POP 1 - This is the sole AFA 75 TEST MARKET example found in AFA’s population report, two are graded higher (both are AFA 80). There are a total of only 4 AFA graded examples inclusive of all grades.
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.
Offered here is one of the rarest Test Market releases in the MOTU line – Mer-Man. With only a total of four first-release examples graded in AFA’s 25-year history, smart money says it will be quite a while before we see another Test Market Merman made available. Our AFA 75 example is well-presenting with the main culprit found on the front of the card in upper left quadrant near the edge. The bubble displays a yellow tint while retaining perfect form. The Mer-Man action figure looks great within. Includes He-Man and the Power Sword mini comic with “Free” txt within the burst. This is the first time we have offered a first-release Mer-Man in our auctions. Very rare! Encapsulated by AFA (75y, 75-85-85), #14010993
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.