He-Man

He-Man
Masters of the Universe character
Art by Alex Ross
First appearanceHe-Man and the Power Sword (1981)
Created byRoger Sweet
Voiced by
Portrayed byDolph Lundgren
Other official superhero nameMusclor[1][2]
Real nameAdam[3]
In-universe information
NicknameThe Most Powerful Man in the Universe
SpeciesHuman/Eternian Hybrid
GenderMale
TitlePrince
OccupationPrince of Eternia
Warrior of Castle Grayskull
Family
Abilities

The Power Sword grants:

  • Nigh indestructibility
  • Energy absorption and projection
  • Shapeshifting

He-Man is a superhero and the protagonist of the sword and planet Masters of the Universe franchise, which includes a toy line, several animated television series, comic books, and a feature film. He-Man is characterized by his superhuman strength and in most variations, is the alter ego of Prince Adam. He-Man and his friends attempt to defend the secrets of Castle Grayskull, the planet Eternia, and the rest of the universe from the evil forces of his archenemy Skeletor. He-Man is also the twin brother of She-Ra.

The character was created by designer Mark Taylor,[4][5] who based the character on his childhood drawings. One of Taylor's designs was used by Mattel designer Roger Sweet in his pitch to Mattel for a new action figure line. Sweet also chose the name "He-Man" and suggested that it have a twist-action waist. Sweet sculpted and presented three different versions of the figure to Mattel—including a soldier, spaceman, and barbarian—the barbarian version was chosen and developed into the character's current form. Afterwards, Sweet was taken off the project and Taylor was assigned principal design duties.

The television series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe rapidly increased the selling of Mattel's toys and was a hit success in the 1980s, gaining 9 million viewers in its first year in the USA alone and being broadcast to at least 37 countries.[6] The massive success of the series led to a feature-length movie in 1985, He-Man and She-Ra: The Secret of the Sword, from the same production team, and a shared continuity, spin-off/sister series She-Ra: Princess of Power. There was also a primetime, hour-long Christmas special, He-Man and She-Ra: A Christmas Special.

He-Man has been singled out for the homoeroticism and gay subtext surrounding his character. Many critics have taken note of his queer-coded nature and perceived homosexuality, particularly in his relationships with other male characters; such as Skeletor. Since his creation He-Man has achieved gay icon status and amassed an LGBT following; something which Mattel is aware of and receptive to.

  1. ^ Officially registered by MATTEL France; officially and specifically used in France and French-speaking countries
  2. ^ Official website of MATTEL Canada in French language (using preferably the name "Musclor" and not "He-Man")
  3. ^ "He-man really a marshmallow superhero". The Milwaukee Journal. April 26, 1985. Retrieved October 15, 2020.[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "Vykron: The History Behind the "He-Man Trio"". Battle Ram: A He-Man Blog. 2023-03-31. Retrieved 2023-08-09.
  5. ^ Dan Eardley (April 15, 2021). The Toys of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. Dark Horse Comics. ISBN 978-1-50672-047-0.
  6. ^ "HE-MAN, A PRINCELY HERO, CONQUERS THE TOY MARKET". The New York Times. 1984-12-18. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-04-13.


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