How we got from a Jungle Barbarian to the Prince Adam Transformation. The Story of the Story of MOTU 

Wow, I had a very similar story. I was sick on my 4th birthday and my party was canceled, so my parents gave me my gifts early, He, Man, Skeletor, Battle Cat, Man At Arms, Stratos and this giant green castle...

I just read your story and it brought tarts to my eyes. So awesome that you have those memories with your mom. My mom would also by me toys when we could afford them. Such great times in the 80s.

Man, this is beautiful. May your mother rest in peace.

Enjoyed your story very much. I give you 👍x1,000,000.

OY! Thank you for sharing this. I'm sorry about your mom. Bless.

Yeah, those original 6 mini books were where it's at for me, the Prince Adam/filmation version is fine I guess but it's not my MOTU

I do love how much influence the mini comics initial set had on the brand!

@@mrspeigel3593 right on. Between the box art and initial minicomics, my He-Man was set. I remember this was my "Savage Sword of Conan" from which I learned about through sneaking through my friend's father's collection. :)

Yeah, the nature of the mini comics' plot is way more epic sounding and had so much potential. The Filmation and DC stuff that followed seems silly and tongue-in-cheek.

Glad to read other people feel this way too. Never knew about DC comics introducing Prince Adam, it just came as a jarring disappointment when the animation came along and seemed to turn He-man into Shazam. The original felt like a post apocalyptic return to barbarian fantasy after some epic space age interdenominational war destroyed everything. So much better than what it it later evolved into.

Yeah it was if nothing else confusing

Yes, they were similar, like how three people invented the telephone but Bell got to the patent office first.

@@spectorcreative1872 JFC Your hurt reads through the screen

@sgzartan - That feature was developed by Mattel in 1980; He-Man and the Power Sword was written in 1981! I think it's either coincidence or someone worked for both companies!

Again no word on Blackstar... The Mexican (or native American) He-man who was replaced by the blond He-man. He deserved more than a statue cameo and an episode with the purple Warlock (ep. 265). I still think Blackstar is the better show. The lore could have been great if they hadn't pulled the plug so soon. And no Bravestarr did not redeem something...

Mattel was in a rush to steal properties because they were contracted to make Conan toys for the Conan the barbarian movie. When it fell through they had all these molds and full production ready. To save there asses they re colored the molds and stole ideas from all over to market the toys.

Yeah very big difference in tone and manner

Yeah, the cartoon was entertaining but, a little too campy. The cartoon from the early 200s felt more like the comic book stle He-Man. I find it ironic how comics back in the day were much darker than the shows involving the characters. Ninja Turtles, Batman, Justice League, etc as examples.

That's why I loved 200x's cartoon so much more! While not quite like the original comic, it was so much closer, but stood on its own.

Well there is a big difference between comics/books and TV in front of all when we talk about the 80s and the censorship going on. It seems 80s comics were able to get away with far more than the TV. But I wish one day they would take the He-Man and She-Ra universe/s and would make an adult animation with it. Wit blood and war and stuff. Even though I have to give credit to the 80s at least talking about killing and enslaving and such war themed things.

If I knew about more of them I would!

@@spectorcreative1872 , many years later, a version of He-Man and his universe got involved in the Injustice comic series from DC and his story on there is awesome...seriously, I hope that when Injustice 3 rolls around, they actually include him and the characters from that universe. Also, did you know that, in the Holy Scriptures of Christianity and Judaism, there literally is a person by the name of Heman that was mentioned in The Book of 1 Chronicles, Chapter 6, and verse 33 and The Book of Psalms, Chapter 88? Heman is the son of the first Joel, which is not to be confused with the much later minor prophet of the same name, and he is also the grandson of the prophet Samuel, whom has two books that appear in the Holy Scriptures, but are also sometimes called The Book of 1 Kings and The Book of 2 Kings by Roman Catholics, among others, and The Book of 1 Kings and The Book of 2 Kings are known as The Book of 3 Kings and The Book of 4 Kings by those same sources. Oddly enough, he is not a prophet or worker in the temple like his grandfather and father before him, nor is he, as far as we know, a warrior, but, rather, he is a musician by trade (and, no, that weird cover of the 4 Non Blondes song of "What's Going On" does not count). However, the surprising translation of the name of Heman actually means "faithful" in the English language. Moreover, that particular Heman was not the only one that was mentioned in the Holy Scriptures, as in the Book of 1 Kings, Chapter 4, and Verse 31 mentions another Heman, who is the son of Mahol, and he, as well as his three brothers, or five other brothers if you take into account what was originally said in The Book of 1 Chronicles, Chapter 2, and Verse 6. Finally, you should really read the Injustice series, as well as play the Injustice video games (and, yes, there is also an arcade version of the first Injustice video game if you lack a video game console to play the game on in real life). You can also find out more about the people that are named Heman that are in the Holy Scriptures with these links. www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Heman.html www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Ethan.html

Not everyone connects with every character the same. Good point

Well, Teela and the Sorceress were no sidekicks, they were supporting characters instead.

@@leonardeuler9592 Funny thing is that when I was a kid, the girls I knew who liked He-Man didn't wanna be Teela or Sorceress, they wanted to be Evil-Lyn. Never quite understood that one...she ain't as good-looking as Teela, and definitely not as powerful as the Sorceress. 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️

@@DragoonMS Well, Evelyn is a bad girl. So, it could be why some girls liked her. Also, I was frightened by her when I was a kid.

@@karinations2009 As a kid, I hated Wendy and Marvin. Wonder Twins were a step up if only they weren't so incompetent.

Well thank you! Please do spread the word and let other know!

I really do hope kids love the Origins line and it keeps going for years!

That was actually an original idea with Beastman being the lead villain!

Glad you enjoyed! many more to come.

Very cool concept!!!

Yeah you share that with a lot of folks

Exactly. They completely destroyed the mythos of the story in the Filmation age. My little brother got these figures when they were first made, and the comics were amusing to read. Then the television show emerged and it was pretty ridiculous.

I agree, I love the original origin for He-Man, and all the mystery of the old, but somehow more advanced technology. I understand that they needed to create a more complete story, but when they did, there was no reason to get rid of what was already established. Why not just add to it? Fill in the gaps. If they suddenly wanted him to be royal family (Prince Adam), why not blend the two... So here is my idea of mixing the two origin stories. First off, forget the transformation of Prince Adam into He-Man via the power sword. But what they could have done, was still have He-Man been the son of Randor and Marlena. But how you ask and still keep his barbarian roots? Since there is plenty of magic in the MotU world, what if Randor and Marlena had a son (and name him Adam) but were told by the Sorceress that, in order to save Eternia in the future, they would have to give their infant son to her. In turn, the Sorceress would take the infant to the wilderness, and essentially give him to some barbarian couple to raise. Buy growing up in the wild, rather than the city, it would enable He-Man to develop the skills needed to save Eternia. When He-Man was old enough, something mysterious was pulling him away from the life he knew. He would leave the wilderness via unknown urgings from the Sorceress. Upon saving the Sorceress, she gives him the weapons and armor, that were somehow intended for him all along. Then some time after being in the city, He-Man discovers that he is indeed the long lost son of the King and Queen.

Kinda crazy huh?

@Bobo Boy But with Dolph Lundgren in it.

See that is awesome. Glad it had such a positive effect

Well awesome! Glad it filled in some gaps

My memories of the mini comic story are hazy at best (until being an adult) but it is amazing how different it was

Nice. I'll check it out.

I can only imagine! They did do early test footage for filmation in this style. It is pretty neat

I am a big believer in evolving characters. But if you look at mainstream comics, Superman, Batman, iron man, pretty much have stayed the same for decades.

Yeah and I think this is why Super 7 did quite a few figures from this era.

Not to worry. Stinkor will be here once we get to him on order!~ ;-) Thanks for being a great supporter of the channel and all of your comments.

Have fun storming the castle.

You could retcon the jungle tribe by having Prince Adam be fostered their for a time when he was younger and he goes back every year to check in with his good friends which is why he's leaving at the start of the comics. It's one of the few places beside Etheria where he can be himself and not play the coward.

There will be fans of pretty much evert iteration at some level

It really is amazing how different the stories can be.

Yeah that original bible really needs to be published. I think I have a copy somewhere....

Spector Creative I’m surprised it hasn’t already been. Out of curiosity did you go into toys as a designer? I’ve always dreamed of working in toys. I dabbled. Produced an art vinyl toy for a friend years ago. Designed some characters for Disney from which they made few toys for promotion but only for employees ( I was third party at the time) and of course I’m also a fan and collector. My educatio is in film production and writing/ communications but my hobbies are all toy related including character design. I’m in SoCal

Spector Creative it has been online for past 22 years. James Eatock uploaded it in 1998 and fans have been reading it ever since. www.he-man.org/cartoon/documentslibrary.php?id=44

burble74 Spector Creative it has been online for past 22 years. James Eatock uploaded it in 1998 and fans have been reading it ever since. www.he-man.org/cartoon/documentslibrary.php?id=44

A love to last all time

Those first comics are true gold

The He-Man figure was based on Conan paintings by Frazetta (I believe). That's why he's basically a blonde Conan. They probably made him more tanned to make him look a little more different.

Paulafan5 Thanks! I am familiar with a lot of Franzetta’s paintings. Just don’t remember any of his paintings having quite that same hairstyle. LOL but regardless, dig the he-man stuff!

It was modeled after Ray Wagner the CEO of Mattel.

Thanks for the info!

Ah! I actually did have a formula to do that. I'll add it to the list.

Ah, 80's lunchboxes. Now that is something I truly miss.

Yeah, it was MUCH lighter in tone!

Yeah typical Hollywood thinking kids couldn't handle action just because it's "too violent". Kids are a lot smarter than some people think they are.

I loved She-Ra too. I stole my sister's toy. Don't tell her

It is worth celebrating

@@spectorcreative1872 Dakota Johnson? I agree 😁

Everyone has their own character to identify with! Adding Orko was good in case he was for you. But in your case and others HeMan worked for that.

I think their is a desire for all IP owners to keep their characters frozen in time. Spider-Man, Batman &c... that is a big reason that I read creator owned books like Savage Dragon which do evolve their characters.

And I love that we incorporated this aspect into MOTU Classics with Oolar!

@@spectorcreative1872 yes indeed!!!! Very well Executed!

I'd watch that at least twice

Oh yes! The box art on the vintage line was pretty much entertainment itself! They don’t make box art like that any more.

Thanks! Please do repost and tell your friends. It does help!

Alas, I wasn't there in 82/83 when the story was changing, but I do have a video coming up addressing the whole technology on a medieval planet concept

@@spectorcreative1872 cool, sounds interesting.

Well with so much entertainment in the pipe, maybe one day!

Oh she was definitely a kick ass type female warrior

Same here. She wasn't your typical damsel in distress.

Thank you so much for doing that. It is incredibly appreciated!!!!

Originally yes. The idea was He man would have been like Big Jim and each new figure would have new armor with new powers.

And boy did this line have great box art

Well thank you! Reposting is most appreciated.

Are you thinking of Trap Jaw?

@@spectorcreative1872 Ah, I googled "he man purple grappling hook" It was "Webstor" I remember he was just fun to play with because you could have him swing off stuff with his hook and line; the kitchen table, the bookshelf, the Xmas tree, etc.

He was allergic to clothes.

Sorry, but this just is not factually true. He man was developed from an idea of a male barbie that could be anything, space, military, barbarian, fireman. Management liked Barbarian so that became the theme.

@@spectorcreative1872 The original version you showed in your video is very clearly a Conan figure. Artist Frank Frazetta was known for his work Conan being featured on the covers of the Lancer books. And you clearly stated that Frazetta was a main inspiration. Aside from you just stating that it's not true do you have the evidence to support that? I'm not disagreeing with you mind you, I would like to know definitively one way or the other.

Well thank you do much! Glad to put all the pieces together.

Pretty much

Buying He man toys is never a bad idea

Yeah, that was a bit confusing. Especially when Blackstar made a cameo on MOTU as a statue

Glad you enjoy! More to come

Go force field!

Oh my... What good eyes you had to point that out. Never occurred to you that Scott took some creative freedom to make a joke?

But it is funnier if he is hitting a tree! (good point)

@@berkajr3685 Or, it could be that I read the original comic back in the day! I was just teasing Scott. I thought my sarcasm came off better than I guess it did.

@@spectorcreative1872 I can't fault you there. Actually it makes more sense if he's using wood to build a home than smashing rocks, IMO, but that was what the original writer envisioned. I do admit that it made He-man seem stronger, LOL!

Ah to be young again. And also a robot

@@spectorcreative1872 Yeah, that Robot craze was everywhere.

Glad you like. Tell your friends!

Will do. 😁

I actually had a big conversation with Geoff Johns about this over dinner one time!

@@spectorcreative1872 That might be the most awesome statement I've read in these comment sections...very cool!

And Nintendo outsold them all

So welcome! Thank YOU for watching

See more here! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5kderiJWJms.html

And.... ;-)

Yeah, I think he isn’t thrilled he never got a piece of the pie. Work for hire and all

I am guessing the intended design fro Mer man's head was too costly and had to be simplified.

Well, you never know what happens off panel

@@spectorcreative1872 lol

I'd pay the Sorceress whatever she wanted.

That is wonderful! Makes my day

The 200X series is one of my favorites of all time

@Thunderwing88 - She was called the Goddess in the very first mini-comic "He-Man and the Power Sword".

MrJon76 I own a physical copy, witch I recently read, and I’ve gotten a digital copy from He-Man.org. I know what I’m talking about.

@@Thunderwing88 you're right! It was Tee-la who was referred to as the warrior goddess!

Correct as noted in the reply above.

Now that is a trick! Kinda mean, but fun too

No, but it is where he kept his action figure collection

Well thanks for watching! Spread the word.

And can't you see how much it looks like a 4th world vehicle!

@@spectorcreative1872 To be honest, I wasn't into comics as a kid, so I have very little frame of reference for either DC or Marvel stuff, especially from those halcyon days. But I'll certainly take your word for it!

Awesome! Reposts are always appreciated.

Thank you! Reposting on your Social Media is always appreciated

Spector Creative of course!!!!!

Yeah, I know. You are right. But it is funnier to say he was punching a tree!

@@spectorcreative1872 I mean, honestly....if some green lady in a snake suit just gave me a "super strength bra", I'd have punched some trees for fun, too...

I wish I could take credit for timing that! She just wanted out of my office.

I don't have that figure in front of me, but I do know the WWE Masters line does use MOTU Classic parts. Those Stratos wings are definitely the Classics wings. So likely yes on the spear

Yeah, Kiki gets around

A good damsel he makes

I actually do think your point is more universal. Every boys toy line had "a" female and this tends to be the source of the storytelling. Check out my history of Teela video for more. Great points.

@@spectorcreative1872 I will! I just discovered your channel. Sometimes those RU-vid algorithms that give you recommendations actually work the way that they're supposed to.

I wasn't that into Joe. My best friend was, but the military theme just never appealed to me for some reason.

Indeed

Yes, a magical transformation is very important to a character working with kids

See the Jack Kirby video I did on this channel!

In a way yes! Although I don't know if the new armor was supposed to give He-Man "super power" the way it was envisioned like getting force fields and laser beams and flying powers &c... But the concept sure remained.

Oh completely. I had a whole conversation about this with Geoff Johns at DC awhile back

It's ironic also because in the comic Injustice vs Masters of the Universe Adam does get Shazam's powers for a short while. Skeletor does also.

That is a really cool story actually. In fact the Snake Men were created because kids are afraid of snakes. Thanks for sharing

@@spectorcreative1872 - Yeah, I was actually glad they avoided that route with her for the cartoon. The Snake Mountain for Skeletor made more sense for me. I also was glad the Sorceress had a bird outfit. My grandmother was the one that made sure I had a He-Man action figure for Christmas, and apparently it was the last one the store had! I had previously only gotten Ram-Man. I still like that character.

Glad you like the video! Do tell your friends and help spread the word.;-)

That would be a question for Gary Goddard!

Because the MoTU movie started out as a Fourth World/New Gods concept and was adapted to He-Man. If you watch the Jodorowsky’s Dune documentary, they also show that elements of MoTU’s character designs were also clearly lifted from a failed mid-70s attempt to make a Dune film.

If I was Netflix I would! A very creative story.

@@spectorcreative1872 Ha, cheers Scott. When I read that speculation about primitive tribes years ago, I immediately thought of that first mini comic.

Yup. Although Mattel did that independently. And Filmation didn't really use that element

It would have been niffty

I actually do have a very good mic. Maybe in this one I was talking to far from it? Let me know as you watch other videos.

If anything Captain Marvel/Billy Batson is a better comparison

I can't disagree and glad Classics got to put it all in

DC comics presents 47 came out in July. The other ones you mentioned came out in November. That story was a follow-up. The preview insert came out in a bunch of DC titles in November.

I'll need to check the release dates but very possible!