Vintage MOTU Skeletor Action Figure 1981 Mattel Masters of the Universe.
Rare Exclusive Action Figure.

The vintage Skeletor action figure, stamped with a 1981 copyright date and released in 1982, was created by Mattel designers Mark Taylor and Roger Sweet to anchor a blockbuster boys' action franchise that rivaled Barbie. Featuring a blue-skinned, yellow-skulled look and a spring-loaded waist punch, the figure came packaged with a mini-comic establishing his quest to conquer Castle Grayskull.

  • Concept Origins: Designed by Mark Taylor, Skeletor evolved from earlier barbarian and villain archetypes in Taylor's private portfolio. 
  • Copyright vs. Release: Though toys bear a 1981 copyright stamp on their lower backs for patent and production protection, they officially hit retail shelves in 1982.
  • Mini-Comics: Packaged directly with the blister-card, small comic books gave kids the first backstories for Skeletor before the famous 1983 Filmation cartoon series aired.
  • Market Success: The line's immense popularity turned Skeletor into one of the most recognizable pop-culture villains of the 1980s.