Big Bad Toy Store is the exclusive American distributor of the STGCC (Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention) 2012 "Lion-O". While the red-armored Lion-O might look like a bootleg, it's apparently a disguised Mumm-Ra whom changed into Lion-O for a mirror match.

This con exclusive makes use of the same 8-inch Lion-O ThunderCats Classic mold that Bandai produce general retail alongside Tygra, in addition to including a re-colored stand accessory previously seen with the SDCC (San Diego Comic Con) 2011 version. The only real difference is the red armor color scheme, which makes it a relatively straight forward, boring variant that may only appeal to the truly hardcore fans. The packaging features some new art on the card (including a limited edition notice on the front) but, given that most of the changes are on the back, it probably doesn't have much display value in-package.

While I personally don't remember the episode, supposedly this actually happened. I guess it's not too outrageous by the standards of a show that had its characters fighting on top of spaceships in one episode. While I understand that this was likely an easily produced variant, I'm still a little surprised that Bandai of Asia would bother so trivial (perhaps they had a lot of unsold figures they just repainted?). Before anybody gets their hopes up as to the continuation of Bandai-produced ThunderCats merchandise, just remember that this is Bandai of Asia rather than America. I would expect that the American resurgence died with the cartoon.

You can pre-order this limited edition (billed as being fewer than a thousand pieces) from BBTS for US$70. Or you can buy a normal Lion-O off Amazon for about US$8 and paint its armor red.

[ Pre-order at Big Bad Toy Store ]