How we got from a Jungle Barbarian to the Prince Adam Transformation. The Story of the Story of MOTU

Scott ToyGuru Neitlich looks at the history of the storyline of Masters of the Universe and discusses the evolution of mini comics, regular sized comics and the animated series and how they all added up to the story we know. Popular culture examined!

[@DCMarvelMultiverse]

I remember it was 1983, I think. It was a very dark and stormy day. Yes, day. I was bummed because I was told my birthday did not fall in the correct place to be in Kindergarten with my friends. I would have to wait a year. My mom sold some glass cola bottles (we were poor at that time) and got me a toy. I thought she got me a toy car, but it was He-Man. I still remember the feeling of first looking at the figure and packaging and even the smell of that packaging. The fireworks that went off in my brain are vividly remembered. It was the last toyline that we bonded over. She wasn't into Transformers and everything afterward. She even sculpted from green putty a Castle Greyskull that was a lot bigger than the actual toy. She used pieces of styrofoam and cardboard under the putty. I wish I still had it and the pictures she took. Long story there. She bought a model kit for the Atakk-Trakk because it was cheaper and scaled about right. Tee-la was the figured she got so she could play with me. I guess the toys made her want to be a kid again herself. She passed away 25 years ago. MotU was her jam.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Wow, I had a very similar story. I was sick on my 4th birthday and my party was canceled, so my parents gave me my gifts early, He, Man, Skeletor, Battle Cat, Man At Arms, Stratos and this giant green castle...

[@jcampos732]

I just read your story and it brought tarts to my eyes. So awesome that you have those memories with your mom. My mom would also by me toys when we could afford them. Such great times in the 80s.

[@MedievalFantasyTV]

Man, this is beautiful. May your mother rest in peace.

[@MisterE1976]

Enjoyed your story very much. I give you 👍x1,000,000.

[@themarlboromandalorian]

OY! Thank you for sharing this. I'm sorry about your mom. Bless.

[@Bernhard2024]

I absolutely love this dark and mysterious spirit of Masters of the Universe in the beginning. It`s really awesome.

[@mrspeigel3593]

Yeah, those original 6 mini books were where it's at for me, the Prince Adam/filmation version is fine I guess but it's not my MOTU

[@spectorcreative1872]

I do love how much influence the mini comics initial set had on the brand!

[@grrrraffe]

@@mrspeigel3593 right on. Between the box art and initial minicomics, my He-Man was set. I remember this was my "Savage Sword of Conan" from which I learned about through sneaking through my friend's father's collection. :)

[@johnprudent3216]

Yeah, the nature of the mini comics' plot is way more epic sounding and had so much potential. The Filmation and DC stuff that followed seems silly and tongue-in-cheek.

[@TheMudSlinger]

Glad to read other people feel this way too. Never knew about DC comics introducing Prince Adam, it just came as a jarring disappointment when the animation came along and seemed to turn He-man into Shazam. The original felt like a post apocalyptic return to barbarian fantasy after some epic space age interdenominational war destroyed everything. So much better than what it it later evolved into.

[@sgzartan]

Filmation's Blackstar introduced the idea of two magical swords forming into one super sword a year earlier in 1981. John Blackstar had the Star Sword, while the Overlord had the Power Sword. The Star Sword and Power Sword combined made The Powerstar. MOTU had the Power Sword and The Sword Of Power, when combined were supposed to be able to open Castle Grayskull.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Yes, they were similar, like how three people invented the telephone but Bell got to the patent office first.

[@robertmartin2936]

@@spectorcreative1872 JFC Your hurt reads through the screen

[@MrJon76]

@sgzartan - That feature was developed by Mattel in 1980; He-Man and the Power Sword was written in 1981! I think it's either coincidence or someone worked for both companies!

[@ramonvandebeek]

Again no word on Blackstar... The Mexican (or native American) He-man who was replaced by the blond He-man. He deserved more than a statue cameo and an episode with the purple Warlock (ep. 265). I still think Blackstar is the better show. The lore could have been great if they hadn't pulled the plug so soon. And no Bravestarr did not redeem something...

[@Veteran_Spartan]

Mattel was in a rush to steal properties because they were contracted to make Conan toys for the Conan the barbarian movie. When it fell through they had all these molds and full production ready. To save there asses they re colored the molds and stole ideas from all over to market the toys.

[@adrionjones]

I was definitely confused by how they kept changing/combining the goddess/Teela/Sorceress as a child.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Yeah it was if nothing else confusing

[@ryangunwitch-black]

The book that came with the first He-man was so killer. That cartoon on the other hand.... As a 3rd grader, I was like WTF

[@spectorcreative1872]

Yeah very big difference in tone and manner

[@jonathancraddock1810]

Yeah, the cartoon was entertaining but, a little too campy. The cartoon from the early 200s felt more like the comic book stle He-Man. I find it ironic how comics back in the day were much darker than the shows involving the characters. Ninja Turtles, Batman, Justice League, etc as examples.

[@ehenyor]

That's why I loved 200x's cartoon so much more! While not quite like the original comic, it was so much closer, but stood on its own.

[@BlackCroft666]

Well there is a big difference between comics/books and TV in front of all when we talk about the 80s and the censorship going on. It seems 80s comics were able to get away with far more than the TV. But I wish one day they would take the He-Man and She-Ra universe/s and would make an adult animation with it. Wit blood and war and stuff. Even though I have to give credit to the 80s at least talking about killing and enslaving and such war themed things.

[@dwitefry4157]

This is a story that doesnt' get told enough, and it really should cos, well it's interesting. There should really be vidoes like this for a lot of franchises

[@spectorcreative1872]

If I knew about more of them I would!

[@paxhumana2015]

@@spectorcreative1872 , many years later, a version of He-Man and his universe got involved in the Injustice comic series from DC and his story on there is awesome...seriously, I hope that when Injustice 3 rolls around, they actually include him and the characters from that universe. Also, did you know that, in the Holy Scriptures of Christianity and Judaism, there literally is a person by the name of Heman that was mentioned in The Book of 1 Chronicles, Chapter 6, and verse 33 and The Book of Psalms, Chapter 88? Heman is the son of the first Joel, which is not to be confused with the much later minor prophet of the same name, and he is also the grandson of the prophet Samuel, whom has two books that appear in the Holy Scriptures, but are also sometimes called The Book of 1 Kings and The Book of 2 Kings by Roman Catholics, among others, and The Book of 1 Kings and The Book of 2 Kings are known as The Book of 3 Kings and The Book of 4 Kings by those same sources. Oddly enough, he is not a prophet or worker in the temple like his grandfather and father before him, nor is he, as far as we know, a warrior, but, rather, he is a musician by trade (and, no, that weird cover of the 4 Non Blondes song of "What's Going On" does not count). However, the surprising translation of the name of Heman actually means "faithful" in the English language. Moreover, that particular Heman was not the only one that was mentioned in the Holy Scriptures, as in the Book of 1 Kings, Chapter 4, and Verse 31 mentions another Heman, who is the son of Mahol, and he, as well as his three brothers, or five other brothers if you take into account what was originally said in The Book of 1 Chronicles, Chapter 2, and Verse 6. Finally, you should really read the Injustice series, as well as play the Injustice video games (and, yes, there is also an arcade version of the first Injustice video game if you lack a video game console to play the game on in real life). You can also find out more about the people that are named Heman that are in the Holy Scriptures with these links. www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Heman.html www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Ethan.html

[@JurassicRod]

I never saw myself as the avatar characters in cartoons or particularly related to them. If anything I was put off by them. I always imagined myself as the hero, not the weak comedy sidekick character.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Not everyone connects with every character the same. Good point

[@leonardeuler9592]

Well, Teela and the Sorceress were no sidekicks, they were supporting characters instead.

[@DragoonMS]

@@leonardeuler9592 Funny thing is that when I was a kid, the girls I knew who liked He-Man didn't wanna be Teela or Sorceress, they wanted to be Evil-Lyn. Never quite understood that one...she ain't as good-looking as Teela, and definitely not as powerful as the Sorceress. 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️

[@leonardeuler9592]

@@DragoonMS Well, Evelyn is a bad girl. So, it could be why some girls liked her. Also, I was frightened by her when I was a kid.

[@MatawguroRobbie]

@@karinations2009 As a kid, I hated Wendy and Marvin. Wonder Twins were a step up if only they weren't so incompetent.

[@ChapMeifan]

I remember a few months before the figures came out there was an article about the Toyfair coverage and they talked about He-Man having to battle the mighty Beast Man and his army of Skeletors. When I finally found the toys I was confused as I thought Skeletor was going to be an army-builder and Beast-Man the main adversary. Then I read the mini-comics and was further confused. The subsequent animated show made me realize that no one really had a definitive story and I could just pick and choose what I wanted from whatever and make up the rest (which I did).

[@spectorcreative1872]

That was actually an original idea with Beastman being the lead villain!

[@WiiMan25]

Even though I grew up with 200X and for a very long time couldn't even fathom the idea of a He-Man separate from Prince Adam, I've recently grown to love the original minicomic lore in its own right. It's actually gotten to the point where I like to imagine my current Origins collection as those versions of the characters as opposed to the DC/Filmation/MYP versions (completely disregarding that Origins Man-At-Arms has his Filmation/200X mustache). I'd be all for something like an animated special adapting the original minicomics, or at the very least set in the same universe as the minicomics.

[@spectorcreative1872]

I really do hope kids love the Origins line and it keeps going for years!

[@krzysztofmathews738]

This is a great overview. It definitely sheds light on some corners of the toy line mythos I had not known about until now.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Well awesome! Glad it filled in some gaps

[@Janizzary]

I always preferred the original Frazetta inspired raw barbarian He-man more. I actually hated what Filmation did to it, especially Battle-Cat/Cringer - making him/them talk. Prince Adam was also lame AF.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Yeah you share that with a lot of folks

[@MarcEsadrian]

Exactly. They completely destroyed the mythos of the story in the Filmation age. My little brother got these figures when they were first made, and the comics were amusing to read. Then the television show emerged and it was pretty ridiculous.

[@andrewmoeller1987]

I agree, I love the original origin for He-Man, and all the mystery of the old, but somehow more advanced technology. I understand that they needed to create a more complete story, but when they did, there was no reason to get rid of what was already established. Why not just add to it? Fill in the gaps. If they suddenly wanted him to be royal family (Prince Adam), why not blend the two... So here is my idea of mixing the two origin stories. First off, forget the transformation of Prince Adam into He-Man via the power sword. But what they could have done, was still have He-Man been the son of Randor and Marlena. But how you ask and still keep his barbarian roots? Since there is plenty of magic in the MotU world, what if Randor and Marlena had a son (and name him Adam) but were told by the Sorceress that, in order to save Eternia in the future, they would have to give their infant son to her. In turn, the Sorceress would take the infant to the wilderness, and essentially give him to some barbarian couple to raise. Buy growing up in the wild, rather than the city, it would enable He-Man to develop the skills needed to save Eternia. When He-Man was old enough, something mysterious was pulling him away from the life he knew. He would leave the wilderness via unknown urgings from the Sorceress. Upon saving the Sorceress, she gives him the weapons and armor, that were somehow intended for him all along. Then some time after being in the city, He-Man discovers that he is indeed the long lost son of the King and Queen.

[@carlhutchens8587]

This was so amazing. And I love the insight you have from being the brand manager. I also love the way they progressed the concept from start to where it kind of wound up. And (maybe unpopular opinion) I love the way Kevin Smith has continued this evolution.

[@TheVileOne]

This is becoming my favorite KZbin channel

[@spectorcreative1872]

Well thank you! Please do spread the word and let other know!

[@extremesegaa9239]

Got this set as a reminder anything motu is right up my alley. I know your releasing videos based on character order still waiting on that stinkor video (nudge nudge hehe)Thanks for all you've done to the classics line and keeping motu alive btw.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Not to worry. Stinkor will be here once we get to him on order!~ ;-) Thanks for being a great supporter of the channel and all of your comments.

[@M-CH_]

The minicomic story sounds more interesting than the one the animated series told...

[@spectorcreative1872]

Kinda crazy huh?

[@M-CH_]

@Bobo Boy But with Dolph Lundgren in it.

[@Pegwarmers]

Scott, I've been enjoying all your videos! Keep up the good work.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Thanks! Please do repost and tell your friends. It does help!

[@RainbowYawn]

Another great video! I’ve shared your KZbin on my Instagram 💜

[@spectorcreative1872]

Thank you so much for doing that. It is incredibly appreciated!!!!

[@truck6859]

Just as any good thing can't be built without a few failures along the way, so does every great story need to grow, to reach its final form. Thanks for the history lesson!⚔

[@spectorcreative1872]

Glad you enjoyed! many more to come.

[@TOMMYVILLARREAL]

I love this bro! Great info!

[@spectorcreative1872]

Glad you enjoy! More to come

[@daximil]

I've been thinking that the original version of the story (aside from being my favorite) would make a really good concept for an MMORPG. Castle Grayskull sits at the center of the game world. There are two halves of the power sword, which players can collect. If they die, the sword half drops for other players to loot. If the same player can get both halves, they get access to Grayskull, and can personally use the Castles power to force the opposing faction of players into retreat. Maybe claim control of all nearby towns, or be able to occasionally rain laser beam chaos down on the zone of their choice, or something. But if you're too annoying about it, the entire other faction of players will find a way to take you down and try to loot those sword halves for themselves. Obviously you'd have to work out the details, but that could be the basis for a very engaging video game experience.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Very cool concept!!!

[@jmpw005]

Definitely a story that needed to be told. Great job!

[@spectorcreative1872]

Well thank you do much! Glad to put all the pieces together.

[@clintfrederici3928]

It would have been interesting to see what a cartoon developed from the mini comic storyline would have been like. Personally I love the original mini comics from 82. My folks bought me everything Mattel put out but the Filmation cartoon always felt a little cheesy and never really seemed to fit the toyline to my 8 to 10 year old mind. I always made up my own storylines since Filmation dropped the ball for me. Great video, honestly answered SOOOO many question I'd always had about motu and why they changed He-Man.

[@spectorcreative1872]

I can only imagine! They did do early test footage for filmation in this style. It is pretty neat

[@berkajr3685]

Always great video, with great humor added. Maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but keep up the good work. Would love to see you do a video on whether or not you (Mattel) would release a 200x He-Man. No, I am not talking about Snake Armor He-Man, I am talking about a King Grayskull body with a Snake Armor He-Man head. It would have been such an easy figure to release

[@spectorcreative1872]

Ah! I actually did have a formula to do that. I'll add it to the list.

[@BTY_Collector]

Awesome work Scott! I had He-man figures as a kid in the early 2000s but had to make up my own stories since their was no TV show airing at the time. Never could figure out why the character didn’t where clothes though....lol

[@spectorcreative1872]

He was allergic to clothes.

[@damianyee3292]

Loving these vids 🤙

[@spectorcreative1872]

Well thank you! Reposting is most appreciated.

[@Tayfrog]

We had such a change in the history of the story of He-Man through the various media. Filmation did give us more of a set canon. I did enjoy that you pulled from the more obscure versions He-Man and made them canon after filmation. So, like Oo-Lar as a new character from the past that carried the title of He. When we do the Talking Toys with Taylor and Jeff podcast where we talk about a MOTU action figure, I usually go to the MOTU Classics file card as canon for that particular character. I love that you made sure those versions got a chnace to get a toy.

[@spectorcreative1872]

It really is amazing how different the stories can be.

[@kevinlucko2902]

Awesome video!.Thank you very much.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Well thanks for watching! Spread the word.

[@rodrickadamginsburg8960]

Of course, greatly enjoyed as always!

[@spectorcreative1872]

Thank you! Reposting on your Social Media is always appreciated

[@rodrickadamginsburg8960]

Spector Creative of course!!!!!

[@classicactionfigures3454]

Great video. The Mini comic idea was genius. In many ways I prefer the Mini Comic stories to the Animated Series. In particular, the origins of Trap Jaw, Ram Man, and Tri-Klops.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Yeah and I think this is why Super 7 did quite a few figures from this era.

[@CYeoung]

He man has so much potential, the lore and world building is massive, and tech/sorcery is vastly entertaining. I think the fact that he’s naked has pigeon-held him. That’s so...80s, and kiddy. If they clothed the characters, this IP could be as big as lord of the rings or Harry Potter.

[@spectorcreative1872]

I am a big believer in evolving characters. But if you look at mainstream comics, Superman, Batman, iron man, pretty much have stayed the same for decades.

[@colinmathura-jeffree9829]

As a child I waaaaaaay preferred the original comic...where Teela and Evil Lyn were Goddesses and Skeletor was a demon, Merman an Ocean Warlord....I remember loving the fantasy...I was super young and when the cartoon came out I was like WTF- where is the darkness??? lol

[@spectorcreative1872]

My memories of the mini comic story are hazy at best (until being an adult) but it is amazing how different it was

[@DCMarvelMultiverse]

I love the DC MotU. I paid tribute to He-Man's meeting with Superman by making a three part video comic on my channel. It was a real trip reading through such an early iteration.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Nice. I'll check it out.

[@Beedo_Sookcool]

Great history video! Thank you! 7:04 - Never realised it before this close-up, but the prototype Battle Ram in the background looks like a laughing goblin face, on wheels, with its tongue sticking out. 🤣 I didn't get into MOTU until 1983, when a classmate gave me a Man-E-Weapons for my bithday, so I knew nothing about those first four mini-comics at all until the 2010s, when I found the scans online. My intro to MOTU came through the second-wave mini-comics, followed quickly by the Filmation cartoon.

[@spectorcreative1872]

And can't you see how much it looks like a 4th world vehicle!

[@Beedo_Sookcool]

@@spectorcreative1872 To be honest, I wasn't into comics as a kid, so I have very little frame of reference for either DC or Marvel stuff, especially from those halcyon days. But I'll certainly take your word for it!

[@Splatterpunk_OldNewYork]

He-Man was the very first animation I watched as a kid. It transformed me in to a hero.

[@spectorcreative1872]

See that is awesome. Glad it had such a positive effect

[@dylanlewis5113]

"Goodbye people of Jungle Tribe!" And they where never seen again.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Have fun storming the castle.

[@Fenris30]

You could retcon the jungle tribe by having Prince Adam be fostered their for a time when he was younger and he goes back every year to check in with his good friends which is why he's leaving at the start of the comics. It's one of the few places beside Etheria where he can be himself and not play the coward.

[@colinmathura-jeffree9829]

This brings me such a buzz in my soul!!

[@spectorcreative1872]

That is wonderful! Makes my day

[@MortimurGrimm]

I grew up with the toy, just prior to the cartoons. I watched the cartoons, but thought the first wave of books that came with the toys were far better. In my perfect world, they would return to this, but sadly people seem more nostalgic for the cartoons content and cheesiness.

[@spectorcreative1872]

There will be fans of pretty much evert iteration at some level

[@marcusmalone]

Obv not the first to leave this comment but I so loved the original and darker Conan inspired take. Even came through in the earliest commercials. Still got those first comics!!

[@spectorcreative1872]

Those first comics are true gold

[@xenofett7008]

I always preferred the darker Storyline from the early mini comics. Even as a kid of age 9 I was horrified with what Filmation did to the characters and the lore.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Yeah, it was MUCH lighter in tone!

[@jonathancraddock1810]

Yeah typical Hollywood thinking kids couldn't handle action just because it's "too violent". Kids are a lot smarter than some people think they are.

[@MrRomanweb]

I personally enjoyed the comics and the storyline of dual swords of power with Barbarians and fantasy creatures mixed with a little science over the PSA's the cartoons became. Not to mention the Prince Adam (Clark Kent) persona never spoke to me.

[@spectorcreative1872]

And I love that we incorporated this aspect into MOTU Classics with Oolar!

[@MrRomanweb]

@@spectorcreative1872 yes indeed!!!! Very well Executed!

[@MonstersOfTheUniverse]

I was given a copy of an original series bible for the cartoon from 1983 written by my old professor from Loyola Marymount University. I’m missing the last few pages, But it’s interesting to see where Queen marlena Originated. His name is Michael Halperin a screenwriter and one of the incumbent directors on the board at WGAw and gave it to me as I was writing my own bible for series .. It was a great gift.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Yeah that original bible really needs to be published. I think I have a copy somewhere....

[@MonstersOfTheUniverse]

Spector Creative I’m surprised it hasn’t already been. Out of curiosity did you go into toys as a designer? I’ve always dreamed of working in toys. I dabbled. Produced an art vinyl toy for a friend years ago. Designed some characters for Disney from which they made few toys for promotion but only for employees ( I was third party at the time) and of course I’m also a fan and collector. My educatio is in film production and writing/ communications but my hobbies are all toy related including character design. I’m in SoCal

[@ToonJukka]

Spector Creative it has been online for past 22 years. James Eatock uploaded it in 1998 and fans have been reading it ever since. www.he-man.org/cartoon/documentslibrary.php?id=44

[@ToonJukka]

burble74 Spector Creative it has been online for past 22 years. James Eatock uploaded it in 1998 and fans have been reading it ever since. www.he-man.org/cartoon/documentslibrary.php?id=44

[@defenstrator4660]

As a kid I identified with He-Man as he was the hero. Orco was there as someone even a child could laugh at and feel superior to.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Everyone has their own character to identify with! Adding Orko was good in case he was for you. But in your case and others HeMan worked for that.

[@AintNobodyAtAll]

"Have fun storming the castle!" LOL I've often wondered if there were supposed to be more Weapons or Armor Paks or something like that to further the idea or different armor giving He-Man different powers.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Originally yes. The idea was He man would have been like Big Jim and each new figure would have new armor with new powers.

[@destroyerofheroes]

New subscriber here, I've been binging on these videos all week. I'm really enjoying all of this info and insight! Just curious, to me it looks like the Ultimate Warrior from the recent Masters of the WWE Universe comes with the MOTUC Oo-Larr spear cast in solid yellow. Isn't it the same mold? I have the Warrior figure but never got the Classic Oo-Larr, unfortunately. Best wishes and keep the great content flowing, Scott!

[@spectorcreative1872]

I don't have that figure in front of me, but I do know the WWE Masters line does use MOTU Classic parts. Those Stratos wings are definitely the Classics wings. So likely yes on the spear

[@VFXProductionsTokyo]

Excellent content !

[@spectorcreative1872]

Thank you so much! Tell your friends!

[@TheKarsten75]

Jungle He-Man + the Goddess forever!

[@spectorcreative1872]

A love to last all time

[@truck6859]

The darker and more violent early version of MOTU, in which He-man actually PUNCHED his enemies, was also on a lunchbox and coloring books in the early 80s.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Ah, 80's lunchboxes. Now that is something I truly miss.

[@SpyneMetal]

Who decided on his bobbed haircut? Always thought that was a little weird.

[@Paulafan5]

The He-Man figure was based on Conan paintings by Frazetta (I believe). That's why he's basically a blonde Conan. They probably made him more tanned to make him look a little more different.

[@SpyneMetal]

Paulafan5 Thanks! I am familiar with a lot of Franzetta’s paintings. Just don’t remember any of his paintings having quite that same hairstyle. LOL but regardless, dig the he-man stuff!

[@spectorcreative1872]

It was modeled after Ray Wagner the CEO of Mattel.

[@SpyneMetal]

Thanks for the info!

[@LatenightLyle]

First time watching one of your videos. Very nice! I'm looking forward to watching more. If I may, a better microphone setup would REALLY improve the quality immensely. Perhaps an inexpensive lapel mic even would give you less reverb so you don't sound like you're in a tin can. Sound quality is more important than video quality afterall. Keep up the great work!

[@spectorcreative1872]

I actually do have a very good mic. Maybe in this one I was talking to far from it? Let me know as you watch other videos.

[@jonreno4570]

Most excellent! 👍

[@spectorcreative1872]

Glad you like. Tell your friends!

[@jonreno4570]

Will do. 😁

[@CYeoung]

He-Man has so much potential, the lore and world building is massive, and tech/sorcery aspects are vastly entertaining. I think the fact that he’s naked and so many of the character designs have pigeonholed him. They look so...80s, and kiddy. This IP could be as big as Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter. Mattel or whoever owns him doesn’t seem to want to let him evolve.

[@spectorcreative1872]

I think their is a desire for all IP owners to keep their characters frozen in time. Spider-Man, Batman &c... that is a big reason that I read creator owned books like Savage Dragon which do evolve their characters.

[@robdrabkowski2708]

While I have developed an appreciation for the Filmation cartoon over the years, back in the day it was the grim box art and the mini-comics that influenced my play patterns for MOTU. Back then, I noticed that the iron and grit implied in that gorgeous box art was mysteriously absent from the cartoon series leaving the show sterile and sort of infantile in comparison. In the show, it was safe to assume that He-Man wasn't going to be bi-secting any villains with that impressive sword. On the box art, however, it was anyone's guess... He looked pretty angry!

[@spectorcreative1872]

Oh yes! The box art on the vintage line was pretty much entertainment itself! They don’t make box art like that any more.

[@andrewmoeller1987]

I love the original origin for He-Man, and all the mystery of the old, but somehow more advanced technology. I've wrote this comment as a reply in a few other people's comments, but I put it separately here as well. I understand that they needed to create a more complete story, but when they did, there was no reason to get rid of what was already established. Why not just add to it? If they suddenly wanted him to be royal family (Prince Adam), why not blend the two... So here is my idea of mixing the two origin stories. First off, forget the transformation of Prince Adam into He-Man via the power sword. But what they could have done, was still have He-Man been the son of Randor and Marlena. But how you ask and still keep his barbarian roots? Since there is plenty of magic in the MotU world, what if Randor and Marlena had a son (and name him Adam) but were told by the Sorceress that, in order to save Eternia in the future, they would have to give their infant son to her. In turn, the Sorceress would take the infant to the wilderness, and essentially give him to some barbarian couple to raise. Buy growing up in the wild, rather than the city, it would enable He-Man to develop the skills needed to save Eternia. When He-Man was old enough, something mysterious was pulling him away from the life he knew. He would leave the wilderness via unknown urgings from the Sorceress. Upon saving the Sorceress, she gives him the weapons and armor, that were somehow intended for him all along. Then some time after being in the city, He-Man discovers that he is indeed the long lost son of the King and Queen. I guess I just really hate when origin stories are changed. Fill in holes, but don't start over and do something entirely different. Like the origin of the TMNT. I read the first issue of the IDW version, and ugh! So much change for no reason. Why make Splinter the actually father of the Turtles? And why do all other versions of the TMNT exclude Oroku Nagi? Only the original comic had Shredder's brother. Sorry for mixing in TMNT in with MOTU... now there would an interesting crossover...

[@spectorcreative1872]

Alas, I wasn't there in 82/83 when the story was changing, but I do have a video coming up addressing the whole technology on a medieval planet concept

[@andrewmoeller1987]

@@spectorcreative1872 cool, sounds interesting.

[@knytrydr73]

They should make a MOTU movie based on this original story of He-Man.

[@spectorcreative1872]

I'd watch that at least twice

[@Pengalen]

While I loved the television series that was made, I kinda want to see one based more on that lower tech, smaller narrative scale mini-comic.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Well with so much entertainment in the pipe, maybe one day!

[@waz207]

Man I had a good selection of the he-man toys as a kid...my two favorites were Ram-man and Mec-a-neck. Also, I remember I was so upset when for Xmas one year I got the Prince Adam toy, but not He-man...then my grandmother came over later with the He-man toy (apparently she had talked to Santa and they figured out that little “trick”). Lol

[@spectorcreative1872]

Now that is a trick! Kinda mean, but fun too

[@1sdrummer2]

I preferred the comic book origin to the TV show. I was livid as a kid when I first saw the show. I thought, "That's not Masters of the Universe". I eventually gave up and learned to love the show. And I really loved She-Ra. Still, I would love to see a movie or TV show based on the original mythology.

[@spectorcreative1872]

I loved She-Ra too. I stole my sister's toy. Don't tell her

[@bleeneo101]

The box art and the adventure books were just amazing. Would have liked if the cartoon looked the same or the toys would have looked like the cartoon. Nevertheless, I had it all... except Eternia. Didn't even know they made that playset until a few years ago. But in my defense I was only 3 at the time lol. Great video 👌

[@spectorcreative1872]

Glad you like the video! Do tell your friends and help spread the word.;-)

[@Spongemonkey26]

The guys from Toys That Made Us said they made the cartoon because 5 year olds didn't read comics. I don't think it needs to be any more difficult than that.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Pretty much

[@ryangunwitch-black]

I never saw Teela as a damsel. I thought she was rad because she was the "warrior Goddess"

[@spectorcreative1872]

Oh she was definitely a kick ass type female warrior

[@jonathancraddock1810]

Same here. She wasn't your typical damsel in distress.

[@patofthesharingan6468]

I need help finding your video about ninjor. I recall having come across the video in which you discussed licensing and trademarks and how name rights can be taken if unused so ninjor had to go as ninja warrior. Thanks.

[@spectorcreative1872]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqPYiHh9eaadqZo

[@mamunestor]

You said “the best selling toy of the 80’s”. You can argue one of the best sure. But not THE best. As Transformers outsold He-Man, and GI Joe was up there too and that’s just in boys toys. Also depends if you mean profitability or units sold. Rubik’s Cube sold more units than any other toy in the 80’s.

[@spectorcreative1872]

And Nintendo outsold them all

[@markaes]

I had most of the original MOTU figures when they first came out and I was obsessed with the first minicomics... I was very much into sword and sorcery comics and toys and I loved the idea of a nameless barbarian riding a giant tiger with the genuinely terrifying skeletor. I remember being quite confused when I saw the cartoon several months later which seemed a lame rehash of Blackstar and my interest in the toy line waned shortly after that.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Yeah, that was a bit confusing. Especially when Blackstar made a cameo on MOTU as a statue

[@78troland]

Thank you!👌🙏🙏

[@spectorcreative1872]

So welcome! Thank YOU for watching

[@adamatsya]

Scott, can you tell us more about this abandoned line of Mattel Jack Kirby toys? That sounds amazing.

[@spectorcreative1872]

See the Jack Kirby video I did on this channel!

[@Leightr]

As a kid I had the Castle Greyskull playset and a dozen or so of the action figures. Can't remember the name of him but my favorite was a purple villain guy who had a grapnel and line to swing/ slide on. One of my friends had Snake Mountain. If only my mom hadn't given them away when I got older. Side note; I remember from the 1978 Superman movie when he has to quickly change for the first time to save Lois and the falling helicopter and he stops at the phone "booth" that's just a small, i dunno, urinal stall, but only from the waist up, essentially what a "modern" phone booth looked like in the late 70's and then he opted for going round in a revolving door instead. Even in 1978 the phone booth was outdated.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Are you thinking of Trap Jaw?

[@Leightr]

@@spectorcreative1872 Ah, I googled "he man purple grappling hook" It was "Webstor" I remember he was just fun to play with because you could have him swing off stuff with his hook and line; the kitchen table, the bookshelf, the Xmas tree, etc.

[@knighttakespawn]

“Arbor Day” and Dakota Johnson has me rolling 😂

[@spectorcreative1872]

It is worth celebrating

[@knighttakespawn]

@@spectorcreative1872 Dakota Johnson? I agree 😁

[@thetreeshaker4143]

Hey Scott. Subbing to your channel after catching you on geek.dad.life. I dig your passion and insight on collecting and the state of.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Thank you! Welcome to the channel

[@markm9282]

So Basically He-Man is Captain Marvel (Shazam!) lol....which is perfectly fine with me, being a child of the 80's!! Great video..subbed :)

[@spectorcreative1872]

I actually had a big conversation with Geoff Johns about this over dinner one time!

[@markm9282]

@@spectorcreative1872 That might be the most awesome statement I've read in these comment sections...very cool!

[@paulmiller7838]

He-Man and Skeletor were the original concept designs for the toy line for the Conan the Barbarian movie in it's original screen play, before it was changed. He-Man was made from the mold created for Conan and Skeletor was made from the mold for Thulsa-doom who was based on the original concept of Thulsa-doom from the original Robert E. Howard stories (which was a Kull story, not a Conan story) who had a skull for a face and by no means transformed into a snake. Once it became apparent the movie was going to be far to adult themed they scrapped the toy line but since Matel had the molds already the decided to use them to make the original designs of He-Man and Skeletor. So, the whole line was based off of Conan the Barbarian.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Sorry, but this just is not factually true. He man was developed from an idea of a male barbie that could be anything, space, military, barbarian, fireman. Management liked Barbarian so that became the theme.

[@paulmiller7838]

@@spectorcreative1872 The original version you showed in your video is very clearly a Conan figure. Artist Frank Frazetta was known for his work Conan being featured on the covers of the Lancer books. And you clearly stated that Frazetta was a main inspiration. Aside from you just stating that it's not true do you have the evidence to support that? I'm not disagreeing with you mind you, I would like to know definitively one way or the other.

[@andrewnightengale294]

I Definitely love it

[@spectorcreative1872]

Awesome! Reposts are always appreciated.

[@matthaeusprime6343]

What's really interesting is that the toy line kept up the idea of the different suits giving He-Man powers. Like Battle Armour He-Man or Thunderpunch He-Man. To be honest, I think if DC and whoever owns the toy license now they should offer comics with the toys and go off the old stories. As a grown ma, I think the old mini comic ideas are way more interesting than the Filmation cartoon stories. Just my two cents. I have no idea how the new Netflix series is going to go. Anyway, great video, I enjoyed it very much.

[@spectorcreative1872]

In a way yes! Although I don't know if the new armor was supposed to give He-Man "super power" the way it was envisioned like getting force fields and laser beams and flying powers &c... But the concept sure remained.

[@psovegeta]

I've been binge watching old He-man cartoons and it prompted me to go out and buy brand new He-man and Skeletor action figures.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Buying He man toys is never a bad idea

[@Goldenbane]

Hey now, Spector! He-man was punching a cliff and "building a home" (making a cave?) out of the cliffside. He wasn't killing a tree!

[@berkajr3685]

Oh my... What good eyes you had to point that out. Never occurred to you that Scott took some creative freedom to make a joke?

[@spectorcreative1872]

But it is funnier if he is hitting a tree! (good point)

[@Goldenbane]

@@berkajr3685 Or, it could be that I read the original comic back in the day! I was just teasing Scott. I thought my sarcasm came off better than I guess it did.

[@Goldenbane]

@@spectorcreative1872 I can't fault you there. Actually it makes more sense if he's using wood to build a home than smashing rocks, IMO, but that was what the original writer envisioned. I do admit that it made He-man seem stronger, LOL!

[@jamesdlin7]

The DC mini-comics illustrated by Mark Texeira (many years before he became well known for his Ghost Rider work at Marvel) were my favorite of the different mythologies. It was no-nonsense: no Prince Adam yet (which always seemed ridiculous to me since he looked exactly like He-Man; at least Clark Kent has glasses to obscure his face!) and no bumbling Orko. I think it's interesting that the version of Mer-man from the back of the mini-comics apparently existed in toy form for the Lords of Power promotional ad. Why was it changed? Would it have been too fragile? Or maybe originally they didn't have rubber heads? I also find it interesting that Matter decided against Lords of Power, but then Revell later had Power Lords.

[@spectorcreative1872]

I am guessing the intended design fro Mer man's head was too costly and had to be simplified.

[@iamnostalgic9567]

Something about that first half of the 1980's that was magical. A lot of sword and sorcery culture was thrown around in the arcade populated world. A great time to be alive!

[@spectorcreative1872]

Ah to be young again. And also a robot

[@iamnostalgic9567]

@@spectorcreative1872 Yeah, that Robot craze was everywhere.

[@mrfld]

Cool history.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Indeed

[@chriss1757]

I preferred the original story line. The "strength suit" was a popular theme in my early He-man adventures.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Go force field!

[@thomaslanderos4895]

Nice video..

[@spectorcreative1872]

Nice comment!

[@TheBigOrangeCat]

Right at the part where He-Man calls Battle-Cat, your cat started meowing!

[@spectorcreative1872]

I wish I could take credit for timing that! She just wanted out of my office.

[@JoelCarroll]

Oh, I MUCH prefer Glut and Alcala's original "Pre-Ternian" canon. The Filmation stuff is just SO clumsy. I wrote Donald Glut a big email, telling him how much I loved those first four MOTU comics, and he wrote me back! He just said, "Thanks." Hahahah

[@spectorcreative1872]

Yeah, I think he isn’t thrilled he never got a piece of the pie. Work for hire and all

[@bigguy130]

The two halves of the magic sword. Does that ring any bells? Filmation's earlier show, Blackstar?

[@spectorcreative1872]

Yup. Although Mattel did that independently. And Filmation didn't really use that element

[@kryptonian5539]

It was always about the box art for me

[@spectorcreative1872]

And boy did this line have great box art

[@justinmohan7103]

You should do a video about the He-Man head sculpt for the vintage figure. Its so perfect and I don't think they will ever beat it.

[@spectorcreative1872]

A whole video about the head?

[@justinmohan7103]

@@spectorcreative1872 Yeah, I think you could easily do a 10min video about it. Why is it so amazing and why is it so perfect, Is it because its the original or is it because it embodies the toughness. They keep rereleasing it and as fans we keep going back to it and I think most of us believe there is nothing that can beat it. What is it about this head sculpt that is so special. Why do we keep going back to it. Why can no designer create a better head. Was the head based on a person?

[@nunyafuckinbizniz]

@@justinmohan7103 conan, arnold

[@garymichael6899]

There’s also a motu preview in the first issue of supergirl!! I thought it was the only one before the dc presents #47! So which one came first action comics 537 or supergirl #1? That would technically be the 1st appearance of Motu in a comic. Not counting the mini comics of course

[@TethAdam]

DC comics presents 47 came out in July. The other ones you mentioned came out in November. That story was a follow-up. The preview insert came out in a bunch of DC titles in November.

[@spectorcreative1872]

I'll need to check the release dates but very possible!

[@antwan1357]

Is it just me or do i get that darth vader feeling with teela and the sorceress . Cause i remember at first Teela not liking the relation at first . With her rejecting the news when it came out then at some point when she was forced to be the next sorceress . Castle Grayskull taught her more about her own history and she understood it was to protect her.

[@spectorcreative1872]

See more here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5zHlqWff7x9o9U

[@Thunderwing88]

I’ve just acquired the first “mini comic” no where is she called The Goddess she’s the Sorceress. I’ve been making notes on mostly the first two series. She may be called The Goddess in “The Tale of Teela!” or “The Magic Stealer!” Those are the only two I don’t own from the first two series.

[@MrJon76]

@Thunderwing88 - She was called the Goddess in the very first mini-comic "He-Man and the Power Sword".

[@Thunderwing88]

MrJon76 I own a physical copy, witch I recently read, and I’ve gotten a digital copy from He-Man.org. I know what I’m talking about.

[@MrJon76]

@@Thunderwing88 you're right! It was Tee-la who was referred to as the warrior goddess!

[@spectorcreative1872]

Correct as noted in the reply above.

[@MrJon76]

@Spectre Creative - You forgot to mention that Filmation took the idea for Prince Adam's transformation into He-Man from the original Captain Marvel!

[@spectorcreative1872]

Oh completely. I had a whole conversation about this with Geoff Johns at DC awhile back

[@jonathancraddock1810]

It's ironic also because in the comic Injustice vs Masters of the Universe Adam does get Shazam's powers for a short while. Skeletor does also.

[@mangamegs]

So, Adam would be in a hurry, run into a cave with the "goddess" waiting and he walk out confidently as a "heman", hmmmm. Hopefully no money was passed along.

[@spectorcreative1872]

Well, you never know what happens off panel

[@mangamegs]

@@spectorcreative1872 lol

[@slavdef]

I'd pay the Sorceress whatever she wanted.

[@ehenyor]

I saw a video with clips of all.old Filmation or Lou S. shows. Basically in every single one, it had a "magical transformation" scene that made He-Man's icon transformation more of a commodity. :'(

[@spectorcreative1872]

Yes, a magical transformation is very important to a character working with kids

[@TheCheshireMadcat]

So he entered his He-Man Cave, did it have a tv and foosball table?

[@spectorcreative1872]

No, but it is where he kept his action figure collection

[@RogueTwo]

My brother and I were kind of weird that way I guess. In all the various action figure toy lines we collected over the years, if there was a female character, we wanted them. To us, you couldn't do Star Wars without Princess Leia. You couldn't do GI Joe without Scarlett, Lady-Jaye, The Baroness and company. You couldn't do Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles without April O'Neill. And you sure as heck couldn't do Masters of the Universe without Teela, Evelin and The Sorceress. Heck, when She-Ra came out, my brother saw it as opportunity to add even more females to his He-Man collection. I'm not denying that some boys did indeed shy away from toys of the female characters, but it wasn't that way in my family.

[@spectorcreative1872]

I actually do think your point is more universal. Every boys toy line had "a" female and this tends to be the source of the storytelling. Check out my history of Teela video for more. Great points.

[@RogueTwo]

@@spectorcreative1872 I will! I just discovered your channel. Sometimes those KZbin algorithms that give you recommendations actually work the way that they're supposed to.

[@bloodrunsclear]

It sounds a bit like your cat in the background was filling in for Battlecat there XD

[@spectorcreative1872]

Yeah, Kiki gets around

[@JoelCarroll]

Haha....He-Man wasn't just punching a tree, you goof! He was making his house! He didn't have a saw!

[@spectorcreative1872]

Yeah, I know. You are right. But it is funnier to say he was punching a tree!

[@JoelCarroll]

@@spectorcreative1872 I mean, honestly....if some green lady in a snake suit just gave me a "super strength bra", I'd have punched some trees for fun, too...

[@randybarnett2308]

He Man toys were great until the new G I Joe's came out they blew He Man and gang away!👍💪💀

[@spectorcreative1872]

I think she ra did something about that too

[@illu322]

I like the original mini comics story, but I think the 200x series did a good job.

[@spectorcreative1872]

The 200X series is one of my favorites of all time

[@sailorpluto9914]

Saw He man and The Masters of the Universe. And clicked

[@spectorcreative1872]

And.... ;-)

[@shazamstrongesthumansuperh8555]

Funny that people talk about the same origins for He-man; but the REAL heroes behind MOTU were working at Filmation and will die anonymous. Without the cartoon Heman was going to be nothing.

[@markus113]

Was it battlekitten i heard in the background?

[@spectorcreative1872]

Yup. Her secret identity name is Kiki

[@leonardeuler9592]

9:02 I think Skelettor was inspired from the character Thulsa Doom of the 1930s Conan the Barbarian novels.

[@spectorcreative1872]

I'm sure that was some influence too, Along with the Grim Reaper