We are privileged to present an extraordinary collection of early release Series One “8-backs” from the wildly popular Masters of the Universe toyline. This carefully curated collection includes 6 of the 8 characters in FIRST RELEASE form. “8-Backs” featuring the original eight characters on the reverse, are considered “Holy Grails” in the MOTU collecting community. Below the item description is a summary of the three different 8-back releases.
The most important and recognizable carded action figure in the entire MOTU line, we are pleased to present the very first release of the icon: He-Man. Collectors from a wide range of collecting categories have been patiently waiting for quite some time for a quality FIRST RELEASE/TEST MARKET 8-back He-Man to surface. Our example, paired with the Battle in the Clouds mini comic (with the “FREE” text within the burst), boasts a well-presenting card, bubble, and figure. The card showcases strong color, excellent centering, and a very clean reverse. Various imperfections are present and visible in the accompanying photos. The bubble exhibits a yellow tint but retains perfect form and is completely free of dents, dings, and cracks. The mint condition He-Man action figure contained within stands ideally upright. Our “hobby fresh” example, recently graded in Feb. 2024, has been evaluated by the hobby’s leading grading service, AFA, utilizing their current three tier grading system that includes subgrades: it earned an overall 75 red label grade including 85 and 90 assigned to two of the three subgrades. We have offered many 8-back He-Man action figures in our auctions (all version “C”), but this is the first time we have had the privilege of offering a first-release version of the icon. This listing presents a fantastic opportunity for collectors aiming to secure a rare and historically significant piece. Encapsulated by AFA (75y, 75-85-90), #12772586
8-Back cards were released in three versions:
Version A:
Also known as “TEST MARKET”, the earliest release. The simplest cardback. No warranty message at the bottom of the card, no SKU number under each character’s name. Although there are 8 characters pictured on the reverse, only six characters of the eight characters were released on TEST MARKET cards. Finally, each mini comic includes “FREE” text within the burst on the bottom right.
First Release of:
He-Man
Skeletor
Beastman
Man-At-Arms
Merman
Stratos
Version B:
This is the 2nd release card back for the 6 characters above, but it is the first release of Teela and Zodac. Teela and Zodac do not exist on TEST MARKET (Version A) cards. The Version B cards are just like the Version A cards, except that each character has an SKU number under their name.
First Release of:
Teela
Zodac
Version C:
This is the most common 8-back and was the third and final release. These cards are most easily identified with the large warranty message on the bottom of the card. Like Version B, each character on back has an SKU number under their name. The mini comic DOES NOT include the “FREE” text within the burst. All 8 of the characters are available on the version C card.
Estimate: $10,000 - $20,000