Written by Adam McCombs
In my continuing quest to understand the history of the vintage Masters of the Universe toyline, I’ve put together the following timeline. It’s generally focused on toy design, drawing dates from concept artwork, internal Mattel documents, patent filings, trademark filings, and even the Masters of the Universe Bible. My goal here is to give readers a sense of how the He-Man toyline developed and evolved. I’ve also included a few dates gleaned from the CPI (Conan Properties International) vs Mattel court cases. I believe this will help put to bed the idea that He-Man started out as a Conan figure. While He-Man was certainly influenced by Conan as depicted by Frank Frazetta, the He-Man project predates Mattel’s work on the Conan property by some time.
I drew on a number of different sources in compiling this information. Those sources include:
- The Power and the Honor Foundation Catalog, Vol. 1
- The Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
- Mark Taylor – The Original B-Sheets Collection
- Grayskull Museum – Mark Taylor Artwork Concepts
- Tomart’s Action Figure Digest
- Justia US Law
- Google Patents
- US Patent & Trademark Office Trademark Electronic Search System
- Ted Mayer
- Rebecca Taylor
- Additional information provided by Miguel Á.
This is by no means an exhaustive timeline. I included only those pieces of information that were dated in some way. That includes information from court cases that was assigned an approximate date, like an early 1981 date for Tony Guerrero’s He-Man prototype. That also means that undated material like Mark Taylor’s Demo Man concept or Roger Sweet’s Mekaneck concept are not included in the timeline. I could of course infer dates for this kind of material, but I wanted to avoid guessing and stick to known facts.
I also have stayed away from dates tied to media not directly related to toy production. There are many specific dates available for individual episodes of the Filmation He-Man cartoon, for instance, but that is really outside of the parameters of this particular project.
I have only included a few images of concept designs here – some of them appear in earlier posts in this blog, and almost all of them appear in the sources I drew from. Unfortunately it would not be practical to try to include all of them in this post.
Finally, I’ve included some names that were listed in the Masters of the Universe Bible. The Bible itself is dated December 1, 1982, which gives us an early (if not exact) date for at least the conceptual existence of characters like Orko (or Gorpo, as he was first named) and Jitsu (or Chopper).
Update: on December 28, 2022, I updated this post with additional dates from previous research. That includes “first use in commerce” dates from the US Trademark office, which they say means:
“A date of first use in commerce is the date when (1) the goods were first sold or transported, or the services were first rendered, under the mark in a type of commerce that may be lawfully regulated by the U.S. Congress (such as interstate commerce or commerce between the United States and a foreign country), and (2) such use was bona fide and in the ordinary course of trade.”
Update 2: On January 1, 2023 I added first newspaper ad appearance dates from this article.
Update 3 (May 26, 2023): I recently noticed in a 2015 Slashfilm article about the MOTU toyline and movie, one of the people they interviewed was Joe Morrison, an EVP of Marketing at Mattel. Joe is quoted as saying:
When we got the go-ahead from management to do the original toy line, we put in an estimate of, like, $12 million in sales. Well, we didn’t even release the toy until May of that year and we wound up doing $32 million. These were significant numbers in 1982.
This supports the data that I’ve been finding that all points to a May 1982 release date for the Masters of the Universe toyline.
Update 4 (Jan 24, 2025): I’m adding some color/shading coding to the list. In hindsight I think “first use in commerce” dates that were filed are somewhat vague and arbitrary. The most meaningful dates are concept art dates, certain key document and event dates, and the earliest newspaper ad dates. Most important dates will be bolded, least important dates in gray, and everything else in regular text. Oh, and I’ll color the dates related to the Conan license in blue, to easily distinguish them from the He-Man material.
1971
- 1971: “The King of Styx” concept, by Mark Taylor
1979
- 1979: First Castle Grayskull sketch, by Mark Taylor
- 1979: Torak (precursor to He-Man) sketch, by Mark Taylor
- 08/15/1979: Category Management Teams memo
1980
- 05/22/1980: Fantasy Make Believe idea disclosure form
- 06/11/1980: Male Action Figure attributes list
- 09/08/1980: Figure Attributes list
- 09/21/1980: Space/Monster/Fantasy Figures budgeted hours form
- 11/03/1980: Megaton Man project request form
- 11/??/1980: Work started on “He-Man trio”, Roger Sweet; Barbarian He-Man based on illustration by Mark Taylor (late November)
- 12/??/1980: He-Man trio presented at Mattel Product Conference (mid-December)
- 12/30/1980: He-Man Characters & Accessories idea disclosure form
1981
- ??/??/1981: Bird Man (Stratos) concept, by Mark Taylor
- ??/??/1981: Mer-Man concept, by Mark Taylor
- ??/??/1981: Castle Grayskull concept, by Mark Taylor
- ??/??/1981: Battle Cat concept, by Mark Taylor
- ??/??/1981: Sensor (Zodac) concept, by Mark Taylor
- ??/??/1981: Battle Tester/Combat Trainer concept, by Mark Taylor
- ??/??/1981: Heroic Figure (He-Man) concept, by Mark Taylor
- ??/??/1981: Heroic Figure (He-Man) battles plant monster concept, by Mark Taylor
- 01/06/1981: He-Man Vehicles and Accessories idea disclosure form (modular vehicles)
- 01/23/1981: Drawing by Colin Bailey depicting Mark Taylor working on He-Man project
- 03/30/1981: De-Man (Skeletor) concept, by Mark Taylor
- 04/01/1981: Man-At-Arms concept, by Mark Taylor
- 04/02/1981: Tree Man (Beast Man) concept, by Mark Taylor
- 04/06/1981: He-Man (tan boots) concept, by Mark Taylor
- 04/07/1981: Battle Ram (tank treads version) concept, by Ted Mayer
- 04/24/1981: Memorandum urging negotiation for Conan license
- 04/27/1981: Revised Battle Ram concept art drawings, by Ted Mayer
- 05/03/1981: He-Man (red/yellow boots) concept, by Mark Taylor
- 05/05/1981: CPI draft licensing agreement sent
- 05/20/1981: Skull Castle (Castle Grayskull) Weapons Rack & Weapons by Mark Taylor
- 05/28/1981: Female Warrior (Teela) concept, by Mark Taylor
- 05/28/1981: Battle Ram control drawing, by Ted Mayer
- 06/03/1981: Sorceress concept, by Mark Taylor
- 06/05/1981: Battle Chariot concept, by Ted Mayer
- 07/??/1981: He-Man designed by this month, per CPI vs Mattel lawsuit
- 07/09/1981: Draft Skeletor toy head design document
- 07/14/1981: Memorandum discussing Mattel’s presentation of He-Man to Toys ‘R’ Us
- 07/23/1981: Tony Guerrero worked on Conan toys from this date until Sept 11, 1981
- 07/31/1981: CPI and Mattel entered license agreement to manufacture toys based on Conan movie
- 08/10/1981: Attak Trak mechanism patent filed (non-Mattel)
- 09/16/1981: Mer-Man sword design concept, by Mark Taylor
- 09/30/1981: “Proprietary Line Concepts” document (Megaton Man, Kid Gallant, Robin & The Space Hoods, Monster Fantasy/He-Man)
- 11/28/1981: King of Castle Grayskull published per copyright records
- 11/28/1981: He-Man and the Power Sword published per copyright records
- 11/28/1981: The Vengeance of Skeletor published per copyright records
- 12/08/1981: He-Man first use in commerce
- 12/08/1981: Battle Cat first use in commerce
- 12/08/1981: Battle Ram first use in commerce
- 12/08/1981: Beast Man first use in commerce
- 12/08/1981: Man-At-Arms first use in commerce
- 12/08/1981: Teela first use in commerce
- 12/08/1981: Mer-Man first use in commerce
- 12/08/1981: Stratos first use in commerce
- 12/08/1981: Wind Raider first use in commerce
- 12/08/1981: Zodac first use in commerce
- 12/08/1981: Masters of the Universe first use in commerce
- 12/08/1981: Filmation animated commercial retakes shot
- 12/14/1981: He-Man trademarked
- 12/14/1981: Teela trademarked
- 12/14/1981: Man-At-Arms trademarked
- 12/14/1981: Stratos trademarked
- 12/14/1981: Wind Raider trademarked
- 12/14/1981: Battle Ram trademarked
- 12/14/1981: Beast Man trademarked
- 12/14/1981: Mer-Man trademarked
- 12/14/1981: Zodac trademarked
- 12/14/1981: Masters of the Universe trademarked
- 12/21/1981: Battle Cat trademarked
- 12/21/1981: Castle Grayskull Trap Door patent filed
- 12/28/1981: Skeletor first use in commerce
- 12/28/1981: Castle Grayskull first use in commerce
1982
- ??/??/1982: Gargo/Gargoyle dragon concept, by Mark Taylor
- ??/??/1982: Ram Man concept, by Mark Taylor
- ??/??/1982: Man-E-Faces concept, by Mark Taylor
- 01/??/1982: Mattel requests termination of Conan license agreement
- 01/15/1982: Castle Grayskull trademarked
- 01/15/1982: Skeletor trademarked
- 02/17/1982: Mattel introduces new “Masters of the Universe” toy line at Toy Fair
- 03/01/1982: Rebate offer date in first mini comic (earliest purchase date)
- 03/04/1982: Attak Trak control drawing, by Ted Mayer
- 03/23/1982: Attak Trak concept, by Ted Mayer
- 04/08/1982: DC Comics: From Eternia With Death! street date. Cover date: July 1982
- 05/??/1982: Masters of the Universe toyline released this month, per Mattel EVP Joe Morrison
- 05/13/1982: Earliest known newspaper ad for MOTU
- 05/13/1982: First Skeletor newspaper ad
- 05/13/1982: First Man-At-Arms newspaper ad
- 05/13/1982: First He-Man newspaper ad
- 05/13/1982: First Beast Man newspaper ad
- 05/21/1982: Trap Jaw concept, by Colin Bailey
- 06/03/1982: First Battle Ram newspaper ad
- 06/03/1982: First Battle Cat newspaper ad
- 06/03/1982: First Castle Grayskull newspaper ad (“Castle Grey Skull”)
- 06/03/1982: First Stratos newspaper ad (pictured, not named)
- 06/03/1982: First Zodac newspaper ad (pictured, not named)
- 06/09/1982: First Teela newspaper ad
- 06/18/1982: First Stratos newspaper ad (mentioned by name)
- 07/05/2022: CPI and Mattel entered into a termination agreement
- 07/??/1982: Wasp Man (Buzz-Off) concept, by Colin Bailey
- 07/??/1982: Lizard Man (Whiplash) concept, by Colin Bailey
- 07/22/1982: First Wind Raider newspaper ad
- 08/08/1982: First Mer-Man newspaper ad (mentioned by name)
- 08/08/1982: First Zodac newspaper ad (mentioned by name)
- 08/26/1982: DC Comics Fate Is The Killer street date. Cover date: November 1982
- 09/xx/1982 – 12/xx/1982: Masters of the Universe Figures TV ads
- 09/xx/1982 – 12/xx/1982: Masters of the Universe Castle Grayskull TV ads
- 09/xx/1982 – 12/xx/1982: Masters of the Universe DC Comics scheduled run
- 09/21/1982: Zoar first use in commerce
- 09/21/1982: Ram Man first use in commerce
- 09/21/1982: Man-E-Faces first use in commerce
- 09/21/1982: Trap Jaw first use in commerce
- 09/21/1982: Attak Trak first use in commerce
- 09/21/1982: Point Dread & Talon Fighter first use in commerce
- 09/27/1982: Attak Trak trademarked
- 09/27/1982: Man-E-Faces trademarked
- 09/27/1982: Point Dread & The Talon Fighter trademarked
- 09/27/1982: Ram Man trademarked
- 09/27/1982: Trap Jaw trademarked
- 09/27/1982: Zoar trademarked
- 10/01/1982 – 12/21/1982: “Masters of the Universe Collection” TV ads
- 10/05/1982: Sultra (Evil-Lyn) concept, by Colin Bailey
- 10/14/1982: DC Comics The Key To Castle Grayskull street date. Cover date: January 1983
- 10/19/1982: Black Widow (Webstor) concept art, by Roger Sweet
- 10/25/1982: Castle Grayskull copyright registered
- 10/26/1982: Teela copyright registered
- 11/04/1982: Battle Ram copyright registered
- 11/04/1982: Beast Man copyright registered
- 11/04/1982: He-Man copyright registered
- 11/04/1982: Man-At-Arms copyright registered
- 11/04/1982: Mer-Man copyright registered
- 11/04/1982: Skeletor copyright registered
- 11/04/1982: Stratos copyright registered
- 11/04/1982: Wind Raider copyright registered
- 11/04/1982: Zodac copyright registered
- 11/11/1982: DC Comics Within These Walls… Armageddon! street date. Cover date: February 1983
- 11/22/1982: Tri-Klops first use in commerce
- 12/01/1982: Masters of the Universe Bible created. First ever character/place mentions include: Marlena, Tri-Klops, Snake Mountain, Panthor, Gorpo, Delora, Ram Man, Spy Man, Bugoff (Buzz-Off), Tri-Trak, Roton, Faker, Black Widow (Webstor) Fang Man, Chopper (Jitsu) Tornado Traveler, War Sled (evil Battle Ram), Grinder vehicle
- 12/07/1982: King of Castle Grayskull copyright registered
- 12/08/1982: He-Man and the Power Sword copyright registered
- 12/10/1982: Tri-Klops trademarked
- 12/28/1982: The Vengeance of Skeletor copyright registered
1983
- 01/11/1983: Evil-Lyn first use in commerce
- 01/21/1983: Evil-Lyn trademarked
- 01/21/1983: Heroic Warriors trademarked
- 01/21/1983: Evil Warriors trademarked
- 02/09/1983: Panthor first use in commerce
- 02/09/1983: Screeech first use in commerce
- 02/16/1983: Panthor trademarked
- 02/16/1983: Screeech trademarked
- 02/20/1983: First Man-E-Faces newspaper ad
- 02/22/1983: Battle Cat copyright registered
- 02/25/1983: Ram Man copyright registered
- 02/25/1983: Man-E-Faces copyright registered
- 03/15/1983: Faker first use in commerce
- 03/28/1983: First “Buy 3 Get 1 Free” offer ad (Wun-Dar aka Savage He-Man aka Wonder Bread He-Man)
- 04/04/1983: Attak Trak copyright registered
- 04/04/1983: Faker copyright registered
- 04/17/1983: First Faker newspaper ad
- 05/11/1983: First Ram Man newspaper ad
- 05/13/1983: Prince Adam first use in commerce
- 05/23/1983: Prince Adam trademarked
- 05/25/1983: Faker trademarked
- 05/25/1983: Point Dread trademarked
- 05/25/1983: Talon Fighter trademarked
- 06/21/1983: Evil-Lyn copyright registered
- 06/30/1983: First Evil-Lyn newspaper ad
- 06/30/1983: First Tri-Klops newspaper ad
- 07/15/1983: First Attak Trak newspaper ad
- 08/04/1983: First Talon Fighter newspaper ad
- 08/05/1983: Mekaneck first use in commerce
- 08/05/1983: Fisto first use in commerce
- 08/05/1983: Jitsu first use in commerce
- 08/05/1983: Whiplash first use in commerce
- 08/05/1983: Clawful first use in commerce
- 08/05/1983: Buzz-Off first use in commerce
- 08/05/1983: Roton first use in commerce
- 08/05/1983: Road Ripper first use in commerce
- 08/05/1983: Stridor first use in commerce
- 08/05/1983: Snake Mountain first use in commerce
- 08/05/1983: Battle For Eternia first use in commerce
- 08/15/1983: Snake Mountain trademarked
- 08/18/1983: Webstor first use in commerce
- 08/22/1983: Battle For Eternia trademarked
- 08/22/1983: Buzz-Off trademarked
- 08/22/1983: Clawful trademarked
- 08/22/1983: Fisto trademarked
- 08/22/1983: Jitsu trademarked
- 08/22/1983: Mekaneck trademarked
- 08/22/1983: Road Ripper trademarked
- 08/22/1983: Roton trademarked
- 08/22/1983: Stridor trademarked
- 08/22/1983: Whiplash trademarked
- 08/28/1983: First Trap Jaw newspaper ad
- 09/05/1983: Filmation He-Man cartoon debuts (UK)
- 09/17/1983: Gyro (early Roton) concept, by Ed Watts
- 09/19/1983: Filmation He-Man cartoon debuts (US) according to newspaper TV schedules
- 09/19/1983: Spider Attack Vehicle (early Spydor) concept, by Ed Watts
- 09/19/1983: Ball Buster (early Bashasaurus) concept, by Ed Watts
- 09/21/1983: First Screeech newspaper ad (spelled “Screech”)
- 09/22/1983: Zap ‘N’ Go vehicle concept, by Ted Mayer
- 09/22/1983: First Panthor newspaper ad
- 09/23/1983: First Zoar newspaper ad
- 09/26/1983: Dungeon concept, by Ted Mayer
- 09/29/1983: Vehicle Launcher (very early Road Ripper) concept, by Ted Mayer
- 11/18/1983: Masters Playset (two towers) concept, by Ted Mayer
- 12/05/1983: Early Fright Zone concept, by Ed Watts
- 12/05/1983: Webstor trademarked
- 12/08/1983: Dragon concept, by Ed Watts
- 12/08/1983: Dragon concept (without helmet), by Ed Watts
- 12/08/1983: Flying Fists He-Man/Battle Armor He-Man concept, by Ted Mayer
- 12/14/1983: First Mekaneck newspaper ad
- 12/28/1983: Trap Jaw copyright registered
- 12/29/1983: Mekaneck patent filed
- 12/29/1983: Battle Armor He-Man patent filed
- 1983: Dragon Walker concept, by Ed Watts
- 1983: Snake Mountain packaging sketch, by William George
- 1983: Dragon Walker with Land Shark packaging sketch, by William George
1984
- 01/06/1984: Kobra Khan first use in commerce
- 01/06/1984: Battle Armor first use in commerce
- 01/10/1984: Dragon Walker patent filed
- 01/13/1984: Tri-Klops copyright registered
- 01/25/1984: First Road Ripper newspaper ad
- 01/27/1984: Battle Armor trademarked
- 01/27/1984: Kobra Khan trademarked
- 01/27/1984: The Fright Zone trademarked
- 02/09/1984: Torton concept, by Ed Watts
- 02/16/1984: Road Ripper copyright registered
- 03/11/1984: First Battle Armor He-Man newspaper ad
- 03/11/1984: First Battle Armor Skeletor newspaper ad
- 03/11/1984: First Roton newspaper ad
- 03/22/1984: First Prince Adam newspaper ad
- 03/22/1984: First Orko appearance in stores (costumed actor- unclear if that means toy was available)
- 03/29/1984: Hordak concept, by Ted Mayer
- 04/20/1984: Point Dread & Talon Fighter copyright registered
- 04/20/1984: Roton copyright registered
- 04/28/1984: First Buzz-Off newspaper ad
- 04/28/1984: First Whiplash newspaper ad
- 04/30/1984: Mekaneck copyright registered
- 04/30/1984: Stridor copyright registered
- 05/07/1984: Buzz-Off copyright registered
- 05/07/1984: Whiplash copyright registered
- 05/11/1984: First Dragon Walker newspaper ad
- 05/15/1984: Battle Armor He-Man copyright registered
- 06/01/1984: Horned helmet warrior woman concept, by Ted Mayer
- 06/03/1984: TM action figure concept, by Ted Mayer
- 06/03/1984: First Snake Mountain newspaper ad
- 06/03/1984: First Stridor newspaper ad
- 06/06/1984: Modular Man (Multi-Bot) concept, by Ted Mayer
- 06/07/1984: Horde Octopus Woman (Octavia) concept, by Ted Mayer
- 06/15/1984: Snout Spout concept, by Ted Mayer
- 06/15/1984: Dragon Walker copyright registered
- 06/18/1984: Walking skull vehicle concept, by Jim Keifer
- 06/19/1984: Early Megator concept, by Ted Mayer
- 07/06/1984: Chest cannon He-Man concept, by Ted Mayer
- 07/06/1984: Multi-Bot concept, by Ted Mayer
- 07/07/1984: Chest monster Skeletor concept, by Ted Mayer
- 07/07/1984: Transparent Man (Roboto) concept, by Ted Mayer
- 07/07/1984: Jester figure (Acrobad) concept, by Ted Mayer
- 07/08/1984: Vulture figure concept, by Ted Mayer
- 07/08/1984: Rotary Man (early Hurricane Hordak) concept, by Ted Mayer
- 07/08/1984: Horde Mummy concept, by Ted Mayer
- 07/08/1984: Stilt Stalkers concept, by Ted Mayer
- 07/08/1984: Helicopter accessory and Claw Climbing accessory concepts,, by Ted Mayer
- 07/08/1984: Jet Sled (close to final) concept, by Ted Mayer
- 07/09/1984: Handsome and Basher concepts, by Ted Mayer
- 07/10/1984: Megalaser concept, by Ted Mayer
- 07/10/1984: Octavia (colored) concept, by Ted Mayer
- 07/12/1984: Tung Lashor concept, by Ted Mayer
- 07/13/1984: Snout Spout concept, by Ted Mayer
- 07/13/1984: Masters Gigor concept, by Ed Watts
- 07/13/1984: Fright Fighter Concept, by Ed Watts
- 07/13/1984: Mantor (Mantisaur) concept, by Ed Watts
- 07/13/1984: Battle For Eternia game concept, by Ed Watts
- 07/13/1984: Attack Pose Panthor concept, by Ed Watts
- 07/13/1984: Dart (Laser Bolt) concept, by Ed Watts
- 07/13/1984: Ted Mayer unproduced concepts: Big Foot, Snowman, Green Witch, Archer Woman
- 07/13/1984: Ed Watts unproduced concepts: Cyclo Marauder, War Wing, Monster Walker, Dungeon, Tyroar, Disc Blaster
- 07/15/1984: Turbosaurus (early Gigantosaur) concept, by Ed Watts
- 07/16/1984: Weapons Factory concept, by Jim Keifer
- 07/22/1984: Land Shark & Battle Armor Skeletor packaging sketch, by William George
- 08/03/1984: First Fisto newspaper ad
- 08/30/1984: Land Shark first use in commerce
- 08/30/1984: Stinkor first use in commerce
- 08/30/1984: Hordak first use in commerce
- 08/30/1984: Leech first use in commerce
- 08/30/1984: Mantenna first use in commerce
- 08/30/1984: Grizzlor first use in commerce
- 08/30/1984: Spikor first use in commerce
- 08/30/1984: Two Bad first use in commerce
- 08/30/1984: Spydor first use in commerce
- 08/30/1984: Fright Zone first use in commerce
- 08/30/1984: Thunder Punch He-Man first use in commerce
- 09/09/1984: First Webstor newspaper ad
- 09/10/1984: Grizzlor trademarked
- 09/10/1984: Hordak trademarked
- 09/10/1984: The Horde trademarked
- 09/10/1984: Land Shark trademarked
- 09/10/1984: Leech trademarked
- 09/10/1984: Mantenna trademarked
- 09/10/1984: Spikor trademarked
- 09/10/1984: Spydor trademarked
- 09/10/1984: Stinkor trademarked
- 09/10/1984: Thunder Punch trademarked
- 09/10/1984: Two Bad trademarked
- 09/15/1984: Canyon Hopper concept, by Ed Watts
- 09/18/1984: Motorized walking monster armor concept, by Ed Watts
- 09/24/1984: Dragon Fly (Fright Fighter) concept, by Ed Watts
- 09/27/1984: First Weapons Pak newspaper ad
- 09/27/1984: First Clawful (misspelled “Clawfall”) newspaper ad
- 09/29/1984: Transforming figure concept, by Ed Watts
- 10/03/1984: Firepower Man (Rio Blast) concept, by Ed Watts
- 10/12/1984: Clawful and Buzz-Off mentioned as popular toys in newspaper story
- 10/24/1984: First Kobra Khan newspaper ad
- 10/25/1984: First Orko newspaper ad (actual toy)
- 11/08/1984: Dragon Blaster Skeletor first use in commerce
- 11/08/1984: Modulok first use in commerce
- 11/08/1984: Battle Bones first use in commerce
- 11/08/1984: Night Stalker first use in commerce
- 11/08/1984: The Evil Horde first use in commerce
- 11/08/1984: Bashasaurus first use in commerce
- 11/13/1984: Land Shark patent filed
- 11/18/1984: First Jitsu newspaper ad
- 11/23/1984: Bashasaurus trademarked
- 11/23/1984: Night Stalker trademarked
- 11/23/1984: The Evil Horde trademarked
- 11/29/1984: Battle Armor Skeletor copyright registered
- 12/01/1984: Engine Man (Dragstor) concept, by Ed Watts
- 12/07/1984: Moss Man first use in commerce
- 12/11/1984: Conan Properties, Inc. v. Mattel Inc. lawsuit
- 12/14/1984: Battle Bones patent filed
- 12/14/1984: Sy-Klone patent filed
- 12/17/1984: Mantenna patent filed
- 12/19/1984: Dragon Blaster trademarked
- 12/19/1984: Modulok trademarked
- 12/19/1984: Moss Man trademarked
- 12/24/1984: Two Bad patent filed
- 12/24/1984: Jitsu copyright registered
- 12/24/1984: Kobra Khan copyright registered
- 12/24/1984: Clawful copyright registered
- 12/24/1984: Webstor copyright registered
- 12/28/1984: Battle Bones trademarked
- ??/??/1984: Mantisaur concept variations/for “New Ventures”
- ??/??/1984: Battle Armor Skeletor & Panthor packaging sketch, by William George
- ??/??/1984: Dragon Blaster Skeletor packaging sketch, by William George
- ??/??/1984: Jaws I, Jaws III, various unproduced concept vehicles for “New Ventures”
1985
- 01/03/1985: Roboto patent filed
- 01/03/1985: Thunder Punch He-Man patent filed
- 01/04/1985: Bashasaurus patent filed
- 01/13/1985: First Land Shark newspaper ad
- 01/24/1985: First Moss Man newspaper ad
- 01/24/1985: First Stinkor newspaper ad
- 01/31/1985: Snake Mountain copyright registered
- 02/05/1985: Wolf head Eternia concept, by Ted Mayer
- 02/25/1985: Battle Bones copyright registered
- 02/26/1985: Early Blast Attak concept, by Mark Jones
- 02/28/1985: First Roboto newspaper ad
- 02/28/1985: First Two Bad newspaper ad
- 02/28/1985: “Tongue Lasher” (Tung Lashor) concept art by Martin Arriola and Pat Dunn
- 03/04/1985: Pre-Production Early Rio Blast Guns Rough Pencil Concept by John Hollis
- 03/14/1985: “Tongue Lasher” (Tung Lashor) illustration by John Hollis
- 03/18/1985: “Tongue Lasher” (Tung Lashor)”Dragonfly Compound Bow” concept art by John Hollis
- 03/29/1985: Seaman (Scubattack) concept, by Alan Tyler
- 03/31/1985: First Bashasaurus newspaper ad
- 03/31/1985: First Battle Bones newspaper ad
- 04/05/1985: Fright Zone puppet tooling method patent filed
- 04/18/1985: Heroic Giant (Tytus) concept, by Alan Tyler
- 04/22/1985: Fisto copyright registered
- 05/03/1985: Tung Lashor “Dragonfly Compound Bow” concept art by John Hollis
- 05/22/1985: Land Shark copyright registered
- 05/22/1985: Bashasaurus copyright registered
- 05/22/1985: Roboto copyright registered
- 05/22/1985: Two Bad copyright registered
- 05/30/1985: First Spikor newspaper ad
- 05/30/1985: Sy-Klone first use in commerce
- 05/30/1985: Flying Fists He-Man first use in commerce
- 05/30/1985: Terror Claws Skeletor first use in commerce
- 05/30/1985: Rokkon first use in commerce
- 05/30/1985: Stonedar first use in commerce
- 05/30/1985: Rattlor first use in commerce
- 05/30/1985: Tung Lashor first use in commerce
- 05/30/1985: Laser Bolt first use in commerce
- 06/01/1985: First Spydor newspaper ad
- 06/14/1985: First Night Stalker newspaper ad
- 06/14/1985: Laser Bolt trademarked
- 06/14/1985: Terror Claws trademarked
- 06/15/1985: Gyrattacker concept, by Ted Mayer
- 06/17/1985: Flying Fists trademarked
- 06/17/1985: Rattlor trademarked
- 06/17/1985: Rokkon trademarked
- 06/17/1985: Stonedar trademarked
- 06/17/1985: Sy-Klone trademarked
- 06/17/1985: Tung Lashor trademarked
- 06/19/1985: Eternia blueprint by John Hollis
- 06/24/1985: Slime Pit trademarked
- 07/08/1985: Spydor patent filed
- 07/25/1985: Slasher/Punjab concept, by Roger Sweet
- 08/08/1985: First Dragon Blaster Skeletor newspaper ad (implied)
- 08/08/1985: First Hordak newspaper ad (costumed actor appearance)
- 08/08/1985: First Thunder Punch He-Man newspaper ad
- 08/20/1985: First Grizzlor newspaper ad
- 08/20/1985: First Hordak newspaper ad (actual toy)
- 08/20/1985: First Leech newspaper ad
- 08/20/1985: First Mantenna newspaper ad
- 08/25/1985: First Dragon Blaster Skeletor newspaper ad (explicitly shown)
- 08/30/1985: First Sy-Klone newspaper ad
- 09/04/1985: Triceratops (very early Bionatops) concept, by Mark Jones
- 09/04/1985: Turbodactyl concept, by Mark Jones
- 09/09/1985: Horde Slurb concept, by Mark Jones
- 09/13/1985: Unproduced Alan Tyler concepts: Dragon Lord, Sorcerer, Steel Kill
- 09/13/1985: Laser Bolt patent filed
- 09/14/1985: First Fright Zone newspaper ad
- 09/16/1985: Secrets of Grayskull “New Notes” document (Grayskull Tower/King Hiss/etc.)
- 09/22/1985: Early Jet Sled concept, by Ted Mayer
- 09/25/1985: Horde Trooper patent filed
- 09/27/1985: King Hiss patent filed
- 09/27/1985: Megalaser patent filed
- 09/28/1985: First Modulok newspaper ad
- 10/04/1985: Fright Zone patent filed
- 10/10/1985: Grizzlor copyright registered
- 10/10/1985: Mantenna copyright registered
- 10/10/1985: Moss Man copyright registered
- 10/10/1985: Spikor copyright registered
- 10/10/1985: Spydor copyright registered
- 10/10/1985: Sy-Klone copyright registered
- 10/10/1985: Thunder Punch He-Man copyright registered
- 10/11/1985: Hurricane Hordak patent filed
- 10/16/1985: Modulok copyright registered
- 10/17/1985: Secrets of Grayskull Preliminary Story Background (Eternia/King Hiss/etc.)
- 11/04/1985: Medusa-Man (Snake Face) concept, by David Wolfram
- 11/06/1985: Snake Men first use in commerce
- 11/06/1985: Snout Spout first use in commerce
- 11/06/1985: Multi-Bot first use in commerce
- 11/06/1985: Horde Trooper first use in commerce
- 11/06/1985: Mantisaur first use in commerce
- 11/12/1985: Horde Trooper trademarked
- 11/12/1985: Mantisaur trademarked
- 11/12/1985: Multi-Bot trademarked
- 11/12/1985: Snake Men trademarked
- 11/12/1985: Snout Spout trademarked
- 11/12/1985: Leech copyright registered
- 11/21/1985: Tyrantisaurus concept, by David Wolfram
- 11/22/1985: Blasterhawk first use in commerce
- 11/25/1985: Laser Bolt copyright registered
- 11/25/1985: Hordak copyright registered
- 11/25/1985: Fright Zone copyright registered
- 11/26/1985: Crack-Pot (Blast Attak) concept, by Richard Lepik
- 12/06/1985: Streak concept, by Alan Tyler
- 12/09/1985: Rio Blast first use in commerce
- 12/09/1985: Extendar first use in commerce
- 12/12/1985: Blasterhawk trademarked
- 12/16/1985: Evil Giant (Megator) concept, by Alan Tyler
- 1985: “The Slime Pit” finished painting, by William George
- 1985: Hurricane Hordak pencils, by William George
- 1985: Flying Fists He-Man pencils, by William George
1986
- 01/09/1986: Extendar trademarked
- 01/09/1986: Rio Blast trademarked
- 01/11/1986: First Laser Bolt Newspaper ad
- 01/11/1986: First Slime Pit Newspaper ad
- 01/14/1986: Rokkon/Stonedar patent filed
- 01/15/1986: Triceratops (Bionotops) concept, by David Wolfram
- 01/17/1986: John Hollis “Terror-Dactyl” (Turbodactyl) concept
- 02/02/1986: First Rokkon newspaper ad
- 02/02/1986: First Stonedar newspaper ad
- 02/11/1986: Rokkon copyright registered
- 02/11/1986: Stonedar copyright registered
- 02/12/1986: First Flying Fists He-Man newspaper ad
- 02/12/1986: First Terror Claws Skeletor newspaper ad
- 02/21/1986: First King Hiss newspaper ad (figure coming in April)
- 02/21/1986: First Rattlor newspaper ad (figure coming in April)
- 02/21/1986: First Tung Lashor newspaper ad (figure coming in April)
- 03/07/1986: Fright Fighter first use in commerce
- 03/07/1986: Stilt Stalkers first use in commerce
- 03/15/1986: Comet Warriors trademarked
- 03/21/1986: Battle For Eternia (game) trademarked
- 03/21/1986: Fright Fighter trademarked
- 03/21/1985: John Hollis Rio Blast Fold Out Arm Blaster drawing
- 03/21/1985: John Hollis Pre-Production Early Rio Blast Arm Blaster
- 03/24/1986: Stilt Stalker trademarked
- 04/07/1986: Eternia first use in commerce
- 04/07/1986: Jet Sled first use in commerce
- 04/16/1985: John Hollis Rio Blast Pre-Production Chest Gun Sketch
- 04/18/1985: John Hollis Pre-Production Rio Blast Backpack Gun and Concept Sketches
- 04/18/1985: John Hollis Rio Blast Backpack Gun control drawing
- 04/23/1986: First Dragstor newspaper ad
- 05/01/1986: First King Hiss newspaper ad (figure listed as available)
- 05/03/1985: Mike McKittrick Pre-Production Eternia Playset Blueprint of Parts Layout
- 05/10/1986: First Rattlor newspaper ad (figure listed as available)
- 05/10/1986: First Tung Lashor newspaper ad (figure listed as available)
- 05/11/1986: First Mantisaur newspaper ad
- 05/12/1986: Flying Fists He-Man copyright registered
- 05/12/1986: Rattlor copyright registered
- 05/12/1986: Tung Lashor copyright registered
- 05/12/1986: Mantisaur copyright registered
- 05/13/1985: John Hollis Pre-Production Rio Blast Leg Control Drawing
- 05/14/1986: The Multiples (heroic) concept, by James McElroy
- 05/16/1986: Monstroid first use in commerce
- 05/19/1986: Terror Claws Skeletor copyright registered
- 05/28/1986: Snout Spout copyright registered
- 05/28/1986: Dragstor copyright registered
- 06/03/1986: First Blasterhawk newspaper ad
- 06/05/1986: Sorceress first use in commerce
- 06/05/1986: Mosquitor first use in commerce
- 06/05/1986: Buzz-Saw Hordak first use in commerce
- 06/09/1986: Tower Tools/Cliff Climber/Scubattack mechanism patent filed
- 06/12/1985: John Hollis “Snake Tower” Eternia sketch
- 06/14/1986: Sticky Minions concept, by James McElroy
- 06/14/1986: Spider People Centiped concept, by James McElroy
- 06/15/1986: The Multiples (evil) concept, by James McElroy
- 06/16/1986: Recording Sound Playset concept, by James McElroy
- 06/18/1986: Spider People Tarantula concept, by James McElroy
- 06/19/1985: John Hollis Pre-Production Eternia Playset Near-Final Copy with Color Marker
- 06/20/1986: The Lockers concept, by James McElroy
- 06/20/1986: Skeletor Dragon Disguise concept, by James McElroy
- 06/20/1986: The Slime Monster concept, by James McElroy
- 06/20/1986: Gwildor concept, by Alan Tyler (based on movie designs)
- 06/23/1986: Rotar/Twistoid patent filed
- 06/23/1986: Eternia trademarked
- 06/23/1986: Grayskull (He-Ro early name) trademarked (canceled)
- 06/23/1986: Jet Sled trademarked
- 06/23/1986: Monstroid trademarked
- 06/23/1986: Buzz-Saw trademarked
- 06/23/1986: Mosquitor trademarked
- 06/23/1986: Sorceress trademarked
- 06/23/1986: Meteorbs trademarked
- 06/23/1986: Cometroid trademarked
- 06/23/1986: Ty-Grrr trademarked
- 06/23/1986: Astro Lion trademarked
- 06/23/1986: Comet Cat trademarked
- 06/23/1986: Tuskor trademarked
- 06/23/1986: Dinosorb trademarked
- 06/23/1986: Crocobite trademarked
- 06/23/1986: Rhinorb trademarked
- 06/23/1986: Orbear trademarked
- 06/23/1986: Gore-Illa trademarked
- 06/29/1986: The Optimagic concept, by James McElroy
- 06/30/1986: The Voice concept, by James McElroy
- 07/09/1986: Giant Foot Print Trap concept, by James McElroy
- 07/09/1986: Net Trap concept, by James McElroy
- 07/13/1986: Gyrattacker patent filed
- 07/15/1985: John Hollis Pre-Production Eterna Playset Center Tower Gun Control Drawing
- 07/18/1986: First Jet Sled newspaper ad
- 07/18/1986: First Megalaser newspaper ad
- 07/18/1986: First Stilt Stalkers newspaper ad
- 07/24/1984: Ed Watts Pre-Production Fright Fighter “Dragonfly” (Fright Fighter) Concept Photo
- 07/29/1985: John Hollis Pre-Production Eternia Playset Snake Tower Strut Concept Details
- 08/02/1985: John Hollis Pre-Production Eternia Playset Center Tower Strut Drawing
- 08/04/1985: John Hollis Pre-Production Eternia Playset Elevator Crank Control Drawing
- 08/05/1985: John Hollis Pre-Production Eternia Playset Elevator Lift Platform Blueprint
- 08/01/1986: King Hiss copyright registered
- 08/07/1986: Horde Trooper copyright registered
- 08/15/1985: John Hollis Pre-Production Eternia Playset Grappling Hook Control Drawing
- 08/18/1986: Slime Pit copyright registered
- 08/18/1986: Extendar copyright registered
- 08/22/1986: Rio Blast copyright registered
- 08/24/1986: First Snout Spout newspaper ad
- 09/10/1986: First Hurricane Hordak newspaper ad
- 09/16/1986: Blast Attak patent filed
- 09/17/1986: Tyrantisaurus Rex first use in commerce
- 09/17/1986: Bionatops first use in commerce
- 09/17/1986: Gigantisaur first use in commerce
- 09/22/1986: Bionotops trademarked
- 09/22/1986: Gigantisaur trademarked
- 09/22/1986: Powers of Grayskull trademarked
- 09/22/1986: Tyrantisaurus Rex trademarked
- 09/28/1986: First Fright Fighter newspaper ad
- 09/30/1986: Turbodactyl first use in commerce
- 09/30/1986: Blast-Attak first use in commerce
- 09/30/1986: Gwildor first use in commerce
- 09/30/1986: Rotar first use in commerce
- 09/30/1986: Twistoid first use in commerce
- 09/30/1986: Cliff Climber first use in commerce
- 09/30/1986: Scubattack first use in commerce
- 09/30/1986: Tytus first use in commerce
- 09/30/1986: Eldor first use in commerce
- 10/xx/1986: He-Man military pitch, by Stephen Lee
- 10/06/1986: Eldor trademarked
- 10/06/1986: Rotar trademarked
- 10/06/1986: Turbodactyl trademarked
- 10/06/1986: Twistoid trademarked
- 10/06/1986: Tytus trademarked
- 10/07/1986: Blast-Attak trademarked
- 10/07/1986: Gwildor trademarked
- 10/11/1986: First Meteorbs newspaper ad
- 10/11/1986: First Multi-Bot newspaper ad
- 10/14/1986: Cliff Climber trademarked
- 10/14/1986: Scubattack trademarked
- 10/23/1986: First Monstroid newspaper ad
- 10/28/1986: Mosquitor copyright registered
- 10/28/1986: Ninjor copyright registered
- 10/28/1986: Scare Glow copyright registered
- 10/28/1986: Sorceress copyright registered
- 10/28/1986: Sssqueeze copyright registered
- 11/05/1986: First Extendar newspaper ad
- 11/05/1986: First Rio Blast newspaper ad
- 11/08/1986: First Horde Trooper newspaper ad
- 11/10/1986: Blast-Attak copyright registered
- 11/17/1986: H.E./M.A.N. concept, by James McElroy
- 11/23/1986: First Eternia Playset newspaper ad
- 11/27/1986: First Beam Blaster & Artilleray newspaper ad
- 11/27/1986: First Mosquitor newspaper ad
- 11/27/1986: First Ninjor newspaper ad
- 11/27/1986: First Scare Glow newspaper ad
- 11/27/1986: First Snake Face newspaper ad
- 12/09/1986: First Clamp Champ newspaper ad
- 12/09/1986: First King Randor newspaper ad
- 12/09/1986: First Faker (reissue) newspaper ad
1987
- 01/21/1987: The Evil Horde Slime copyright registered
- 01/28/1987: Snake Face copyright registered
- 02/02/1987: Artilleray copyright registered
- 02/02/1987: Beam Blaster copyright registered
- 02/02/1987: Blasterhawk copyright registered
- 03/14/1987: First Tyrantisaurus Rex newspaper ad
- 03/21/1987: First Blast Attak newspaper ad
- 03/21/1987: First Sorceress newspaper ad
- 03/21/1987: First Sssqueeze newspaper ad
- 04/04/1987: First Bionatops newspaper ad
- 04/04/1987: First Turbodactyl newspaper ad
- 04/15/1987: Saurod first use in commerce
- 04/15/1987: Megator first use in commerce
- 04/27/1987: Saurod trademarked
- 04/27/1987: Megator trademarked
- 04/28/1987: Bionatops copyright registered
- 04/28/1987: Turbodactyl copyright registered
- 05/18/1987: Laser Power He-Man concept art, by David Wolfram, based on design by Martin Arriola
- 06/22/1987: Regular Bio-Mechazoid Skeletor (early Laser Light) concept, by David Wolfram
- 07/22/1987: Battle Base concept for live action TV show, by Dave McElroy
- 08/08/1987: First Blade newspaper ad
- 08/08/1987: First Gwildor newspaper ad
- 08/08/1987: First Saurod newspaper ad
- 08/18/1987: Bio-Mechazoid Skeletor (revised Laser Light) concept, by David Wolfram
- 10/05/1987: Live action TV show vehicle concepts, by Dave McElroy
- 10/06/1987: Live action “Harm Arm” TV show vehicle concept, by Dave McElroy
- 11/11/1987: First Buzz-Saw Hordak newspaper ad
- 11/11/1987: First Rotar newspaper ad
- 11/11/1987: First Twistoid newspaper ad
- ??/??/1987: Megator concept/based on Mark Taylor’s Demo-Man, colored by Mark Jones
Thanks to Shawn for pointing me towards the CPI vs Mattel material.
Other timelines:
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Good Work.
Hopefully it’ll also help educate some people in the ways some things work. Some things take time. Sometimes a designer will design a bunch of toy concepts but only some will be picked up. Later, some of the others may be tweaked and released. Sometimes they have a name they love, they trademark it but the toy doesn’t come for some time.
In this, you can see things like the concept for Megator was 84, tweaked/redeisned the concept again a year later in 85 then wasn’t gone back to for 2 more years. In Transformers, a famous case would be Fortress Maximus. The name was first planned to be used for the 85 released toy that became ‘Omega Supreme’, then for then for Autobot city/Metroplex (86), finally used in 1987. We can see in MOTU, Roton’s name was trademarked long before they even designed the toy.
Oh and by the way, you have Faked Trademarked twice for the same day (once just after Prince Adam, and once after Talon Fighter)
Thanks Manic Man! Also thanks for heads up, I fixed the duplicate Faker reference.
Yeah, this stuff just isn’t instant. Often the earliest concepts have little resemblance to the final versions, and can take years to go to market. Good examples from Transformers
this is incredibly, incredibly useful, thank you
There’s a few names I don’t recognise – Tyroar, Cyclo Marauder, Slime Monster, Slasher – but mostly I knew everything, so it made me feel knowledgeable too, bonus!
Thanks very much! This was quite a project. Much of the data comes from the Power and Honor Foundation Catalog, in addition to the other sources I named.
I believe those few concepts you weren’t familiar with also came from the Catalog
Very informative. I have a problem understanding one part. I have a Stinkor with Mattel and 1981 on it. On the timeline it shows he doesn’t appear until much later.
Hi Greg. Great question. Stinkor reuses existing body parts from Skeletor/Mer-Man, so the older date is stamped on him. However, he first shows up in Mattel’s 1985 dealer catalog.
For some reason, despite being a long-time fan of the blog, this article had passed me by until now; but very interesting.
A couple of things caught my eye as I was going through it –
1981 – Sensor (Zodac) concept, by Mark Taylor / May 28 1981 – Female Warrior (Teela) concept, by Mark Taylor – Have you ordered them this way ’round as Sensor/Zodac’s concept has no definite date? It’s understood that Zodac was very much a “late addition” to the initial wave (after The Sorceress and Teela were merged into one character), hence the character not appearing in any mini-comics etc.; so I’d presume his concept came much later in ’81.
October 5, 1982 – Sultra (Evil-Lyn) concept, by Colin Bailey – an interesting date when considering the likes of Wasp Man (Buzz-Off) and Lizard Man (Whiplash) had their concepts back in July ’82. Just as Zodac is known to be a late addition to the initial wave, Evil Lyn has always seemed to be a very late addition to the second wave (again hence no appearances in second wave mini-comics, etc).
I know it’s an age old ‘mistake’ that has generally been corrected and forgotten, but Mekaneck’s trademark date of August 22, 1983 seems to solidly confirm him as a third wave figure – for many years, many internet sources listed his as a second wave figure (despite no mini-comic appearances, box art appearances, “available soon” tags on mini-comics, etc., prior to the third wave).
June 6, 1984 – Modular Man (Multi-Bot) concept, by Ted Mayer – can we take it that Multi-Bot definitely pre-dated the concept of Modulok? I know there were some cross-overs of the design ideas, but I’ve always understood Modulok to originate earlier than Multi-Bot (who was conceived as “more of the same” to capitalise on the former toy’s success).
I was also interested to see Tri-Klops trademarked some three months after Trap Jaw, as I always understood Tri-Klops’ origins to be earlier; However I know these are obviously just trademark dates which don’t necessarily reflect concept (and other such related) dates.
So the way I’ve organized things, artwork without a day/month is just gathered at the beginning of each section. Zodac definitely came after the other first wave characters, but I don’t have concrete date for him.
Regarding some of the other things, it’s often an artifact of what actual material survives to be catalogued. Concept art is always going to predate legal filings, but we don’t always have concept art for everything. Re: Evil-Lyn, I agree she probably came out at the tail end of 1983. Maybe they delayed because they were still resistant to putting out too many female figures.
Re: Mekaneck, I never understood why some people placed him in the 1983 wave. Everything points to him coming out in 1984. The easiest evidence for this is the Mattel dealer catalogs, but Mekaneck’s markings, armor style and trademarks all point to a 1984 figure. He was probably one of the earliest 84 figures, based on his early appearance in the Mattel licensing material.
Re: Multi-Bot/Modulok, the issue is we have a date for MB’s concept art, but not a date for Modulok’s concept art. So the data set needs to be interpreted given that there are holes in the data. Modulok probably came first as far as concept design went, although I can’t say for sure.
Re: Trap Jaw and Tri-Klops, this is another one where we don’t have a full data set. We have TJ’s concept art but not TK’s art. Given that fact I can’t say which came first in terms of visual design.
Hi! Thanks for this amazing and highly informative work. It’s a total pleasure to read content so very well documented.
I have a couple of questions regarding this timeline:
In other pages on the site you always date the Taylor’s He-Man concept with yellow/red boots as Agust 3, 1981, but here on the timeline is dated May 3. Is this a typo?
Then, the date of July 1981 for “the desing of He-Man”, is that refered to the scultpure of some prototype, either the viking helet one, or the first sculpt without the powe-sword?
Finally, is there any actual stimated date for the creation of the final He-Man prototype, with the power-sword?
Thanks!
Hi there, thanks for the comments! Regarding the dates, the ones listed here are correct, I just double checked. If I put a different date in another post, that would be in error I think.
The “July 1981” date for the designing of He-Man is just what was alleged in the Conan vs Mattel Lawsuit. From actual surviving documents, He-Man was designed well before that.
Regarding the power sword, it doesn’t appear in any of the Mark Taylor B-sheets and only appears in the final prototype of the figure. It was apparently an idea added by Marketing and designed by Mark late in the process. I would guess it probably came into being by fall of 1981.
Thank you for your answer!
Yes, your stimation for the power sword makes sense to me too, looking at the date of the minicomics, published on november 1981. I assume Alcalá draw them one month or two before the publishing, so that would fit with the creation of the sword.
And the sculpture prototypes of the first wave, do you have any ideas of an stimated date?
So the original “He-Man Trio” was December 1980. I would guess the barefoot/horned He-Man would have been early 1981, perhaps late winter/early spring. The first unhelmeted He-Man (seen in Lord of Power slides) I would guess late summer 1981, and then the final hand-painted model with sword perhaps early fall. These are educated guesses, aside from the He-Man trio coming in late 1980. 🙂
For the other “Lords of Power” prototypes, I would again guess late summer 1981. Zodac probably fall or winter 1981. Same for Teela.
Again, thank you very much! 🙂
No problem! I will also say probably the early version of Teela (the more “naked” version that survived without its head) is also probably done around the time of the Lords of Power prototypes, but was too “sexy” and not used, and was reworked later in the year.
LOL you almost answered one of my later questions about Teela, before I send the last message.
Oh just a last question, mate. I read on the “Lords of Power” article that apparently the Teela prototype was made about same time as those, but for some reason doesn’t appear on the photos. So your guess date for the Teela prototype would be for the final with the snake staff?
Also, is so weird the Beastman prototype for the “Lords of Power” time was so archaic. Do you think the final prototype wasn’t already sculpted at that point? Could the final Beastman proto been made around same time as the final Heman?
Re: Teela. Yeah, there are a few different prototypes for her: The likely order is:
1) “naked headless teela”
2) spear holding prototype, with gold shield
3) Teela with “barbie style” leg articulation
4) Final sculpt with green snake eyes and/or white fur boots
Which one was contemporary with Lord of Power? I would say 1 or 2. Maybe 1 because Mattel execs specifically rejected her for being too sexy and wouldn’t have wanted to include her? Could be 2 as well, hard to say.
Re: Beast Man, yes, that is weird. In the Lords of Power slides, He-Man is mostly final, minus his left hand, harness and his color scheme. Man-At-Arms reuses the He-Man body, but has non-finalized armor. Skeletor isn’t that close to final, and neither is Beast Man. Skeletor actually seems to reuse parts from the naked helmeted He-Man sculpt, with some modifications. Beast Man is furthest from the final look, so maybe that implies he was completed last of the first four figures.
What a resource! Great job on this!
Hi Adam – just to clarify what I think might have been a cutting and pasting error – was “09/30/1986: Eldor first use in commerce” meant to say something like “09/30/1986: Tower Tools first use in commerce”? Cliff Climber and Scubattack came out then, and – unless I’m in a parallel universe or confused about what “first use in commerce” means – Eldor did not. This page, like your entire site, is an amazing resourse – thank you!
Hey thanks for your comments! Surprisingly enough this is a real filing. It comes from one of Mattel’s Trademark filings. “First use in commerce” is kind of a nebulous term. The Trademark office describes it like this:
“A date of first use in commerce is the date when (1) the goods were first sold or transported, or the services were first rendered, under the mark in a type of commerce that may be lawfully regulated by the U.S. Congress (such as interstate commerce or commerce between the United States and a foreign country), and (2) such use was bona fide and in the ordinary course of trade.”
Obviously Eldor was never sold in stores. What did they mean when they filed that date? Hard to say! Here is the actual filing text below:
Word Mark
ELDOR
Goods and Services
(CANCELLED) IC 028. US 022. G & S: TOY ACTION FIGURES. FIRST USE: 19860930. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19860930
Mark Drawing Code
(1) TYPED DRAWING
Serial Number
73624476
Filing Date
October 6, 1986
Current Basis
1A
Original Filing Basis
1A
Published for Opposition
March 10, 1987
Registration Number
1441329
Registration Date
June 2, 1987
Owner
(REGISTRANT) MATTEL, INC. CORPORATION DELAWARE 5150 ROSECRANS AVENUE HAWTHORNE CALIFORNIA 90250
Attorney of Record
RONALD M. GOLDMAN
Type of Mark
TRADEMARK
Register
PRINCIPAL
Live/Dead Indicator
DEAD
Cancellation Date
December 6, 1993