POP 6 - This is one of six AFA 80 TEST MARKET examples found in AFA’s population report, four are graded higher. There are a total of only 12 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 an original “Red Dots” Man-At-Arms on highly desirable first-release Test Market card. Front and back of the card are clean with only minor imperfections. The bubble retains perfect form. Please note that although the label does not designate a yellow tint, the bubble does exhibit a yellow tint and would be assigned a “Y” if submitted for grading today. The Man-At-Arms action figure within is the earliest version showcasing red dots on his helmet and battle armor on his arm and leg (to match the image on the reverse). Includes Battle in the Clouds mini comic with “Free” txt within the burst. This is the first retail version of MAA in first-release Test Market form that we’ve offered in our auctions. Encapsulated by AFA (80, 80-85-85), #17321083
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.