She-Ra: Princess of Power was an excellent addition to the Masters of the Universe toy franchise in the 1980s. Catering to young girl audiences as well as young boys, Mattel’s She-Ra and He-Man toy lines remain popular collectibles to this day. When did the original She-Ra Princess of Power action figures come about?
Inspiration for She-Ra
As the pages of toy history flip back to the 1980s, the She-Ra Princess of Power action figures hold an unforgettable chapter. Manufactured by Mattel in 1984, these figures set a new standard for action figures targeted at young girls. The introduction of She-Ra, the alter ego of Princess Adora, was a strategic move to extend the popularity of Mattel’s Masters of the Universe toy line into new demographics.
She-Ra’s Backstory
The She-Ra action figures’ lore was beautifully crafted. We meet Princess Adora on the distant planet Etheria, a world ruled by the ominous Hordak and his Evil Horde. Raised by Hordak, she is unknowingly the long-lost daughter of the King and Queen of Eternia and the twin sister of Prince Adam, also known as He-Man. Upon discovering her true heritage, she becomes pivotal in the Great Rebellion, fighting against Hordak’s oppressive reign.
Each She-Ra toy depicted Princess Adora’s transformation into She-Ra, “The Most Powerful Woman in the Universe.” With her magic sword held aloft and the iconic chant, “For the honor of Grayskull… I AM SHE-RA!!!”, the demure princess would morph into a mighty warrior, donned in a white dress, red cape, and a golden tiara.
The Original She-Ra Action Figures
The She-Ra Princess of Power line became integral to the 1980s toy market, creating a blend of fantasy and empowerment that appealed to countless young girls worldwide. The toy line’s success was further bolstered by the cartoon series that aired from 1985 to 1987, embedding She-Ra deeper into popular culture.
An exciting dichotomy existed within the toy line; the female She-Ra characters formed the Princess of Power line, while the Evil Horde figures were incorporated into the Masters of the Universe line. This strategic separation provided Mattel with a robust portfolio catering to both boys and girls.
Conclusion
Decades later, the appeal of She-Ra endures. In 2018, Dreamworks Animation Television revived the iconic heroine with a reboot series. It was titled She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, released on Netflix. Yet, for many collectors and enthusiasts, nothing compares to the original She-Ra Princess of Power action figures. They continue to represent a nostalgic journey back to the vibrant, imaginative world of 1980s toys.
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About the Author
Author: Chris Ingledue
Contact: email
Bio: I am the founder and owner of Wheeljack’s Lab pop Culture and Toy Shop. My vision has always been to reunite customers with their favorite childhood toys and pop culture, triggering fond memories, and reigniting their imaginations. Every day, I work in the “lab” where it’s Christmas 365 days a year. I scour the internet, like when we had the Sears Catalog of yesteryear, for the next great treasure. Then, I await the arrival of the postman as if he were Santa Claus himself and helping collectors worldwide with their versions of Christmas. Every day as a vintage toy buyer is an absolute joy!