Masters of the Universe has enjoyed enormous success since it’s inception in the early 1980’s, and seems to be becoming more popular by the day.  With two documentaries currently on Netflix, an upcoming series by director Kevin Smith, and a full length motion picture on the horizon, the MOTU machine shows no signs of slowing down.  Investment minded collectors are taking notice.    

A Test Market release marks the introduction of a toyline into the marketplace.  The figures are often released in short supply and very few unopened specimens survive.  As one would expect, demand is quite high and supply quite low. 

In 1982 the MOTU line released three different cardbacks featuring eight characters:

No Warranty, no SKU

No Warranty, with SKU

With Warranty, with SKU

The rarest of these releases was the second version, as that cardback design was quickly scrapped and replaced with the third release cardback prominently featuring the warranty at the bottom.  It’s important to note that the with-warranty 8-backs are roughly fifteen times more common than the non-warranty versions.  

Not only did Mattel evolve the cardbacks, but also the action figures themselves.  For instance, the initial release of Man At Arms has red dots on his helmet while subsequent versions are missing this characteristic.  The initial test market release of Skeletor has purple trunks, peach cheeks, and half boots.  Quickly changed, later releases reveal that Mattel altered his look to feature black trunks, full boots, and standard face paint. 

Considered of the one of the most popular evil villains of all time, it’s no coincidence that the Skeletor action figure is also amongst the most valuable.  Presented is quite possibly the rarest version we’ve come across.  Here we see an original first release Test Market Skeletor action figure coupled with the elusive second release cardback.  The combination of rarest figure, rarest cardback, and “Free” Battle in the Clouds comic is enough to make even the most seasoned collector salivate.  This example sources from a single owner who was a prolific Star Wars collector.  His few MOTU items present as though they were purchased right off the store shelf and then meticulously preserved.  Only a slight tinting of the bubble and a few spots on the reverse show it’s almost 40 years of age.  Bright and vibrant, this freshly graded example presents extremely well in AFA 70/85/85 condition.  A sensational piece for any serious MOTU collector with sure fire investment potential.  Encapsulated by AFA (70y, 70-85-85), #17293551