Clawful is a villainous character from the Masters of the Universe franchise. He is a member of the Karikoni race and one of Skeletor's Evil Warriors. He fights primarily using his own claws, which are capable of crushing the life out of his opponents.
Overview[]
Clawful is a Karikoni, a race of humanoid crustacean creatures. He first joined Skeletor's forces after once saving Beast Man from a Seclapoid attack. Among his people, Clawful was a powerful gladiator who relished battle. Among the Evil Warriors, he acted as something of a strategist, planning how best to engage their enemies. Taking considerable pride in his own might, Clawful enjoyed any opportunity to face He-Man, believing he had the strength it took to slay Eternia's greatest hero.
Notable Incarnations[]
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (Filmation)[]
In his original TV appearance, Clawful looked considerably different from his other incarnations. Aside from his crab-like claws, he appeared more reptilian than crustacean, a far cry from his original action figure. He did not make as many appearances as some of the other Evil Warriors.
Among the Evil Warriors, Clawful seemed to be the smartest and was considered by Skeletor to be more reliable and trustworthy. Ironically, Clawful entertained the idea of betraying Skeletor given the right opportunity and leading the Evil Warriors himself. As well as being a cunning strategist, he also took pride in his physical strength, even managing to go toe-to-toe with He-Man.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (Mike Young Productions)[]
In the 2002 animated series, Clawful's appearance possessed considerably more crustacean features. Like his original toy, he had one claw larger than the other and had hard, chitinous tissue covering his torso and back.
Unlike previous incarnations, this version of Clawful was far from cunning and was clearly the least intelligent of the Evil Warriors. In fact, he was so dim-witted that he didn't even understand his species' native claw-clicking language, instead only speaking Eternian Common. He was, however, one of the strongest of Skeletor's minions; his large right claw was capable of crushing vehicles in one blow.
Powers and Abilities[]
- Superior Strength - Clawful is the physically strongest of the Evil Warriors. His claws have a near-unbreakable grip and his chitinous skin can absorb most impacts.
- Heightened Senses - Clawful has heightened senses of sight and smell.
- Underwater Survivability - Clawful is able to breathe underwater and can move as quickly through water as he can in air.