The Evil Warrior action figures included some scary characters. Skeletor was presented as a power-hungry demon who sought the magic contained within Castle Grayskull. Various underlings participated in his schemes.

Many of the Evil Warrior figures were appealing because of their brutish nature and animalistic designs. The half-mechanical Trap Jaw remains one of the most memorable Masters of the Universe toys.

As with the Heroic Warriors, a number of variants of some Evil Warrior figures were produced around the world. Several examples are shown in the galleries on this page.

SKELETOR

EVIL LORD OF DESTRUCTION

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Cross-sell art from Series One minicomics.

Early Taiwan version with peach accents on the face.

This style is known as ‘half-boot’ because the legs were painted to replicate the look of shin guards.

Figure with loincloth removed to show the purple trunks with black waistband. This would later be changed to all black.

Staff accessory.

Sword accessory.

Later ‘half-boot’ version. The figure still has the peach colour on the face but now features all-black trunks.

Another feature of the early Skeletor figures was the short straps on the chest armour.

Staff accessory.

Skeletor always had the female version of the power sword.

Standard Taiwan version. The face paint has been simplified, the shin guards are now full boots, and the trunks are all-black.

Staff accessory.

Female version of power sword.

Sword tucked into harness straps.

Sword accessory.

Sometimes the differences were barely noticeable. The red paint used for his glowing eyes is brighter on this version.

The longer straps were adopted to make adding and removing the armour easier.

The staff became known as the Havoc Staff.

Additional example of sword with female slot.

Sword accessory.

Hong Kong hard-head version. The skin colour is significantly different from the Taiwan versions.

Extra long straps on the harness.

Staff accessory.

Sword accessory.

Standard Taiwan version with blue armour issued in 1983.

Blue staff.

Blue sword.

Skeletor was a brilliant antagonist for the Masters of the Universe toy line. His name is obviously derived from the word ‘skeleton’, reflecting his skull face and making him instantly memorable.

Slight adjustments were made to the action figure early on, generally to simplify the paint scheme or make the harness straps easier to use. Several examples are shown in the gallery which plot the changes.

Collector’s hint: Many fans seek out a hard-headed version of Skeletor. Most figures described and sold as such are actually Dragon Blaster Skeletor. I’ve only seen one genuine example and he is shown in the photographs.

BEAST MAN

SAVAGE HENCHMAN

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Cross-sell art from Series One minicomics.

One of the first figures in the line and a perennial favourite.

The harness and shoulder armour are distinctive pieces.

The figure uses the same body parts as Stratos.

The whip accessory was taken from a bigger-scale Mattel line, which is why it does not fit Beast Man’s hand properly.

The yellow accessories were not issued with the original figure but included in the Weapons Pak.

It is not uncommon to find Beast Man with his nose paint rubbed off.

The Weapons Pak whip accessory is the same as the regular Beast Man version.

Beast Man (sometimes written as Beastman) was one of Skeletor’s most bullied but loyal underlings. Often portrayed unfairly as being dim-witted, Beast Man was sometimes more alert to jeopardy than his master.

The action figure has enduring appeal despite the bright orange colour scheme. Beast Man’s whip was taken from an earlier and larger-scale Mattel toy line, which is why it does not fit his hand properly.

Collector’s hint: Beast Man figures with unbroken shoulder armour are scarce. Split but otherwise complete pieces can be repaired with careful application of superglue.

FAKER

EVIL ROBOT OF SKELETOR

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

The standard version of Faker is a repainted He-Man figure with Skeletor’s chest armour.

The orange colour of the armour differs from the red of the cross-sell art.

Faker has a chest sticker to represent his robotic nature.

Faker has a sword accessory but no axe and shield.

The sword is a female sword like Skeletor’s.

Some Fakers were released with Skeletor-style demon arms.

The demon-arms version appears to be quite rare.

Demon-armed version with sword accessory.

Faker was the only MOTU figure to be reissued. The new version featured a hard head and darker skin colour.

The hard-head reissue has less definition than the soft-head version. Larger boots were also used.

Faker was the only character in the vintage Masters of the Universe line to be released twice. The second version used a hard head. The colours used on his hair and accessories were reversed from the cross-sell art.

Collector’s hint: Faker figures with sun-bleached torsos or black marks at the top of the legs should be avoided. Worn or faded chest stickers can be replaced by these good quality reproductions.

MER-MAN

EVIL OCEAN WARLORD

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Alternative cross-sell art showing blue version of Mer-Man.

Original version with orange trunks and green waistband.

Original version.

Original version with distinctive crustacean sword.

The sword is a poor fit in Mer-Man’s hands because the grip is wider than the regular swords.

Mer-Man uses the same body parts as Skeletor.

The more common version of Mer-Man has all-orange trunks.

Mer-Man is notable for looking rather different from his cross-sell art.

Standard version with sword.

Mer-Man is notable for looking rather different from his cross-sell art and minicomic illustrations. The action figure is nevertheless one of the best in the line. Early versions featured a green belt around the trunks.

Collector’s hints: When buying a vintage Mer-Man figure, always check that the sword has an intact hand guard. Some figures are sold as complete but are missing the lower section of the armour.

ZODAC

EVIL COSMIC ENFORCER

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Zodac uses the standard demon arms and legs and the Beast Man / Stratos torso.

It is the helmet which makes Zodac an enigmatic character.

Laser blaster accessory.

The blaster was reused with the Kobra Khan figure.

The black Zodac-style armour was included in the Weapons Pak.

A matching black blaster was included in the Weapons Pak.

There was a lack of clarity about Zodac’s role in the vintage line. He was portrayed as one of the Evil Warriors and also as a neutral observer whose duty was to maintain a peculiar balance between good and evil.

Zodac’s name was spelled Zodak in some material. He was intended to be the antagonist in the minicomic Slave City! but the writers did not know a toy with his name already existed. The name was amended to Lodar.

EVIL-LYN

EVIL WARRIOR GODDESS

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Alternative cross-sell art showing Caucasian version of Evil-Lyn (released as Maligna in Brazil).

Evil-Lyn uses the Teela body.

The wand is a glow-in-the-dark accessory although it was never described as such on the packaging.

Evil-Lyn is the only evil female figure in the line.

Evil-Lyn was the only female villain in the line. The bright yellow skin tone was standard, although a Brazilian example appears to have used the Caucasian skin tone which matched her appearances in various media.

A little-known fact about the toy is that her wand accessory glows in the dark. This feature was, surprisingly, not advertised on the figure’s card. Evil-Lyn was often portrayed as Skeletor’s second-in-command.

Collector’s hint: A rubber leg connector for female figures is available which is shorter than the male version. The originals tended to stretch or perish over time. Even when fixed, the female figures don’t stand up very well.

TRAP JAW

EVIL AND ARMED FOR COMBAT

Cross-sell-art featuring shoulder armour and metal jaw.

Cross-sell-art without shoulder armour and metal jaw but adding skull design to belt.

One of the most popular MOTU characters. Note the large pupils on this example.

Laser blaster accessory.

Additional accessories mounted on belt.

Rear view showing clamp and hook attachments.

Hook accessory.

Clamp accessory.

The hinged jaw adds to the character of this figure.

This example has smaller pupils. The change gives Trap Jaw a different but equally sinister expression.

This belt has a longer strap and smaller catches than the previous example.

Clamp accessory.

Hook accessory.

French version of Trap Jaw with red ring and black stripe on helmet.

The red paint on the upper teeth creates an interesting alternative look for the figure.

Trap Jaw is one of the most popular Masters of the Universe figures. The arm attachments and moveable jaw make this a feature-rich toy. Some minor variations, such as different belt notches, can be found.

Trap Jaw was introduced in the minicomic The Menace of Trap Jaw! His appearance in this story was very different from the toy, using a completely different colour scheme. Some toys included a glow-in-the-dark ring.

TRI-KLOPS

EVIL AND SEES EVERYTHING

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Blue eye on visor.

Frowning red eye on visor.

Red eye on visor.

Tri-Klops’s panoramic vision makes him a fearsome adversary.

Sword accessory.

A slot on the back of the armour accommodates the sword.

Each eye on the visor is meant to have a special function when turned to the front.

Tri-Klops is another favourite character. Although he is usually associated with Skeletor, the minicomic which introduced him suggested he was a conscience-driven bounty hunter. That minicomic is The Terror of Tri-Klops!

The three eyes on Tri-Klops’s visor gave him panoramic vision. Each eye also had a particular function when turned to the front: day vision; night vision; and the ability to see around corners.

BATTLE ARMOR SKELETOR

EVIL LORD OF DESTRUCTION

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Standard version; undamaged section.

The chest rotates to show different levels of battle damage.

The chest barrel locks in place and releases when pressed inward.

Staff accessory.

Skeletor’s armour is well sculpted.

Sword accessory.

This figure used the same female sword as the original Skeletor toy.

Mexico version. The boots and armour are of a lighter purple than the regular figure.

Mexico version; single damage strike.

Mexico version; double damage strike.

The Mexico version features a decorative paint swirl on the boots and more detailed arms.

Mexico version; sword accessory.

Mexico version, staff accessory. The boot swirl is also visible in this image.

The chest section on Battle Armor Skeletor rotates to show increasing levels of damage. The figure is well designed. It does not feature the loincloth of the original Skeletor. The variants are particularly interesting.

CLAWFUL

WARRIOR WITH THE GRIP OF EVIL

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Clawful features a large lobster-like claw.

The large claw has a lever on the underside to open it.

The claw snaps shut when released due to its in-built spring.

Mace accessory.

The back piece of the armour features a jagged spine.

The French version has the smaller demon feet which were first used on Skeletor.

French version with small demon feet.

French version with mace accessory.

French version.

Another great action figure, Clawful features a large lobster claw with a spring mechanism. A lever on the underside of the claw opens it. The spring then snaps it shut.

The two main variants of the figure are defined by the leg parts used. The regular version has the legs that were used on Buzz-Off and Whiplash. The French version uses the smaller demon legs as featured on Skeletor.

JITSU

EVIL MASTER OF MARTIAL ARTS

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Jitsu features a large gold gauntlet on his right hand.

The gauntlet arm contains a spring to give Jitsu a chopping-arm feature.

The arm can be raised to tension the spring; it swings down rapidly when released.

Sword accessory.

Jitsu retains the power-punch feature used by many other figures.

Jitsu was added to the line as an obvious enemy of Fisto. The same spring mechanism in his right arm causes the chopping hand to swing down rapidly. His armour would later be used on King Randor.

KOBRA KHAN

EVIL MASTER OF SNAKES

Cross-sell art from packaging.

Kobra Khan includes a water-spraying feature.

The head is removed to fill the water tank in the torso.

The spray effect is activated by pressing the head down against the in-built spring.

The blaster accessory is a recoloured version of Zodac’s weapon.

Kobra Khan was the first snake character in the line. Following the introduction of the Snake Men, he was sometimes retrofitted into that faction and sometimes presented as Skeletor’s spy in King Hiss’s camp.

The action feature works very well. Pressing his head down propels a misty water spray from his mouth. The water tank is contained within his chest and is filled up when the head is removed.

WEBSTOR

EVIL MASTER OF ESCAPE

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Webstor features a climbing mechanism and grappling hook.

The mechanism is built into the backpack. Webstor climbs the string when the plastic tag is pulled.

The mechanism works quite well but is prone to breakage if over-used.

Laser rifle accessory.

Webstor has one of the best head sculpts of the original line.

Webstor remains one of the most popular MOTU figures.

Webstor is a great action figure. A mechanism inside the backpack allows Webstor to climb the string attached to the grappling hook. The mechanism is quite delicate though, and is prone to breakage.

Collector’s hints: Avoid Webstor figures where the plastic of the torso has darkened. Make sure the climbing mechanism is intact. Preserve it by looping the cord around the backpack (as shown in the second photograph).

WHIPLASH

EVIL TAIL-THRASHING WARRIOR

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Whiplash features a rubbery reptilian tail.

The same spring mechanism used in the power-punch feature causes the tail to flick out.

The tail is surprisingly detailed but is prone to splitting due to the soft plastic used.

Spear accessory.

The larger demon feet assist with stability.

Whiplash is one of the best evil warriors in the line.

Whiplash is another favourite figure. The power-punch feature is retained and works in the normal way, but has the added effect of flicking out the rubber tail. Due to its soft material, the tail sometimes splits.

DRAGON BLASTER SKELETOR

EVIL LEADER & DREADFUL DRAGON

Cross-sell-art from packaging. The loin armour was not included with the toy.

Dragon Blaster Skeletor has a dragon with a water-spraying feature.

The dragon is moulded as part of the armour. A padlock and chain link the creature to Skeletor’s wrist.

The figure has heel spurs to assist with stability. Skeletor’s head is moulded in hard plastic.

The hard head lacks the ‘quote marks’ between the eyes found on the hard-head versions of the original Skeletor.

Dragon Blaster Skeletor is the only Skeletor to carry a male version of the purple sword.

The dragon mounted on the armour is an interesting feature which works in a similar fashion to Kobra Khan’s spray. It does, however, add instability to the figure, making it very difficult to pose.

Collector’s hints: Dragon Blaster Skeletor has a male version of the sword. The chain is prone to rust but can be cleaned to some extent. Make sure the chain has its padlock.

SPIKOR

UNTOUCHABLE MASTER OF EVIL COMBAT

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Spikor features a trident which slides out of his left arm.

The left arm is straight to accommodate the action feature.

The armour spikes match those on the figure’s head.

Rear view.

Spiked club accessory.

The spiky head and body of Spikor are meant to give him a fearsome appearance, but the effect is sadly rather comical. The figure uses a straight left arm to accommodate the trident.

STINKOR

EVIL MASTER OF ODORS

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Stinkor had a smell infused into the plastic to represent his skunk-like nature.

Stinkor is a surprisingly creative Mer-Man repaint.

Shield accessory.

The armour was previously used on Mekaneck.

Stinkor is based on the Mer-Man design but the skunk-inspired black-and-white paint scheme transforms him into an entirely different figure. A smell was infused into the plastic to give Stinkor his action feature.

TWO BAD

DOUBLE-HEADED EVIL STRATEGIST

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Two Bad has springs in both arms, enabling one side to punch the other in the face when they argue.

There are two distinctive versions of the figure; the difference is in the shape of the back.

The curved-back version appears to be the most common.

The flat-back version looks similar from the front but is very different in profile.

Flat-back version.

Shield accessory.

The two sides have very contrasting designs, suggesting a merging of two different creatures.

Two Bad was the first double-headed creature in the line.

Two Bad is a bulky figure but the sculpt is good. The two variants (round back and flat back) are shown here. The position of the arms appears odd at first, but they are mounted so the character can punch the opposite head.

BLADE

EVIL MASTER OF SWORDS

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Blade was added to the line after featuring in the Masters of the Universe movie.

The figure uses all-new parts.

Rear view.

The swords are flimsy and prone to bending.

Both arms feature a spring mechanism.

The slot on the belt can accommodate one of the swords.

Blade was added to the line after appearing in the Masters of the Universe movie. The figure is an all-new sculpt which does not match the style of the others in the line. Both arms have a Jitsu-style spring mechanism.

SAUROD

EVIL SPARK-SHOOTING REPTILE

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Saurod is another character from the Masters of the Universe movie.

The figure’s torso uses thin brittle plastic. Care is needed when replacing the leg connector.

Sparks can be fired from Saurod’s mouth by working the lever on his back.

Blaster accessory.

Saurod is also from the film. The action feature fires sparks from his mouth. The plastic used for the torso was thin and brittle and is therefore prone to cracking. For this reason, care is needed when replacing the leg connector.

TERROR CLAWS SKELETOR

EVIL LEADER WITH CLAW-SWINGING ACTION

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Terror Claws Skeletor uses mostly new parts.

The arms swing in opposition as the waist turns.

The claws slot onto the newly designed arms.

The claws look quite dramatic when in action.

The hard head is the Dragon Blaster Skeletor head.

A clip mounted on Skeletor’s back can hold a unique weapon.

As became common toward the end of the line, the armour is moulded as part of the torso.

The weapon folds up.

The weapon extends when the arm is lowered.

The accessories can be used together.

The claw-swinging action feature is imaginative but the sculpt is uninspired. The same mechanism causes the dragon weapon to snap open and shut when held by the figure.

BLAST ATTAK

EVIL BLAST-APART ROBOTIC WARRIOR

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Alternative cross-sell art (Spanish catalogue).

Blast Attak is another figure with all-new parts.

The sculpt is quite detailed compared to other later figures in the line.

Mechanical axe accessory.

The slot on the back is key to the action feature.

The whip features a plunger which activates the action feature.

The device clips into the slot.

The figure splits into two when the plunger is depressed.

Blast Attak was given an all-new sculpt. The whip doubles as the trigger / detonator which causes the toy to break apart. It clips into a slot on the figure’s back. If the plunger detaches from the cord, use a bonding glue to fix it.

NINJOR

EVIL NINJA WARRIOR

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Ninjor is the second martial artist in the line.

The right arm has the same spring mechanism used on Jitsu.

Ninjor is one of the few figures to use cloth goods.

Nunchaku accessory.

Several weapons are included with Ninjor.

Ninjor uses the Dragon Blaster Skeletor feet with the heel spurs.

Ninjor is the second evil martial artist and shares Jitsu’s arm-spring mechanism. He is one of the few figures with cloth material. He has a human face but the use of demon arms and legs suggests a different origin.

SCARE GLOW

EVIL GHOST OF SKELETOR

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Scare Glow appeared late in the line but swiftly became a favourite figure.

Scare Glow glows in the dark.

Some versions of Scare Glow were supplied with a green poleaxe.

The cloth cape is an important accessory.

The feet with heel spurs are reused with this figure.

Some editions of Scare Glow were supplied with a white poleaxe.

Rear view.

Scare Glow is a brilliant glow-in-the-dark figure who appeared at the end of the line but became an instant favourite. The figure used a standard design but was issued with either a white or green poleaxe.

Collector’s hints: Scare Glow is scarce because he was released late. That makes complete figures very expensive. Try to avoid figures with stains on the arms and body (from the cloak) or darkened plastic.

TWISTOID

EVIL SPEED-TWISTING ROBOT

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Image credit: The Toys of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.

Twistoid was based on the spinning-top concept. The disc with the blades attached was called a hatchet-whipper in the instruction booklet. The figure is meant to spin across hard surfaces but the mechanism is hard to use.

LASER-LIGHT SKELETOR

EVIL MASTER OF LIGHT ENERGY

Cross-sell-art from packaging.

Alternative cross-sell art (Spanish catalogue).

Image credit: The Toys of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.

A Europe only release, Laser-Light Skeletor has LEDs mounted in the head and right wrist which cause the eyes and staff to light up. The battery pack is mounted on the figure’s back.

MEGATOR

EVIL GIANT DESTROYER

Box art.

Image credit: The Toys of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.

Giant figure Megator was only released in Europe. He was meant to be part of the Powers of Grayskull line but was sold under the Masters of the Universe logo. His right leg has a spring to give it a kicking feature.