Matt Trakker & Thunderhawk: The Heroic Heart of M.A.S.K.
If Miles Mayhem is the embodiment of villainy in the M.A.S.K. universe, then Matt Trakker is its unwavering beacon of justice. As the fearless leader of the Mobile Armored Strike Kommand (M.A.S.K.), Trakker’s brilliance, bravery, and technological prowess made him the ultimate counter to V.E.N.O.M.’s chaos. And just like Mayhem had his Switchblade, Trakker had his iconic Thunderhawk—a sleek red sports car that transformed into a jet-powered aerial assault vehicle.
From Kenner’s original 1980s release to the modern revival by The Loyal Subjects, Matt Trakker and Thunderhawk have remained the heroic centerpiece of the M.A.S.K. legacy. Let’s take a closer look at how the past and present stack up.
🕹️ The Original 1980s Kenner Matt Trakker & Thunderhawk
Kenner’s M.A.S.K. line was a revelation in the toy world—combining transforming vehicles with masked heroes. And no figure was more central than Matt Trakker.
Matt Trakker Figure: 1985 Kenner Edition
Design: Dressed in a silver jumpsuit with red accents, Trakker looked every bit the high-tech commander.
Mask: Came equipped with the Spectrum Mask, which “pretended” to emit high-frequency interference.
Articulation: Seven points of articulation—hips, knees, shoulders, and neck.
Durability: Solid build, though facial paint could wear with heavy play.
Variants: Early releases featured a smaller mask; later versions added a chest plate for safety.
Thunderhawk Vehicle: 1985 Kenner Edition
Transformation: Converted from a Chevrolet Camaro Z28 into a gull-winged jet fighter.
Design: Bright red body with flame decals and retractable missile launchers.
Accessories: Included two “stun bombs” and a working seatbelt for the figure.
Playability: Easy transformation with a button-activated mechanism.
Legacy: Often featured in marketing and media, Thunderhawk became the face of the M.A.S.K. brand.
Kenner’s Thunderhawk and Matt Trakker were the ultimate duo—symbolizing the fusion of cool design and imaginative play that defined the 1980s.
🚀 Modern Revival: The Loyal Subjects' Matt Trakker & Thunderhawk
Fast-forward to today, and The Loyal Subjects have reignited the M.A.S.K. flame with a collector-grade update that honors the original while embracing modern toy engineering.
Matt Trakker Figure: Loyal Subjects Edition
Design Evolution: Sharper sculpting, detailed uniform textures, and expressive facial features.
Mask: Redesigned Spectrum Mask with animation-accurate proportions.
Articulation: Fully poseable with multiple joints for dynamic action scenes.
Accessories: Includes interchangeable hands and blast effects.
Collectibility: Limited-edition release with retro-style packaging.
Thunderhawk Vehicle: Loyal Subjects Edition
Transformation: Enhanced conversion from car to jet with smoother mechanics.
Design: Refined sculpting with detailed panel lines and cockpit interiors.
Accessories: Flame booster effects and adjustable missile launchers.
Playability: More moving parts and foot pegs for figure stability.
Quality: Built with premium materials for display and durability.
The Loyal Subjects’ Thunderhawk is a love letter to fans—reimagining the classic with modern flair while keeping the soul of the original intact.
🧨 Honorable Mention: G.I. Joe’s Matt Trakker Crossover
In 2008, Hasbro gave fans a surprise crossover: Matt Trakker joined the ranks of G.I. Joe as “Specialist Trakker.” This version featured:
Design: Military-style gear with a nod to his M.A.S.K. origins.
Accessories: Helmet, backpack, and weaponry.
Lore: Positioned as an advanced vehicle specialist aiding the Joes against COBRA and V.E.N.O.M..
Though not part of the main M.A.S.K. line, this crossover was a thrilling nod to Trakker’s enduring legacy and a rare treat for collectors.
🛡️ Heroic Legacy: Then and Now
Whether it’s Kenner’s rugged charm or The Loyal Subjects’ modern precision, Matt Trakker and Thunderhawk remain the heroic heartbeat of M.A.S.K. The original toys captured the imagination of a generation, while today’s versions elevate that magic for a new era of fans.
And through it all, one thing is clear: when justice needs a jet-powered Camaro, Matt Trakker is always ready to roll.