#344 HE-MAN – NOCTURNA and HOOVE (Refs. 3526 and 3530) (1990)

This entry presents two more characters from the He-Man toyline, second wave, 1990. Both characters perform a kick as a “special move”.

Let’s start with Hoove, one of the evil mutants. The backcard describes the character:

“Stubborn, mule-minded mutant from the evil planet Denebria. Has a mean temper and an even meaner battle kick”

Standing on his left leg, kicks with his right leg both forward and backwards if the upper body is (gently) pushed backwards or forward respectively.

This figure has an astounding cast, with many details. It seems to be some kind of bionic creature, or at least the whole body, except the head, looks mechanical. Although you will always see this figure with straight legs, it has an articulation on the knee. This is probably because the action movement does not work when the knees are bent. The head is green and has frightening teeth, is quite scary.

The figure came with two accessories: a helmet and a gun, or more precisely a hyper-byte blaster, whatever it means.

This figure and its movement is difficult to find in good shape, legs loose themselves until it is difficult to make the figure stand.

 

On the other side, Nocturna belong to the heroic masters. His “Master Action” is also a kick, with the only difference, it is a side kick. Standing on one leg, and tilting the upper body in the same direction, the other leg performs a side kick.

The character is described in the blister pack as: “Martial Arts Warrior from Mida on planet Primus.  Has the ability to deliver a stunning side kick as he moves swiftly and silently to aid He-Man in his fight against evil” 

This figure came with a helmet, a (laser-)bow and a two-piece bandolier. There is a second version of the figure, which came with black helmet and bow. The figure in these pictures came with grey accessories.

My impression is that this figure is one of the rarest in wave 2, although I could be wrong here. If you’re looking for this one, pay attention to the decolouring (maybe sun damage) that most figures show in the torso. It presents very often a much darker blue than the limbs, even if carded.

FACTS and FIGURES:

• Name: NOCTURNA and HOOVE  (Refs. 3526 and 3530)
• Toy Line: He-Man (also New Adventures of He-Man) (Wave 2)
• Year: 1990
• Company: Mattel (U.S.A.)
• Size of the figures: 14 cm