’ve had a lot of compliments that were really unexpected. Like those who said they enjoy my reviews better than or as much as Pixel Dan. Those were huge compliments in my book. I can’t think of any comments that influenced my displays. Now, I’ve seen other reviewers who influenced my displays, like D Amazing.
Part 2: The Process, Challenges, and Community Evolution
Q: Running a channel with in-depth reviews (often 30+ minutes) in a fast-paced hobby scene—how do you balance thoroughness with keeping things engaging for collectors who want quick insights?
Super Dave: Wow, that is a good question and probably the one that I’ve wrestled with in my own mind many times. I wish I could do 10–15 minute video reviews. I’ve tried. That is a talent that unfortunately I do not have! But I just resolved to the fact that people will click on my chapters (which I always include) and will watch what they want, or as much as they can stand. I’ve thought of doing shorter Shorts-style reviews to accompany the longer ones, but I just don’t have time, LOL!
I just hope that those who like my videos will enjoy them. I personally like long and thorough review videos if it is about a figure I’m really interested in. So I guess I hope there are others like me out there.
Q: What’s been the biggest challenge (or funniest moment) in transitioning to more interactive content like collection walkthroughs or Q&As?
Super Dave: I really don’t have any experience with that yet. But I might do some in the future.
Q: How has the action figure community (online and in-person) evolved since you started, especially with the rise of premium lines, third-party figures, and social media?
Super Dave: A lot! In 12-plus years, I have been really impressed with the new lines that fit in those categories. I especially like Savage Crucible, Frazetta Girls (Iconic Collectibles), XesRay Studio Fight for Glory, and most recently MeTy Toys stuff. They are indeed next-level figures and add a lot to the fun of collecting. But they are also making my wallet hurt!
3D printing is also becoming a big factor and will become even more so in the near future for customizers and accessories for action figures. I’m excited about that. I’d love to get more into the custom scene. Maybe one day.
Q: If you could only keep one display or diorama from your collection to represent your entire journey as a collector, what would it be? And why?
Super Dave: My outdoor scene with trees, sky, grass, rocks, etc. But if you are talking playsets: MOTU Classics Castle Grayskull, hands down!
The outdoor scene because it is the most immersive and adjustable diorama I have built. Castle Grayskull because it is a Grail piece that helps me represent Eternia and the secret powers of Eternia’s mythos. The Cat’s Lair would come a close second!
Part 3: Deep Dives into Lines, Articulation, and Customs
Q: MOTU has been a big focus—what’s one underrated or overlooked figure/line in the Classics/Revelation/Chronicles era that more people should check out, and what makes it special?
Super Dave: I’d say the Masterverse Revelation/Revolution figures. I personally liked the Netflix series and my favorite figure they did was actually a Mattel Creations exclusive: Dark-Lyn “Goddess Evil-Lyn.” If you have watched much of my videos, you know I have a thing for “Muscle Mommies”—aka women with some muscle mass. And Dark-Lyn is an awesome figure IMO! (Is it weird if an action figure turns you on? 😂)
I also like the Sy-Klone figure. Very underrated New Eternia Masterverse figure.
Q: With lines like G.I. Joe Classified, Marvel Legends, Mythic Legions, and Storm Collectibles in your wheelhouse, what trends in figure design (sculpting, accessories, articulation) excite you most right now, and what’s one thing you wish manufacturers would improve?
Super Dave: Out of those, probably Mythic Legions. But honestly, I wish they would improve their figure articulation. I’m excited about the direction that companies like Savage Crucible and Frazetta Girls / Iconic Collectibles are taking with their articulation and their accessories. Especially Frazetta Girls and Iconic Collectibles’ bodies. I would love to see the big companies like Hasbro and Mattel put in that much effort.
The Norseman is my all-time favorite figure because of how well he photos, moves, and articulates. And the accessories are amazing! I hope they will do a muscular woman figure soon.
Q: Kitbashing and customizing seem to play a role in your content (e.g., pairing figures for displays). What’s a favorite custom or mash-up you’ve done, and what advice would you give beginners?
Super Dave: My favorite custom, which I did not make, is “Femier”—the name I gave my “She-Man” female-looking He-Man. I love using other lesser-known character figures as background or filler or “extras” on my sets. And I also love the custom heads by hordakmx, who is on Instagram.
My favorite mash-up is MOTU and ThunderCats. They did a comic book series with those two worlds coming together, and I really like that combo.
Super Dave's Line Breakdown & Articulation Verdict
| Line / Manufacturer | Key Strength | Dave's Take |
|---|---|---|
| MOTU Masterverse | Deep Lore & Variety | Underrated releases (Dark-Lyn & Sy-Klone standouts) |
| Frazetta Girls / Iconic | Top-Tier Articulation | The Norseman is his all-time favorite posing figure |
| Savage Crucible | Next-Level Accessories | Sets the new benchmark for modern action figures |
| Hasbro / Mattel Core | Nostalgia & Classics | Needs to match indie articulation & effort levels |
Part 4: The Reality of Collecting & What’s Next
Q: Collecting and reviewing can get expensive and space-intensive. How do you decide what to buy/review versus pass on, especially with so many tempting releases?
Super Dave: I get my big car jack and keep stretching out my little room. LOL. I WISH! I’ve become very accustomed to see-through storage bins—for both figures and diorama pieces. And it is very overwhelming! I’ve spent hours looking for one piece to use in a video that I ended up having to do days later because I was so determined to find it.
As far as expense: Oh wow. Lord forgive me! I buy what I like. I try hard to stick with stuff that goes with MOTU for the most part. But those darn G.I. Joes began to look so much like the old cartoon… they sucked me in! I just saw a minute ago that they are announcing the Thunder Machine for the Dreadnoks! YIKES! Thrasher too, I bet! See!! They got my money again!
But yes, my middle name should be “Payment Plans.” Someone on YouTube coined the phrase “Plastic Crack.” Say no more.
The Action Figure Reviewer Reality Check
The Myth
- Free figures sent daily by big companies
- Reviewing makes big money on YouTube
- Massive studios with perfect displays
Super Dave's Reality
- Self-funded via payment plans ("Plastic Crack")
- ~$150 every 2 months after 12 years
- Clear storage bins & tight room setups
Q: What’s one misconception about action figure collecting (or reviewers) that you’d love to clear up for newcomers or outsiders?
Super Dave: It sounds so cliché, but: “Be yourself.” Find what you enjoy, what makes you have fun, get creative with it, and then go for it! Trust me, it will evolve. Beyond your budget probably… unless you’re more disciplined than me. (Hey, confession is good for the soul!)
Whether you use a blank white background or dioramas, the main thing is personality. Can the viewer tell that you enjoy it and that you are having fun?
Also, the field has become very crowded. Don’t expect to make a big amount of money like Pixel Dan. After 12 years, I make about $150 every 2 months from YouTube. LOL. That will not even pay for 2 figures in some cases. So… don’t jump into this niche thinking you will make money. Sorry.
And you better really enjoy putting hours into video editing—which I do, by the way. PowerDirector Suite 365 is the easiest, fastest rendering, and best feature-loaded video editor for your money, BTW.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your biggest goals for the channel?
Super Dave: To grow. And I really want to do more Lives. I’m limited on tech to help me do Lives like some are doing (probably because I spend all my money on figures). So I really want to get more into doing live videos, more custom background stuff, and maybe get a 3D printer eventually (when I win the lottery, which I don’t play). AND… learn how to make shorter reviews!
But to be honest, I really, really want to get away from doing so many reviews and get into a good flow of doing stories, movies, and productions with MOTU and G.I. Joe. I have one G.I. Joe movie available: Watch G.I. Joe Movie Part 1. I really need to start on Part 2 with the new figures I’ve gotten since Part 1. I think of stories and plots all the time. I need to start typing them out and get my junk together—if there is an audience for that. For example, Mike The Hunter did a G.I. Joe action figure movie entitled Bazooka, A G.I. Joe Movie. People love it! Including me. It’s had 57,000 views. His inspired me to do one.
So yeah, to make more creative stuff with the toys I already own instead of buying more toys. If I can maintain the same level of views with those videos, I think I would go that direction for good. Save a lot of money, too. LOL.
Thank you for the interview. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask! Blessings! Love your website and reviews! Great work, bro!
Final Thoughts & Editor’s Note
At FantasyActionFigures.com, we love highlighting creators who keep the heart of toy collecting alive—not for clout or revenue, but out of pure passion for story, design, and nostalgia. Super Dave reminds us that action figures aren’t just display items; they’re tools for imagination, art, and community.
Be sure to subscribe to Super Dave on YouTube to check out his detailed reviews, intricate dioramas, and upcoming fan films. Stay tuned right here at FantasyActionFigures.com for more interviews, figure breakdowns, and community features!
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