Presented is a rare, first release factory sealed Battle Cat from Series One.  This iconic character was released alongside the test market 8-backs figures, Castle Grayskull, and the Battle Ram & Wind Raider vehicles as part of the initial offering and debut of the Masters of the Universe toy line.  Similar to a canvas in texture, the box quality on this piece is simply amazing.  Clear window free of blemishes from the front (nearly all have yellowed).  The reverse is clean and amazingly free of the unsightly flap crease seen on just about every example.  The only observable blemishes on the reverse are a light dog ear bend in the upper corner and 1.5-2 inches of light veining at the corners along the flap.  Seasoned collectors know that there is quite a difference not only in rarity, but in box features between this early release 8-back and the more common 12-back.  First, rarity: the 8-backs make up only approximately 10% (likely closer to 5%) of the factory sealed Battle Cat supply.  Second, the nuanced differences that veteran collectors love are present: the bottom of the box is completely black in color and the reverse displays only eight characters.  We expect lots of action on this lot and our other first release 8-back MOTU items as many 12-back owners will see a rare opportunity to upgrade.  Encapsulated by AFA (80, 80-80-85), #11359134