Masters of the Universe
Creation & Design
The Masters of the Universe franchise was created by Mattel in the late 1970s, designed to sell action figures and toys. The characters were developed with a mix of fantasy and science fiction elements.Early Years
The franchise began with the release of action figures in 1982, followed by an animated television series that popularized the characters and their stories.Character Development
Over the years, the characters of the Masters of the Universe have evolved, with various adaptations in comics, animated series, and films, reflecting changing cultural values and storytelling techniques.Cultural Reception
The franchise has received a mixed reception over the years, with a dedicated fanbase that appreciates its blend of fantasy and action.Character Details
Real Name:
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
Aliases:
He-Man, Skeletor, She-Ra, Battle Cat, Orko
Species:
Human
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
The Heroic Warriors, The Evil Warriors
Abilities:
Superhuman strength, Flight, Magic
Equipment:
Sword of Power, Shield of Protection, Battle Cat
Weight:
200lbs
Height:
6' 0"
Eye Color:
blue
Hair Color:
blonde
Clicking on the eBay link and making a purchase may result in this site earning a commission from the eBay Partner Network.
Key Facts
"He-Man and the Power Sword"
The first of four illustrated books printed and packaged with Masters of the Universe action figures
Key Facts
"He-Man and the Power Sword"
The first of four illustrated books printed and packaged with Masters of the Universe action figures
Key Facts
1st appearance of He-Man in standard comic book format
1st appearance of Skeletor in standard comic book format
1st appearance of Man-at-Arms in standard comic book format
[2024 - Masters of the Universe to premiere June 5, 2026 / Jared Leto cast as Skeletor / Nicholas Galitzine cast as He-Man / Idris Elba to portray Man-at-Arms]
Key Facts
1st appearance of He-Man in standard comic book format
1st appearance of Skeletor in standard comic book format
1st appearance of Man-at-Arms in standard comic book format
[2024 - Masters of the Universe to premiere June 5, 2026 / Jared Leto cast as Skeletor / Nicholas Galitzine cast as He-Man / Idris Elba to portray Man-at-Arms]
Key Facts
14-page preview of Masters of the Universe #1 (1982)
There were 16 individual issues that included the same preview published between July/August 1982
Five-issues were the first to have the preview, published July 13, 1982:
Firestorm #6, DC Comics Presents #51, Arak #15, Justice League of America #208, Wonder Woman #297
Key Facts
14-page preview of Masters of the Universe #1 (1982)
There were 16 individual issues that included the same preview published between July/August 1982
Five-issues were the first to have the preview, published July 13, 1982:
Firestorm #6, DC Comics Presents #51, Arak #15, Justice League of America #208, Wonder Woman #297
Key Facts
14-page preview of Masters of the Universe #1 (1982)
There were 16 individual issues that included the same preview published between July/August 1982
Five-issues were the first to have the preview, published July 13, 1982: Firestorm #6, DC Comics Presents #51, Arak #15, Justice League of America #208, Wonder Woman #297
Key Facts
14-page preview of Masters of the Universe #1 (1982)
There were 16 individual issues that included the same preview published between July/August 1982
Five-issues were the first to have the preview, published July 13, 1982: Firestorm #6, DC Comics Presents #51, Arak #15, Justice League of America #208, Wonder Woman #297
Key Facts
14-page preview of Masters of the Universe #1 (1982)
There were 16 individual issues that included the same preview published between July/August 1982
Five-issues were the first to have the preview, published July 13, 1982: Firestorm #6, DC Comics Presents #51, Arak #15, Justice League of America #208, Wonder Woman #297
Key Facts
14-page preview of Masters of the Universe #1 (1982)
There were 16 individual issues that included the same preview published between July/August 1982
Five-issues were the first to have the preview, published July 13, 1982: Firestorm #6, DC Comics Presents #51, Arak #15, Justice League of America #208, Wonder Woman #297
Key Facts
1st appearance of Blackwing, the first black Batman inspired superhero
14-page preview of Masters of the Universe #1 (1982)
There were 16 individual issues that included the same preview published between July/August 1982
Five-issues were the first to have the preview, published July 13, 1982:
Firestorm #6, DC Comics Presents #51, Arak #15, Justice League of America #208, Wonder Woman #297
Key Facts
1st appearance of Blackwing, the first black Batman inspired superhero
14-page preview of Masters of the Universe #1 (1982)
There were 16 individual issues that included the same preview published between July/August 1982
Five-issues were the first to have the preview, published July 13, 1982:
Firestorm #6, DC Comics Presents #51, Arak #15, Justice League of America #208, Wonder Woman #297
Key Facts
14-page preview of Masters of the Universe #1 (1982)
There were 16 individual issues that included the same preview published between July/August 1982
Five-issues were the first to have the preview, published July 13, 1982: Firestorm #6, DC Comics Presents #51, Arak #15, Justice League of America #208, Wonder Woman #297
Key Facts
14-page preview of Masters of the Universe #1 (1982)
There were 16 individual issues that included the same preview published between July/August 1982
Five-issues were the first to have the preview, published July 13, 1982: Firestorm #6, DC Comics Presents #51, Arak #15, Justice League of America #208, Wonder Woman #297
Key Facts
Three-issue limited series published by DC
This is the first Masters of the Universe title published by a major comic book company
Earlier He-Man related comics were distributed with action figures and were more closely related to children's picture books
Between July/August 1982, there were 16 issues that went on sale with a 14-page preview
Five were published on July 13, 1982:
Firestorm #6, DC Comics Presents #51, Arak #15, Justice League of America #208, Wonder Woman #29
Key Facts
Three-issue limited series published by DC
This is the first Masters of the Universe title published by a major comic book company
Earlier He-Man related comics were distributed with action figures and were more closely related to children's picture books
Between July/August 1982, there were 16 issues that went on sale with a 14-page preview
Five were published on July 13, 1982:
Firestorm #6, DC Comics Presents #51, Arak #15, Justice League of America #208, Wonder Woman #29
Key Facts
Issue two of the three-issue miniseries published by DC
Key Facts
Issue two of the three-issue miniseries published by DC
Key Facts
Conclusion of the three-issue miniseries published by DC
Key Facts
Conclusion of the three-issue miniseries published by DC
Key Facts
Premiere issue from Star Comics / Marvel
Key Facts
Marvel acquires the Masters of the Universe publishing license
3-page article promoting the Masters of the Universe series, which ran for 13-issues under the Star imprint
Key Facts
Marvel acquires the Masters of the Universe publishing license
3-page article promoting the Masters of the Universe series, which ran for 13-issues under the Star imprint
Star Comics ⋅ 1987
Key Facts
One-shot adaptation of the Masters of the Universe (1987) film script
There are a number of differences between the script and the final cut of the movie that is evident throughout the one-shot
Key Facts
One-shot adaptation of the Masters of the Universe (1987) film script
There are a number of differences between the script and the final cut of the movie that is evident throughout the one-shot
Key Facts
Death of He-Man
1st cover appearance of Man-at-Arms in standard comic book format
Key Facts
Death of He-Man
1st cover appearance of Man-at-Arms in standard comic book format
Key Facts
Death of Skeletor
1st appearance of Evil-Lyn in a standard U.S. comic
Final issue, series finale
Key Facts
Death of Skeletor
1st appearance of Evil-Lyn in a standard U.S. comic
Final issue, series finale
Key Facts
16-page comic book packaged with He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Mattel action figures in 2002
Cover art by Neal Adams
Key Facts
16-page comic book packaged with He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Mattel action figures in 2002
Cover art by Neal Adams
Key Facts
Variant wraparound cover art by Frank Quitely
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Emiliano Santalucia
Quadruple gatefold convention exclusive
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Emiliano Santalucia
Quadruple gatefold convention exclusive
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Brett Booth and Val Staples
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Brett Booth and Val Staples
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Andy Smith, Jay Leisten and Jason Keith, limited to 500 numbered copies
He-Man.org exclusive
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Andy Smith, Jay Leisten and Jason Keith, limited to 500 numbered copies
He-Man.org exclusive
Key Facts
Cover art featuring Stratos
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Eamon O'Donoghue, limited to 500 copies
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Eamon O'Donoghue, limited to 500 copies
Key Facts
Cover art featuring Orko
Final issue
Key Facts
Variant wraparound cover art by Randy Green
Graham Cracker Comics exclusive
A short-lived collaboration between Image and a company called MVCreations published 7 He-Man series between 2002-2003: The Shards of Darkness, Dark Reflections, Rise of the Snake Men, Dream Halloween, Icons of Evil and 5 Specials, totaling 33 issues and 32 variants
🥈 Runner-Up: New High [Previous High]
9.8 sold for $700 [No Previous Data]
Key Facts
Variant wraparound cover art by Randy Green
Graham Cracker Comics exclusive
A short-lived collaboration between Image and a company called MVCreations published 7 He-Man series between 2002-2003: The Shards of Darkness, Dark Reflections, Rise of the Snake Men, Dream Halloween, Icons of Evil and 5 Specials, totaling 33 issues and 32 variants
🥈 Runner-Up: New High [Previous High]
9.8 sold for $700 [No Previous Data]
Key Facts
Reprint of He-Man's first appearance in a DC comic
Promotional giveaway issued to customers who purchased a DC Universe Classics vs Masters of the Universe Classics action figure (Superman/He-Man)
Advertised as included in the package but it was not
Key Facts
Reprint of He-Man's first appearance in a DC comic
Promotional giveaway issued to customers who purchased a DC Universe Classics vs Masters of the Universe Classics action figure (Superman/He-Man)
Advertised as included in the package but it was not
Key Facts
Team-up of the Masters of the Universe and Thundercats
Key Facts
Team-up of the Masters of the Universe and Thundercats
Store Exclusive ⋅ Dark Horse ⋅ 2021
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Ryan G. Browne
Store exclusive available at PharcydeComics.com
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Ryan G. Browne
Store exclusive available at PharcydeComics.com
Adjust Your Filters To See More Comics!
By default Key Collector searches for Standard Cover Key Issues.
Adjust the "Variants" and/or "Non-Key Issues" search filters above for additional content:
- Variant Covers ([[totalVariants]])
- Non-Key Issues ([[totalNonKeys]])
At Key Collector, our primary focus is on unearthing those rare Standard Cover Key Issues for you. However, the world of comic collectibles is vast and varied. We want to make sure you have the tools to explore it all!