Recently the news broke that Mattel were making an exclusive He-Man & Prince Adam 2-pack for San Diego Comic-Con 2019.
“Pixel Dan” later managed to confirm that it will be a new toyline from Mattel for adult collectors, called Masters of the Universe Origins — with the Four Horsemen on duty to handle sculpting. They did not sculpt He-Man and Prince Adam, but will be taking care of the following figures. A retail release is expected during Fall 2020. At San Diego Comic-Con 2019, Mattel showcased other figures for the line, including Skeletor, Beast Man, Teela, Evil-Lyn and Man-At-Arms which are based on their original vintage action figures but with more articulation and some enhancements like a new face-sculpt for Evil-Lyn or the addition of a mustache for Man-At-Arms.
Early versions of the figures with a few differences from the final toys, such as the gold handle on the sword and the knife going all the way through the top of He-Man’s boot
The idea with these new action figure designs and theme seems to hearken back to… well to the origins of the characters. With the exclusive packaged figures; this version of blue-vest savage Prince Adam design debuted in DC Comics special preview “Fate is the Killer” for Masters of the Universe (published August 5th, 1982) and the same design appeared in mini-series issue #1 “To Tempt the Gods” (released September 9th, 1982). His first appearance had a different look (from DC Comics presents #47 “From Eternia — With Death”.)
From Eternia – With Death, 1982. First appearance of Prince Adam. Written by Paul Kupperberg, pencils by Curt SwanFate is the Killer, 1982. Second appearance of Prince Adam. Written by Paul Kupperberg, art by Curt Swan/Dave HuntTo Tempt the Gods, 1982. Third appearance of Prince Adam. Recolored by Jukka Issakainen. Written by Paul Kupperberg, pencils by George TuskaMasks of Power, 1984. Written by Michael Halperin, artwork by Alfredo Alcala
The DC Mini-series design of blue-vest Prince Adam later appeared in Mattel’s minicomic wave 3 (1984). Accordingly the packaging art by Axel Giménez, Val Staples and Nate Baertsch for the 2019 exclusive was requested by Mattel to pay homage to style of the early minicomic art, and they did a great job emulating the spirit of Alfredo Alcala.
Another noteworthy thing with these figures is the addition of a boot-knife for He-Man.
The boot-knife has always been a fascinating accessory. As a weapon it’s easy to carry and can be very effective. Many illustrations with Tarzan have him using a knife, and as Conan the barbarian once said “Cimmerians generally prefer… the dagger.”
It’s no surprise Masters of the Universe has many influences from fantasy and barbarian settings, mixed with sci-fi elements.
In the early concept art by Mark Taylor, He-Man can be seen with the boot-knife.
Second color version of Mark Taylor’s He-Man concept, August 3, 1981. Image source: The Power and the Honor Foundation
Accordingly, Taylor recalled the boot knife’s inspiration:
“[Mark said] It’s a dagger. It came from our scuba diving days.”
Rebecca Salari Taylor
And that is an interesting tidbit about the boot-knife dagger. Big thanks to Rebecca and Mark for sharing this with me!
He-Man of course isn’t the only character in Mark Taylor’s B-sheet artworks to have a dagger in their boot. Man-At-Arms sports one too. Though the showcased MOTU Origins figure doesn’t seem to have one in his boot.
From the Mark Taylor Portfolio, published by Super7/The Power and the Honor Foundation
The dagger perhaps makes its most famous appearance in the very first minicomic “He-Man and the Powersword” (1982), written by Don Glut and illustrated by Alfredo Alcala. For fans this was the first place they remember seeing it and in a way feels ubiquitous to the early stories much like Teela’s Horse, where you could imagine it showing up in activity/coloring books and other early material. Curiously though the dagger does not appear in any other minicomic (that is to say, the small comics that came packed with the figures) after the first one.
In the minicomic pages He-Man, a warrior from a jungle tribe comes across the Sorceress who bestows him “the treasures I have guarded all these years” and we see an axe, a shield, the power harness and other items and vehicles which He-Man receives. The Sorceress described the items being invented before the Great Wars. Possibly the dagger came from that era. He is seen with the dagger in his boot in subsequent pages but sadly it is never mentioned in the text and we don’t see him use it.
The next time we would see the dagger, came in DC Comics Presents issue #47“From Eternia — With Death!” where He-Man meets Superman for the first time (released April 8th, 1982). The story is also the first time we see Prince Adam and after he goes into the Cave of Power and is transformed, the dagger appears in his boot. Sadly in this action adventure He-Man doesn’t use the dagger either, and out of 6 panels where it shows up, one time it switches to He-Man’s left boot, instead of the right one.
After that, DC Comics published a special preview “Fate is the Killer” for Masters of the Universe (published August 5th, 1982) inside over a dozen DC-titles. Here the dagger is present on the cover-art, but it’s nowhere to be found in the pages.
Following the schedule of DC Comics, the dagger had been phased out completely by the time DC Mini-series #1 was released (September 9th, 1982).
There is also an early copy ad where He-Man is illustrated with the dagger. The same image was re-used for Castle Grayskull instruction-sheet, but for that the dagger was removed.
Now it has been mentioned that the new Masters of the Universe Origins action figures will also come with minicomics. Hopefully in the case of He-Man, we get to see him feature his dagger in action.
Another instance where a knife from a boot was seen in action came with the 1987 Masters of the Universe motion picture.
1987 Masters of the Universe movie poster by Drew Struzan. Image source: The Art of He-Man
Early on He-Man spots a captured Gwildor by Skeletor’s Troops and intervenes the group. During the fight He-Man reaches to his right boot for a knife and throws it at one Trooper.
This was shown in the concept art for He-Man by Jean “Moebius” Giraud and William Stout.
The boot knife is a cool addition in the movie and hearkens back to the early minicomic roots of He-Man.
Hope you enjoyed this look on He-Man’s boot dagger and its origins. My thanks to Adam for having me come up and write this guest post! Thanks also to James Eatock and Øyvind Johannes Meisfjord for help with some images. If you discover the boot dagger in other media, drop us a note!
Back in 1987, Tom Bradley, mayor of Los Angeles, declared April 28 to be Masters of the Universe Day, in celebration of the live MOTU Power Tour performance that was running at the time.
It continues to be commemorated by fans to to this day, but I would propose an additional day to celebrate the most powerful toyline in the universe: March 1.
From December 1981 to January 1982, Mattel filed trademarks for their completed Masters of the Universe toyline, in preparation for the big product launch. The line (largely designed by Mark Taylor, vehicles by Ted Mayer) was first shown to the public on February 17, 1982, at New York Toy Fair. I believe it was first made available in retail stores on March 1 of 1982. That’s based on a piece of evidence taken from the first MOTU minicomic, He-Man and the Power Sword.
Included near the back of the minicomic was a cash rebate offer. Parents who purchased two of the eight MOTU figures available that year could get a rebate of $1.25.
There was a purchase date restriction on the offer. Purchases had to be made between March 1, 1982 and January 31, 1983.
I believe the earlier date represents the earliest date that these toys would have been available in stores – shortly after they were unveiled at New York Toy Fair. That would mean that March 1, 1982 was the day that children all over the country (and later, the world) were first introduced to the world of He-Man.
Since Masters of the Universe Day is already taken, I’d suggest we commemorate March 1 as He-Man Day.
Incidentally, in the animated He-Man episode, The Energy Beast, King Randor tries to create a He-Man Day, but He-Man is too modest at the time to accept it. I’d say after 36 years defending Eternia and Grayskull from the evil forces of Skeletor, he’s more than earned it.
Update:
Chema Villalba recently sent me another piece of evidence for a spring 1982 release of He-Man. In The Business of Children’s Entertainment (referencing 1982 promotional material) it is said that Mattel had introduced the Masters of the Universe line in the spring of that year:
In previous posts I’ve covered trademarks and patents in Masters of the universe, and organized the material into a cohesive Masters of the Universe Timeline. In this post I’m going to be covering Mattel’s He-Man-related copyrights, sourced from the US Copyright Office, for 1981. Eventually I’ll fold these dates into the MOTU Timeline article as well.
Some of the copyright entries have some interesting details and comments, so I’ll include most of the original text (errors and all), eliminating some redundancies and the registration numbers. Each entry has multiple dates, but I’ll sort according to “Date of Publication”. I’ll do a separate post for each publication year.
Sometimes, however, date of publication actually refers to a piece of material that a new claim was based on. So a new set of stickers could be made in 1984, but based on material published in 1982. Typically you’ll see that where the registration date is much later than the publication date. Some discernment is needed to interpret this information.
Please note that I have not been able to locate images for all the materials described, and some of the images I have located could be misplaced. Any assistance from perceptive readers is always appreciated.
February
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1983-04-04
Title: Attak trak [sic] battle machine : [no.] 82-5470.
Notes: Cataloged from appl. only.
Date of Creation: 1982
Date of Publication: 1983-02-03
Date in Notice: notice: 1982
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1983-06-21
Title: Evil-Lyn : [no.] 81-4712.
Notes: Cataloged from appl. only.
Date of Creation: 1981
Date of Publication: 1983-02-03
Date in Notice: notice: 1981, 1982
Previous Registration: Body & limbs prev. reg. as Teela, 26Oct82, VA 111-540.
Basis of Claim: New Matter: new head sculpted.
Copyright Note: C.O. correspondence.
Other Title: Teela
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1983-04-04
Title: Faker figure toy : [no.] 81-4482.
Description: Figurine.
Date of Creation: 1981
Date of Publication: 1983-02-03
Date in Notice: notice: 1981
Previous Registration: He-Man prev. reg. 1982, VA 111-545.
Basis of Claim: New Matter: additions & changes.
Other Title: He-Man
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1983-02-25
Title: Man-E-Faces.
Description: Sculpture.
Series: Master of the Universe ; 82-5879
Date of Creation: 1982
Date of Publication: 1983-02-03
Date in Notice: notice: 1982
Other Title: Master of the Universe ; 82-5879
Type of Work: Kit
Registration Date: 1983-04-21
Title: Masters of the universe.
Imprint: Hawthorne, CA. : Mattel, c1983.
Description: 1 booklet, 1 sound disc.
Notes: Disc in back cover pocket.
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-02-03
Authorship on Application: text, artwork, record: Mattel, Inc., employer for hire.
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1983-04-01
Title: Masters of the Universe : extra thick Frame-Tray puzzle : [no.] 4558A.
Date of Creation: 1982
Date of Publication: 1983-02-14
Date in Notice: notice: 1982
Type of Work: Serial
Title: Mattel toys . : [catalog].
Serial Publication Year: 1983
Imprint: Hawthorne, CA : Mattel Toys.
Description: print material.
Frequency: Annually.
Description based on: 1982 issue.
Authorship on Application:
Mattel, Inc., employer for hire.
Issues Registered: 1983. Issue title: Mattel delivers. Created 1983; Pub. 1983-02-03; Reg. 1983-02-25;
Other Title: Mattel delivers
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1984-04-20
Title: Point Dread & Talon Fighter 82-4306.
Notes: Cataloged from appl. only.
Date of Creation: 1982
Date of Publication: 1983-02-03
Date in Notice: notice: 1982
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1983-02-25
Title: Ram-Man.
Description: Sculpture.
Series: Masters of the Universe ; 82-5896
Date of Creation: 1982
Date of Publication: 1983-02-03
Date in Notice: notice: 1982
Other Title: Masters of the Universe ; 82-5896
Names: Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1983-12-28
Title: Trap Jaw : [no. 81-4302]
Description: Sculpture.
Date of Creation: 1981
Date of Publication: 1983-02-03
Date in Notice: notice: 1981
Previous Registration: Torso of He-Man prev. reg., VA 111-545; legs of Man-E-Faces prev. reg., VA 120-881.
Basis of Claim: New Matter: “head and arms.”
Other Title: He-Man Man-E-Faces
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1984-01-13
Title: Tri-Klops : [no.] 82-4301.
Notes: Cataloged from appl. only. Based on He-Man product.
Date of Creation: 1982
Date of Publication: 1983-02-03
Date in Notice: notice: 1982
Previous Registration: Prev. reg. 1982, VA 111-545.
Basis of Claim: New Matter: “new head added, also removable torso decorations.”
Other Title: He-Man
March
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1984-12-11
Application Title: He-Man heat design 83; Heat design number 3354.
Title: He-Man.
Description: Iron-on transfer.
Series: Masters of the Universe ; 3354
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-03-25
Authorship on Application: artwork on heat transfer material: Factors Et Cetera, Inc., employer for hire.
Previous Registration: Prev. reg. as figure toy 1982, VA 111-545.
Basis of Claim: New Matter: “new version in two dimensional form.”
Other Title: Masters of the Universe ; 3354
He-Man heat design 83
Heat design number 3354.
Names: Mattel, Inc.
Factors Et Cetera, Inc.
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1984-12-11
Application Title: He-Man heat design 83; Heat design number 3353.
Title: He-Man.
Description: Iron-on transfer.
Series: Masters of the Universe ; 3353
Copyright Claimant:
Mattel, Inc.
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-03-10
Authorship on Application: artwork on heat transfer material: Factors Et Cetera, Inc., employer for hire.
Previous Registration:
Prev. reg. as figure toy 1982, VA 111-545.
Basis of Claim: New Matter: “new version in two dimensional form.”
Other Title: Masters of the Universe ; 3353
He-Man heat design 83
Heat design number 3353.
Names: Mattel, Inc.
Factors Et Cetera, Inc.
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1984-12-11
Application Title: Skeletor heat design 83; Heat design number 3355.
Title: Skeletor.
Description: Iron-on transfer.
Series: Masters of the Universe ; 3355
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-03-25
Authorship on Application: artwork on heat transfer material: Factors Et Cetera, Inc.,
employer for hire.
Previous Registration: Prev. reg. as figure toy 14Nov82, VA 111-542.
Basis of Claim: New Matter: “new version in two dimensional form.”
Other Title: Masters of the Universe ; 3355
Skeletor heat design 83
Heat design number 3355.
Names: Mattel, Inc.
Factors Et Cetera, Inc.
April
Type of Work: Text
Registration Date: 1983-10-14
Title: Masters of the Universe : an activity book : [no.] 1150-21.
Imprint: Racine, Wis. : Western Pub. Co., c1983.
Description: 1 v.
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-04-20
Authorship on Application: ill. & text: Mattel, Inc., employer for hire.
May
Type of Work: Kit
Registration Date: 1983-09-06
Title: Masters of the Universe fine tip marker color by number: ages 6-12 : [no.] 7209C.
Description: Kit.
Notes: Includes col. prints, markers & color guide.
Copyright Claimant:
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-05-18
Names: Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1983-08-15
Title: Masters of the Universe Paint with Water : [no.] 1765.
Description: Col. prints ; 1 v.
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-05-18
Names: Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1984-02-07
Title: War and Conquer : two games in one.
Description: 40 cards in box.
Series: Masters of the Universe giant card games ; 4930
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-05-31
Variant title: War
Other Title: Conquer; Masters of the Universe giant card games ; 4930
June
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1983-09-06
Title: Eternian battlefield : ages 5 to 10.
Description: Col. print ; puzzle in box.
Series: Masters of the Universe jigsaw puzzle ; 4647D
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-06-01
Other Title: Masters of the Universe jigsaw puzzle ; 4647D
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1983-09-06
Title: Masters of the Universe : jigsaw puzzle (mark of the sword): no. 4647A.
Notes: Cataloged from appl. only.
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-06-01
Names: Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1983-09-06
Title: Surprise attack : over 100 fully interlocking pieces : ages 5 to 10.
Description: Col. print ; jigsaw puzzle in box.
Series: Masters of the Universe jigsaw puzzle ; 4647B
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-06-01
Other Title: Masters of the Universe jigsaw puzzle ; 4647B
July
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1983-10-14
Title: Masters of the Universe crayons : [no.] 4203.
Description: On folding carton.
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-07-29
August
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1983-12-20
Title: Masters of the Universe paint book : [no.] 1618-1.
Notes: Cataloged from appl. only.
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-08-24
Names: Mattel, Inc.
September
Type of Work: Text
Registration Date: 1983-12-20
Title: Caverns of fear / by Mary Carey ; illustrated by Al McWilliams.
Imprint: New York : Golden Press, c1983.
Description: 1 v.
Series: Masters of the Universe
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-09-15
Authorship on Application: art & text: Mattel, Inc., employer for hire.
Names: Carey, Mary; McWilliams, Al; Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1985-03-27
Title: Masters of the Universe.
Description: Card.
Series: Magic Slate paper saver ; 4484B
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-09-22
Other Title: Magic Slate paper saver ; 4484B
Names: Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1985-03-27
Title: Masters of the Universe.
Description: Card.
Series: Magic Slate paper saver ; 4484A
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-09-22
Other Title: Magic Slate paper saver ; 4484A
Names: Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1984-02-07
Title: Masters of the universe : a color and activity book : no. 2806.
Notes: Cataloged from appl. only.
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-09-16
Names: Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1984-02-07
Title: Masters of the universe : a color and activity book : no. 2807.
Notes: Cataloged from appl. only.
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-09-16
Names: Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1984-01-18
Title: Masters of the Universe jigsaw puzzle : no. 4789.
Notes: Cataloged from appl. only.
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-09-19
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1984-01-18
Title: Masters of the Universe jigsaw puzzle : no. 4789.
Notes: Cataloged from appl. only.
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-09-19
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1983-12-20
Title: Masters of the Universe, Paint with Water : [no.] 1767.
Description: Col. prints ; 1 v.
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-09-13
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1984-02-07
Title: Masters of the Universe sticker fun : no. 2190-47.
Notes: Cataloged from appl. only.
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-09-21
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1984-02-16
Title: Road Ripper : [no.] 83-4903.
Notes: Cataloged from appl. only.
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-09-21
Names: Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Text
Registration Date: 1983-12-20
Title: The Sword of Skeletor / by Roger McKenzie ; illustrated by Fred Carrillo.
Imprint: New York : Golden Press, c1983.
Description: 1 v.
Series: Masters of the Universe
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-09-15
Authorship on Application: art & text: Mattel, Inc., employer for hire.
Names: McKenzie, Roger; Carrillo, Fred; Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Text
Registration Date: 1983-12-20
Title: The Thief of Castle Grayskull / by Roger McKenzie ; illustrated by Fred Carrillo.
Imprint: New York : Golden Press, c1983.
Description: 1 v.
Series: Masters of the Universe
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-09-15
Authorship on Application: art & text: Mattel, Inc., employer for hire.
Names: McKenzie, Roger; Carrillo, Fred; Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Text
Registration Date: 1983-12-20
Title: The Trap / by W. B. DuBay ; illustrated by Dan Spiegle.
Imprint: New York: Golden Press, c1983.
Description: 1 v.
Series: Masters of the Universe
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-09-15
Authorship on Application: art & text: Mattel, Inc., employer for hire.
Names: DuBay, W. B.; Spiegle, Dan; Mattel, Inc.
October
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1984-01-18
Title: The Sunbird legacy / written by Roger McKenzie ; illustrated by Adrian Gonzales and Fred Carrillo ; cover by Earl Norem.
Imprint: Racine, Wis. : Western Pub. Co., c1983.
Description: 1 v.
Series: Masters of the Universe
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-10-03
Authorship on Application: pictorial ill. & text: Mattel, Inc., employer for hire.
Names: McKenzie, Roger; Gonzales, Adrian; Carrillo, Fred; Norem, Earl; Mattel, Inc.
November
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1984-02-07
Title: Masters of the Universe sticker-stamp book : [no.] 2140.
Notes: Cataloged from appl. only.
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-11-23
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1984-02-07
Title: Masters of the Universe sticker fun : no. 2190-42.
Notes: Cataloged from appl. only.
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-11-16
December
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1985-02-19
Title: [He-Man]
Description: Ornament + card.
Series: Masters of the Universe collectible button ons
Notes: Title from appl.
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-12-19
Authorship on Application: pictorial & text: Playskool, Inc.
Names: Mattel, Inc.; Playskool, Inc.
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1985-02-19
Title: [Skeletor]
Description: Ornament + card.
Series: Masters of the Universe collectible button ons
Notes: Title from appl.
Date of Creation: 1983
Date of Publication: 1983-12-19
Authorship on Application: pictorial & text: Playskool, Inc.
Names: Mattel, Inc.; Playskool, Inc.
No Specific Month of Publication
Type of Work: Music
Registration Date: 1983-07-05
Title: Mattel He-man–“1983 line” : 30 sec. TV / by Mattel, Inc.
Description: 1 p.
Copyright Claimant: Ogilvy & Mather & Mattel, Inc.
Date of Creation: 1983
Authorship on Application: music: Mattel, Inc., employer for hire.
Copyright Note: C.O. correspondence.
Other Title: 1983 line
Names: Ogilvy & Mather; Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Music
Registration Date: 1983-08-05
Title: Mattel he-man : Man-e-faces : [no.] 3F2007 / by Mattel, Inc.
Description: 1 p.
Notes: Music.
Copyright Claimant: Ogilvy & Mather & Mattel, Inc.
Date of Creation: 1983
Authorship on Application: Mattel, Inc., employer for hire.
Other Title: Man-e-faces
Names: Ogilvy & Mather; Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Music
Registration Date: 1983-08-05
Title: Mattel he-man : Masters.
Description: 1 p.
Notes: Music.
No. 3F2023.
Copyright Claimant: Ogilvy & Mather & Mattel, Inc.
Date of Creation: 1983
Authorship on Application: Mattel, Inc., employer for hire.
Other Title: Masters
Names: Ogilvy & Mather; Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Date: 1983-08-05
Title: Mattel, “Masters of universe” : [no.] 3F2132.
Notes: Cataloged from appl. only.
Copyright Claimant: Ogilvy & Mather and Mattel, Inc.
Date of Creation: 1983
Authorship on Application: Mattel, Inc., employer for hire.
Other Title: Masters of universe
Names: Ogilvy & Mather; Mattel, Inc.
In previous posts I’ve covered trademarks and patents in Masters of the universe, and organized the material into a cohesive Masters of the Universe Timeline. In this post I’m going to be covering Mattel’s He-Man-related copyrights, sourced from the US Copyright Office, for 1981. Eventually I’ll fold these dates into the MOTU Timeline article as well.
Some of the copyright entries have some interesting details and comments, so I’ll include most of the original text (errors and all), eliminating some redundancies and the registration numbers. Each entry has multiple dates, but I’ll sort according to “Date of Publication”. I’ll do a separate post for each publication year.
Sometimes, however, date of publication actually refers to a piece of material that a new claim was based on. So a new set of stickers could be made in 1984, but based on material published in 1982. Typically you’ll see that where the registration date is much later than the publication date. Some discernment is needed to interpret this information.
Please note that I have not been able to locate images for all the materials described, and some of the images I have located could be misplaced. Any assistance from perceptive readers is always appreciated.
1982
January
Type of Work: Visual Material Registration Date: 1983-11-28 Title: Masters of the Universe fast male action for licensees. Notes: Cataloged from appl. Only. Based on Mattel’s Masters of the Universe He-Manfigure toy and other Masters of the Universe figure toys. Date of Creation: 1981 Date of Publication: 1982-01-26 Basis of Claim: New Matter: “two dimensional rendition of a three dimensional figure toy, artwork, text, and photos.” Copyright Note: C.O. correspondence.
February
Type of Work: Serial Title: Mattel toys . : [catalog]. Serial Publication Year: 1982 Imprint: Hawthorne, CA : Mattel Toys. Description: print material. Frequency: Annually. Description based on: 1982 issue. Authorship on Application: Mattel, Inc., employer for hire. Issues Registered: 1982. Issue title: Success for all seasons. Created 1982; Pub. 1982-02-10; Reg. 1982-04-06; 1982.
Type of Work: Serial Title: Mattel toys . : [catalog]. Serial Publication Year: 1982 Imprint: Hawthorne, CA : Mattel Toys. Description: print material. Frequency: Annually. Description based on: 1982 issue. Authorship on Application: Mattel, Inc., employer for hire. Issues Registered: 1982. Issue title: Success for all seasons. Created 1982; Pub. 1982-02-10; Reg. 1982-04-06; 1982. Issue title: Mattel success for all seasons : repro art book. Created 1982; Pub. 1982-04-20; Reg. 1982-11-18; Other Title: Mattel success for all seasons Makin’ it with Mattel Mattel dimension ’78. Mattel ’79. Mattel movin’ ahead 1980. Mattel makes it happen. Success for all seasons.
Type of Work: Visual Material Registration Date: 1983-12-02 Title: Puffy stickers, Masters of the Universe : [no.] 82-289(1) Notes: Cataloged from appl. only. Date of Creation: 1982 Date of Publication: 1982-02-10 Previous Registration: Appl. identifies Masters of the Universe Fast male action for licensees art book as preexisting material. Basis of Claim: New Matter: “new artwork, addition of color.” Copyright Note: C.O. correspondence. Other Title: Masters of the Universe Fast male action for licensees art book Fast male action for licensees art book
Type of Work: Visual Material Registration Date: 1984-06-04 Title: Puffy stickers–Masters of the Universe : no. 82-289 (2) Notes: Cataloged from appl. only. Date of Creation: 1982 Date of Publication: 1982-02-10 Previous Registration: Prev. reg. as Masters of the Universe fast male action for licensees art book, 28Nov83, VA 151-306. Basis of Claim: New Matter: “new artwork.” Copyright Note: C.O. correspondence. Other Title: Masters of the Universe fast male action for licensees art book
Type of Work: Visual Material Registration Date: 1984-06-04 Title: Masters of the Universe. Series: Puffy stickers ; 82-289 Notes: Cataloged from appl. only. Date of Creation: 1982 Date of Publication: 1982-02-10 Previous Registration: Appl. states derived from Masters of the Universe fast male action for licenees [i.e. licensees] art book,prev. reg. 28Nov83, VA 151-306. Basis of Claim: New Matter: “new artwork.” Copyright Note: C.O. correspondence. Other Title: Puffy stickers ; 82-289 Masters of the Universe fast male action for licenees [i.e. licensees]
Type of Work: Visual Material Registration Date: 1983-12-02 Title: Masters of the Universe : puffy stickers : no. 289. Description: 5 works. Date of Creation: 1982 Date of Publication: 1982-02-10 Previous Registration: Appl. states derived from Masters of the Universe fast male action. Basis of Claim: New Matter: new artwork. Copyright Note: C.O. correspondence. Other Title: Masters of the Universe fast male action.
Type of Work: Visual Material Registration Date: 1983-12-05 Title: Super puffy stickers–Masters of the Universe. Notes: Cataloged from appl. only. Date of Creation: 1982 Date of Publication: 1982-02-10 Previous Registration: Appl. identifies Masters of the Universe fast male action as preexisting material. Basis of Claim: New Matter: “new color versions with new and additional drawing material.” Copyright Note: C.O. correspondence.
Type of Work: Visual Material Registration Date: 1983-02-22 Title: Battle cat : [no.] 81-5048. Description: Figurine. Date of Creation: 1981 Date of Publication: 1982-02-20 Date in Notice: notice: 1981 Previous Registration: Tiger figure toy sculpture prev. reg. 1983, VA 118-557. Basis of Claim: New Matter: addition of new sculptural material. Other Title: Tiger figure toy
Type of Work: Visual Material Registration Date: 1984-12-11 Application Title: He-Man and Castle Grayskull heat design 82; Heat design number 3350. Title: He-Man. Description: Iron-on transfer. Series: Masters of the Universe ; 3350 Notes: Based on He-man figure toy & Castle Grayskull toy castle. Date of Creation: 1982 Date of Publication: 1982-08-23 Authorship on Application: artwork on heat transfer material: Factors Et Cetera, Inc., employer for hire. Previous Registration: Figure toy prev. reg. 1982, VA 111-545 & toy castle prev. reg. 1982, VA 111-541. Basis of Claim: New Matter: “new version in two dimensional form.” Other Title: Masters of the Universe ; 3350 Castle Grayskull He-Man and Castle Grayskull heat design 82 Heat design number 3350.
Type of Work: Visual Material Registration Date: 1984-12-11 Application Title: Skeletor heat design number 3351 82; Heat design number 3351. Title: Skeletor. Description: Iron-on transfer. Series: Masters of the Universe ; no. 3351 Date of Creation: 1982 Date of Publication: 1982-08-23 Authorship on Application: artwork on heat transfer material: Factors Et Cetera, Inc., employer for hire. Previous Registration: Prev. reg. as figure toy 14Nov82, VA 111-542. Basis of Claim: New Matter: “new version in two dimensional form.” Other Title: Masters of the Universe ; no. 3351 Skeletor heat design number 3351 82 Heat design number 3351. Names: Mattel, Inc. Factors Et Cetera, Inc.
Type of Work: Visual Material Registration Date: 1983-01-04 Title: Masters of the Universe : [no.] 2827. Description: Col. prints ; 1 v. Series: Sticker Fun Date of Creation: 1982 Date of Publication: 1982-10-04 Other Title: Sticker Fun
Type of Work: Visual Material Registration Date: 1983-02-17 Title: He-Man meets Ram Man. Series: 82-comics Notes: Cataloged from appl. only. Date of Creation: 1982 Date of Publication: 1982-10-15
Type of Work: Visual Material Registration Date: 1983-05-16 Application Title: The Magic stealer mini-comic book, 82-comics. Title: The Magic stealer. Description: 1 v. Series: Masters of the universe Date of Creation: 1982 Date of Publication: 1982-10-15
Type of Work: Visual Material Registration Date: 1985-12-02 Title: The Menace of Trap Jaw : mini-comics : 82-comics. Notes: Cataloged from appl. only. Date of Creation: 1982 Date of Publication: 1982-10-15
Type of Work: Visual Material Registration Date: 1983-02-17 Title: The Ordeal of Man-E-Faces. Series: 82-comics Notes: Cataloged from appl. only. Date of Creation: 1982 Date of Publication: 1982-10-15 Names: Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Visual Material Registration Date: 1985-12-02 Title: The Power of Point Dread : 82-comics. Notes: Cataloged from appl. only. Date of Creation: 1982 Date of Publication: 1982-10-15
Type of Work: Visual Material Registration Date: 1985-12-02 Title: The Terror of Tri-Klops : 82-comics. Notes: Cataloged from appl. only. Copyright Claimant: Mattel, Inc. Date of Creation: 1982 Date of Publication: 1982-10-15 Names: Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Visual Material Registration Date: 1983-04-01 Title: Masters of the Universe : Pop-Up game : for 2 to 4 players, ages 6 to 12. Description: Kit. Notes: Includes instruction folder, gameboard, pieces & spinner in box. Date of Creation: 1982 Date of Publication: 1982-12-03 Authorship on Application: text & artwork: Mattel, Inc., employer for hire.
Type of Work: Visual Material Registration Date: 1983-01-04 Title: Masters of the Universe : 10 posters to paint or color : [no.] 2110. Notes: Cataloged from appl. only. Date of Creation: 1982 Date of Publication: 1982-12-06 Variant title: Masters of the Universe : 10 posters to paint or color
Type of Work: Visual Material Registration Date: 1983-01-04 Title: Masters of the universe : no. 2803, a coloring book. Notes: Cataloged from appl. only. Date of Creation: 1982 Date of Publication: 1982-12-06
Type of Work: Music Registration Date: 1983-03-15 Title: Attack track / by Mattel, Inc. Description: 1 p. Notes: Music. Copyright Claimant: Ogilvy & Mather, Inc. & Mattel, Inc. Date of Creation: 1982 Authorship on Application: Mattel, Inc., employer for hire. Names: Ogilvy & Mather, Inc. Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Music Registration Date: 1983-03-15 Title: Faker / by Mattel, Inc. Description: 2 p. Notes: Music. Copyright Claimant: Ogilvy & Mather, Inc. & Mattel, Inc. Date of Creation: 1982 Authorship on Application: Mattel, Inc., employer for hire. Names: Ogilvy & Mather, Inc. Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Music Registration Date: 1983-03-15 Title: He man / Mattel, Inc. Description: 1 p. Notes: Music. Copyright Claimant: Ogilvy & Mather, Inc. & Mattel, Inc. Date of Creation: 1982 Authorship on Application: Mattel, Inc., employer for hire. Copyright Note: C.O. correspondence. Names: Ogilvy & Mather, Inc. Mattel, Inc.
Type of Work: Music Registration Date: 1983-03-15 Title: Ram man / by Mattel, Inc. Description: 1 p. Notes: Music. Copyright Claimant: Ogilvy & Mather, Inc. & Mattel, Inc. Date of Creation: 1982 Authorship on Application: Mattel, Inc., employer for hire. Names: Ogilvy & Mather, Inc. Mattel, Inc.
