Masters of the Universe: An Origins Story - Mattel He-Man Action Figures

[@WyldstaarStudios]

I blame both Mattel and retailers for the lack of product being available. The common excuse used by retailers always seems to be that there are too many He-Man and Skeletor figures clogging the pegs, but that's just nonsense. I worked for Toys R Us when Power of the Force II came out. We had more Princess Leia and Chewie figures than we could possibly sell, but that didn't stop TRU from continuing to order more Power of the Force II. Any time we got another case of figures in stock, we would take sixteen Princess Leias or Chewies off the peg, then put the sixteen new figures on the peg (it was actually only twelve, since every new case had two more Leias and two more Chewies). The Leias/Chewies would all go in the empty box, I'd write "Princess Leia" or "Chewie" on the box and put it in the back with all the other boxes of these two characters. Occasionally, the pegs would actually manage to run low on Chewie, and I'd restock from the back. Eventually, they all went into a clearance bin and that was the end of it. Every line is going to have some peg warmers, especially if you overproduce characters. That's what clearance sections and discount stores are for.

[@scottknudsen6611]

You'd think that after almost fifty freaking years people in the toy business would have managed to get the hang of this. Their ability not to learn from experience is truly astounding.

[@mindwipe8788]

Couldn’t have said it better myself,

[@Plagues138]

That's because back in the 90s, kids still bought action figures, and star wars was massively popular. How many kids do you think are asking for these figures? It's all middle aged men buying this stuff now, and retailers don't want to over buy and end up with "that one figure that doesn't sell" clogging every store. Look at GI Joe, every store I go to has roadblocks out the ass. Or marvel legends, there's always the same 2-3 characters noone buys. The one thing mcfarlane is doing better than everyone else atm is selling and shipping boxes of just one character. So retailers can order boxes of just batman, just superman etc, characters that sell, so they don't get stuck with 20 if the same character from 20 cases.

[@dariusq8894]

In my area He-man & Skeletor have been on the rarer side of distribution. I've seen displays crammed full of Battle Cat, Ram-man, and Clamp Champ but next to none of the main hero and villain. I have literally seen more Castle Grayskulls on toy shelves.

[@WyldstaarStudios]

@@dariusq8894 Weird. I found the 2020 He-Man and Skeletor figures on the clearance isle of my local Walmart this morning. Not sure why they bothered. When I went to the action figure isle, the pegs were just empty, so they didn't need to clear the space on the pegs for new product.

[@J-T-A]

That final shot slow swap is subtle art.

[@DirtyDan16325]

What I personally like about the origins line, is the fact that is it can co-exist with the originals. Origins can fill in the gaps of the originals, and the originals vehicles and play sets can remain.

[@codymcclainbrown7494]

That was a well written summation at the end. I just can't stress how much I appreciate the quality that goes into RB's videos.

[@AllThings80s]

This line has been a godsend for me as I never had any MotU figures as a child, despite the fact I always wanted them. My parents told me that, by all means, you can have MotU, but that means no more Star Wars, so I stuck with my beloved Star Wars. These Origins figures fit my needs perfectly, although as you mentioned, being able to find them at a decent price is proving quite difficult.

[@eightbit1975]

This line has been a godsend for me too...and I did own almost every original figure as a child. My parents got rid of them when I got older and didn't care (and didn't know they did) and years and years later I would find myself thinking about them and wishing I had them again. I collected originals for a brief stint, and as Michael said the repair bench became a prison. I gave up and sold them all about a year or so before Origins hit. When I saw these and realized they had been "fixed" I knew I had to have them. I have to have them ALL. To date I do have them all...even the Powercon stuff. I just hope I can survive the exclusives and keep this collection complete!

[@SeansModelBuilds2017]

@@eightbit1975 That's too bad that your parebts gave away your old toys. My parents kept mine, boxed them up and gave them to me 8 years ago when I moved out west.

[@dlgcp]

Bonus points for the King Osric from "Conan" homage!

[@salvadorgomez9699]

Came straight to comments as soon as I heard that to see if anyone noticed. Lol. Awesome!

[@clayscustoms2050]

@@salvadorgomez9699 yeah, that was pretty well placed

[@Gg_gg9098]

I was some what sceptical when you said you’d be replacing the vintage with origins for the videos, as I thought they would look too different. But that end shot proved me wrong, only at the end did I realize you had been swapping them and I had to replay it to make sure my eyes weren’t playing tricks on me. Great shot!

[@Rafu_Aeru]

I've been looking at that TrapJaw and wondering: "Did he get that at msrp?" The fact that Grayskull add-on with the robot suit is an exclusive really grinds my gears.

[@thelastdisplay]

Yeah the Grayskull robot suit is so damn cool.

[@Degro76]

It's absolutely ridiculous that's kids will have a castle without the extras. Drives me nuts. What a horrible decision by an out of touch mattel.

[@brushstroke3733]

@@Degro76 It's really not missing any important pieces for kids. Kids have imaginations and don't need stories and characters spoon fed to them. Nevertheless, I like the Spaceman figure and will buy it when Mattep releases it again as a stand alone for $15.

[@thelastdisplay]

@@brushstroke3733 Yeah I don't mind that they sell it separately but don't make it limited or exclusive. The other two sculpts with it are interesting too.

[@brushstroke3733]

@@thelastdisplay I think the limited and exclusive packs are designed for a certain kind of collector (Mint On Card Completists) which is why Mattel can ask $50 for that Greyskull accessories set and get it. I agree that all the sculpts in that set are cool, but I wouldn't pay $50 for them. Maybe I will change my mind though as this line continues to infect my mind with it's addicting qualities! I didn't think I'd want the Spaceman three days ago, and now I am looking forward to ordering him as soon as they make him available! 😓

[@mattstrom5348]

I don't know, I find the origins figures to be new strangers, posing as old friends. I am certainly willing to resolve, my very rare, repair issues, just to have what I remember as the official, original, presentations from long ago.

[@BiggestDawgEver]

While I am a died in the wool "Classics" collector, I totally appreciate how great this "Origins" line is. The compatibility with vintage vehicles and playsets is awesome. As I did not have many vintage vehicles and no playsets, my upgrading to a larger scale left only my falling apart figures and a Wind Raider left lost to time. Classics produced more Vehicles and Playsets than I ever owned as a kid so that was best for me, though missed figures are a wallet busting nightmare. Origins on the other hand, if they can sort out their distribution, is a more cost efficient and durable alternative to my chosen path. Kudos on paraphrasing Max Von Sydow as the King in Conan the Barbarian BTW.

[@cappeca]

Very well written. This line is like an amazing love letter being delivered by a stupid postman.

[@turtle-tank8231]

I love The Origins line this is how you do a modern classic

[@DonHec]

What’s your take on the Origins line now?

[@evanescapades2513]

Love the modern origins line and the blue carded cartoon collection. Modern day bliss!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Great video sir! Thank you!!!

[@johnnystratos9168]

Origins is the best line out there since the original ones

[@FrankMillersEvilHat1]

Part of me kind of didn't want to continue collecting Origins due to how hard the figures are to find in my area and the bad taste the new Netflix show gave me but how cool these figures look together and realizing He-Man's owner ship is split meaning Netflix isn't making a dime off these it is making me want to get a few more. This video helped me decide that.

[@Peter-lb8pv]

Older He-Man quads, arms, pecs and abs way more shredded.

[@xtroguyver]

AS a uk transformers generations collector I am getting so tired of US toy shop exclusives as you said they are ripe for damn scalpers and has made getting some figures to expensive for me - looking at you ratchet and lifeline boxset

[@JONNYSORENSEN_AU]

Not even MacGyver could defuse those vintage ticking timebombs.

[@Darthjardius]

I'm sure he could do it with a paper clip

[@knightwolfpro4494]

I know My opinion will be unpopular, but I actually like the head sculpt on He-Man. I was dissapointed to see that Faker did not come with it and went with the vintage version.

[@m.i.bmastertoymuseum1979]

Excellent video my friend !!! You hit on every aspect of my frustration with these figures and the joy of trying to collect this new toy line !!!!

[@user-Monke556]

I’m really interested in he man figures and I want he man and skeleton as my fist figures so should I get the more expensive retro heads ones or just the fist wave one please and thanks.

[@redadamearth]

I'm just glad I have the memory of growing up in the 80's when you could find pretty much any figure from any toy line even at a local *pharmacy* or gas station. As for Origins, they're definitely not bad, it's just that they don't approach the detail and style of the original vintage to me - and I still prefer the more basic articulation - probably for nostalgic reasons, but they also just have more of a charm. As far as the legs, it's gotten to the point where I can replace a leg band in about 15 minutes and it's not a struggle anymore, which allows my vintage figures to live a new life. It's the only repro part that I let into my collection as it's just indispensable when it comes to saving MOTU figures.

[@scottperrin9655]

What a fantastic video! As a kid, I had damn near every figure, vehicle, etc...As I got into HS, I had them all boxed up in my room. After my 1st semester in college, I went home to get my boxes of MOTU toys because I finally had a place bigger than a jail cell door room and....my dad had sold them all at a garage sale. In his defense, when I moved, i never made mention that I planned on coming back for them. He finally got a return on his investment 😀. So...to whomever hit the mother load of MOTU at a garage sale in Alexandria, LA in the mid 90s, hats off to you!

[@IuriFiedoruk]

I really LOVE the Origins line. It has the fun that was missing in all lines after vintage.

[@erikkunkle9574]

I am built tough but, I must admit, I started coming apart at the 40 year mark too. Great video as always.

[@Chalor.]

5:06 You know, I've yet to see those updated He-Man and Skeletor figures. And my Walmart and Target's have gotten restock after restock...but where have all the updated classic head figures gone? Like, did they just stop distribution before crossing the Mason-Dixon line?

[@davidmatthews3333]

Literally my favorite channel on KZbin.

[@GregorySesma]

These figures have been fun to hunt for. For the most part I’ve come across all of them at my local stores.

[@GregorySesma]

@@__-wm9lu Sorry to hear that. When I have a tough time finding stuff in the wild, I’ll order it online. Had to do that for Teela. Good luck and hope you find those figures.

[@GregorySesma]

@@__-wm9lu Bummer.

[@douglasbutler1319]

@@__-wm9lu I’m also in Canada, I’m not a Heman collector but I’ve seen a lot of this line on cards at EB games. Give them a try, good luck!

[@orangewhip115]

It takes me 5 minutes to replace a leg bend. There is very little you can do with the waist movement.

[@namelessjedi2242]

I’m with you in remembering the toys before the cartoon. IMO that was when MOTU was best. The Mark Taylor influence was strong, and the character concepts on point. With a couple exceptions, the line generally went down from there, I feel.

[@MASONMAXEY22]

Ah.. the days before Orko and Prince Adam, when imagination and the miniature comic books that came with the figures were all we needed.

[@absoLukeCollecting]

4 years old or not, it was still a nice listen on my drive home from work. You still look and sound the same🤘🏼

[@gamers7800]

Ya the origin line does kinda hit the sweet spot, especially for collectors from the 80s.

[@RoyceLovesHisShotgun]

Anybody else notice that when you show a non- toy collector your Origins collection. They always assume that they are the original 80s line

[@jaypeterman9721]

5:08 the original sculpt for he man looks like it was based off of the books and comics before the show, and the new head before the retro change looked like Mattel wanted to base it more on Filmation. It would have helped if any of the male characters had whites painted in the eyes.

[@paluxyl.8682]

The original He-man head is based on the head of Big Jim . Many parts of Big Jim was later used for Masters ..... the most known are Battle-Cat and Beast man's whip .

[@Jaimito1981]

Great video. I still have my sealed MOTU collection. Best toys ever!

[@jackofallclaws6672]

This was a really good episode, Great Job.

[@venger78]

Love it. Great break down as always.

[@toddsmith9598]

Great content, as always. Thanks RB. This is the only modern line I am doing right now also.

[@FraDonaghyMusic]

I picked up Origins He-Man 2.0 and Battlecat to display alongside their vintage and 200x namesakes. Origins Battlecat is HUGE by comparison, but He-Man with the new head sculpt looks virtually identical to the original. It is great to have a modern option to add to our collections.

[@jeremyj2667]

Another comprehensive video. Thanks, Michael.

[@yellowgut]

Always love your takes on issues.

[@TheBoglin]

Awesome video sir! This has been my main reason for getting into Origins as well. I also recently got into vintage G.I. Joe because those figures can be repaired and as Origins has been coming out with vintage MotU characters, I too have been swapping them out. Plus my son is a little over 6 years old and I am having fun showing him MotU through Origins. It was funny to see him grab Ram-Man and take him out to the car with him amongst his other little figures, so that makes me smile every time I see it. I would hope alot of the issues with distribution are stemming from a lack of materials over seas since other industries have been fighting over materials but as usual we are all left in the dark as to what the real reasons are. I was so upset that the Grayskull Armor Power-Con pack sold out, I could pass on the other 2 sets but that was the one I wanted the most. I don't get their brains sometimes.

[@krono5el]

Always loved Panthors velvety finish : D

[@Pellbort]

3:21 BEWARE MER-MAN and his DREADED SWORD OF BABY CORN

[@RoninCatholic]

Orko is, was, and probably always will be my favorite Masters of the Universe character. Man At Arms is probably the second and Skeletor as the third.

[@burritoboy2751]

Man at Arms is my favorite. Cringer/Battle Cat is my second. Trapjaw is my third.

[@SkeletorTclaws]

I kinda like the villans like blast attack, snake face, king hiss, mosketor and dragstor. Extendar is also cool

[@-FLETCH-]

Me too!!

[@thelastdisplay]

I really like the Orgins Orko design. Mattel got the size proportions and color of the hat totally right. He looks just like the Filmation cartoon.

[@hailthegoer777]

Great video, thanks!

[@djtitan]

The keldor two pack is a peg warmer at target now

[@DoctorInk20]

When these were announced, I rolled my eyes, 'cos I knew that *Mattel* were prone to scummy practices regarding _figure availability and pricing,_ but I was truly surprised I could get these in a proper toy shop at all. I grew up with the _2002 He-Man,_ so I have *zero nostalgia* for the '80s classics, but they're so toyetic and aesthetically-pleasing I've honestly thought it'd be nice getting some figures in the old style with modern tooling and the Origins figures delivered that in spades. I'm not the most avid collector, so I really only wanted the basics - *He-Man, Skeletor and Battle Cat* - which are wonderful and I enjoy having them in my collection. I'm currently looking to get *a Teela figure* - just to complete this nice image of "Good Guy, Good Girl, Noble Mount and Vile Villain" that I like about the Sword-N-Sorcery vibes of *He-Man* - but any other characters that I might have gotten on a whim, e.g. Trap Jaw, seem to be thin on the ground. I suppose that's the *Mattel-brand, short-packing scumminess* I was expecting, but I'm not too bothered by it. I just feel bad for those looking to upgrade their old _MotU_ figures and have to go on *a pricey, toy safari hunt.*

[@billyjoe6933]

You always tell it like it is .great video

[@themaineman8377]

Loved the Conan reference at the end there. Great video. Love your content.

[@porknbeins]

Wonderful episode as usual micheal

[@Superdimensional]

I felt like your story is my story, I’m a transformers Masterpiece and Macross/Robotech collector mainly, but being that MOTU was the first toy line I collected as a child, this line has been the only MOTU line that has hit me in the feels. Its not been the easiest but I’ve managed to get most of what I’ve wanted in this line so far.

[@WishItWas1984]

My MOTU section of the collection is a mixture of vintage and commemorative series. They were loosey goosey a long time ago, so I have them held up with Kaiser doll stands. So far everyone looks ok. No rot causing the legs to just fall off, but I may move in the next year or so and am NOT looking forward to repairing them.

[@ryanspengler4877]

@00:00:10 Real Ghostbusters HAS to go on that list, too! Great video...as always! @02:38 Has there ever been a more perfect facial expression for a candid repair moment? 😯

[@skabcat242]

I had no idea those leg joints on the vintage MOTU figures broke overtime. I can see how the origins line is a nice substitute.

[@HolladayBibleMinistry]

Very well said. I enjoyed watching this.

[@riderbuzz2606]

once again great vid RB

[@daniellobo1680]

Thanks for the video. I totally agree with you 👍👍👍👌

[@gypsytitan4146]

You can restore two-bad and Roboto's legs with a good scrubbing , the plastic on the legs brakes down and coats the covering paint, if you spend twenty or so minutes rubbing the plastic oils off you will find the original paint hiding underneath.

[@OnlyOneKenobi]

Great vid! Born in 81' my only real living memory of He-Man/MOTU is the figures... wgichbi would've had at a VERY young age. This vid pulled back a flood of memories! I remember the leg bands, but never actually remember breaking any incredibly! 🙃 O.O.K 👌🏼💙

[@Rat_King_Reviews]

I was born in 81 and can remember coming home from primary school getting changed and hearing he man on the TV begin as it was also still shown on TV as repeats for many years long after it ended

[@impossiblepie]

Ah poor Merriman, i caved started buying some origins figures! Great video Michael!

[@danielrecommends]

I feel very much the same way. While I love the vintage figures, trying to find any in good shape or with tight joints and working action features is very difficult. It's also very expensive. Origins is the line that got me into toy collecting. I could finally own a good version of characters I never owned as a kid. They make great display pieces and the creative interchangeable parts allow for some fun customizing.

[@Grindhead_Jim]

I will also say that the availability proposition of the toy line versus the reality keeps me in the house and shopping online. I almost need a scout party to let me know which local store has the most varied stock (without spoiling it) to motivate me to go out. Hmm... wait... Toy hunting in department stores requires a lot of walking... I need to start walking more... Are you seriously telling me that hunting for toys at retail might actually increase my cardiovascular health? "Pretty thin, Riggs." YES THAT IS THE GOAL. *the above message is brought to you by a lack of caffeine

[@tonygriego6382]

Any thoughts on the new Netflix series?

[@ryanbwags]

Grabbed Adam and the Sky Sled today at Target. I like it. The figure is good, and the sled feels quite durable. They had several Keldor and Kronis 2 packs as well.

[@darkwoods1954]

Classics is the ultimate Masters of the Universe toyline. A fantastic mix of all eras with great detail. Even vehicles and playsets. It's great to see MOTU back in the spotlight now with so many toys in store, youtubers discussing it and even new media.

[@Chasing80sToys]

Excellent video from the start to the conclusion.👍👍👍

[@spacemanreviews8468]

When you make less than the demand,...you kill the demand! Remember Nintendo classic edition!

[@crazyjohnt8012]

Much like the NES Classic, Mattel is dealing with a...chip shortage? Yeah that's it a chip shortage...

[@cptoyscollection]

As always, great video...👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@galactus4mac]

I love the Origins line. It’s one of my favorite toy lines ever talk about bulletproof. Haha

[@wilhelmrifflord]

Loved that King Osric bit at the end

[@camcordernonsense5264]

I like the origins figures but can't start a collection I can't find

[@ToyKennections]

Very well said. There's still a Toys R Us near me in Canada and distribution can be an issue here too - like you said, was really hard to find scare glow or trap jaw even when they first came out! Though, Battlecat was well stocked for some reason. Love the last shot with the huge assortment of figures. Btw.

[@dukefisticuffs]

Great video. Expert application of a CONAN THE BARBARIAN quote at the end!

[@yewnew]

Off topic: will there ever be new line of MASK toys? I'd love to buy my son a couple of those vehicles, but the vintage ones are a bit out of my price range.. Read somewhere that it was talked about, but can't seem to find if it's still in the works.

[@armanireyes753]

Another amazing video!

[@It-Figures]

Great video!! Excellent points made I would say, and I actually really really like the display with origins figures in the vintage playsets and vehicles. I would be interested in if your brother finds this line appealing or producing of any nostalgia to (maybe if lucky) see these on the shelves.

[@TenkoVA]

Recently target has had another set of exclusives-re-releases of older figures that are harder to find for decent prices. Trapjaw, Orko, Man E Faces, and Scareglow. Definitely helpful for me, who's local target happened to get them multiple times, but it's annoying that they were exclusive.

[@Grindhead_Jim]

Nearly exactly my feelings on the subject, save the fact that it is a somewhat-attainable line for someone just starting out, as well as replacing vintage figures.

[@killbotone6210]

I live in VietNam so it's almost impossible to find these. I've been lucky enough to get Skeletor and Hordak but I foolishly missed the chance to get Scareglow when I had the opportunity.

[@epik125]

Mikle the second wave never came to are stores

[@EdgedShadow]

I'm still unconvinced any of these exist outside of He-Man, Skeletor, their respective Battle Cats, and the Prince Adam vehicle 2 pack. I've never seen another in the wild, while those 5 are clogging shelves for months.

[@irishvader2193]

I would love to hear your thoughts on gi joe classified, especially since you mentioned target exclusivity

[@whydopeoplelovefoxy2051]

People: they don’t make toys like they used too Me: shows all the darth mauled g.I. Joes and he man figures

[@brentbanks8021]

When I have better chances finding a pre-owned SH Figuarts action figure from 10 years ago on a JAPANESE e-tailer's site than a modern collectors have chances of buying current month releases of MotU Origins figures, you know the state of US retail is beyond broken...

[@3rdegree13]

Well said! I’ll be along for the ride!

[@GOCHIEFSJMB]

Good video and great content. Speaking nothing but truth. I truly am so frustrated I only have 15 of the origins characters. Wave 1 was never even available in the county I live in , in Georgia. I hope this changes as I plan to buy all of them. Also plan to purchase Castle Awesome and Mt Fucking amazing if they ever hit retail shelves. Mattel, please ramp up production and re-release the earlier waves again. I crave this toy line and absolutely love the nostalgia it brings me

[@bashsibda6289]

So much heart ache. This man is a true collector.

[@tntsk868]

its like doing a major operation when having to replace those leg bands. Probably need to have plastic needle nose pliers.

[@mikegeary8056]

Those og sculpt’s are amazing.

[@francoisregis2155]

I only collect a few of those figs I finally found he-man and skeletor (both new versions) yesterday at my toys r us they are really cool love the articulations I want more

[@treadstone1138]

Wow, the Rise of Evil two pack is on CLEARANCE at my local Target. Talk about wonky!! And btw, terrific Conan reference at the end there. Nice. King Osric would have been proud. :-)

[@radicalretro2067]

Great video! I feel the same way about origins. I love the line. The Powercon exclusives however is extremely frustrating!

[@Mentski]

Thankfully, over in Blighty, we're not having problems with the regular waves, at least. Smyths Toys have been the go to source for anybody in the know. Having said that, the exclusives, such as the flocked Panthor, and the Keldor/Cronis pack have not been seen over here so far. Can't say I've seen any of the deluxe figures like the Battle armour figures or Hordak, either, although online retailers claim to have stock. I love the figures I've gotten hold of, and they're at that price point where it could get VERY easy to get sucked in, but I know It's just going to end up a hassle to get what I want, it's killed other lines for me before, and it'll kill this one for me too.

[@collincutler4992]

I've just started collecting this line. I got He-man and Skeletor, Battle Cat, and managed to get the Keldor/Kronos package. Picked up Prince Adam and the Sky Sled today. My issues: lightweight plastic, not nearly as durable. Battle Cats helmet won't stay on and Panthor isn't flocked, he's purple plastic...They won't hold weapons like the old ones, but overall I love this line. Desperately searching for Scareglow and Trapjaw

[@LannieLord]

I will take any original VINTAGE toys over new ones. I do not care if they have flaws.

[@4thecollectors]

This is why I sold off my vintage Masters of the Universe figures I kept on having to replace 2 figures a year they became a headache this is some good content nothing but truth and facts

[@skylx0812]

I always thought He-Man's face on the figure looked familiar and now I think I got it. He looks like 70s character actor George Kennedy. But in the last clip he looks like Jane Curtain.

[@marcmcfinn7470]

I can totally see the George Kennedy resemblance! But I always thought he looked like Frank Frazetta's Conan. Help me out here. Did anyone else think Man-At-Arms looked like Jack Palance?