Some History on Masters Of The Universe Toys
DISCLOSURE: If you like our articles and would like to purchase something from the below link you can do so by visiting our partners at Entertainment Earth. If you decide to buy anything through our provided links we get a small commission which helps keep our website alive and running. Thanks for your time.
The Masters of the Universe (MOTU) franchise began as a line of action figures released by Mattel in 1982. The figures were based on the animated series, which debuted the same year. MOTU quickly became a sensation, spawning a massive range of toys, comic books, and even a feature film.
It all began back in the early 1980s, when the toy market was dominated by the likes of Star Wars and G.I. Joe. Mattel was looking for a way to break into this lucrative market and approached toy designer Mark Taylor with the idea of creating a line of action figures based on a fantasy theme.
Taylor, who was already working on a line of toys called “Warriors of the Universe,” saw the potential in the idea and began working on a new concept. He created a set of characters based on classic archetypes, including the heroic He-Man and his arch-nemesis Skeletor. The characters were designed to be larger than standard action figures, with detailed sculpts and vibrant color schemes.
Mattel executives were initially hesitant about the line, believing that fantasy-based toys wouldn’t appeal to young boys. However, after a successful test market in California, the line was given the green light for a full release.
Mattel executives were initially hesitant about the line, believing that fantasy-based toys wouldn’t appeal to young boys. However, after a successful test market in California, the line was given the green light for a full release.
The original Masters of the Universe figures were released in 1982 and consisted of eight characters, including He-Man, Skeletor, Man-At-Arms, and Beast Man. Each figure came with a range of accessories and weapons, including swords, shields, and laser guns. The figures were an instant hit, with kids across America clamoring to get their hands on them.
The success of the original line led to an expansion of the MOTU franchise. Over the next few years, Mattel released dozens of new characters and vehicles, including Battle Cat, the Dragon Walker, and the Fright Zone playset. The toys were supported by a range of media tie-ins, including comic books, coloring books, and a hit animated series.
In 1987, the MOTU franchise made the leap to the big screen with the release of “Masters of the Universe,” a live-action film starring Dolph Lundgren as He-Man and Frank Langella as Skeletor. The film was a critical and commercial failure, but it didn’t stop the franchise from continuing to expand.
By the early 1990s, the MOTU toy line had begun to decline in popularity. Mattel attempted to revive the franchise with a new line of figures based on the “New Adventures of He-Man” animated series, but the line failed to catch on with consumers.
In the years since, the MOTU franchise has remained a cult favorite, with a dedicated fanbase that continues to collect the original toys and seek out new merchandise. In recent years, the franchise has seen a resurgence in popularity, with the release of new action figures, comic books, and even a Netflix animated series.
The MOTU franchise has had a significant impact on the world of toys and pop culture. The detailed sculpts and vibrant colors of the original figures set a new standard for action figures, and the franchise’s emphasis on storytelling and world-building paved the way for the likes of Transformers and G.I. Joe.
Despite its ups and downs, the Masters of the Universe franchise remains an iconic part of 1980s pop culture. Its characters and mythology continue to capture the imaginations of fans young and old, and its impact on the world of toys and entertainment will be felt for years to come.
