“Masters of the Universe”的意思、由来-开放百科全书

He-Man would make his debut in 1982 with Mattel's release of the original 'Masters of the Universe' 5.5 inch action figure toyline. The minicomics that accompanied the toys through the duration of the line would begin the MOTU mythos, followed soon by several children's books and issues of DC Comics. However, the Masters of the Universe franchise would become best known, through Filmation's groundbreaking He-Man and the Masters of the Universe animated series.^[4] Debuting in the fall of 1983, running 130 episodes through two seasons until November 1985.^[5]

The series mostly focused on the two primary characters, the blonde muscular He-Man, "the most powerful man in the Universe", and his nemesis, the evil skull-faced, blue-skinned sorcerer Skeletor and their many moral-themed encounters on the planet Eternia.^[4]{{better source needed|reason=primary source and blog|date=February 2019}}^[5] Set in a hybrid world of sword and sorcery and technological sci-fi, He-Man does battle with Skeletor to prevent him from conquering Eternia and discovering the secrets of Castle Grayskull (a mysterious ancient fortress with a skull-shaped facade, that contains great power and magic).^[6] As with many toy franchises which have been transferred to several different media, there are a number of story differences between the various versions of Masters of the Universe. In most continuities from the Filmation series onward, He-Man is the secret identity of Prince Adam, the son of King Randor and Queen Marlena, the ruling royal family of Eternia.^[7]^[8] Adam becomes He-Man by holding aloft his magic Power Sword and uttering the words "By the Power of Grayskull..." and serves as the protector of good on Eternia.^[9] He is first given this ability by the Sorceress of Castle Grayskull, a powerful magic-user and mystic guardian of the castle (who in many depictions is able to transform herself into the falcon Zoar).^[10]^[13] Upon Adam's transformation into He-Man, his cowardly green pet tiger Cringer becomes the mighty Battle Cat, a giant armored beast that He-Man often rides into battle.^[11]

He-Man's most prominent allies include Man-At-Arms,^[12] a wise loyal veteran soldier and inventor, and his adopted daughter Teela; a spirited and skillful female warrior, often portrayed as captain of the Eternian Royal Guard and a potential love interest of He-Man/Adam.^[13] The childlike Trollan magician Orko also often features as one of He-Man's closest allies;^[14] as do Stratos, a flying bird-man from the kingdom of Avion;^[15] Ram-Man, a stout dimwitted warrior with spring-like legs and a large helmet that encloses his head and upper torso;^[19] and Man-E-Faces, an actor with face-changing abilities.^[20]

Skeletor is originally described as an evil being from another dimension and in some later MOTU lore as a disfigured and vengeful relative of the royal family, known as Keldor.^[16]^[17] From his lair in Snake Mountain, Skeletor would assemble his "Evil Warriors" to assist in his various schemes to conquer Eternia. These core minions usually include Beast Man (an orange-furred, ape-like master of beasts),^[18] Mer-Man (an aquatic fish-like ocean warlord),^[19] Evil-Lyn (a powerful sorceress and one of Skeletor's most feared and competent associates),^[20] Trap Jaw (an iron-jawed henchman with a mechanical arm that can be fitted by a various assortment of weapons),^[21] and Tri-Klops (an evil swordsman with a rotating three-eyed visor).^[22]

The series overall would feature a wide and ever expanding cast of heroic and villainous characters added to the toyline, the Filmation cartoon and other media; with the franchise far outshining prior expectations, continuing to grow through 1983 and 1984.^[4] The release of the animated-cartoon movie The Secret of the Sword in the spring of 1985, introduced He-Man's twin sister She-Ra (with her secret alter-ego Princess Adora)^[23] and the arch-villain Hordak (leader of the Evil Horde and the former master of Skeletor) on the planet Etheria.^[24] Stemming from the animated movie, Filmation went on to produce 93 episodes of the series Princess of Power, which ran until the end of 1986, along with the He-Man & She-Ra: Christmas Special.^[25] Other main characters of the She-Ra series would include Swift Wind (winged unicorn, and alter-ego of She-Ra's trusty steed Spirit),^[26] Light Hope (mystical living beam of light and mentor to She-Ra),^[27] and her Great Rebellion allies Glimmer (magically inclined onetime leader of the rebellion),^[28] Bow (skilled archer and the main male protagonist of the series),^[29] Kowl (Bow's owl-like, rainbow-eared companion),^[30] Madame Razz (absent minded witch with her sarcastic sentient Broom),^[31]^[32] and Queen Angella (Glimmer's mother and angel-winged queen of the Bright Moon);^[33] along with Hordak's spellcasting witch Shadow Weaver,^[34] shape-shifting spy Imp,^[35] bumbling bug-eyed henchman Mantenna,^[36] Force Squad captain Catra,^[37] evil scientist Modulok,^[38] beastly warrior Grizzlor,^[39] energy draining Leech^[40] and thuggish henchwoman Scorpia.^[41]

Various children's books, magazines, comics, read-along records/cassette tapes and other merchandise were also released worldwide around this time, with much of the content based primarily on the Filmation He-Man and She-Ra series. The live-action film Masters of the Universe was released in 1987 by Cannon Films, starring Dolph Lundgren and Frank Langella.^[42] The later 1980s minicomics, Marvel comics series and UK magazine comics continued the adventures of He-Man and She-Ra past the end of the two Filmation series.^[49]^[43]^[44] However, popularity had waned by the end of 1987 and a planned continuation of the original toyline under the heading of 'The Powers of Grayskull' (set in ancient Eternia, featuring the villain King Hiss, and He-Man's ancestor He-Ro) was started, but eventually scrapped.^[45]^[46]

He-Man would be brought back in 1989, in an entirely new, and space-based cartoon series and toy-line known as the 'New Adventures of He-Man'. Only He-Man and Skeletor would return as major characters to join the battle between Galactic Guardians and Space Mutants on the planet Primus. Jetlag Productions would go to produce 65 episodes of the New Adventures cartoon, with a few minicomics and adventure magazines also created for this new series. Ultimately though, the series would not be as successful and the entire franchise would go on a hiatus for more than a decade.^[47]

After some success with a 'Commemorative Series' re-release of the classic action figures in 2000, Mattel relaunched the toyline with all new action figures, playsets and vehicles, sculpted by Four Horsemen Studios in 2002.^[48]^[49] As part of the relaunch, a modern updated animated series was also created by Mike Young Productions, lasting for 39 episodes; featuring He-Man and his ensemble of heroic warriors, now called the 'Masters of the Universe', battling Skeletor's minions and later King Hiss, the ancient and evil lord of the Snake Men.^[45] Characters such as Mekaneck (heroic warrior with a mechanical extending neck),^[58] Buzz-Off (heroic bee-like flying Andreenid warrior),^[59] Clawful (large villainous crab-like henchman),^[60] Whiplash (evil reptilian Caligar with a deadly tail), Stinkor (foul-smelling mutated Paleezean) and many others would gain more prominent backstories during this series.^[61] Several volumes of comic books were also produced to go along with the series by Image Comics and MVCreations. Although popular with longtime fans and collectors (with mini-statue figures being released by NECA until 2007), the new series failed to catch on with a larger audience and was cancelled in 2004.^[50]

From 2007 to the present, a new assortment of Masters of the Universe action figures has been released under the banner of 'Masters of the Universe Classics'. Primarily geared towards the collector's market, the series took into consideration all aspects of previous Masters of the Universe lore, with characters from all previous incarnations (and also featured a continuation of the original minicomics line). DC Comics would soon follow suit, and relaunch a new grittier, contemporary version of the Masters of the Universe franchise, releasing various new comic book series from 2012 until present; featuring crossovers with the DC Comics Universe, ThunderCats, and a new origin for She-Ra, culminating in Hordak's conquest of Eternia.^[51] The most recent DC comic book series is a crossover with the DC Injustice franchise.^[52]

History and versions of the franchise

Origin of the franchise

Mattel began development of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe in the late 1970s with Conan the Barbarian inspired concepts from Roger Sweet, Mark Taylor, Donald F. Glut, and several other contributors.^[55] The catalyst for the creation of He-Man began in 1976, when Mattel's CEO Ray Wagner declined a request to produce a toyline of action figures based on the characters from the George Lucas film Star Wars, with the film's toy rights being acquired by Kenner instead.^[56]^[57]^[58] Upon the commercial success of the film trilogy and all related merchandise during the next few years, Mattel attempted to launch several unsuccessful toylines, none of which captured the public's imagination or made a significant dent in the toy market.^[56]^[59]

In the race to design the next hit action figure, Roger Sweet, a lead designer working for Mattel's Preliminary Design Department throughout much of the 1970s and 1980s, according to his book Mastering the Universe: He-Man and the Rise and Fall of a Billion-Dollar Idea, was the first to conceptualize the idea of He-Man.^[56]^[57] However, this is not officially acknowledged by Mattel, and authorship of the He-Man character has been subject to debate.^[60]^[61]^[62] According to various former Mattel designers, Roger Sweet drew inspiration for the designs of his first He-Man prototypes from fantasy drawings of Mattel packaging designer Mark Taylor, which included a drawing of a He-Man-like character called Torak.^[63]^[55]^[64]

Roger Sweet presented the He-Man concept to Ray Wagner at the Mattel Product Conference, in the form of three large three-dimensional plaster prototype models, which Sweet dubbed the "He-Man Trio". These prototypes were molded from an extensively modified Big Jim action figures (Battle Cat, would also be adapted from a tiger in the Big Jim toy-line).^[65]^[66] The He-Man Trio models were an axe-wielding barbarian, a tank-headed soldier, and a spaceman with a Boba Fett-like helmet.^[56] Out of the three concepts, the barbarian version He-Man was chosen to be the basis of the toyline (this original trio-prototype idea was released around thirty years later as the figure Vykron, and the barbarian concept on its own as Vikor, in the 'Masters of the Universe Classics' line).^[67]

Originally set under the working title 'Lords of Power', the name 'Masters of the Universe' came into being when it was suggested that former name of the toy-line was too religious in nature.^[69] The roster of characters would soon expand past the main hero, He-Man, and Mark Taylor would draw inspiration for the series main villain, Skeletor, from his 1971 sketch entitled 'The King of Styx', along with early renderings of his characters Demo-Man and D-Man.^[5] Taylor would create preliminary designs for several other original characters as well, with additional ideas and direction from Mark Ellis and Paul Cleveland, among others, but the premise behind the toy-line had not yet been fully established.^[55]^[91] The backstory of He-Man was first conceptualized for special mini-comic books that Mattel marketing director Mark Ellis promised to distributors would accompany the toys.^[65] Mattel had DC Comics mock up a comic book, with the earliest storybooks written by Donald F. Glut.^[70]^[71]^[72] With major distributor Toys 'R' Us concerned that "five-year-olds don't read", Mark Ellis then first proposed the idea of an animated TV Special. This would eventually lead to a meeting with Filmation head Lou Scheimer and the creation of the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe animated series.^[65]

Earlier in 1980, the rights-holders of Conan the Barbarian had been negotiating the character's toy rights with Mattel and they entered in an agreement the following year regarding characters from the Conan movie. However, with Mattel introducing the Masters of the Universe toy-line in 1982, the rights-holders sued Mattel claiming the character was an infringement on the character of Conan.^[73] Mattel eventually won the lawsuit and after legal agreements were dissolved, it was stated that the toy-line was never intended for the Conan film.^[74] However, some Conan influence can be seen, as Roger Sweet has claimed to have drawn some inspiration from the paintings of Frank Frazetta, a fantasy artist with many works depicting Conan the Barbarian, when creating He-Man.^[57]

Early action figures and comics

Original action figures and minicomics (1981-1982)

The 'Masters of the Universe' toyline was created by Mattel in 1981, and first released to stores in 1982 as 5 1/2 inch action figures (as opposed to the 3 3/4 inch size used by Kenner's Star Wars and Hasbro's A Real American Hero lines).^[55] The two main characters, He-Man ("the most powerful man in the universe")^[75] and his arch-enemy Skeletor ("evil lord of destruction")^[76] were the first released in action figure form, along with other core characters of the series: Man-At-Arms ("heroic master of weapons"), Beast Man ("Skeletor's savage henchman") and Battle Cat ("He-Man's fighting tiger").^[77]^[78]^[79]

Later on that year, the first wave of action figures in 1982 would also include Teela ("heroic warrior goddess"), Mer-Man ("evil ocean warlord"), Stratos ("heroic winged warrior") and Zodac ("the cosmic enforcer").^[80]^[81]^[82]^[83] The Teela action figure was originally proposed as representing both the Sorceress/Goddess character (when wearing the figure's 'snake armour') and the Teela character (when without the 'snake armour'), as Mattel believed there would not be enough demand for two female action figures in the initial wave.^[13] Alongside the first wave of figures were the Battle Ram ("mobile launcher") and Wind Raider ("assault lander") vehicles and the playset Castle Grayskull ("fortress of power and mystery").^[84]^[85]^[86] These first figures as well as Castle Grayskull were primarily designed by Mark Taylor,^[64]^[87]^[88] although the final production sculpt of the original He-Man action figure was completed by Tony Guerrero^[61] and the first vehicles were designed by Ted Mayer.^[63]

Brief descriptions of the characters would appear on the packaging and box art (with illustrations by Errol McCarthy, Rudy Obrero, William Garland, William George and others).^[89]^[90] However, the lore of Masters of the Universe would be first fully explored through the minicomics that accompanied the action figures throughout the duration line (with 49 distinct comics being issued from 1981 until 1987).^[91] The original four minicomics, He-Man and the Power Sword, The King of Castle Grayskull, Battle in the Clouds and The Vengeance of Skeletor were made by Mattel in 1981 and written by Donald F. Glut, with artwork by Alfredo Alcala. He-Man is introduced in the first minicomic, He-man and the Power Sword, as a wandering barbarian, leaving behind his jungle tribe on Eternia.^[16] The world of Eternia is initially depicted as dealing with the aftermath of a great war that has devastated once powerful civilizations, leaving behind their fantastical machinery and weapons. The events of the war have also opened a rift between dimensions, which has allowed the evil warlord Skeletor to travel to Eternia. This inaugural incarnation of Skeletor sets his sights on obtaining both halves of the Power Sword (originally split in two in these early stories), in order to gain entry into the ancient Castle Grayskull (depicted, in these early comics, as being inhabited by the ghostly 'Spirit of Castle Grayskull').^[16] The main premise being that whomever attains control of Castle Grayskull, will gain the power to become Master of the Universe. To combat Skeletor, in the first of the minicomics, He-Man is given special powers, armour and weapons by the Sorceress (also referred to as "The Goddess" in many early comics, the Sorceress appears to have green skin in her debut appearance and is shown wearing the 'snake armor' that came with the original Teela action figure; instead of adorning her more familiar bird-like attire, as seen in the Filmation series).^[10] He-Man (not yet with the dual-identity of Prince Adam),^[4] is supported in these initial stories by his heroic allies, Battle Cat (without the dual form of Cringer),^[11] Man-At-Arms (depicted as clean-shaven, without a moustache),^[12] Teela (often drawn with long blonde hair and accompanied by a unicorn/horse in these early depictions),^[13] and Stratos, the winged warrior (who erroneously cameos fighting on the side of Skeletor in the initial mini-comic).^[15]^[16] Skeletor, in-turn, enlists the help of the brutish ape-like Beast Man and fish-like Mer-Man to battle He-Man and his heroic warriors.^[92]^[93]

2nd wave of action figures and minicomics (1983)

Other major characters introduced the following year in these early waves of action figures included He-Man's allies, Ram Man ("heroic human battering ram"; with spring loaded legs),^[94] Man-E-Faces ("heroic human… robot …monster"; with three alternate faces)^[95] and Zoar ("the fighting falcon"; whose sculpt was taken from the Big Jim toy-line's 'Eagle of Danger Peak');^[96] along with Skeletor's evil warriors Tri-Klops (described on his packaging as "evil and sees everything"; with a three-eyed rotating visor),^[97] Trap Jaw ("evil and armed for combat"; with alternate weapons to place in his arm socket),^[98] Panthor (Skeletor's "savage cat"; a fuzzy purple adaptation of Battle Cat's toy mold),^[99] Screeech (Skeletor's "barbarian bird"; a purple recast of the orange Zoar),^[100] Faker ("evil robot of Skeletor"; a blue-skinned clone of He-Man, seldom featured in MOTU media, without an introductory minicomic during his initial release)^[101] and Evil-Lyn ("evil warrior goddess"; the last figure released in this wave, she would not yet feature in any MOTU media until her prominent role in the Filmation animated series).^[20] The Attak-Trak vehicle and the Point Dread & Talon Fighter playset were also released in the 1983 line.^[102]^[103]

This second series, consisting of seven new minicomics, released in 1982-83, were produced by DC Comics, written by Gary Cohn and featured artwork by Mark Texeira.^[104] These minicomics would devote several issues towards introducing the new action figure characters into the line. He-man's new ally Ram Man is initially tricked into fighting on the side of Skeletor in He-Man Meets Ram-Man;^[105] and Man-E-Faces is introduced in The Ordeal of Man-E-faces as an Eternian actor turned into a monster by Skeletor, freed by the Sorceress, only to be magically possessed by three multiple personalities: man, monster and robot.^[106] Skeletor's evil warriors also get their own introductory minicomics, with Tri-Klops as a skilled swordsman and mercenary in The Terror of Tri-Klops,^[22] and Trap Jaw, portrayed in The Menace of Trap Jaw, as a criminal from another dimension.^[21] In these pre-Filmation stories, the primary characters of Prince Adam, Cringer, Orko, and Evil-Lyn did not yet feature in the series; although the Eternian Palace and Royal Court with King Randor and Queen Marlena (both yet unnamed, looking decidedly older than in the later series)^[8] are featured in several of these DC minicomics, as are the mystical falcon Zoar (not yet an alternate form of the Sorceress)^[96] and the Attak-Trak (battle machine, based on the toy, and not yet a robotic voiced van-like vehicle, as in the Filmation cartoon).^[102] The storyline concept of Teela as the secret daughter of the Sorceress (albeit as a clone) and adopted daughter of Man-At-Arms was first introduced at this time as well in the minicomic The Tale of Teela.^[107]^[108] A special comic and record entitled The Power of Point Dread/Danger at Castle Grayskull was also produced for the Talon Fighter and Point Dread playset.^[109]

Additional waves of action figures, creatures, vehicles and playsets were released every year until 1987; totaling 70 distinct figures in all (including 24 creatures, 12 vehicles, 6 playsets and 10 accessories) with the final overseas releases from the original line coming from Italy in 1988.^[110] A major proponent of the 1980s action-figure boom, Masters of the Universe figures proved to be very popular and were produced & marketed all over the world.^[111] Most of action figures were made in Taiwan and Malaysia, however Mattel also had production facilities in the United States, Mexico, France, Spain, and joint ventures with Leo Toys of India, Top Toys of Argentina, Estrela of Brazil and Takara of Japan.^[112]

DC Comics - 1980s series (1982-1983)

In July 1982, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe would appear for the first time in the pages of DC Comics with DC Comics Presents issue #47, in the story From Eternia With Death, followed by a special insert comic in many DC's titles from November 1982, entitled Fate is the Killer.^[113]^[114] In these first two DC MOTU stories, Superman ends up on Eternia, joining with He-Man to combat Skeletor and his minions.^[92] He-Man's original DC comic run finished up with a three issue mini-series at the start of 1983 (all written by Paul Kupperberg, with artwork by Curt Swan and George Tuska).^[115] These issues would introduce the Eternian Royal Family, most notably Prince Adam, and his transformation into He-Man into the series. This version of Adam, however, was originally depicted wearing a blue vest and portrayed as somewhat of a philanderer; rather than his later more wholesome pink-vest wearing character.^[92] Also unique to these issues, Adam transforms inside the 'Cavern of Power', instead of his more famous 'By the Power of Grayskull!' line.^[116] The Sorceress, now residing in the Cavern of Power, is still depicted wearing the Teela Snake Armour, and is often referred to as "The Goddess" throughout the series.^[10] Other entries into the Masters of the Universe mythos, such as Cringer as the alter-ego of Battle Cat, Zodac as a neutral cosmic enforcer, Stratos' as leader of his home world of Avion, and Adam's mother, Queen Marlena as an astronaut hailing from Earth, were all partly introduced in these early DC issues.^[11]^[117]^[118]

Filmation animated series era

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe - Filmation animated series (1983-1984)

In 1983, Masters of the Universe would debut perhaps its most famous incarnation, with the animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. Created by Filmation, under the direction of executive producer Lou Scheimer, the cartoon made its television debut on September 5, 1983 with the episode The Diamond Ray of Disappearance. Running through 2 seasons, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, was one of the first animated series produced directly for weekday syndication, as opposed to re-runs primarily based on Saturday mornings. Totaling 130 episodes, with each season of 65 episodes stretching across 13 weeks, the series last aired The Cold Zone, on November 21, 1985.^[119]^[120]

Similar to the comics that came before, the series is set on Eternia, which is ruled by King Randor and Queen Marlena (visibly younger in age and with more colourful attire than their previous comic versions).^[8] Their son, Prince Adam (now wearing his more familiar pink vest), pretends to be somewhat lazy, clumsy, and irresponsible, much like his pet tiger Cringer (depicted in the series as being very cowardly and with the ability to speak).^[7]^[11] For the first time Prince Adam is shown to transform into He-Man by holding aloft his magic sword and saying the magic words, "By the power of Grayskull...I have the Power!!!".^[121] It is revealed in the introduction that Prince Adam's secret identity of He-Man is known only by the Sorceress of Castle Grayskull (now with the familiar bird-like costume, who often takes the form of Zoar the falcon),^[10] Man-At-Arms (now sporting a mustache, and often referred to by his first name Duncan; he is portrayed as scientific inventor as well as a warrior)^[12] and Orko (making his full debut as a mainstay in the franchise, Orko is presented as a floating childlike Trollan magician, often used for comic relief and as a point-of-view character for children).^[14] Rounding out the main cast of heroes is Teela (now firmly depicted with red hair, she is the Captain of the Royal Guard, the adopted daughter of Man-At-Arms and secret child of the Sorceress; who serves as a teasing and semi-antagonistic love interest of Adam and He-Man throughout the series).^[13] Also featuring in the series with semi-regularity are Stratos (the flying leader of the bird-people of Avion) and Ram-Man (portrayed as a dim-witted but likeable bouncing warrior).^[15]^[94] Appearing with much less frequency in the series are He-Man's recurring allies Zodac (less neutral and more of an omniscient cosmic peacekeeper, often assisting He-Man),^[117] Man-E-Faces (presented this time as a master of disguise, once mistaken as evil but turned to good),^[95] Buzz-Off (oddly voiced leader of the Bee People),^[122] Fisto (debuts as powerful loner and adversary of He-Man's before joining forces),^[123] Mekaneck (loyal warrior with a bionic neck, searching for his lost son),^[124] Roboto (robotic alien explorer marooned on Eternia),^[125] Sy-Klone (spinning tornado-like warrior, who appears without a backstory),^[126] Moss Man (transforming plant being and enemy of Evilseed)^[127] and several characters that would not receive action figure releases in the original line such as Lizard-Man, the Royal Archeologist Melaktha, Trollans Dree-Elle and Montork, Avion bird-people Delora and Hawke, Adam's grandfather King Miro, Squinch and the Widgets and the wise and ancient dragon, Granamyr.^[118]^[119]

He-Man's nemesis, the evil wizard Skeletor (now famously portrayed by voice actor Alan Oppenheimer as a cackling and more comedic villain), still wishes to conquer Castle Grayskull and learn of its secrets, but also now desires to take over the royal palace and rule Eternia; often seeking ancient and mysterious beasts and artifacts to try and stop He-man and his allies.^[119] Skeletor often hosts his rogues gallery inside his headquarters, Snake Mountain, gathered around his bone-filled throne, plotting and peering through a magic orb to spy on He-Man and his friends.^[128] Often this group of evil minions consists of the cunning female sorcerer Evil-Lyn (making her full debut into the MOTU mythos as Skeletor's most dangerous counterpart in the Filmation series),^[20] and his most frequent sidekicks: the bumbling Beast Man (who possesses the ability to control various creatures through telepathy) and the equally inept weapon-armed Trap Jaw.^[18]^[98] Skeletor's original henchmen in the cartoon also include Mer-Man (with a distinctive gurgling voice portrayal, also by Alan Oppenheimer), Tri-Klops (with a more robotic voice and persona), and Skeletor's purple pet feline Panthor.^[19]^[97]^[99] Other henchmen making a few appearances later in the series are Webstor (one of Skeletor's more intelligent henchmen, often paired with Kobra Khan),^[129] Kobra Khan (menacing Repton able to spray sleeping gas from his cobra hood),^[130] Two-Bad (bumbling henchman with two often arguing heads),^[131] Spikor (depicted as possibly Skeletor's most dimwitted minion in all of the Filmation series),^[132] Modulok (deranged and mutated scientist, once known as Galen Nycroft),^[38] Clawful (a far more cunning villain in this version, than other representations of the character),^[133] and Whiplash (appearing the most out of the later henchmen).^[134]^[119] Some of Skeletor's rogues would appear only once in the Filmation cartoon, such as Faker (appearing only briefly as a magical clone of He-Man before being tossed into the bottomless abyss outside Castle Grayskull),^[101] Jitsu (called 'Chopper' in the script),^[135] Batros, Icer, Fang-Man, Dragoon and Strong-Arm. Other villains, not allied with Skeletor would occasionally appear as well, such as the powerful wizard Count Marzo, the plant-demon Evilseed, Kothos, Shokoti, Negator, and the rabbit-like space-pirate Plundor, to name a few.^[118]

Despite the limited animation techniques that were used to produce the series, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe was notable for breaking the boundaries of censorship that had severely restricted the narrative scope of children's TV programming in the 1970s. For the first time a cartoon series could feature a muscular superhero who engage in on-screen combat (although most of the time wrestling-style moves were utilized instead of direct violence). The cartoon was also ground-breaking in that it was produced in connection with marketing a line of toys, as advertising directly to children was controversial during this period. As an attempt to mitigate the negative publicity generated by these controversies, a "life lesson" or "moral of the story" was played at the end of each episode; which was usually tied to the action or central theme of the episode in question (although in the United Kingdom, the closing "morals" were often edited out of the original broadcasts).^[136]^[137]^[138]

The series featured the voice talents of John Erwin, who starred as He-Man/Prince Adam, Beast Man, Ram Man, Webstor, Whiplash (and many others); the aforementioned Alan Oppenheimer, voicing Skeletor, Man-At-Arms, Battle Cat/Cringer, Mer-Man, Buzz-Off (also voicing many others); Linda Gary as much of the female cast with Teela, The Sorceress, Evil-Lyn and Queen Marlena; and executive producer Lou Scheimer providing the voice work for a multitude of other characters such as Orko, King Randor, Stratos, Trap Jaw, Tri-Klops, Man-E-Faces, Mekaneck, Fitso, Clawful, Kobra Khan, Spikor and Two Bad, to name a few. The series was often produced by Lou Scheimer and Hal Sutherland and directed by Gwen Wetzler, Marsh Lamore, Lou Kachivas, Steve Clark, Ernie Schmidt, Ed Friedman and others; with Tom Sito serving as a main storyboard artist, along with Tom Tataranowicz, Warren Greenwood, Robert Lamb, Don Manuel, Bob Arkwright and many other contributors. Writers on the show included Larry DiTillio, David Wise, Robby London, Michael Reaves, Doug Booth, J. Brynne Stephens and many others, including early script-writing work from Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski, Paul Dini of The Animated Series fame and one episode, Battle Cat, by D.C. Fontana of Star Trek fame.^[139]^[119]

The series, although still popular, would not be renewed for a third season in 1985. Instead Filmation opted to create the She-Ra: Princess of Power Series, and deliberately crossover the existing He-Man and the Masters of the Universe characters and continuity into the new series. The original He-Man series would end and She-Ra begin with animated movie The Secret of the Sword, released theatrically in the spring of 1985, featuring most of the main characters from both cartoons. The two animated series, would however, join up one last time for A Christmas Special in December 1985; in which two children from Earth end up accidentally coming to Eternia and are protected by Skeletor, who in a rare act of kindness, is overtaken by the Christmas Spirit. The very last appearance of Filmation's He-Man and Skeletor is in one of the final She-Ra episodes, entitled Assault on the Hive, airing December 13, 1986.^[140]^[119]

Filmation era MOTU action figures and minicomics (1984-1985)

Sales of the toyline continued to increase with the exposure of the animated series, and new waves of figures and vehicles were produced during this peak of popularity.^[55] First introduced into the action figure line in 1984 were new 'Battle Armor' versions of He-Man and Skeletor, who could be "battle damaged" when the mechanism on the figure's chest was pressed.^[141]^[142] These new renditions of He-Man and Skeletor did not appear in the animated series or the minicomics, but several new featured characters in the Filmation series would find releases in these 3rd and 4th waves of action figures. Making their toyline debuts in 1984 were He-Man's allies Buzz-Off ("heroic spy in the sky"; bee-like insectoid warrior with wings),^[122] Fisto ("heroic hand-to-hand fighter"; bearded warrior with a large smashing fist as an action feature)^[123] and Mekaneck ("heroic human periscope"; featuring an extending bionic neck).^[124] The first action figures for Prince Adam ("heroic secret identity of He-Man") and Orko ("heroic court magician"; utilizing a pull cord feature that would send the figure spinning around when placed on a flat surface) would also be produced in this 3rd wave.^[7]^[14] Skeletor's evil warriors would receive new recruits as well, with Clawful ("warrior with the grip of evil"; crab-like creature with an oversized pincer for a hand),^[133] Jitsu ("evil master of martial arts"; human warrior with a gold chopping hand action feature),^[135] Kobra Khan ("evil master of snakes"; reptilian warrior able to be filled with water to spray "poison" mist on his enemies),^[130] Webstor ("evil master of escape"; spider-faced warrior with a working grappling hook/backpack pulley system)^[129] and Whiplash ("evil tail-thrashing warrior"; reptilian with a rubber tail) all added to the line in 1984.^[134] Vehicles produced in 1984 include the Dragon Walker ("sidewinding beast/vehicle"), Road Ripper ("warrior carrier", with a fast action pull-cord), Roton ("evil assault vehicle", with a round rotating outer disk) and Stridor ("heroic armored war horse", often paired with Fisto);.^[143] The major playset that year was Skeletor's evil stronghold, Snake Mountain (looking quite unlike the Filmation version, with a giant ghoulish-face molded into the plastic and a voice distorting wolf-headed microphone).^[128]^[144]

Series three of Mattel's MOTU minicomics would follow a far more similar canon to that of the Filmation animated series, with minicomics such as Dragon's Gift, Masks of Power and Double-Edge Sword adapting stories straight from the first-season episodes of the same name.^[145]^[146]^[147] There would be some differences from Filmation however, as can be seen in The Temple of Darkness minicomic with the Sorceress, now in her bird-like Filmation attire, but in an all white version of the costume.^[10] The minicomics He-Man and the Insect People and The Clash of Arms would feature many of the new characters from the toyline such as Buzz-Off, Mekaneck, Fisto, Stridor, Webstor, Clawful and Whiplash;^[148]^[149] while others such as The Secret Liquid of Life, Slave City and The Siege of Avion had less to do with the toyline and would introduce new original minicomic characters instead, such as He-Man's childhood friend Prince Dakon, the evil Geldor, the Kobold master Lodar and Haramesh the demon.^[150]^[151]^[152]

The 1985 wave of action figures would again feature new versions of He-Man and Skeletor with special action features: Thunder-Punch He-Man (whose backpack could be loaded with plastic ring caps to create a loud "bang" when turning He-Man's waist) and Dragon Blaster Skeletor (which included a small water squirting dragon chained to Skeletor's armour).^[153]^[154] Heroic warriors included in the line were Moss Man ("heroic spy & master of camouflage"; a fuzzy pine-scented re-tooling of the Beast-Man mold),^[127] Roboto ("heroic mechanical warrior"; featuring moving gears and multiple weapons that could be inserted into his arm socket)^[155] and Sy-Klone ("heroic fist-flinging tornado"; with a dial on his waist allowing his torso to be spun around continuously).^[126] Evil warriors in 1985 would consist of Spikor ("untouchable master of evil combat"; covered in purple rubber spikes with a trident for an arm),^[132] Two Bad ("double-headed evil strategist"; whose spring action arms would allow the figure to punch himself in either face)^[131] and Stinkor ("evil master of odors"; a foul smelling re-working of the Mer-Man mold and the only character from the 1985 line that would not make an appearance in the Filmation cartoon).^[156] Vehicles produced in this 4th wave were Bashasaurus ("heroic combat vehicle"; with a large bashing club-arm),^[157] Battle Bones ("collector's carry case" and dinosaur skeleton brought to life in the minicomics),^[158] Land Shark ("evil monster/vehicle"; Skeletor's tank with a purple chomping shark mouth),^[159] Night Stalker ("evil armored battle steed"; a re-coloured Stridor toy, often associated with Jitsu)^[160] and Spydor ("evil stalker"; Skeletor's giant mechanical Spider).^[161]^[110]

The largest addition to the 1985 Masters of the Universe toyline would come in the form of the Evil Horde, whose characters were set to debut in the animated The Secret of the Sword motion picture. Although primarily villains in the soon to debut, Princess of Power animated series, five out of the six initial Evil Horde action figures were produced for the Masters of Universe line, instead of the Princess of Power toyline (with the Horde villainess Catra being the sole exception).^[37] The main new villain Hordak ("ruthless leader of the Evil Horde"),^[24] was followed in action figure form by his underlings, Mantenna ("evil spy with the pop-out eyes"),^[36] Leech ("evil master of power suction", with suction cup hands and mouth),^[40] Grizzlor ("hairy henchman of the Evil Horde", with actual imitation fur),^[39] and Modulok ("evil beast with a thousand bodies"; a unique figure with 22 segmented body parts that could be taken apart and re-assembled into over 1000 different combinations).^[38] Hordak's lair, the Fright Zone, was also released as a playset in 1985, although it bore no resemblance at all to the mechanical/industrial looking Fright Zone seen in the animated She-Ra series.^[162]

Series four of the minicomics in 1985, would begin to depart from some aspects of Filmation's continuity, as each member of the Evil Horde would feature in their own titular minicomic, focusing more on their attempts to attack He-Man and invade Eternia, rather than anything She-Ra/Princess of Power related.^[24] Likewise, Skeletor's Dragon-blaster and He-Man's Thunder-punch powers were never seen in the animated series, but debut here in the minicomics Skeletor's Dragon and The Treachery of Modulok.^[158]^[163] Roboto would also receive an alternate origin story in The Battle of Roboto, being a creation of Man-At-Arms, rather than a wandering alien, as in the Filmation series.^[164] Stinkor and Spikor would star in their own minicomics as well, in The Stench of Evil and Spikor Strikes, which would also feature Moss Man, Sy-Klone (referred to as "Tornado") and the Spydor vehicle.^[165]^[166] Only the minicomic, The Obelisk, would follow the established continuity more closely and did not feature any of the new characters or vehicles.^[167] Michael Halperin and Christy Marx would write many of the 1984 and 1985 minicomics, while Lee Nordling often served as editor. Larry Houston, Michael Lee and Alfred Alcala would compose most of the artwork for these issues, while DC Comics' Bruce Timm was the illustrator for Grizzlor - The Legend Comes Alive!^[168]^[104]

The introduction of She-Ra and "The Secret of the Sword" animated feature (1985)

In 1985, Mattel and Filmation decided to diversify the Masters of the Universe line beyond its traditional realm of "male action", in the hopes of bringing in a young female audience as well.^[120] Thus, She-Ra, a feminine warrior-woman heroine, in the same vein as He-Man, was proposed with an all new line of doll/action figure for girls.^[55] In conjunction with the toyline, Filmation would begin work on a new animated series titled Princess of Power, featuring this new main character. She-Ra, would be revealed as Princess Adora, the long lost twin sister Prince Adam/He-Man, living on Eternia's sister planet of Etheria, ruled by Hordak, the main antagonist of the new series and the tyrannical leader of the Evil Horde.^[24] She-Ra would first be introduced in the animated feature The Secret of the Sword, released to theaters on March 22, 1985.^[169] The film would feature most major characters from He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and introduce many of the new characters and concepts behind the new series (with the backstory developed by Filmation writers Larry DiTillio and J. Michael Straczynski).^[170]

She-Ra: Princess of Power - Filmation animated series (1985-1986)

Filmation's She-Ra: Princess of Power first aired "The Sword of She-Ra Part 1: Into Etheria" on September 9, 1985. The Secret of the Sword animated movie from earlier that spring was essentially a compilation of what would become the first five episodes of the She-Ra cartoon series. The series would run for 2 seasons, and 93 episodes from 1985 to 1986. She-Ra: Princess of Power was produced in lieu of continuing He-Man and the Masters of the Universe for a third year; however, He-Man often appeared in episodes of She-Ra to aid his sister, and several other characters from He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, both heroic and evil, also appeared in multiple crossovers.^[171]^[65]

She-Ra was born as Princess Adora on Eternia, Prince Adam/He-Man's twin sister and daughter of King Randor and Queen Marlena. As an infant, Adora is kidnapped by Hordak (vampire/demon-faced sorcerer with a cowl of bones, who can transform his body into various mechanical devices) and Skeletor (Hordak's apprentice at the time), and taken to the world of Etheria (a planet ruled by the Horde, and the main setting of the She-Ra series).^[172]^[24] Adora is raised and brainwashed by Hordak and his confidant Shadow Weaver (a red-robed witch with a hidden face, powerful in dark magic), to eventually become Force Captain of the Horde.^[23]^[34] After encountering her brother He-Man (who is on a mission from the Sorceress to find her on Etheria), she eventually acquires the Sword of Protection and seeks to learn the true evil of the Horde. After first transforming into She-Ra and seeing the error of her ways, she becomes a member of the Great Rebellion; a secret small band of rebels, living in the Whispering Woods and fighting to free Etheria from the tyrannical rule of Hordak.^[23]^[119] Just as Prince Adam transforms into He-Man with the use of his Sword of Power, Adora transforms into She-Ra via her Sword of Protection, a replica of He-Man's sword featuring a smooth blue gem in its hilt. Unlike He-Man's sword, She-Ra's possesses the ability to transform into different weapons and accessories, such as a lasso, a shield or a flaming blade.^[65] Like her brother Adam, however, Adora's transformation into She-Ra is similarly triggered by holding her sword over her head, but with her own unique invocation; "For the honor of Grayskull... I AM SHE-RA!". Also similar to He-Man and Cringer/Battle Cat, She-Ra transforms her horse Spirit into the flying unicorn Swift Wind.^[26] Though strong like He-Man, She-Ra is shown to have additional powers as well, such as the ability to heal with her touch, and communicate with animals via telepathy.^[173]

The premise of the She-Ra TV series was the reverse of the He-Man cartoon, where the heroes are actually rebels countering an evil establishment (rather than Skeletor trying to conquer Eternia).^[174] The Great Rebellion is originally led by Queen Angela (winged queen of Bright Moon, freed by She-Ra from the clutches of Hunga the Harpy);^[33] and her daughter Glimmer (pink-haired magic-user, with the ability to manipulate light);^[28] with the main cast of the Princess of Power cartoon also including, the skilled archer Bow (the main male heroic character of the series),^[29] Bow's timid companion Kowl (a flying owl/koala-like creature with large rainbow coloured ears),^[30] the absent minded magician Madame Razz and her wise-cracking sidekick, Broom.^[31]^[32] Also appearing in many episodes are the small imp-like forest-dwelling Twiggits (mainly Sprockett, Spritina, and Spragg)^[175] and the mystical Light Hope, who serves as a 'Sorceress of Grayskull-type' guide to She-Ra, residing high atop Mount Skydancer in the Crystal Castle.^[27] Throughout the series recurring characters and members/allies of the Rebellion included Adora's swashbuckling love interest Sea-Hawk, the flirtatious ice queen Frosta, powerful sorcerer queen Castaspella, butterfly-like Flutterina, mermaid princess Mermista, far-seeing Peakablue, flower-loving Perfuma, net-tossing Netossa, the intergalactic scout Sweet Bee, and the MOTU toyline characters, the elephant warrior Snout Spout (referred to as "Hose Nose"), and the Comet Warriors Rokkon and Stonedar (developed too late to appear in the prior MOTU Filmation series).^[118] A special character, Loo-Kee, was also introduced, hiding somewhere in the background of nearly every episode of the series; emerging at the end of the episode, revealing to viewers where he had been hiding and relating the moral of the story.^[176]

The ruling antagonist faction of the series, the Evil Horde (whose members are often depicted with a bat-like insignia) is led on Etheria by Hordak (as voiced by George DiCenzo, is portrayed with a snorting laugh and temperament slightly more fearsome than Skeletor's),^[24] who rules Etheria from the industrial/technological looking monstrosity known as the Fright Zone.^[162] The Horde enslaves the people of Etheria through Hordak's legions of armoured robot-like Horde Troopers, mechanized vehicles and his special task-force of henchman known as the Force Squad.^[177] The Force Squad, lead originally by Adora and now by Catra (raven-haired villainess with a magic mask, giving her the ability to turn into a vicious panther),^[37] consists of the bug-eyed Mantenna (whom Hordak loves to torment, often dropping him through trap-doors),^[36] the fearsome Beast-Island operator Grizzlor,^[39] the hulking life-force draining amphibian-like Leech,^[40] the whiny shape-shifting Imp,^[35] and the pincer-clawed scorpion-woman Scorpia.^[41] The Horde was later joined by others including Skeletor's former scientist henchman Modulok,^[38] his robotic creation Multi-Bot,^[178] the future Snake Men Tung-Lashor and Rattlor,^[179]^[180] Entrapta the evil inventor with deadly braids, the octopus-woman Octavia, the Horde zoo keeper Vultak, and the robot Horde Trooper commander Dylamug.^[118] The overarching inter-planetary supreme leader of the Horde, Horde Prime, who held leadership over both Hordak and Skeletor was also introduced during the She-Ra Filmation series.^[181] Some of the other popular one-off heroes and villains were Spinnerella, Huntara, General Sunder, False-Face, Colonel Blast, the Red Knight, Granita the comet warrior, Sorrowful the Dragon, the Meteorbs and the Star Sisters.^[118]

She-Ra and Adora were voiced in the series by Melendy Britt (who also voiced Catra, Castaspella, Mermista and Octavia), George DiCenzo was the voice of Hordak, Bow, Sea-Hawk, Tung-Lashor (and a few others) and Diane Pershing provided the voice for Netossa and Spinnerella. Alan Oppenheimer and John Erwin would reprise their roles from the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe series, as would Linda Gary with Teela and the Sorceress, while providing the additional voice work for Glimmer, Madame Razz, Sweet Bee, Shadow Weaver, Scorpia and Entrapta. Credited as "Erik Gunden", Lou Scheimer returned as well to provide voices for a plethora of characters including Swift Wind, Kowl, Light Hope, Broom, Mantenna, Leech, Grizzlor, Modulok, Horde Prime, Multi-Bot, Rattlor, Orko, the Horde Troopers and many of the Twiggits; while his daughter, Erika Scheimer, took a more prominent role in this series providing the voices for Loo-Kee, Queen Angella, Frosta, Imp and several of She-Ra's female associates.^[119] She-Ra: Princess of Power would air its final episode 'Swifty's Baby' on December 5, 1986; with no real finale for either the She-Ra or He-Man Filmation series.^[140]

Princess of Power - Mattel toyline (1985-1987)

Released in 1985, Mattel's toyline Princess of Power (sometimes abbreviated as POP), featured almost exclusively female characters, all of whom featured an emphasis on hair and clothing, with "real" hair and partially softgoods costumes. Described as "fashion action dolls", essentially the line attempted to fuse the appeal of Masters of the Universe with Mattel's successful line of fashion dolls, Barbie, and added many "Fantastic Fashions" clothing accessories packs to compliment the female action figures.^[182]

The 1985 line of Princess of Power figures included She-Ra (without a separate action figure for Princess Adora), Bow (the only male figure in the POP line, without his moustache, as seen in the cartoon series), Glimmer ("the guide who lights the way"), Kowl ("the know-it owl"), Angella ("angelic winged guide"), Frosta ("ice empress of Etheria"), Castaspella ("enchantress who hypnotizes"), Catra ("jealous beauty" and the main female antagonist) and Double Trouble ("glamorous double agent"; created only for the toyline and minicomics, never appearing in the cartoon series). She-Ra's main playset was Crystal Castle, a "shimmmering castle of fantasy and fun for She-Ra and her friends!". Enchanta, a large swan creature/vehicle was also produced in the first wave of toys, as were several horses to accompany the figures: Swift Wind for She-Ra, Arrow for Bow and Storm for Catra.^[183]

The Princess of Power toyline ran from 1985 to 1987, for which Mattel would release a total of 22 action figure/dolls (with 12 creatures, 2 playsets and 16 clothing accessories). Apart from the main Princess of Power line, the preeminent villains of the She-Ra series, Hordak and the Evil Horde (originally created by Filmation in collaboration with Mattel), were released by Mattel under the Masters of the Universe branding. The character Catra was the only villain to be released in the first wave of the Princess of Power figures, with Mattel downplaying her connection to the Evil Horde in the toyline. In 1986 a new "Scratchin' Sound" version of Catra is joined by her feline pet Clawdeen and fellow Horde-Villainess Entrapta. She-Ra (with a new "Starburst" version) is accompanied in the second wave by her allies Flutterina, Mermista, Peekablue, Perfuma and Sweet Bee. "Crystal" translucent plastic versions of Swift Wind and the horses Sun Dancer and Moonbeam were also released in wave two, along with the Butterflyer and Sea Harp creature/vehicles and the Crystal Falls playset.^[183]

The third and final wave saw diminished sales and production in 1987, with the releases of Netossa, Spinnerella and Loo-Kee; along with "Bubble Power" She-Ra, "Royal" Swift Wind, "Silver" Storm and "Shower Power" Catra.^[183] Several recurring characters from the She-Ra cartoon did not receive action figures in neither the original POP or MOTU toylines; such as Madame Razz (or her Broom), Light Hope, the Twiggits, Sea-Hawk, Shadow Weaver, Scorpia, Imp, Octavia, or Hunga the Harpy. She-Ra would also feature in 13 of her own minicomics (packaged with the figures), along with several children's books, comic magazines, and read-along record/cassette-tape books.

Last years of the original toyline

Final action figures and minicomics (1986-1988)

The final series of action figures and minicomics, in 1986 and 1987, would continue on the adventures past the animated series and its sequel in the She-Ra line, introducing new characters not seen in the cartoon series such as the heroic warriors: Rio Blast ("transforming gunslinger"), Clamp Champ ("master of capture"), and Extendar ("master of extension"); the evil warriors: Blast-Attak ("blast-apart robotic warrior"), Ninjor ("evil ninja warrior") and Scare-Glow ("evil ghost of Skeletor"); the Snake Men: King Hiss ("dreadful disguised leader of the Snake Men"), Sssqueeze ("evil long-armed viper") and Snake-Face ("most gruesome of the Snake Men"); the Hordesmen: Dragstor ("transforming warrior/vehicle") and Mosquitor ("energy-draining insectoid"); and the spinning top-like Energy Zoids, Rotar and Twistoid.^[144] Aside from these new characters, long time MOTU staple characters King Randor ("heroic ruler of Eternia") and the Sorceress ("heroic guardian of Castle Grayskull") were finally represented in action figure form.^[8]^[10] Other later MOTU characters that had only appeared in the She-Ra: Princess of Power animated series, also saw release in the form of the elephant-headed Snout Spout ("heroic water-blasting firefighter"),^[184] the rock warriors, Rokkon ("young heroic comet warrior") and Stonedar ("heroic rock people leader"),^[185] the Snake Men, Tung Lashor ("evil tongue-shooting Snake Men creature") and Rattlor ("evil Snake Men creature with the quick-strike head"),^[180]^[179] and the Horde members, Multi-Bot ("evil robot of a thousand bodies", similar to the prior interchangeable body-segment Modulok figure) and the Horde Trooper ("evil collapsing robot", and the only generic troop/soldier figures of the toyline). New versions of the lead characters were also produced with "Flying Fists" He-Man, "Terror Claws" Skeletor, and Hordak in two new forms with "Hurricane" Hordak and "Buzz-Saw" Hordak.^[144]

The Evil Horde obtained their first vehicle/creatures in the toyline with Mantisaur ("the evil insectoid steed") and Monstroid ("the ultimate battling monster", that had an entirely different depiction the animated series); while the Horde's Slime Pit playset (a dinosaur skull-headed torture device), proved to be quite popular in 1986, coming complete with canisters of green ooze to pour over the action figures, while held in place with a giant claw.^[186] Also that same year, "the land and sky disc launcher", Blaster Hawk, and "the road rocket", Laser Bolt, were produced for He-Man's heroic warriors; while Skeletor gained the "dragonfly attack vehicle", known as the Fright Fighter. At a less-expensive price-point, several accessory packs of smaller vehicle/weapons included the Megalaser, Jet Sled and Stilt Stalkers in 1986; and the Scubattack, Tower Tools, Cliff Climber, Beam Blaster & Artilleray set and several small transforming egg-shaped creatures known as Meteorbs, late into the line in 1987.^[144]

Also late into the line in 1987, were three original characters from the live action movie: Blade ("evil masters of swords"), Saurod ("evil spark-shooting reptile") and Gwildor ("heroic creator of the Cosmic Key"), with their entry into the MOTU mythos explained in one of the last original minicomics, The Cosmic Key.^[187]^[188]^[189] No other movie-related figures were produced, however in 1988, the final action figures of the original toyline, the "Laser Power" versions of He-Man and Skeletor, did bear some resemblance to their live-action movie counterparts and were released only to European markets.^[190]

One of the main storylines of the later minicomics, released with these later waves of action figures, was the introduction of a new major villain faction known as the Snake Men, first appearing in the minicomic King of the Snake Men. Kobra Khan, Tung-Lashor and Rattlor (who previously appeared in the He-Man and She-Ra cartoon series with Skeletor, and/or as members of the Horde),^[130]^[180]^[179] were now under the leadership of the ancient Eternian King Hiss, whose snake men army rose from Eternia's past, joining forces with Skeletor to once again rule Eternia (additional Snake Men were later added to the roster in the form of the long-armed Sssqueeze and the medusa-like Snake Face in the minicomic Revenge of the Snake Men).^[45]^[191] Another major minicomic storyline of this period included the introduction of the three-towered fortress of Eternia in The Ultimate Battleground; which was a massive final playset for MOTU, one of the biggest of all 1980's toylines, complete with a motorized monorail circling the towers. Other notable minicomics included the debut of Hordak's gruesome mind-altering Slime Pit in Escape from the Slime Pit, one of several origin stories for Rokkon and Stonedar in Rock People to the Rescue, cybernetic Horde experiments resulting in the creation of the warriors Dragstor and Extendar in The Warrior Machine, and the suggested origin of Skeletor as Keldor in The Search for Keldor (which also included the only minicomic appearances for He-Man's ally Clamp Champ, and Skeletor's minions Ninjor, Scare Glow and Faker). All of this was leading towards what would have been a continuation of the series in the 'Powers of Grayskull' line, before being discontinued. These series 5 and 6 minicomics were often edited by Lee Nordling with Art direction from Ron Cook, and included writing by Tim Kiplin, Phil White and Steven Grant, with the artwork of Bruce Timm, Jim Mitchell, Chris Carlson, Charles Simpson, and Larry Houston, among others.^[104]

'The Powers of Grayskull' (1987)

The proposed exploration of the distant past of Eternia, dubbed "Preternia",^[192] forms the basis of what was originally to be the next incarnation of the toyline, entitled The Powers of Grayskull. However the toyline was cancelled very early on, with only a few toys released (like the dinosaur-themed creatures Turbodactyl, Bionatops, Tyrantisaurus Rex and the rare Italian-only released giant figures, Tytus and Megator). The main story information originates from the final minicomic The Powers of Grayskull—The Legend Begins!, which was intended as the first of a three-part series, however only this issue appeared.^[193]

The proposed storyline was to focus on Ancient Eternia, which was populated by many creatures, including the aforementioned cybernetic dinosaurs and giants. When the Sorceress and He-Man arrive, followed by Skeletor, they find King Hiss leading an attack on a village in the hope of drawing out "The Elders", using some of the cybernetic dinosaurs to their advantage. Hiss serves an "unnamed one" and agrees to unite with Skeletor on the basis that he might be an emissary. Seeing Skeletor's interference, the Sorceress allows He-Man to enter the battle but, "for reasons that will be made clear to you in the future," he had to be disguised. He finds himself overwhelmed, but then a shadowy figure appears who turns the odds with a powerful wand. The stranger then sends the Snake Men back to their base and all the time travelers home. The Sorceress describes the intervener as "the Greatest Sorcerer of all" and He-Man is left asking, "But who is he?". No further story information is given, and it remains unclear how the giants mentioned and released as toys would fit into the story. However, some marketing press releases and prototypes have shed further information.

The wizard was to be He-Ro, an ancestor of He-Man. Raised by his mentor Eldor and discovering special powers in a cave, He-Ro would have led the fight against the Snake Men. According to the mini-comics' writers it was intended that the central antagonist would be Keldor, a character revealed similarly late in the line to have been He-Man's uncle and also strongly hinted to have been the former identity of Skeletor. Whether or not Keldor was also supposed to be the "Unnamed One" Hiss served is not clear, although in an interview writer Steven Grant vaguely recalls that the intention was that the Unnamed One would be a greater evil who, as the Emperor was to Darth Vader, was intended to be the one who caused Keldor to become Skeletor.^[194]

However, when Mattel finally went about creating a definitive identity for "The Unnamed One", as part of their Masters of the Universe Classic line, the character was revealed to be an evil Trollan named "Gorpo" (a nod to the original pre-production name for Orko), who was exiled to Eternia by his race for evil and who used his dark magic to transform normal snakes into humanoid snake people such as King Hiss. Furthermore, additional figures for He-Ro and Eldor (who were made into prototypes but never officially released) were made for the Classic line.

Other comics, books and media

Marvel comics, daily newspaper strips and fan-club magazines (1985-1988)

In the years after the animated series ended, generally going along with the established Filmation continuity, Marvel Comics would release a younger-skewing Star Comics Masters of the Universe series that ran from 1986 to 1988 bi-monthly and produced 13 issues; featuring many of the later characters introduced in the toyline.^[195] Apart from the standard comic-book format, there was a 'He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Magazine', a U.S. based fan club magazine featuring puzzles, fan letters, feature stories and comic strips (running 16 issues, 1985-1988; She-Ra also with a similar magazine, running 6 issues).^[196] This magazine series featured well rendered covers and posters by artist Earl Norem and a create a character contest, with the winner, Nathan Bitner, revealed in the spring 1986 issue with his Fearless Photog character (however, an action figure was never realized or produced until the Classics line in 2012).^[197]^[198] Daily comic strips could also be found at this time in newspaper syndication from 1985 until 1989. The strips were primarily written by Chris Weber and edited by Karen Willson with distribution in the U.S. and worldwide in countries such as Brazil, India, Greece, and the former Yugoslavia. The newspaper strips were somewhat obscure and were generally lesser known to the wider fan-base, but 1,639 of the 1,674 daily strips were finally collected in hardcover format with 'He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: The Newspaper Comic Strips', released by Dark Horse Books in 2017.^[199]

International publications (1983-1990)

Various He-Man adventure magazine issues containing Masters of the Universe related comics were also released outside the United States, in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Finland, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Italy and many other countries.^[200] Egmont's London Editions in the United Kingdom, published 72 issues biweekly of their 'By The Power of Grayskull... Masters of the Universe' comic magazine from 1986 to 1988 (also publishing 14 issues of 'For the Honor of Grayskull She-Ra' and several special issues, including 'Twins of Power').^[201] The series is often noted for expanding the origins of many characters, and introducing the character 'Scrollos', among others.^[202] Egmont also ran a monthly comic magazine entitled 'Masters of the Universe Adventure', which ran for 18 issues before turning into a 'New Adventures' themed magazine 'He-Man Adventure' for 10 more issues.^[203]^[204] Original comic-book content was also created in Germany by Interpart/Condor for 18 issues, Ehapa for 21 issues (also appearing in their Micky Maus comics) and original content by Mattel, including two exclusive European minicomics.^[205]^[206]^[207] Both the German and British comics were often translated to provide content for other countries (although Italy's Più and Magic Boy magazines and some comic books from South America, notably Estrela and Editora Abril of Brazil, provided some original material in their pages as well).^[208]^[209]^[210]^[211]

Children's books (1983-1990)

Masters of the Universe and Princess of Power featured in many children's books in the 1980s as well. One of the main producers of these titles was Golden Books, which published several series of hard and softcover children's books from 1983 to 1986 (the earliest books are more in line with early minicomics, with the later books following the cartoon series; however, Golden Books did introduce their own character of Goat-Man in the book Secret of the Dragon's Egg in 1985).^[212] World I.P. also produced annual Masters of the Universe and Princess of Power storybooks in the U.K. from 1984 until the New Adventures line in 1990 (with the 1984 edition written pre-Filmation, notably naming Orko as 'Gorpo' and King Randor as 'King Miro').^[213] Euredif France produced several Maîtres de l'Univers volumes as well.^[214] Also notable in the 1980s were the various combination book/record/cassette-tape read-along/tell-a-tale adventures produced by Ladybird Books out of the U.K., by Kid Stuff Records out of the U.S., and by Mattel themselves.^[215]^[216]^[217]

Games, audio plays, Power Tour and other media (1983-1987)

Various video game adaptations of the franchise have been released. The Power of He-Man was released by Intellivision for Atari 2600 and Intellivision in 1983. Two games, The Arcade Game and The Super Adventure, were developed by Adventure Soft and released by U.S. Gold for Amstrad CPC, BBC Micro, Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum in 1987. A video game based on the movie, The Movie, was released by Gremlin Graphics for Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, MSX and ZX Spectrum in 1987.^[218] Various board games were also released in the 1980s and FASA produced The Masters of the Universe Role Playing Game in 1985.^[219]

Throughout the 1980s a wide array of He-Man merchandise was released, including colouring books, activity books, a Panini Sticker book and many other items.^[220] Several read-along audio plays were created by Kid Stuff and by Pickwick/Ladybird in the United Kingdom.^[221] Notably, a complete Masters of the Universe audio-play adventure LP record was released by Kid Stuff Records in 1983; written and produced by John Braden, with a new He-Man theme song and original voice acting.^[222] Also notable were a series of audio cassettes, released in Germany by Europa, consisting of 37 episodes of over 40 minutes in length, with an additional 10 Princess of Power tapes, and 5 specials (these introduced Anti-Eternia, with an evil alternate universe version of He-Man in episode 11).^[223]^[224]

Home video releases of Filmation's animated series were produced by RCA/Columbia on VHS and Betamax for 11 volumes with red framed box art, before switching to their Magic Window brand with 'The Secret of the Sword' movie in 1985, for 12 additional He-Man and the Masters of the Universe volumes and 10 She-Ra Princess of Power VHS releases.^[225]^[226] Golden Books, Germany's Ocean and Select and various others also released Masters of the Universe video content in the 1980s.^[227]^[228]

There was also a Masters of the Universe 'Power Tour' live stage show, showing across the United States, with 19 consecutive performances at New York's Radio City Music Hall. Directed by Tony Christopher, husband and wife Jack and Leslie Wadsworth portrayed He-Man and She-ra, while Khalos Planchart and Eric Van Baars played lead villains Hordak and Skeletor, respectively. The production also featured lesser used characters such as Rio-Blast, Clamp-Champ, Snout-Spout, Rokkon, Ninjor, Blast-Attak and songs by an original character, Songster (performed by Doug Howard).^[229]

Live action film (1987)

In 1987, a live action He-Man film was made by Cannon Films entitled Masters of the Universe, released in the United States was August 7, 1987. The film was directed by Gary Goddard and starred Dolph Lundgren in the title role of He-Man, Frank Langella as Skeletor, with Courteney Cox, Robert Duncan McNeill and James Tolkan in supporting roles (as Julie Winston, Kevin Corrigan, and Detective Lubic, respectively). The other characters from the original cartoon to appear in the film are Evil-Lyn (Meg Foster), Man-At-Arms (Jon Cypher), Teela (Chelsea Field), Beast Man (Tony Carroll), and the Sorceress (Christina Pickles). The new character, Gwildor (Billy Barty), is included in place of Orko, as the special effects of the time were deemed insufficient and too costly. Skeletor's henchmen Blade (Anthony De Longis), Saurod (Pons Maar) and Karg (Robert Towers) were also introduced, in place of other more familiar villains from the established continuity, such as Tri-Klops, Mer-Man and Trap-Jaw.^[230]

In the film, Skeletor has finally conquered Eternia after stealing the Cosmic Key from the locksmith Gwildor, allowing him to gain entry into Castle Grayskull and imprison the Sorceress. The heroes He-Man, Man-At-Arms, Teela are joined by Gwildor and escape to the planet Earth using Gwildor's prototype Cosmic Key. Stranded on Earth, they are faced with the task of retrieving their Cosmic Key (which has fallen into the hands of the unwitting humans, Julie Winston and Kevin Corrigan) and returning to Eternia, before Skeletor can gain the full power of Castle Grayskull. Skeletor sends his minions to Earth with the mission of recovering the Cosmic Key prototype, as the war between good and evil is transferred to Earth, before returning to Eternia for a final battle between He-Man and a golden-clad godlike Skeletor in the film's climax.

Numerous parts of the previously accepted history of the series are omitted in the film, including all references to Prince Adam, Battle Cat, Orko, King Randor and Queen Marlena. Many reviews of the motion picture criticized its departures from the cartoon, although the movie was produced as an adaptation of the toys only, with Filmation having no involvement in the film.^[230] It is also implied that Castle Grayskull itself is the ruling point of Eternia rather than any royal city. The story concentrates more on the science fiction elements of the franchise rather than the fantasy and the majority of the story takes place on Earth rather than on the world of Eternia. Also departing from all other depictions, He-Man uses a gun in some scenes, instead of his Power Sword, and he is rarely shown displaying his superhuman strength in the film. Although He-Man twice utters his catchphrase "I Have the Power", while holding the sword aloft in the iconic manner, he does omit the prefacing clause "By the Power of Grayskull".^[230]

Although Mattel had hoped that the movie would boost sales of the toyline, it instead had little effect on the line's falling sales, and the MOTU toy line was finally discontinued in early 1988 under mounting financial difficulties. A sequel to the film was written, but by 1989, Cannon Films was in such severe financial troubles that it could no longer afford to pay the license fees to Mattel. Thus the script was transformed into the action film Cyborg, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme.^[231]^[232]

The New Adventures of He-Man (1990-1991)

In 1990, a couple of years after the ending of the original Masters of the Universe product line, a second He-Man animated series titled The New Adventures of He-Man, was created by Jetlag Productions to promote Mattel's short-lived attempt to revive the MOTU brand with a new toyline, simply titled He-Man. The new series is radically different from the original fantasy-oriented milieu, shifting to an almost purely science fiction setting which sees He-Man transported to the futuristic planet of Primus. He-Man (with a new more slender appearance and sporting a ponytail; voiced by Doug Parker) leads the heroic Galactic Guardians; while Skeletor (also with a new completely look; voiced by Campbell Lane), bases himself on the mutant world of Denebria, forming an alliance with Flogg and his band of Evil Mutants, who are hellbent on conquering Primus for themselves. The series contains continuity links to the original Masters of the Universe, and was intended as a continuation of the existing mythology, although some fans see it as a separate canon from the original series due to the differences in style and character portrayal.^[233]

Other than He-Man and Skeletor, the Sorceress of Castle Grayskull is the only character from the original series to make regular appearances in the new series, acting as a spiritual guide to He-Man from afar. Other established characters featured in the pilot episode, A New Beginning, include King Randor and Queen Marlena, who finally learn of the dual identity of Prince Adam and He-Man. Teela also makes a later appearance in the series in the episode Once Upon a Time, although she bears little resemblance to her former Filmation counterpart.^[234]^[235]

Main characters introduced in this series are He-Man's new allies, the wise sage Master Sebrian, his assistant Mara, and the lead Galactic Guardians Captain Hydron and Flipshot. Other frequently appearing heroic characters include the young shepherd girl Drissi, her little brother Caz, the scientists (Alcon, Gepple, Krex and Meldoc), the robots Gleep and UR, Grot the gardener, councilman Werban, the cyclops Meliac, and the remaining Galactic Guardians: Sagitar, Tuskador, Spinwit and Artilla; with the final members Kayo, Vizor and Nocturna rarely featuring in the show (although they did appear in the comics and series intro). Skeletor's allies in Flogg's band of Evil Mutants consist mainly of Flogg's incompetent second in command Slush-Head, Skeletor's new love interest Crita, and other mutants such as Quakke, Staghorn, B.H., Hoove, Karatti, Optik and Lizorr.

The New Adventures of He-Man cartoon series first aired September 17th, 1990, lasting sixty-five episodes, until the episode The Final Invasion; which aired on December 14th 1990, and unlike Filmation, did provide some closure to the series. The majority of the cartoon episodes were written by Jack Olesker, resulting in a somewhat tighter continuity than the prior series. The He-Man toy-line, debuting a year earlier than the animated series in 1989, featured four waves of action figures (produced in slightly smaller scale to the previous line); totaling 28 distinct figures in all, with 7 vehicles, 2 playsets and 2 accessory items. Neither the New Adventures animated series or toy-line proved nearly as popular as the originals, and the line was ended with little fanfare in 1992.^[235]^[236]^[237]

The New Adventures of He-Man series was also featured in its own series of four minicomics, and in a monthly comic magazine entitled 'He-Man Adventure' (which ran for about 6 issues, before returning to adventures on Eternia), and was published by Egmont's London Editions Magazines in the U.K.; World I.P. also produced a New Adventures themed annual in 1990. These publications differed somewhat from the animated series with the addition of the character Darius (who did not appear in the cartoon series), in a major role as leader of the Galactic Council; the transition of the "Power of Castle Grayskull" into the Starship Eternia; and several of the figures sporting alternate names in some media and toy-line releases, such as Flipshot as Icarius, Flogg as Brakk and Slush-Head as Kalamarr.^[238]^[239]^[240]

Hiatus - Proposed series, pop culture and commemorative releases (1992-2001)

The Masters of the Universe franchise would not produce any new media for over a decade, although a new series was pitched by Lou Scheimer to DIC Entertainment in 1996. The series was to feature He-Ro (alter-ego Dare), now the son of He-Man, as a sequel to the original animated series; but remained unproduced.^[241]

During this hiatus, Masters of the Universe also began a following on the early days of the internet, with sites developed by Kevin Herbert (one of the first), Adam Tyner (with the Scrolls of Grayskull newsletter), Busta-Toons (with focus on the Filmation animated series) and many others; eventually ending up with the expansive He-Man.org site being created.^[242] Various popular internet memes were also created with Masters of the Universe being reviewed by popular YouTube channels, parodies such as Unemployed Skeletor or Wil Wheaton's "Skeletor Reads Angry Tweets" segment. Masters of the Universe would also appear many times on the Adult Swim stop-motion comedy series Robot Chicken (which introduced comedic character Mo-Larr). Both He-Man and Skeletor are often mentioned in pop culture, as seen on the long running animated series, The Simpsons on a few occasions.^[243]

In 2000, however, Mattel did act on the growing nostalgia for the 1980s action figures, by re-releasing replicas of many of the figures, under the banner of the Masters of the Universe Commemorative line.^[244] BCI Eclipse LLC (and later Mill Creek Entertainment) would expand on this, later releasing all episodes of the Filmation He-Man and the Masters of the Universe on DVD in Region 1 in 2005/2006; followed by She-Ra Princess of Power and JetLag's New Adventures of He-Man Series. Each volume contained an extensive array of special features including original documentaries produced for the DVD set, featuring interviews from many series creators and writers such as Lou Scheimer, Larry DiTillio, Paul Dini and others.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe modern series (2002-2004)

Reboot and new Masters of the Universe toyline

In 2002, Mattel launched a new Masters of the Universe toyline with sculpts designed by the Four Horsemen. The new toyline was made surprisingly faithful to the original line, with the characters gently "re-imagined" and updated in terms of sculpting detail rather than radically reinterpreted.^[245] 60 action figures were released in all, with 10 creature figures, 7 vehicles and 3 playsets (8 smaller scale figures were also produced in a McDonald's Happy Meal promotion).

One point of contention for many fans of the original Masters toyline was the redesign of He-Man's Power Sword. According to the Four Horsemen, this was due to their original re-sculpts being intended for a continuation of the original storyline in which Skeletor had obtained both halves of the Power Sword (hence the new Skeletor figure's dual blades with clear "good" and "evil" hilt designs), necessitating a new sword to be built by Man-At-Arms and endowed with the properties of the original by the Sorceress.{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} However, Mattel decided to reboot the continuity for a new generation of children, and thus the "new" Power Sword design became the "original" version for the new continuity.^[246] Another issue was the over-reliance on releasing alternate versions of He-Man (13 in total), Skeletor (10), Man-At-Arms (5) and a few other main characters, rather than further classic, re-imagined and original characters from the accompanying animated series (such as Randor, The Sorceress, Clawful, or Chief Carnivus, to name a few); making many of the non-He-Man or Skeletor figures hard to come by for both collectors and children. These factors likely contributed to the cancelation of the line in 2004 and ultimately not achieving the success of its 1980's counterpart.^[247]

The line's faithfulness to the original series made it very popular with collectors, however, suggesting it would have been better served as a collector-based line, akin to DC Direct. This theory was borne out in the wake of the discontinuation of the mass-market toyline, with NECA taking the rather unprecedented step of continuing the toyline through action figure sized mini-statues scaled and sculpted to be aesthetically compatible for display alongside the Mattel toys. NECA would produce 22 'staction figures' in total, allowing fans to fill out their collections with other Four Horsemen redesigned characters that had yet to be produced as figures when the toyline was canceled. According to a December 8, 2005 interview with a Mattel representative on he-man.org, NECA offered to produce fully articulated action figures for Mattel without taking any credit, but permission was denied. Instead, NECA was only permitted to produce nonarticulated statues, which they did from 2005 to 2007.^[248]

200X Animated series - Mike Young Productions

A new animated series was produced to accompany the toyline, made by Mike Young Productions and lasting for 39 episodes; with the series making its premiere on Cartoon Network's Toonami on August 16, 2002 and airing its final episode on January 10, 2004.^[249] This series involved much tighter continuity and a somewhat greater depth of characterization than its Filmation predecessor.^[250] A similar but slightly modified premise to the original Filmation series, this version of He-Man (voiced by Cam Clarke, with Prince Adam portrayed as physically younger and smaller than He-Man) was part of an ensemble of Eternian heroes/protectors known as officially now as 'The Masters'. Under the leadership of Man-At-Arms (voiced by Garry Chalk), this team originally consisted of He-man/Adam (with his pet Cringer/Battle Cat, no longer able to speak), Teela, Orko, Stratos, Ram-Man, Mekaneck and Man-E-Faces, and later joined by Buzz-Off, Roboto and Sy-Klone. King Randor, was now a general (rather than king, from an Eternian royal lineage), pronounced ruler of Eternia by the Elders of the Hall of Wisdom, which have gone into hiding inside the depths of Castle Grayskull. Skeletor (voiced by Brian Dobson), now confirmed as Keldor, finally breaks through the great barrier wall (after decades of trying), and attacks the Masters with his evil forces; mainly consisting of Evil-Lynn, Beast-Man, Mer-Man, Trap-Jaw (now a cybernetically repaired henchman, formerly known as Kronis), Tri-Klops (now an inventor/scientist, somewhat akin to an evil Man-At-Arms), Claw-ful (now a very large and extremely dim-witted thug) and Whiplash (now also of larger size, and of the subterranean Caligar race). Backstories of occasional characters such as Fisto, Moss-Man, Webstor, Zodak (regarded a different character as opposed to the earlier Zodac), Two-Bad (portrayed as two bounty hunters known as Tuvar and Baddhra, magically combined into one being by Skeletor's magic), Stinkor (finally making an appearance in cartoon continuity as the mutated form of Odiphus) are all expanded upon. On-and-off villains Count Marzo and Evilseed return, while new characters such as Dekker, Carnivus, Ceratus, Lord Dactys, Prahvus, the Faceless One and the giants Chadzar, Belzar and Azdar are also introduced in this series.

Later episodes of this series were re-titled Masters of the Universe vs. the Snake-Men, and sidelined Skeletor as chief villain in favor of King Hiss, leader of the reptilian Snake Men (Kobra-Kahn, General Rattlor, Tung-Lashor, Snake-Face and Sssqueeze), with He-man and many of the characters now bearing a new 'Snake-Armour' look. He-man's ancestor King Grayskull and his Sorceress wife Veena also debuted in this season against his nemesis Hordak (now an ancient sorcerer). Hordak and the Evil Horde were to be the main antagonists for the third season if the show had continued, but it was not renewed. The 40th and final episode was produced as a comic-book 'special feature' on the last DVD set of the series; which was part of a three volume release, originally by BCI Eclipse in 2008 (and later in a collected release by Mill Creek Entertainment in 2009 and 2012).^[251]

200X MOTU video games

A game based on the 2002 series, Power of Grayskull, was developed by Taniko and published by TDK Mediactive in October 2002 for the Game Boy Advance, which also featured an introductory minicomic. A follow up developed by Savage Entertainment and published by Midas Interactive Entertainment, Defender of Grayskull, was released for PlayStation 2 in February 2005.

Comic series by MVC and Image Comics

From 2002-2005 Image Comics and MVCreations published several series of comics and one-shots that mirrored tales of the 2002 Mike Young Productions show; the comic series elaborated and added to the mythos by introducing characters that never made it in after the 39 episodes of the television series. The first issues were seen in the summer of 2002 in the form of special promotional/preview issues, with three mini-series continuing on after; 'The Shards of Darkness' in fall 2002, followed by 'Dark Reflections' and 'Rise of the Snake Men' in 2003. After delving into the back-stories of Skeletor's henchmen Beast-Man, Mer-Man, Trap-Jaw and Tri-Klops in a four issue 'Icons of Evil' series, a short-lived ongoing series, solely produced by MVC, continued on for eight issues in 2004. Along with these, a handful of special or 'pack-in' one-shots and trade paperback collected volumes were also produced.

Current Masters of the Universe properties

MOTU Classics, Super7 and other collector's toy series (2008-Present)

In 2007 a new incarnation of Masters of the Universe was announced, with the first action figure, King Grayskull, released at San Diego Comic Con 2008. Based on the look of the original 1980s MOTU toys, this new toyline was aimed primarily at the adult toy collector market, often available only through subscriptions (from MattyCollector). Sculpted by the Four Horsemen, these toys were updated versions of previous figures as well as characters that never before had an action figure made of them; such as Filmation's Queen Marlena, Fang-Man, Lizard-Man, Count Marzo, Granamyr and many others. The toyline featured many re-designed and updated action figures from the original action figure line from the 1980s; but it also included characters from She-Ra Princess of Power (Adora, Madame Razz, Scorpia, Shadow Weaver and others), the New Adventures of He-Man (Mara, Crita and more) and the Mike Young Productions series from 2002 (Faceless One, Chief Carnivus, King Chooblah, Ceratus and others). As the line progressed, characters from all versions of MOTU lore were included from such things such as prototypes and concept art (He-Ro, Eldor, Demo-Man, Gygor, Vykor and others), box art from vehicles and model kits (Sky High and the Fighting Foe Men), mini-comics (The Goddess, Geldor and Procrustus), and other books, comics and media (Despara, Strobo, Goat-Man and more). There were also newly created figures, exclusive to the Classics toyline, such as Draego-Man, Cy-Chop, Castle Grayskullman and others. In February 2010, the figures of He-Man and Skeletor were available as Toys R Us exclusives packed in two-packs with Superman and Lex Luthor respectively, from Mattel's DC Universe Classics action figure line; with this dual line expanded to include two-packs featuring Aquaman/Mer-Man, Hawkman/Stratos, Bizarro/Faker, Supergirl/She-Ra, and finally Green Lantern/Zodac.^[252]

Masters of the Universe Classics surpassed the original 1980s toyline in terms of length, running continuously for 7 years with over 150 different figures produced since its launch in August 2008. Along with the Classics series, MOTU Minis and Giants figures were also released in 2014 and 2015. In 2016, Mattel ended production on the MOTU Classics and MattyCollector.com's Club Grayskull series, with the production company Super7 now taking over the Masters of the Universe license. Super7 has thus far produced several 3' 3/4" figures (in the style of the classic Kenner Star Wars action figures from the late 1970s-early 1980s) and many figures in the style of the small pink M.U.S.C.L.E./Kinkeshi also from the 1980s. Super7 releases include 1980's Mattel inspired figures from their animation special, "The Curse of the Three Terrors", the Masters of the Universe 'Ultimates' line (which consists of 'deluxe' re-releases of Classics figures), and the continuation of the previous Classics and Club Grayskull lines.^[253]

New minicomics, books and other media (2012-Present)

Starting in 2012, Dark Horse Comics produced mini-comics included in Mattel's Masters of the Universe Classics line of toys, continuing the series of mini-comics first introduced in the original MOTU toys of the 1980s. The initial three mini-comics were written by Tim Seeley and drawn by Wellinton Alves, with covers by Eric Powell. The Dark Horse mini-comics continue the The Powers of Grayskull/Preternia storyline that was to have been the direction the original action figure line was headed before it was cancelled. In these issues He-Man goes back in time to battle King Hsss, finally bringing He-Ro, Eldor, Tytus and Megator into the storylines and introducing newly created Classics characters such as Sir Laser-Lot and the Mighty Spector. Seeley stated that these comics were intended to blend the different He-Man continuities and select the best stories and ideas from MOTU history.^[254] DC took over the Masters of the Universe Classics minicomics from Dark Horse in 2013, publishing five more minicomics, with stories from Scott Neitlich and artwork by Wellinton Alves and Axel Giménez. These mini-comics provide an origin story of Keldor (Skeletor), and then proceed to join into the later New Adventures of He-Man continuity. The Fall of Eternia saga in the final issues, incorporates the proposed Dare, son of He-man (He-Ro II) series from the 1990s, along with many 'Create-a-character' contest finalist designs from the 1980's Masters of the Universe Magazine. Many of these stories are meant to be read in conjunction with the altered continuity presented in the character biographies on the cardbacks of the Masters of the Universes Classic's line action figure packaging, and thus do not provide a detailed flowing narrative in the minicomics themselves.^[255] With the 8th and last mini-comic published in 2015, it is uncertain if DC will continue to produce any future mini-comics in this series with Super7 taking over the Masters of the Universe Classics line in late 2016.

Dark Horse Books continues to produce various hardcover anthology books with collaborative efforts from Val Staples, James Eatock, Josh de Lioncourt, Danielle Gelehrter, Eric "gbagok" Marshall, Jukka Issakainen, David Clark, Aidan Cross, Leanne Hannah and others. Volumes include the 'Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe', 'He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Minicomic Collection', 'He-Man and She-Ra: A Complete Guide to the Classic Animated Adventures', 'He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: The Newspaper Comic Strips' and 'He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: A Character Guide and World Compendium'.^[256]

An Android and iOS game, The Most Powerful Game in the Universe, was developed by GlitchSoft and published by Chillingo and Mattel in late 2012;^[257]^[258] later followed by He-Man™ Tappers of Grayskull for the iOs (which also includes an updated She-Ra's Adventure version).^[259]^[260]

For many years now, fan-sites such as He-Man.org, Planet Eternia, and Wiki Grayskull, podcasts such as Masters Cast^[261] and the annual Power-Con convention,^[262] have all served and promoted the Masters of the Universe brand in recent years. Masters of the Universe was also featured in the 3rd episode of the first season of the well received Netflix series The Toys That Made Us in 2017 and in 2018 with the release of the Power of Grayskull: The Definitive History of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe documentary, also on Netflix.^[263]^[264]

DC Comics - Current series (2012-Present)

A Masters of the Universe comic book series was relaunched by DC Comics in 2012, first appearing as a series of digital comics. This was quickly followed by a six issue mini-series and all new revised origin issues for He-Man, Skeletor and Hordak.^[265] After a crossover mini-series with superheroes from the DC Comics universe in 2013, an ongoing series ran for 19 issues through 2014, before being replaced by the 'He-Man The Eternity War' 15 issue series in 2015/2016. This introduced a new back-story for He-man's sister She-ra (as Despara), Skeletor (as the half-Gar son of King Miro), Hordak, and the Snakemen; moving the storyline further along, with a new Horde invasion of Eternia and He-Man taking the Eternian throne, amongst other new developments. He-Man/ThunderCats, a crossover with another heroic 1980's action figure line, ThunderCats, was also produced for 6 issues in 2016-2017. The current DC Masters of the Universe property is a 6-part crossover series with DC Comics' Injustice Storyline.^[266]

New animated series - She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018-Present)

On December 12, 2017, DreamWorks Animation SKG and Netflix announced a new reboot series based on She-Ra Princess of Power series from the 1980's. The series is executive produced by award-winning author, Noelle Stevenson (creator of Nimona and Lumberjanes). The series first season of thirteen episodes was released on Netflix November 13, 2018.^[267]^[268] The DreamWorks series features a new animation style and alternate backstories for many of the characters, many of whom are presented as younger in age and with a more diverse makeup than in the previous 1980's Filmation series. Adora/She-Ra is again presented as a former member of the Horde, befriended by re-imagined versions of Glimmer and Bow. Under the direction of Glimmer's mother Queen Angella of Bright Moon, the three embark upon re-uniting the Princesses of Etheria, which include Perfuma, Mermista, Entrapta, Frosta, Netossa and Spinnerella. Also appearing in the series are Swift Wind (initially referred to as 'Horsey', without the alter-ego of Spirit), Light Hope (as a female hologram generated by the "First Ones"), Sea Hawk (as a glory-seeking associate of Mermista), Castaspella (as the sister of Angella's deceased husband King Micah) and Madame Razz (as an older and confused forest dweller with knowledge of prior "She-Ra's"). The evil Horde returns as the villainous overlords of Etheria, and although Hordak remains leader of the Horde, Catra is often presented as the primary antagonist, with a much stronger relationship established between her and Adora. Shadow Weaver and Scorpia also play prominent roles within the series, and cadets Lonnie and Kyle are introduced (possibly inspired by previous Filmation characters); however, no other previously established Horde members other than Grizzlor, Imp and Octavia are yet to appear. Although no longer directly linked to He-Man or the Masters of the Universe in this first season, Eternia, Castle Grayskull and Adora's Kidnapping as a child are referenced.^[269]

Reboot film

Since 2007, a reboot of Masters of the Universe has been in the works but has gone through development hell with various studios, directors and writers connected to the project. Variety reported in 2007 that Grayskull: Masters of the Universe would be produced by Joel Silver, and written by Justin Marks, and employing visual special effects to a large degree, as was done with the 2007 war film 300^[270] With that deal to reboot the film going nowhere, Warner Bros. announced that John Stevenson, director of Kung Fu Panda, was slated to direct the upcoming feature. On 12 May 2009, it was announced that the scripting duties had been handed to newcomer Evan Daugherty, with John Stevenson still attached to direct.^[271] In September 2009, Sony took over the rights from Warner Bros. to produce the Masters of the Universe live-action film after Mattel and Silver couldn't agree on creative direction for the film.^[272] Sony and Escape Artists' Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch were now developing the project from scratch for Columbia. In April 2010, Sony hired screenwriters Mike Finch and Alex Litvak to draft a new script.^[273]

Deadline reported that Jon M. Chu was in talks to direct the film.^[274] Original He-Man actor Dolph Lundgren did an interview with IGN about possibly appearing in the film as King Randor.^[275] On October 12, 2012, Richard Wenk was hired to rewrite the script for the film.^[276] On March 28, 2013, Chu said that the film was still early in its development and that it would not be campy, but rather a dramatic origin story.^[277]^[278] On October 7, 2013, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Terry Rossio would write the film; Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch were assigned to produce it. The film would be set on Eternia. The site also reported that Chu would not direct the film.^[279]

On February 26, 2014, it was reported that directors Jeff Wadlow, Mike Cahill, Harald Zwart, and Chris McKay were on the short list to direct the film.^[280]^[281] On April 9, 2014, Schmoes Know reported that Wadlow would direct the film, but The Hollywood Reporter announced that he was merely rewriting the script.^[282]^[283] Columbia Pictures Senior Vice President DeVon Franklin tweeted that Jeff Wadlow had completed the script.^[284]^[285] Franklin later tweeted a photo on his Twitter page of Battle Cat.^[286] On August 19, 2015, Variety reported that Christopher Yost would rewrite the script.^[287] Mike O'Hearn announced on his Instagram account that he was in training to star as He-Man.^[288] However, he then quashed the rumor, saying he only wanted to do the part and was not cast for the live-action movie.^[289]

On January 22, 2016, Deadline reported that McG would direct the film and also oversee a rewrite of the latest script by Alex Litvak and Mike Finch, while Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch and as well as DeVon Franklin were now on board as producers.^[290] On June 24, 2016, Kellan Lutz tweeted on his Twitter page that he had a meeting with both McG and Mary Viola about taking the role of He-Man.^[291]^[292] McG told IGN that the role of He-Man had not been cast yet, but that Lutz was being looked at very closely for the part. This draft of the script would be set on Eternia, but not exclusively there.^[293] In addition, pre-production had moved on to doing makeup testing.^[294] McG commented on the film saying "“I think we want to honor the fan base, first and foremost, We also need to be cognizant of the incredible resonance of what Kevin Feige is doing with Marvel, and the balance of full-bodied entertainment. That it’s both credible and emotional, action-packed, and the story of a hero’s journey. It’s the genesis of He-Man, it’s the becoming of He-Man. We want it to be clicking on all cylinders in that regard. We’re not going to stop until we get it right.” On April 26, 2017, Sony confirmed that the film would finally be released on December 18, 2019.^[295] Along with the release date confirmation it was announced that McG was no longer directing the film. During the search for his replacement Entertainment Weekly reported that David S. Goyer had been brought in to write the script.^[296] In December 2017, further reports said that Goyer was in talks to direct the film,^[297]^[298] however in February 2018 Variety reported that Goyer had decided to step away as director to focus on other projects, but stated he would remain on board as an executive producer and screenwriter, and that the studio was said to be very happy with the script he turned in and is currently meeting with potential replacements.^[299] In April 2018, another Variety report stated that the Nee Brothers were set to direct the film.^[300]^[301] On January 11, 2019, Deadline reports that Art Marcum and Matt Holloway will rewrite a new draft for the film.^[302] Principal photography will begin on July 15, 2019 and wrap on October 18, 2019 with Prague as one of the shooting locations.^[303]On February 13, 2019 it was reported that principal photography on the film will begin in mid-July 2019 in Prague and will be directed by The Nee Brothers.^[304] On March 20, 2019, it was reported that Noah Centineo is in talks to play He-Man.^[305]

Mattel toy line releases

The action figures themselves were often repaints and head-swaps of existing characters, outfitted with different equipment; for example, Stinkor was originally a color-swap of Mer-Man wearing a re-colored version of Mekaneck's breastplate. For much of the original line, there were limited molds. Two chests, hairy and smooth, one belt/pair of shorts, and three sets of arms and legs (smooth muscular, evil 'claw' fingers/toes, and hairy). Teela had her own mold, which was later duplicated for Evil-Lyn. When the second wave appeared, several new molds were used (Ram Man, Man-E-Faces, and Trap Jaw all had new mold pieces). Wave three incorporated the same torso for Whiplash and Buzz-Off. New legs were shared with Whiplash, Buzz-Off and an early release of Clawful. Wave Four saw the introduction of more unique body parts (i.e. Leech, Mantenna, Sy-Klone and Two Bad) with Moss Man and Stinkor being the only new characters to be entirely created using old body parts. Wave 5 featured completely unique parts for almost every new character, while the final waves largely returned to the "classic" look of shared sculpts.

Each 1982 action figure featured 5 points of articulation (poseable head, arms and legs), removable armor, a weapon accessory and a spring-loaded "Power punch" at the waist. All 8 characters featured the twist waist action, but it was Wave 2 that saw the introduction of additional action features unique to the character, such as Tri-Klops' rotating visor and Ram Man's spring-loaded legs. Each figure would also come packaged with a mini-comic. The line debuted in 1982 with just four figures to begin with: He-Man, Man-At-Arms, Skeletor and Beast Man. Later that year the remaining four characters from Wave 1 were released. They were Stratos, Teela, Mer-Man and Zodac. Each figure came with removable armor, a weapon and mini-comic. The Comet Warriors, Stonedar and Rokkon, arrived in the UK a full year before the rest of their wave 5 counterparts. This may have been due to their appearance in the UK Masters of the Universe fortnightly magazine in 1986.

Masters of the Universe vintage toys (1982-1988)

Princess of Power (1985-1987)

In 1985 Mattel attempted to broaden the success of Masters of the Universe, by releasing a line of toys aimed at girls. Many of the Princess of Power characters would eventually be incorporated into Masters of the Universe Classics.

He-Man (1989-1992)

Mattel revamped the Masters of the Universe concept for this 1989 toyline, which had more slender-looking action figures, and a storyline which featured He-Man and Skeletor taking their adventures beyond Eternia, into outer space.

Fuerza T (2003)

In 2003, Tops Toys, an Argentinian toy company, used the molds from the vintage Masters of the Universe figures and released eight characters in Argentina.

Masters of the Universe modern series figures & statues (2002-2004)

Masters of the Universe modern series (2002-2004)

Mattel attempted to revive the long-dormant franchise with a new toyline, which was sculpted by Four Horsemen Studios.

NECA Masters of the Universe modern series - Mini-Statues (2005-2007)

Four Horsemen Studios continued the 200X toyline in the form of non-articulated 6" scale resin statues, which were designed to fit in with the 2002-2004 action figures. They were released by NECA, under licence from Mattel.

Mini-Masters and Giants (2014-2015)

In 2014, Masters of the Universe Minis were released via the Mattel toy collector website, Matty Collector. The figures were packed in sets of two with a hero versus a villain. Also included was a build and connect Castle Grayskull playset.

In the fall of 2014, a brand new 12" Masters of the Universe toyline was released. This time the figures were 12" versions of the original 1980s toys.

Masters of the Universe Classics (2008-Present)

Mattel Masters of the Universe Classics (2008-2017)

Super7 Masters of the Universe Classics (2017-Present)

Collector's Choice wave 3: Motion Picture He-Man, Motion Picture Skeletor, Motion Picture God Skeletor, Motion Picture Karg (recolor of previous version)

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe / Club Grayskull (2016-Present)

In 2016 Masters of the Universe Classics was accompanied by an additional toyline, featuring designs and characters from the Filmation cartoon series. These were also sold on Mattel's webstore MattyCollector.com. Production of the toyline by Mattel ended in 2016, and was continued by Super7 from 2017.

Super7 Retro Masters of the Universe (2016-Present)

In 2016, the toy company Super 7 licences the MOTU characters from Mattel to release new 3' 3/4" MOTU action figures, in the style of the toys produced in the 1980s by companies like Kenner.^[310]

2018 repaint exclusives: Anti-He-Man, Goddess (Teela repaint), minicomic red Beast Man, Camouflage Kobra Khan, 3 versions of Stratos (minicomic colors, reverse toy colors and blue beard)

Wave 5, 2019: She-Ra, Hordak, Grizzlor, Shadow Weaver, Mantenna, 4 versions of Modulok

Super7 Vintage-Style Masters of the Universe (2017)

In 2017 Super7 release a new line of action figures, based on the style of the original 1982-1988 MOTU toys by Mattel.

Wave 2: Filmation Man-at-Arms, Filmation Teela, Filmation Beast Man, Filmation Robot He-Man

Wave 3: Filmation Prince Adam, Filmation Orko, Filmation Mer-Man, Filmation Trap Jaw, Gold He-Man, Crystal Man-at-Arms, Frozen Teela

Wave 4: Filmation Buzz-Off, Filmation Evil-Lyn, Filmation Evilseed, Filmation Shadow Weaver, Glow-in-the-Dark He-Man, Shadow Orko

Possible future action figures releases

Mattel/Super7 intend to release as many action figures as possible as part of the current Masters of the Universe Classics/He-Man and the Masters of the Universe toylines. The following is a selection of characters that they own the rights to make toys of:

See also

Notes

1. ^{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/mattel-wins-battle-over-rights-to-masters-of-the-universe-1201128990/ |title=Mattel Wins Battle Over Rights to Masters of the Universe |publisher=variety.com |accessdate=July 22, 2018 }}
2. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/cartoon/cartoon.php?id=50 |title=She-Ra Princess of Power 1985-87|website=www.he-man.org|accessdate=2018-08-02}}
3. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.slashfilm.com/masters-of-the-universe-oral-history/ |title=Masters Of The Universe Oral History |publisher=Slashfilm.com |date=2015-10-02 |accessdate=2018-07-22}}
4. ^¹{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2015/10/30/he-man-most-powerful-man-in-the-universe-1982 |title=He-Man – Most powerful man in the universe! (1982)|publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-07-31}}
5. ^¹{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2015/10/22/skeletor-lord-of-destruction-1982 |title=Skeletor – Lord of Destruction! (1982)|publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-07-31}}
6. ^{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/castle-grayskull-fortress-of-mystery-1982 |title=Castle Grayskull – Fortress of mystery and power (1982)|publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-08-03}}
7. ^¹²{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2017/02/26/prince-adam-heroic-secret-identity-of-he-man-1984 |title=Prince Adam – Heroic “Secret Identity” of He-Man (1984)|publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-07-31}}
8. ^¹²³{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2017/10/06/king-randor-heroic-ruler-of-eternia-1987 |title=King Randor – Heroic ruler of Eternia (1987)|publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-07-26}}
9. ^{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/encyclopedia/viewobject.php?cat=3&objectid=172 |title=Sword Of Power |website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-07-26}}
10. ^¹²³⁴⁵{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2017/05/12/sorceress-heroic-guardian-of-castle-grayskull-1987 |title=Sorceress – Heroic Guardian of Castle Grayskull (1987)|publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-07-26}}
11. ^¹²³{{Cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2015/09/10/battle-cat-fighting-tiger-1982 |title=Battle Cat – Fighting Tiger (1982)|publisher= Battle Ra, - A He-Man Blog|access-date=2018-07-26}}
12. ^¹²{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2015/12/28/man-at-arms-master-of-weapons-1982 |title=Man-At-Arms – Master of weapons! (1982)|publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-07-26}}
13. ^¹²³{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2015/09/16/teela-warrior-goddess-1982 |title=Teela – Warrior goddess (1982)|publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-07-26}}
14. ^¹²{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2016/11/22/orko-heroic-court-magician-1984 |title=Orko – Heroic court magician (1984) |publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-07-31}}
15. ^¹²{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2015/10/09/stratos-winged-warrior-1982 |title=Stratos – Winged warrior! (1982)|publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-07-26}}
16. ^¹²³{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/publishing/item.php?id=296 |title=He-Man and the Power Sword|website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-07-26}}
17. ^{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/encyclopedia/viewobject.php?cat=3&objectid=265 |title=Characters - Keldor|website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-08-03}}
18. ^¹{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2015/11/26/beast-man-savage-henchman-1982 |title=Beast Man – Savage henchman! (1982)|publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-07-26}}
19. ^¹{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2015/08/11/mer-man-ocean-warlord |title=Mer-Man – Ocean warlord! (1982)|publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-07-26}}
20. ^¹²{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2016/07/29/evil-lyn-evil-warrior-goddess-1983 |title=Evil-Lyn – Evil warrior goddess (1983) |publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-07-31}}
21. ^¹{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/publishing/item.php?id=2350 |title=The Menace of Trap-Jaw!|website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-07-26}}
22. ^¹{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/publishing/item.php?id=305 |title=The Terror of Tri-Klops!|website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-07-26}}
23. ^¹²{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/encyclopedia/viewobject.php?typeid=1&objectid=324 |title=Characters - Adora (Princess Adora) |website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-08-02}}
24. ^¹²³⁴⁵{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2017/07/15/hordak-ruthless-leader-of-the-evil-horde-1985 |title=Hordak – Ruthless Leader of the Evil Horde (1985) |publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-08-02}}
25. ^{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/cartoon/episodes.php?id=50 |title=She-Ra Princess of Power 1985-87 - Episodes |website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-08-02}}
26. ^¹{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/encyclopedia/viewobject.php?typeid=7&objectid=1498&catid=1 |title=Creatures - Swift Wind |website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-08-02}},
27. ^¹{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/encyclopedia/viewobject.php?typeid=1&objectid=327 |title=Characters - Light Hope |website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-08-02}}
28. ^¹{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/encyclopedia/viewobject.php?typeid=1&objectid=385 |title=Characters - Glimmer |website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-08-02}}
29. ^¹{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/encyclopedia/viewobject.php?typeid=1&objectid=376 |title=Characters - Bow |website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-08-02}}
30. ^¹{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/encyclopedia/viewobject.php?typeid=1&objectid=1479 |title=Characters - Kowl |website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-08-02}}
31. ^¹{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/encyclopedia/viewobject.php?typeid=1&objectid=388 |title=Characters - Madame Razz |website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-08-02}}
32. ^¹{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/encyclopedia/viewobject.php?typeid=1&objectid=1444 |title=Characters - Broom |website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-08-02}}
33. ^¹{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/encyclopedia/viewobject.php?typeid=1&objectid=377 |title=Characters - Angella (Queen Angella) |website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-08-02}}
34. ^¹{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/encyclopedia/viewobject.php?typeid=1&objectid=328 |title=Characters - Shadow Weaver |website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-08-02}}
35. ^¹{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/encyclopedia/viewobject.php?typeid=1&objectid=1450 |title=Characters - Imp |website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-08-02}}
36. ^¹²{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2017/09/04/mantenna-evil-spy-with-the-pop-out-eyes-1985 |title=Mantenna – Evil spy with the pop-out eyes (1985) |publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-08-01}}
37. ^¹²{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/encyclopedia/viewobject.php?typeid=1&objectid=380 |title=Characters - Catra |website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-08-02}}
38. ^¹²³{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2016/11/16/modulok-evil-beast-with-a-thousand-bodies-1985 |title=Modulok – Evil beast with a thousand bodies (1985) |publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-08-01}}
39. ^¹²{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2017/07/25/grizzlor-hairy-henchman-of-the-evil-horde-1985 |title=Grizzlor – Hairy henchman of The Evil Horde (1985) |publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-08-01}}
40. ^¹²{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2016/11/06/leech-evil-master-of-power-suction-1985 |title=Leech – Evil master of power suction (1985) |publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-08-01}}
41. ^¹{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/encyclopedia/viewobject.php?typeid=1&objectid=1407 |title=Characters - Scorpia |website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-08-02}}
42. ^{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093507 |title=Masters of the Universe (1987) |publisher=IMDb|accessdate=2018-08-03}}
43. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/publishing/subsection.php?id=52&subid=19 |title=Marvel/Star Comics (1986-1988)|website=www.he-man.org|accessdate=2018-08-03}}
44. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/publishing/subsection.php?id=23&subid=38 |title=UK - Masters of the Universe - Egmont Magazines (1986-1988) |website=www.he-man.org|accessdate=2018-08-03}}
45. ^¹²{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/encyclopedia/viewobject.php?typeid=1&objectid=470 |title=Characters - King Hiss / King Hssss|website=www.he-man.org|accessdate=2018-08-03}}
46. ^{{cite web|url=http://charltonhero.wordpress.com/tag/powers-of-grayskull/ |title=Masters Of The Universe: A HE-ROs story|publisher=The Superhero Satellite|accessdate=2018-08-03}}
47. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/25884/new-adventures-of-he-man-vol-1|title=New Adventures of He-Man|website=Dvdtalk.com|accessdate=30 June 2015}}
48. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/collecting/toycollection.php?id=5|title=Masters of the Universe - Commemorative Series|website=www.he-man.org|accessdate=2018-08-03}}
49. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/collecting/toycollection.php?id=7 |title=Masters of the Universe - Modern Series|website=www.he-man.org|accessdate=2018-08-03}}
50. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/forums/boards/showthread.php?178158-Why-did-2002-He-man-fail|title=2002 MY He-Man|website=He-man.org|accessdate=30 June 2015}}
51. ^{{cite web|url=http://io9.gizmodo.com/exclusive-preview-of-dcs-he-man-1-comic-472970332|title=Exclusive preview of DC's He-Man #1 comic|website=i09.gizmodo.com|accessdate=2018-08-03}}
52. ^{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/comics/2018/4/16/17244564/dc-comics-injustice-he-man-masters-of-the-universe |title=DCs Injustice is about to cross over with He-Man|website=www.he-man.org|accessdate=2018-08-03}}
53. ^{{cite web|url=http://ca.ign.com/articles/2018/07/16/first-look-at-netflixs-she-ra-and-the-princesses-of-power-2 |title=First Look at Netflix's She-Ra and the Princesses of Power |website=ign.com|accessdate=19 July 2018}}
54. ^{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/he-man-movie-director-masters-of-the-universe-1202763492 |title=Masters of the Universe’: Nee Brothers to Direct He-Man Movie |website=variety.com|accessdate=19 July 2018}}
55. ^¹²³⁴⁵⁶⁷{{Cite web|url=https://www.netflix.com/title/80161497|title=The Toys That Made Us {{!}} Netflix Official Site|website=www.netflix.com|access-date=2018-03-28}}
56. ^¹²³⁴{{cite web|url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/mastering-the-universe/|title=Mastering the Universe: He-Man and the Rise and Fall of a Billion-Dollar Idea by Roger Sweet and David Wecker|accessdate=2011-05-05|work=Pop Matters}}
57. ^¹²³{{cite web|url=http://www.thesneeze.com/mt-archives/000500.php|title=The Birth of He-Man|accessdate=2011-05-05|work=The Sneeze (blog)}}
58. ^The rights to manufacture the Star Wars toyline were later acquired by Hasbro.
59. ^These included: Kid Gallant, a medieval knight; Robin and the Space Hoods, a sci-fi figure; and the daredevil Kenny Dewitt, pronounced "Can He Do It?"
60. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/mastering-the-universe/|title= Mastering the Universe: He-man and the Rise and Fall of a Billion-dollar Idea|work= Pop Matters |accessdate=2016-08-03 }}
61. ^¹{{cite web|url=http://powerandhonor.org/|title=The Power and The Honor Foundation|work=powerandhonor.org}}
62. ^The general consensus among the fandom is that it was the collaborative efforts of many designers and artists including Mark Taylor, Roger Sweet, Anthony G. Guerrero, Ted Mayer, Tom Kalinske and others, that inspired and produced the original MOTU toys.
63. ^¹{{Cite news|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2015/12/14/ted-mayer/|title=Ted Mayer: Virtuoso of vehicle design|date=2015-12-14|work=Battle Ram|access-date=2018-03-28|language=en-US}}
64. ^¹{{Cite news|url=https://battleram.wordpress.com/2016/05/09/mark-rebecca-taylor-on-the-origins-of-he-man/|title=Mark & Rebecca Taylor on the origins of He-Man|date=2016-05-09|work=Battle Ram|access-date=2018-03-28|language=en-US}}
65. ^¹²³⁴{{cite web|url=http://screenrant.com/he-man-masters-of-universe-trivia-facts-skeletor |title=15 Things You Didn't Know About He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe |author=David Wharton|website=www.screenrant.com|date=27 January 2017|accessdate=23 July 2018}}
66. ^{{cite web|url=http://20thcenturytoycollector.com/posts/2013/04/27/masters-of-the-universe-battle-cat |title=Masters of the Universe – Battle Cat |website=www.20thcenturytoycollector.com |accessdate=2018-07-23 }}
67. ^{{Cite web|url=http://www.pixel-dan.com/the-roger-sweet-trio-comes-to-sdcc-as-motuc-vykron |title=The Roger Sweet Trio comes to SDCC as MOTUC Vykron |website=www.pixel-dan.com|access-date=23 July 2018}}
68. ^Other names considered by the design team were Mighty Man, Megaton Man, Strong Man and Big Man.
69. ^{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2017/09/08/lords-of-power-collection-at-the-dawn-of-he-man|title=Lords of Power Collection – at the dawn of He-Man|publisher=Battle Ram - A He-Man Blog|accessdate=26 July 2018}}
70. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.donaldfglut.com/MOUinterview.html|title=E-mail interviews with Donald F. Glut|publisher=DonaldGlut.com|accessdate = 2007-02-14}}
71. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/mattel-wins-he-man-ownership-687138|title=Mattel Wins 'He-Man' Ownership Lawsuit|author=Eriq Gardner|work=The Hollywood Reporter|accessdate=14 February 2015}}
72. ^{{cite web|url=http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2014/03/mattel-wins-fight-with-comics-writer-over-he-man-rights/|title=Mattel wins fight with comics writer over He-Man rights - Robot 6 @ Comic Book Resources|work=Robot 6 @ Comic Book Resources|accessdate=14 February 2015}}
73. ^{{cite web|url=https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/712/353/1475694 |title=Conan Properties, Inc. v. Mattel, Inc. |accessdate=23 July 2018}}
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76. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/collecting/toy.php?id=862 |title=Skeletor Lord of Destruction! |publisher=He-Man.org |accessdate=2018-07-27}}
77. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/collecting/toy.php?id=508 |title=Man-At-Arms Master of Weapons! |publisher=He-Man.org |accessdate=2018-07-27}}
78. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/collecting/toy.php?id=512 |title=Beast Man Savage Henchman! |publisher=He-Man.org |accessdate=2018-07-27}}
79. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/collecting/toy.php?id=541 |title=Battle Cat Fighting Tiger! |publisher=He-Man.org |accessdate=2018-07-27}}
80. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/collecting/toy.php?id=509 |title=Teela Warrior Goddess! |publisher=He-Man.org |accessdate=2018-07-27}}
81. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/collecting/toy.php?id=511 |title=Mer-Man Ocean Warlord! |publisher=He-Man.org |accessdate=2018-07-27}}
82. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/collecting/toy.php?id=510 |title=Stratos Winged Warrior! |publisher=He-Man.org |accessdate=2018-07-27}}
83. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/collecting/toy.php?id=342 |title=Zodac Cosmic Enforcer!|publisher=He-Man.org |accessdate=2018-07-27}}
84. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/collecting/toy.php?id=513 |title=Battle Ram Mobile Launcher |publisher=He-Man.org |accessdate=2018-07-27}}
85. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/collecting/toy.php?id=514 |title=Wind Raider Assault Lander |publisher=He-Man.org |accessdate=2018-07-27}}
86. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/collecting/toy.php?id=542 |title=Castle Grayskull Fortress of Mystery and Power for He-man and His Foes |publisher=He-Man.org |accessdate=2018-07-27}}
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95. ^¹²{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2015/09/07/man-e-faces |title=Man-E-Faces – Heroic human…robot…monster! (1983)|publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-07-31}}
96. ^¹²{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2016/06/21/zoar-fighting-falcon-1983/ |title=Zoar – Fighting Falcon (1983)|publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-07-26}}
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99. ^¹{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2015/08/26/panthor-savage-cat-1983 |title=Panthor – Savage cat (1983) |publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-07-31}}
100. ^{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2016/08/25/screeech-barbarian-bird-1983/ |title=Screeech – Barbarian bird (1983)|publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-07-26}}
101. ^¹{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2015/09/22/faker-evil-robot-of-skeletor-1983 |title=Faker – Evil robot of Skeletor (1983)|publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-07-26}}
102. ^¹{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2016/07/03/attak-trak-battle-machine-1983 |title=Attak Trak – Battle Machine (1983)|publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-07-27}}
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107. ^{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/publishing/item.php?id=1443 |title=The Tale of Teela!|website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-07-26}}
108. ^¹{{cite news|title= List of Minicomics and Contents |work= Comic Book Resources|url= http://www.he-man.org/publishing/subsection.php?id=52&subid=20|accessdate=2015-06-26}}
109. ^{{Cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/publishing/item.php?id=622 |title=The Power of Point Dread/Danger at Castle Grayskull|website=www.He-Man.org|access-date=2018-07-27}}
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112. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/collecting/index.php?type=3 |title=Toys - International Collections |publisher=He-Man.org |accessdate=2018-07-19}}
113. ^DC Comics Presents #47: "From Eternia With Death" (1982)
114. ^The Daring New Adventures of Supergirl #1: "Fate Is The Killer" (November 1982)
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119. ^¹²³⁴⁵⁶⁷⁸{{cite book |last=Eatock |first=James |date=September 13, 2016 |title=He-Man and She-Ra: A Complete Guide to the Classic Animated Adventures |publisher=Dark Horse Books |isbn=1506700640}}
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122. ^¹²{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2017/01/01/buzz-off-heroic-spy-in-the-sky-1984 |title=Buzz-Off – Heroic spy in the sky (1984) |publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-08-01}}
123. ^¹{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2017/01/07/fisto-heroic-hand-to-hand-fighter-1984 |title=Fisto – Heroic hand-to-hand fighter (1984) |publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-08-01}}
124. ^¹²{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2016/08/07/mekaneck-heroic-human-periscope-1984 |title=Mekaneck – Heroic human periscope! (1984) |publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-08-01}}
125. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/cartoon/episode.php?id=44&ep=122 |title="Happy Birthday Roboto" |website=www.he-man.org|accessdate=2018-08-01}}
126. ^¹{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2017/05/28/sy-klone-heroic-fist-flinging-tornado-1985 |title=Sy-Klone – Heroic fist-flinging tornado (1985) |publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-08-01}}
127. ^¹{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2016/08/14/moss-man-heroic-spy-master-of-camouflage-1985 |title=Moss Man – Heroic spy & master of camouflage (1985) |publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-08-01}}
128. ^¹{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2017/03/07/snake-mountain-evil-stronghold-of-skeletor-1984 |title=Snake Mountain – Evil stronghold of Skeletor (1984)|publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-07-31}}
129. ^¹{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2016/11/26/webstor-evil-master-of-escape-1984 |title=Webstor – Evil master of escape (1984) |publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-08-01}}
130. ^¹²{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2017/03/28/kobra-khan-evil-master-of-snakes-1984 |title=Kobra Khan – Evil master of snakes (1984) |publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-08-01}}
131. ^¹{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2018/06/29/two-bad-double-headed-evil-strategist-1985 |title=Two Bad – Double-headed evil strategist (1985) |publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-08-01}}
132. ^¹{{cite web|url=http://battleram.wordpress.com/2018/07/12/spikor-untouchable-master-of-evil-combat-1985 |title=Spikor – Untouchable master of evil combat (1985) |publisher=Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog|accessdate=2018-08-01}}
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140. ^¹{{cite web|url=http://old.he-man.org/cartoon/cmotu-pop/firstandlast.shtml |title=First and Last |website=www.he-man.org|accessdate=2018-08-07}}
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286. ^{{cite tweet|user=DeVonFranklin|author=DeVon Franklin|number=572893563568058368|date=3 March 2015|title=@danmillerNY @TheOneHansen @Guardians I totally agree!!!}}
287. ^{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/he-man-masters-of-the-universe-christopher-yost-writer-1201573946/|title='Thor: Ragnarok' Scrible to Pen 'Masters of the Universe' for Sony|publisher=Variety|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=August 19, 2015}}
288. ^{{cite web|url=https://instagram.com/p/94l9_hqyHu/ |title=Instagram |publisher=Instagram |date=2015-11-10 |accessdate=2016-08-03}}
289. ^{{cite web|url=http://comicbook.com/2015/11/12/mike-ohearn-has-not-been-cast-as-he-man-but-wants-the-role|title=Mike O'Hearn Has Not Been Cast As He-Man, But Wants The Role|author=Russ Burlingame|date=12 November 2015|work=Comicbook.com|accessdate=24 January 2016}}
290. ^{{cite web|url=http://deadline.com/2016/01/masters-of-the-universe-mcg-sony-pictures-1201688130/|title=McG Orbiting ‘Masters Of The Universe’ At Sony|publisher=Deadline|last=Fleming, Jr|first=Mike|date=January 22, 2016}}
291. ^{{cite tweet|user=kellanlutz|author=Kellan Lutz|number=746419550699163648|date=24 June 2016|title=Hey @HeManTheMovie and all MOTU fans, Had an amazing meeting with @McGsWonderland and @ItsMaryViola talking MOTU! ITS IN GREAT HANDS! 💪⚔}}
292. ^{{cite web|url=http://comicbook.com/2016/06/25/kellan-lutz-met-with-mcg-about-masters-of-the-universe-movie/|title=Kellan Lutz Met With McG About Masters Of The Universe Movie|publisher=ComicBook.com|last=Burlingame|first=Russ|date=June 24, 2016}}
293. ^{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOyLnV_IANA|title=Masters of the Universe Director Gives Update On Movie|first=|last=ScreenJunkies News|date=15 August 2016|publisher=|accessdate=17 March 2018|via=YouTube}}
294. ^{{cite web|url=http://ign.com/articles/2016/08/12/he-man-and-the-masters-of-the-universe-director-mcg-on-casting-villains-tone-and-more|title=HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE DIRECTOR MCG ON CASTING, VILLAINS, TONE AND MORE|publisher=IGN|last=Vejvoda|first=Jim|date=August 12, 2016}}
295. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/842157-masters-of-the-universe-movie|title=By the Power of Grayskull! Masters of the Universe Movie Sets 2019 Release|publisher=Coming Soon|last=Lesnick|first=Silas|date=April 26, 2017}}
296. ^{{cite web|url=http://ew.com/movies/2017/04/26/sony-release-date-masters-of-the-universe-reboot/|title=McG no longer directing Masters of the Universe|publisher=Entertainment Weekly|last=Lawrence|first=Derek|date=April 26, 2017}}
297. ^{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/david-s-goyer-he-man-masters-of-the-universe/|title=David S. Goyer in Talks to Direct He-Man Film ‘Masters of the Universe’ for Sony (Exclusive)|publisher=The Wrap|last=Gonzalez|first=Umberto|date=December 1, 2017}}
298. ^{{cite web|url=https://omegaunderground.com/2018/01/21/goyer-teases-masters-universe-pre-production-teela-confirmed/|title=Goyer Teases ‘Masters of The Universe’ Is In Pre-Production – Teela Confirmed|publisher=Omega Underground|last=Marc|first=Christopher|date=January 21, 2018}}
299. ^{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/masters-of-the-universe-he-man-david-goyer-wont-direct-1202692790/|title=‘Masters of the Universe’ Still Needs Director as David S. Goyer Passes (EXCLUSIVE)|publisher=Variety|last=Lang|first=Brent|date=February 8, 2018}}
300. ^{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/he-man-movie-director-masters-of-the-universe-1202763492/|title=‘Masters of the Universe’: Nee Brothers to Direct He-Man Movie (EXCLUSIVE)|publisher=Variety|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=April 19, 2018|accessdate=April 19, 2018}}
301. ^{{cite web|url=http://thathashtagshow.com/2018/05/masters-of-the-universe/|title=EXCLUSIVE: He-Man: Masters of the Universe Character Breakdowns Revealed|author=Charles Murphy|date=May 1, 2018|work=That Hastag Show}}
302. ^{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/01/art-marcum-matt-holloway-writing-new-draft-of-sony-mattel-films-masters-of-the-universe-1202533815/|title=‘Masters Of The Universe’ Movie: Art Marcum & Matt Holloway To Write New Draft For Sony/Mattel Films|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|date=January 11, 2019|work=Deadline}}
303. ^{{cite web|url=https://thegww.com/masters-of-the-universe-will-film-from-july-15-to-october-18/|title=‘Masters of the Universe’ Will Film From July 15 to October 18|author=Jacob Tyler|date=February 13, 2019|work=The GWW}}
304. ^{{cite web|url=http://geeksoncoffee.com/masters-of-the-universe/?fbclid=IwAR0x8viLuZkyeb7F1nPqATsjJ6rZFmHBPIESH9exqRCxKZEK-spJ-l0TzRA|title=Filming Start Date For ‘Masters Of The Universe’ Movie Has Been Revealed|author=Anish|date=February 13, 2019|work=Geeks On Coffee}}
305. ^{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/noah-centineo-he-man-masters-of-the-universe/|title=Noah Centineo in Talks to Play He-Man in Sony and Mattel Films ‘Masters of the Universe’ (Exclusive)|author=Umberto Gonzalez|date=March 20, 2019|work=The Wrap}}
306. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.itsalltrue.net/?page_id=2009 |title=Masters of the Universe Classics Visual Checklist & Review Guide|publisher=Itsalltrue.net|accessdate=2012-08-17}}
307. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.he-man.org/forums/boards/showthread.php?174872-MOTU-Classics-Checklist-2008-for-all-MOTUC-Releases-Upcoming-Rumored-Trademarked&p=2618478#post2618478 |title=MOTU Classics Checklist 2008–? for all MOTUC Releases|page=10|publisher=He-man.org|accessdate=2012-08-17}}
308. ^{{cite web|url=http://news.toyark.com/2015/07/10/sdcc-2015-mattel-motu-friday-updates-167747|title=SDCC 2015 - Mattel MOTU Friday Updates - The Toyark - News|author=Joe Moore|work=The Toyark - News}}
309. ^{{cite web|url=http://www.itsalltrue.net/?p=31329|title=SDCC Armchair Coverage: MOTU Classics & A Bold New Era!|work=It'sAllTrue.Net}}
310. ^{{cite web|last=Moore |first=Joe |url=http://news.toyark.com/2016/02/14/toy-fair-2016-super-7-reveals-reaction-masters-universe-194681 |title=Toy Fair 2016 - Super 7 Reveals ReAction Masters of the Universe - The Toyark - News |website=News.toyark.com |date=2016-02-14 |accessdate=2016-08-03}}
311. ^{{cite web|author=Emiliano Santalucia |url=http://santalux.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/my-dream-motuc-signature-series.html |title=Santalux: Emiliano Santalucia's Blog: My dream MOTUC Signature Series collected |website=Santalux.blogspot.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2016-08-03}}
312. ^He-Man.org Interviews. "Errol McCarthy art archive". He-Man.org. Retrieved on 2018-04-02.

Series overview and main characters