He-Man

He-Man ("The Most Powerful Man in the Universe") is the fictional heroic lead character in the toy series Masters of the Universe and the various spin-off products and media related to it. The most prominent is the animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, produced by Filmation Studios. The syndicated series premiered in 1983 and ran until 1985, for a run of 130 episodes. In the series, He-Man and his friends defend Eternia and the secrets of Castle Grayskull from the evil forces of Skeletor.

History of the He-Man action figure

Original Toy Line

The first He-Man action figure was released by Mattel in 1981, and had a twist waist and power punch action. The figure came with the power sword, a battle axe and a shield, together with a removable harness. In 1982 the figure was re-released in a set with either Battle Cat or the Wind Raider vehicle. Again, the figure was re-released in 1983 together with Teela and Ram-Man. The figure was again re-released in 1986 together with the Jet Sled vehicle.

Related Topics:
Mattel - 1981 - Battle axe - 1982 - Wind Raider - 1983 - Teela - Ram-Man - 1986 - Jet Sled

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In 1984, an alternate version, entitled Battle Armor He-Man was released. The chest had three "damage indicators" which rotated round. Again, the power sword and battle axe were included. The figure was also re-released the same year, packaged with the Road Ripper vehicle. In 1986, the figure was re-released again, together with Battle Armor Skeletor and Orko.

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1984 - Road Ripper

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In 1985 another alternate version was released, with the name Thunder Punch He-Man. The toy was powered with caps to make a bang when he threw a punch. The power sword and shield were released with the figure, together with some red caps. The same year, Battle Armor He-Man was re-released with Battle Cat, and again in a collector's pack with Man-At-Arms and Man-E-Faces.

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1985 - Man-E-Faces

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1986 saw yet another version, named Flying Fists He-Man. The figure's arms moved as his waist rotated. The figure included a spinning trident mace and a rotating shield. A double-pack was later released containing both Flying Fists He-Man and Terror Claws Skeletor.

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1986 - Trident

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In 1988 a final version was released for the original toy line, entitled Laser Power He-Man. The figure was limited to releases in Italy and Spain, although appeared in some major department stores in London, England.

Related Topics:
1988 - Italy - Spain - London - England

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New Adventures Toy Line

The new toy line started in 1989, and He-Man was released as his new space personality, complete with power sword, shield and helmet. The figure also included two-piece snap-on space armor. He was also released in double-packs with any of Skeletor, Flogg and Slush Head.

Related Topics:
1989 - Flogg - Slush Head

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In 1990 an alternate version was released, named Battle Punching He-Man. The figure had some different joints to allow more points of articulation, and included the power sword and shield.

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In 1992 a final figure, again titled Thunder Punch He-Man was released with a twisting punch action.

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