Man-At-Arms
Masters Of The Universe Heroic Warrior
About This Vintage Toy
The title “Man-At-Arms” originated from the High Medieval to Renaissance periods as a soldier who was typically well-versed in combat. Traditionally, a “Man-At-Arms” used various weapons and served as a fully armored noble or mercenary cavalry-style Warrior. The Masters of the Universe Man-At-Arms character appeared in the first wave of the 1982 Mattel toy line. As ‘Heroic Master of Weapons,’ he is He-Man’s closest ally and adoptive father of Teela. He is also the primary inventor of most of the vehicles and weapons used by Eternia’s Heroic Warriors. Man-At-Arms is also known as Duncan to Queen Marlena and King Randor and many of his friends, including He-Man.
Man-At-Arms was the latest surviving family member in a long line of great warriors initially depicted in original mini-comics. The Filmation cartoon series portrayed Man-At-Arms as the Chief Advisor to the ruling planetary monarch King Randor and Queen Marlena of Eternia. The Filmation cartoon also depicted Man-At-Arms as Prince Adam’s (son of King Randor and Queen Marlena) mentor. As a result, he is one of the few people that we’re aware of Prince Adam’s secret magical identity as He-Man. Man-At-Arms is also a skilled inventor and uses the resources and materials at his disposal to aid He-Man in protecting the secrets of Castle Grayskull. Man-At-Arms also operates his workshop at the King and Queens Royal Palace, where most of his inventions are created.
The original Man-At-Arms action figure included a club or Battle Mase; however, he was rarely seen with the weapon in the Filmation animated series. In addition, the action figure version did not have a mustache, as was represented by the character in the cartoon series. It is rumored that the action figure manufacturing started before the animated production began, and the Man-At-Arms character needed an older and wiser father figure appeal to fit better the storyline the Filmation Studio was producing. Thus, a mustache was simply added to the cartoon version of the character to achieve a better sense of experience and wisdom.
During the 1980s Filmation animated series, seasoned voice actor Alan Oppenheimer played the role of Man-At-Arms. Showcasing the talents of Oppenheimer, he also successfully provided voice roles for Skeletor, Cringer, Battle Cat, Mer-Man, Buzz-Off, Roboto, and several other characters that appeared in the series. The live 1987 action film portrayal of the Man-At-Arms character closely represented the Filmation cartoon version of the character and was played by actor Jon Cypher.
The Man-At-Arms action figure stood five and one-half inches tall. The action figure offered 5 points of articulation with the hips, shoulders, and neck. An additional non-posable power punch action features a utilized spring-activated twist of his waist. When turned either right or left, the upper body would spring back to its returning forward-facing position, unleashing a power punch to any battling enemy during lay.
Included Accessories
Action Figure Variations
The original first wave eight back release of the Man-At-Arms action figure featured four red dots, painted on the top of the helmet. Later releases of this action figure left these sculpted dots unpainted. The original eight figures, commonly known as eight backs to collectors, came from Taiwan. Most were released with “Taiwan 1982” markings. They had slight manufacturing differences when they were re-released with wave two, changing paint application, and armor strap length. In addition, international variations were also produced for Malaysia, Hong Kong, France, Spain, India, Venezuela, Brazil, and Mexico for global markets.
Original Packaging
The packaging for the Man-At-Arms action figure on the original product launch did not include the 90-day warranty information. This was later added shortly after the initial launch with updated packaging. With the re-release of the wave one action figures for series two in 1983, the packaging card back was changed to add the additional wave two action figures and include additional illustrations and functionality instructions. The original first launch card back without the 90 day limited warranty text is slightly more valuable and sought after on the current collectors market.
A total of three different card backs were produced during the original release of the Man-At-Arms action figure as information was later updated and added from 1981 -1983.
A total of three different card backs were produced during the original release of the Man-At-Arms action figure as information was later updated and added from 1981 -1983.
The 1982 Masters Of The Universe TV Commercial
Collector’s Price Guide
How To Use This Price Guide
MLC = “Mint Loose Condition” This is when the action figure or Vehicle is in excellent condition, and is loose and “complete” with all original accessories, but without the packaging and original included paperwork.
MIB = “Mint in box” This is when the collectible is in excellent condition, and is loose and “complete” with all original accessories and original included paperwork.
MWC = “Mint with Card Back” This is when an action figure os is excellent condition, and is loose and “complete” with all original accessories, however included the original card back fully intact. If the original blister bubble is intact, It can bring additional value depending on the condition of the blister bubble.
MISB = “Mint in Sealed Box” This is when the Collectible is in excellent condition, and is factory sealed and was never opened or used.
MOC = “Mint on card” This Is when the action figure is in excellent condition and is factory sealed and it’s original blister bubble and was never opened or used.
COMPLETE = “Complete” This is when the collectible is 100% complete with all of its accessories. Additional paperwork included with the original package does increase the overall value but does not necessarily consider the item complete
DISCLAIMER: All values are estimated by Retro Toy Quest and subject to change and discrepancy, depending on the advanced nature of any collector. Retro Toy Quest holds no responsibility for any possible inaccuracies displayed within this reference guide, and values may often fluctuate in the current collectors market prior to or after published updates. Variants, Unpunched, Graded, Early Releases, International, and other unique variations may fetch a higher price point on the collectors market.
