He-Man and the Masters of the Universe not only introduced a generation of kids to new toys, cartoons, and movies; but it also changed the way all of those were marketed. This week we look back at the 40th anniversary of the toys and how they influenced us.

By the power of Greyskull, we have the scoop on how He-Man and the Masters of the Universe influenced a generation of kids and the whole toy industry. 

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What we’re Enjoying

Shua was interested and entertained by the Disney+ documentary series called Light and Magic. It was an origin story of the innovative special effects company Industrial Light and Magic. You may be surprised how their necessity to innovate has changed the way movies are made. Jay finally got to the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomex. It’s a fun mystery ride that keeps you guessing and laughing.  

Sci-Fi Saturdays/MCU Location Scout

Sci-Fi Saturdays look at a great outing in the Star Trek movie franchise. Star Trek: First Contact may have been the second Next Generation film, but it felt like a first epic outing. Directed by Jonathan Frakes, it was a sci-fi, time-traveling, character-developing, action packed romp through the ST universe. Jay breaks it all down and gets you pumped to revisit the Borg and the crew of the Enterprise.  And don’t forget his articles on MCULocationScout.com for some great, interactive maps of filming locations. 

Enjoy Toys!

In 1982, Mattel’s battle for dominance over the juggernaut of Hasbro and their Star Wars action figures finally began to put a chink in their rival’s armor when they released a new line of toys for boys called He-Man and Masters of the Universe. 

Despite not having background originating in movies, cartoons, or comic books, these toys used many of the aspects that boys were craving in the early 80’s, fantasy and power. To sell the toys to distributors like Toys R Us, Mattel ordered mini comics to go with the toys, and later a Lou Scheimer, Filmation animated series. 

The model was an incredible success! Toys flew off the shelves and their profits soared! Not only that but it set the standard for selling a wide variety of toys by using media to promote it. Transformers, GI Joe, Care Bears…You almost couldn’t watch an 80’s cartoon that wasn’t connected to a toy line. 

In addition to all of those and the merchandise that followed, He-Man also inspired a live action movie starring Dolf Lundgren as the title character and legendary actor Frank Langella as Skeletor. The movie went in a strange direction by mostly taking place on modern day Earth as opposed to Eternia. While it may not have been a success, it has gained a cult following. 

He-Man is still around today, but hasn’t achieved the success the company enjoyed in the 80’s. Either way, it made a significant impact on several industries and is beloved by a large group of fans. 

Did you watch Masters of the Universe? Do you have the power? Did you read all of these show notes? First person that emails me with the subject line, “Let’s ride a tiger!” will get a special mention on the show.  Let us know. Come talk to us in the Discord channel or send us an email to EnjoyStuff@RetroZap.com