Masters of the Universe Origins is the current retail version of the property from Mattel. The action figures are comparable in style to the Vintage line but are much more articulated. The line is distributed internationally.
However, the line began in 2019 with a limited-edition San Diego Comic-Con release of Prince Adam and He-Man. A number of collector figures have also been sold through the Power-Con and Mattel Creations websites.
The original Masters of the Universe logo is used for the new line, which suggests Mattel considers this to be closely linked to, and inspired by, the 1982 line. The word ‘origins’ does not appear on the card fronts.
The first wave of Origins retail figures appeared in 2020. Circulation was, and remains, rather patchy. It is worth checking smaller online sellers as well as the larger companies when looking for the toys.
The link to the Vintage line is obvious in the roster of characters released so far, which is broadly comparable to the early waves in the 80s. But other favourites, including Scare Glow, have been brought forward.
Origins will, however, reflect more than the Vintage line. Characters which featured in later iterations of the Masters of the Universe will be included, such as Keldor and Kronis.
This curious mix, that is so evidently tied to the earliest days of the property but also touches on themes known only to collectors and long-term fans, suggests that Mattel is trying to appeal to new and old fans alike.
It’s good to see new artwork to support Masters of the Universe Origins. But there is an obvious difference in style from the Vintage illustrations. The earthy, fantasy designs have been replaced with much brighter paintings.
The toys themselves are interesting and nicely designed. The articulation is quite good, although the elbow joints rotate in unnatural fashion. The figures are, with some odd exceptions, very similar to the originals.
The link to the Vintage line is emphasised strongly through the packaging. The same fonts and logo are used. The blue background and red exploding-rock concept are also employed. New cross-sell art has been created.
Minicomics have also been produced. The stories are shorter than their Vintage counterparts. Editions sold outside the US do not include any text; the story has to be deciphered from the illustrations.
Similarly, non-US packaging lacks the characters’ titles that would normally be printed on the cards. This is to make way for numerous translations of safety warnings and other statements.
THE ORIGINS STORY
The story shown above was included on special panels in the SDCC He-Man / Prince Adam box. It makes a good attempt to create a thoughtful canonical link between Adam and an earlier holder of the He-Man title.
The illustrations pay tribute to Alfredo Alcala’s artwork in the Series One minicomics and Rury Obrero’s box art. Dramatic art has always been part of the Masters of the Universe story; it is great to see that tradition continue.