Masters of the Universe • Original Series

Mattel’s original Masters of the Universe toy line, produced in 1981 and first released to stores in the spring of 1982 as 5½-inch action figures, larger than the 3¾-inch standard of the time. He-Man and Skeletor were the first figures, with Man-At-Arms and Beast Man, followed in 1982 by Teela, Stratos, Mer-Man and Zodac; the first creature, Battle Cat, and the Castle Grayskull playset were among the initial releases. The figures came with mini-comics, and the line was supported by Filmation’s He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon from September 1983. New waves of figures, creatures, vehicles and playsets came out every year until 1987, with the final releases coming from Europe in 1988.