Everyone recalls Masters of the Universe, the toy line with the oversized, yet sturdy action figure line made of hard plastic. Each of these buff figures, while not overly detailed, did have personality and could last a long time in the hands of most every child. While the television show was shoddy and singled out as a blatant 30 minute ad for the toys, every child wanted He-Man and a Castle Greyskull of their own.

Thanks to the folks at Mattel Toys, He-Man and his pals are going to soon be re-released. Not all of them, mind you. Avoiding the weaker, Where-Did-They-Come-Up-With-That characters released later in the series, Mattel decided to focus on the following ten:

The Good

He-Man - The Man, the Myth, the Legend...
Teela - Busty, female warrior
Man-At-Arms - He-Man's pal, still sans the facial hair he had in the TV show

The Bad

Skeletor - He-Man's nemesis and brother of the Red Skull (not)
Evil-Lyn - Skeletor's glow-in-the-dark answer to
Teela Beast Man - Sidekick of Skeletor who's as equally stupid as he is evil
Mer-Man - The anti-Aquaman
Trap Jaw - Proved that pirates don't hold the market on prosthetic limbs
Tri-Klops - Three eyes and a wheel of fortune-like head
Faker - He-Man molded with blue plastic

It is obvious that Mattel has intented this series for collectors and fans of the originals. People like myself who were kids when these came out will no doubt at least give these a good look. Not only are the figures identical to the originals, but the packaging is painstakingly replicated. Also, the blister packs are sealed inside another clear plastic package that doubles as a stand.

Children today may find these figures a hard sell, with their lack of detail, near inability to stand on their own and only a few points of articulation, but fans of the originals will definently want to get their hands on these.

- - Vane