Kobra Khan's appearance in the Masters of the Universe Origins line marks a modernized return of the 'Evil Master of Snakes,' blending vintage 1980s aesthetics with 16 points of articulation. Released in 2023 as part of Wave 11, this version celebrates the character's legacy as both a henchman for Skeletor and a key member of the ancient Snake Men faction.
La Scena
The Kobra Khan Origins figure represents the character's resurgence during the 'Rise of the Snake Men!' storyline. He is depicted as a cunning infiltrator, often seen lurking in the shadows of Snake Mountain or the Snake Pit, ready to strike. While the 1980s original focused on a water-squirting play feature, this appearance emphasizes his active role in the Snake Men's resurgence, packaged with a mini-comic that highlights his efforts to serve King Hiss. The figure captures the specific moment he unleashes his signature venomous spray, now visualized through a physical translucent effect piece that plugs into his mouth, portraying him as a more dynamic and deadly threat than ever before.
Significato
This appearance is significant because it finally integrates Kobra Khan into the 'Modern Posing, Retro Play' philosophy of the Origins line. Historically, Kobra Khan has occupied a unique position in MOTU lore, initially debuting as an Evil Warrior before being retconned into the Snake Men faction in 1985. The Origins release honors this complex history by placing him in a dedicated Snake Men wave (Wave 11) alongside Rattlor and King Hiss. It serves as a bridge for collectors, providing a figure that looks identical to the 1984 original on the shelf but possesses the poseability required for modern action photography and complex display setups.
Design
The design of the Origins Kobra Khan is a faithful recreation of the 1984 vintage figure, featuring a distinctive glossy green torso and a vibrant red and black belt. His head is sculpted with the iconic flared cobra hood and a whispering mouth pose. Unlike the hollow, water-filled torso of the past, this version is solid to accommodate modern articulation joints. The figure's signature aesthetic upgrade is the inclusion of a translucent green 'venom' spray accessory. This piece mimics the 'sleep mist' from the Filmation series or the corrosive acid from the 200X series, allowing fans to choose which era of Khan's powers they wish to display.
Per il Collezionista
Kobra Khan (Vintage)
The original 1984 release from Wave 3 featuring a water-squirting action feature.
Kobra Khan (MOTU Classics)
Released in 2012, this collector-tier figure included both hooded and non-hooded swappable heads.
Kobra Khan (Origins Wave 11)
The 2023 standard retail release featuring retro styling and a translucent venom spray accessory.
Camo Khan (Origins Mattel Creations)
A 2023 premium exclusive based on the rare 1980s 'Top Toys' Argentinian variant.
Kobra Khan (Masterverse New Eternia)
A 2024 7-inch scale figure with a removable cobra hood and highly detailed modern sculpting.
Kobra Khan (Cartoon Collection)
An upcoming 2026 variant designed to match the specific color palette of the 1980s Filmation animation.
Kobra Khan (Iron Studios 1/10 Art Scale)
A high-end 8-inch hand-painted statue expected in late 2026 featuring a venom spray effect.
Dietro le Quinte
💡In the original Filmation animated series, Kobra Khan’s spray was non-lethal 'sleep mist' rather than deadly venom.
💡The Origins 'Camo Khan' is a direct tribute to a rare Argentinian variant produced by the company Top Toys in the 1980s.
💡The shift from a water-squirting feature to a plastic effect piece in the Origins line was a intentional choice to increase figure durability and prevent internal mold.
💡Kobra Khan is one of the few characters to have appeared in almost every MOTU video game, spanning from the 1986 Commodore 64 title to the upcoming 2026 release.
💡A CGI-rendered version of Kobra Khan has been confirmed as part of Skeletor's raiding party for the 2026 live-action Masters of the Universe film.
💡Kobra Khan was once retconned from an 'Evil Warrior' to a 'Snake Man' specifically to help sell the new faction in 1985.
💡The 2023 Camo Khan Origins figure is based on a legendary South American variant that is a 'holy grail' for vintage collectors.
💡Unlike most henchmen, Kobra Khan is often portrayed as a serious, whispering, and cunning threat rather than comic relief.
Cronologia
1984
Kobra Khan debuts as an action figure and appears in the Filmation animated series.
1985
Khan is retconned into the Snake Men faction in the mini-comic 'King of the Snake Men'.
1986
Featured as an antagonist in the video game 'Masters of the Universe: The Super Adventure'.
2002
Reimagined as a descendant of the ancient Snake Men in the MOTU 200X revival series.
2012
The MOTU Classics figure is released, merging vintage and 200X design elements.
2021
Kobra Khan appears as a member of the Snake Men in the Netflix series 'Masters of the Universe: Revelation'.
2023
The MOTU Origins Wave 11 figure and the 'Camo Khan' exclusive are released.
2024
Khan appears in 'Masters of the Universe: Revolution' and receives a Masterverse 'New Eternia' figure.
2026
Expected appearances in the live-action MOTU film and a new Cartoon Collection Origins figure release.