Introduction
The 1980s was a golden era for action figures, and one name stands out among the rest – He-Man. Created by Mattel, the He-Man action figures took the world by storm and became a cultural phenomenon. In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and explore the iconic He-Man action figures from the 1980s. From the heroic He-Man to the menacing Skeletor, we will delve into the world of Eternia and relive the excitement of collecting these beloved toys.
1. He-Man: The Most Powerful Man in the Universe
Let’s start with the star of the show – He-Man himself. He-Man was the alter ego of Prince Adam, and when he held aloft his magical sword, he transformed into the most powerful man in the universe. The original He-Man action figure featured a muscular physique, a distinctive blonde haircut, and a harness with a power sword. He quickly became the symbol of strength and heroism for an entire generation of kids.
2. Battle Cat: He-Man’s Fierce Companion
No hero is complete without a trusty sidekick, and He-Man had one of the best – Battle Cat. Battle Cat was a massive green tiger with armor and a saddle. He served as He-Man’s loyal mount and could also transform into a fierce fighting machine at the touch of a button. Battle Cat was a must-have for any He-Man fan and added an extra level of excitement to playtime.
3. Skeletor: The Evil Lord of Destruction
Every hero needs a villain, and Skeletor was He-Man’s arch-nemesis. Skeletor was a blue-skinned sorcerer with a skull for a face and a muscular physique. His menacing presence and evil laugh made him a fan-favorite among kids. Skeletor’s action figure featured his iconic Havoc Staff and a removable purple hood. Collecting Skeletor was a must for those who wanted to recreate the epic battles between good and evil.
4. Castle Grayskull: The Ultimate Playset
No He-Man collection would be complete without Castle Grayskull. This massive playset was the centerpiece of the He-Man universe. Castle Grayskull featured a working drawbridge, a throne room, secret compartments, and even a trapdoor. It also came with several accessories, including a weapons rack and a flag. Owning Castle Grayskull was like having your own fortress of power.
5. She-Ra: The Princess of Power
While He-Man was the face of the franchise, Mattel also introduced a strong female character – She-Ra. She-Ra was He-Man’s sister and fought alongside him in the battle against evil. Her action figure featured a sword and a removable tiara. She-Ra became an instant hit and inspired young girls to join in the action figure fun.
6. Man-At-Arms: The Royal Bodyguard
Man-At-Arms was He-Man’s loyal ally and the royal bodyguard of King Randor. His action figure featured a distinctive mustache, a helmet, and a mace. Man-At-Arms was a skilled warrior and inventor, and his figure was a favorite among collectors. His presence on the battlefield added an extra layer of protection for He-Man and his allies.
7. Beast Man: The Savage Henchman
No villain can conquer the world alone, and Skeletor had his own savage henchman – Beast Man. Beast Man was a brutish figure with orange fur and a whip. His action figure had movable arms and legs, allowing kids to recreate epic battles between Beast Man and He-Man. Beast Man’s wild appearance made him a memorable addition to any He-Man collection.
8. Teela: The Warrior Goddess
Teela was another strong female character in the He-Man universe. She was the captain of the Royal Guard and possessed incredible fighting skills. Teela’s action figure featured a staff and a removable helmet. Her presence added diversity and empowered young girls who were fans of the franchise.
9. Ram Man: The Human Battering Ram
One of the more unique characters in the He-Man lineup was Ram Man. Ram Man was known for his ability to use his head as a battering ram. His action figure had spring-loaded legs that allowed him to jump into action. Ram Man’s distinctive design and ability to charge into battle made him a fan-favorite.
10. Orko: The Magical Troll
Orko was a lovable and mischievous character in the He-Man series. He was a diminutive magical troll who was always getting into trouble. Orko’s action figure featured a cloth cape and a transparent stand to make him appear as if he was floating. Orko added a touch of magic and humor to the He-Man world.
11. Mer-Man: The Aquatic Warrior
Mer-Man was one of Skeletor’s evil henchmen and the lord of the ocean. His action figure featured a trident and a removable chest plate. Mer-Man’s aquatic design and ability to summon sea creatures made him a formidable opponent for He-Man.
12. Trap Jaw: The Cyborg Menace
Trap Jaw was one of the most visually striking characters in the He-Man universe. He was a cyborg with a metal jaw, an extendable arm, and a hook. His action figure had interchangeable weapons, including a laser gun and a claw. Trap Jaw’s unique design and mechanical abilities made him a standout among the villains.
13. Moss Man: The Furry Guardian of Nature
Moss Man was a unique character in the He-Man series. He was a heroic warrior with the ability to camouflage himself in foliage. His action figure had a moss-like texture that made him stand out from the rest. Moss Man’s connection to nature and his distinctive appearance made him a prized possession for collectors.
14. Zodac: The Cosmic Enforcer
Zodac was an enigmatic character in the He-Man series. He was one of the cosmic enforcers who maintained order in the universe. Zodac’s action figure featured a laser gun and a removable helmet. Zodac’s mysterious nature and connection to the cosmos made him a favorite among fans.
15. Faker: The Evil He-Man Imposter
Faker was a clone created by Skeletor to deceive He-Man and his allies. His action figure was a blue-skinned version of He-Man with glowing red eyes. Faker’s deceptive appearance and his role in the ongoing battle between good and evil made him an intriguing addition to the collection.
Conclusion
The He-Man action figures from the 1980s hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and fans. From the heroic He-Man to the villainous Skeletor, each character had a unique design and played a vital role in the epic battles of Eternia. Owning these action figures was more than just a hobby; it was a way to immerse oneself in the imaginative world of He-Man and relive the excitement of childhood. Whether you’re a longtime collector or just discovering the magic of He-Man, these action figures are sure to bring a sense of nostalgia and adventure.
FAQs
1. Can I still find He-Man action figures from the 1980s?
Yes, you can still find He-Man action figures from the 1980s. They are highly sought after by collectors, so prices can vary depending on the condition and rarity of the figure.
2. Are He-Man action figures worth collecting?
Yes, He-Man action figures are worth collecting for both nostalgia and investment purposes. The popularity of He-Man has remained strong over the years, and rare figures can fetch high prices in the collector’s market.
3. What are some other iconic action figures from the 1980s?
Some other iconic action figures from the 1980s include G.I. Joe, Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and ThunderCats.
4. Are there any modern reissues of He-Man action figures?
Yes, Mattel has released modern reissues of He-Man action figures, including a line called “Masters of the Universe Origins” that faithfully recreates the classic designs.
5. Is there any He-Man merchandise available besides action figures?
Yes, there is a wide range of He-Man merchandise available, including comic books, video games, clothing, and collectibles.