Land Shark is one of those Masters of the Universe vehicles that had to exist. There was no way they weren’t going to get around to making a chomping shark car vehicle, given enough time.
According to The Power and the Honor Foundation Catalog, the idea for making this kind of vehicle came from Roger Sweet, and Ed Watts (who also worked on the Dragon Walker) created the design details in the concept drawing below:
Image Source: The Power and Honor Foundation Catalog
The concept design, compared to the final toy, has much sharper lines (ideal for mowing down foes, but probably too sharp for a kid’s toy) and larger eyes, but the broad ideas that went into the final vehicle are all there. Notice that Trap Jaw is depicted driving the vehicle. In a way, the Land Shark is kind of a vehicular version of Trap Jaw, sharing not only his chomping mechanical jaw but also his color scheme. In Watts’ artwork, they even have similar weapons (although non of Trap Jaw’s attachments actually looked like that). The concept version is maroon and green, while final toy was maroon and blue (all three are predominant colors on Trap Jaw).
The cross sell artwork for the Land Shark (which incidentally seems to have been rarely used) is based closely on the final design used on the toy:
The trademark for Land Shark was filed September 10, 1984, and the patent was filed on November 13, 1984 .
Land Shark was sold individually and in a set with Battle Armor Skeletor. The box art on both sets was illustrated by William George:
Land Shark appears with some frequency in the series of minicomics released in 1985. The depiction in comics more or less matches the look of the final toy, although the guns are simpler and seem to connect to the vehicle with a different kind of hinged joint (this is true in all of the minicomic appearances, with the exception of Leech). This may represent an earlier prototype design. Excerpted images below are from the Dark Horse He-man Minicomic collection.
Curiously, Hordak drives the Land Shark in Hordak – The Ruthless Leader’s Revenge:
Errol McCarthy produced a couple of illustrations for the Land Shark. One of them was used in the 1987 Style Guide, which described the vehicle this way:
Role: Evil man-eating assault vehicle
Power: Power to seek, seize and consume the enemies of Skeletor
“Evil man-eating assault vehicle” seems like a good tag line for the toy. I’m surprised it wasn’t used on the actual packaging.
Land Shark makes a couple of appearances in the Golden books stories: A Hero In Need and The River Of Ruin (images via He-Man.org):
William George included the Land Shark in his 1985 and 1986 posters:
Earl Norem pitted the Land Shark vs the Laser Bolt in a poster included in the Spring 1986 issues of Masters of the Universe Magazine:
Norem also included the vehicle in his “Lake of Mystery” poster, although interestingly he turns it into a water vehicle in the surreal scene below:
The same issue of MOTU Magazine features a story called “The Comet Warriors Have Landed!” The vehicle also makes an appearance there:
The vehicle only made two appearances in the Filmation He-Man cartoon, in the episodes “The Gambler” and “The Cold Zone”. Predictably the vehicle is simplified for animation purposes. The guns were also dropped from the sides. Update: Dušan M pointed out that the animators also added a retractable roof so they wouldn’t always have to animate a driver. Aidan Cross points out that the Land Shark appears to be sentient, since in “The Cold Zone” it snaps aggressively when the Attak Trak says it would rather not be left alone with the Land Shark.
The Land Shark is a gimicky vehicle to be sure, equal parts menacing and comical. But, it’s undeniably one of the coolest vehicles released for the evil warriors, who never quite seemed to have enough of them. The lion’s share of always seemed to go to the good guys.
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
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.
1971
“King of Styx” – illustration for a short story by Mark Taylor. Some elements later reused for Skeletor. Image courtesy of Rebecca Salari Taylor
1971: “The King of Styx” concept, by Mark Taylor
1979
Torak, by Mark Taylor – 1979. Image source: The Power and the Honor Foundation
1979: First Castle Grayskull sketch, by Mark Taylor 1979: Torak (very early He-Man) sketch, by Mark Taylor 08/15/1979: Category Management Teams memo
1980
December 1980: Roger Sweet’s “He-Man” trio; the barbarian figure was based on designs by Mark Taylor
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
Tony Guerrero’s early 1981 He-Man prototype. Image source: Tomart’s Action Figure Digest.
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
Attak Trak concept drawing, by Ted Mayer – Mark 23, 1982. Image courtesy of Ted Mayer
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 09/21/1982: 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 10/05/1982: Sultra (Evil-Lyn) concept, by Colin Bailey 10/14/1982: DC Comics The Key To Castle Grayskull street date. Cover date: January 1983 10/25/1982: 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
Dragon Walker concept by Ed Watts, 1983. Image source: The Power and the Honor Foundation.
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 04/04/1983: Attak Trak copyright registered 04/04/1983: Faker copyright registered 04/14/1983: First “Buy 3 Get 1 Free” offer ad (Wun-Dar aka Savage He-Man aka Wonder Bread He-Man) 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: 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 09/26/1983: Filmation He-Man cartoon debuts (USA) 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
Torton, by Ed Watts – February 9, 1984. Image source: The Power and the Honor Foundation
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 09/29/1984: 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 Clawful 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
Eternia sketch, by Ted Mayer
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
Rokkon/Stonedar patent illustration – filed January 14, 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 01/15/1985: 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
1987
Megator concept, by Mark Jones, based on Mark Taylor’s Demo-Man concept – 1987. Image source: The Art of He-Man/The Power and the Honor Foundation
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 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 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.
“Death of Mark Taylor From Night Visitation.” Artwork by Colin Bailey, January 23, 1981. Given to Mark when he was working on his “dark project” (He-Man). Image courtesy of Rebecca Salari Taylor.
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The Dragon Walker is one of my all time favorite Masters of the Universe vehicles. I don’t recall if I had seen the Dragon Walker at the store and begged my parents for one, or if they surprised me with it for my birthday. I just remember getting it and frantically searching the house for a pair of C batteries. As I recall we didn’t have any and I had to wait for my parents to buy some. What an agonizing wait that was.
I realize some fans find the sidewinding locomotion concept to be so impractical that it has soured them on the toy. Not me. I thought of the Dragon Walker as the Eternian equivalent of the G.I. Joe Bridge Layer – a vehicle built for getting the good guys across rivers and crevasses.
The main elements of what would eventually be the Dragon Walker are present in this concept illustration by Ed Watts. The coat of arms design is different from the final toy, featuring a cross and dragons rather than the stylized H from Battle Armor He-Man’s costume. In this concept the driver stands rather than sits, and holds on to a red laser canon mounted on the dragon’s head. The concept was also quite a bit larger than the actual toy. Update: I should also note Chris Vint’s interview with Roger Sweet, Roger said the Dragon Walker was initially a concept for another proposed toyline, but was folded into Masters of the Universe instead.
Image source: The Power and the Honor Foundation
The final Dragon Walker toy was a bit smaller than Ed Watts’ concept, no doubt to keep costs low:
From the 1984 Mattel Dealer Catalog. Image source: Orange Slime
Packaging Art
William George painted the packaging illustration, which features Battle Armor He-Man riding the Dragon Walker through a prehistoric-looking landscape. One hallmark of many of George’s MOTU illustrations is the presence of little dinosaur-like creatures off to the side of the main action.
Original William George line art. Image via He-Man.org.
The cross sell art for the Dragon Walker was very true to the design and look of the toy:
The Spanish version was released without the cellophane window, and included an additional William George illustration and some product photos. Judging by the inclusion of the Land Shark vehicle in the background, I would guess that this box was released in 1985 at the earliest:
A US version of this packaging was planned, but never released. Here is a picture of the proof sheet from Grayskull Museum (thanks to Tokyonever for the pointer):
William George’s Hidden Signature
William George also painted a poster featuring the Dragon Walker for Kellogg’s as part of a promotion they were running with Mattel. Mattel designer Ted Mayer tells this story:
There was stuff I did not know about, because Mattel kept us designers isolated, regarding other departments, or outside stuff. I remember that one day the He-Man posters appeared out of nowhere that were done for Kellogg. Apparently Marketing just went out and did them without consulting us. We were pissed off, because we considered ourselves the main reference point.
As it happened, they hired Bill George to do them, and we were good buddies. Funny story. Bill came to me and said “I have to do these paintings for Kellogg’s, but they said I can’t sign them.” Because they were for such a big company he wanted the exposure. I had the same problem with the aircraft illustrations I used to do. I told him to hide his signature inside the illustrations, but do them upside down so they where not obvious. That’s what he did, and they never found it.
William George’s hidden signature
Mechanics
The mechanism of the Dragon Walker is rather ingenious. Rather than a vehicle moving along a track, the track and the vehicle move one after the other. A patent was filed for it on January 10, 1984, crediting Michael Gurner and Herbert May as the inventors. From the abstract:
A moveable toy consisting of a base and a motorized vehicle. The base includes a track having a central groove ending in openings at either end. The track includes teeth which cooperate with a drive gear held in the vehicle to drive the vehicle along the track. Rotors having notches on the top surface are rotatably held in openings at each end of the central groove in the track. Upon actuation, the vehicle travels along the track until it arrives at either end of the track, where the vehicle rotates the base to allow the vehicle to continue along the track end for further movement of the toy in the same direction.
As an aside, Roger Sweet takes credit for the Dragon Walker in his interview with Chris Vint (referenced earlier), although it’s unclear what his contribution was, other than perhaps managing the project. He’s not listed as one of the inventors in the patent application, and the concept art was done by Ed Watts, as mentioned earlier.
The concept is demonstrated in this video on the Grand Illusions YouTube channel:
From the video description:
The other one is made by Mattel, and Tim remembers the crowds of people watching this with fascination, the first time it was shown at a toy fair.
The character drives his dragon vehicle along the track; once he reaches the end of the track, the track swivels around, so that the section of track that was behind him is not in front of him, and he can set off again, along the track. This keeps repeating, and so he can cover quite large distances quite quickly, on his amazing ‘never ending’ track!
Other Artwork
The inaugural issue of the US release Masters of the Universe Magazine included a blueprint-style poster of the Dragon Walker. I hung this on my wall as soon as I got it and studied every detail:
Image courtesy of Jukka Issakainen
Curiously, the poster doesn’t identify the Dragon Walker by name, but instead calls it the Heroic Warrior Carrier. Man-At-Arms is said to be the inventor. Notice that the color version at the top is off-model. It resembles the Filmation version, but it’s not clear if there is actually any place for the driver to sit!
Errol McCarthy created a few illustrations of the Dragon Walker for licensing purposes (images via He-Man.org):
Comics and Storybooks
The Dragon Walker made an appearance in the background of the mini comic, Mantenna and the Menace of the Evil Horde!
It also plays a role in several Golden Books stories, such as The Rock Warriors and Maze of Doom:
Animation
The Dragon Walker shows up a few times in the Filmation Cartoon, in episodes like “Attack From Below”, “The Time Wheel”, and “Fraidy Cat”:
Animated GIF from He-Man ReviewedImage source: He-Man and She-Ra – A Complete Guide to the Classic Animated Adventures
As shown in the above GIF and model sheet, Filmation increased the size of the seat so that it could fit multiple characters.
Dragon Walker appears on the cover of the Golden coloring book below, piloted by Battle Armor He-Man:
Dragon Walker in Action
Øyvind Meisfjord has kindly contributed the following image and videos of the Dragon Walker in action:
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