Skeletor Variations
Masters Of The Universe Evil Warrior
Manufacturing and Production
Mattel’s Skeletor action figure production process appeared to have some of the most variants featured in the Masters of the Universe toy line. The Taiwan version and the later Mexico version were the most commonly found in U.S. markets. Although the variations have minor differences in color, belt paint, abdominal sculpting, facial details, and accessories, the differences are incredibly minimal and were barely noticeable, if at all, to children of the 1980s. The primary differences are the soft rubber head and the hard head versions. In addition, there were at least two different versions of the hardhead, one being a hard rubber head and the other being a hard solid plastic version. The most notable variation would be the half-painted boot version, marked as manufactured in Taiwan in 1981. This variation featured a half-painted purple boot that is only painted on the front side and the foot. This version also featured additional pink color added to Skeletor’s cheeks. Many collectors believe that this half-boot version is one of the first and early releases of the action figure.
The original Taiwan eight Masters of The Universe (8 back) action figures had slight differences when they were re-released in wave two after the debut launch. Usually, a simple paint application and armor strap length change was adjusted in production with the (12 back) re-release the following year. Action figures produced in Mexico were manufactured at the MABAMEX factory located in Tijuana, just outside the United States border, south of California. Notably, the MABAMEX factory was approximately 140 miles south of Mattel’s headquarters in El Segundo, California. Most of the accompanying accessories for the Mexico-marked action figures were made in the U.S. In addition, international variations were also found with markings manufactured in Hong Kong, France, Spain, India, Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico, and Brazil for global markets.
Below are many, but not limited to, a majority of the Skeletor action figure and accessory variations.
Large Boot Versions
The boot was manufactured much larger than some versions of the Skeletor action figure. The larger boot bottom accommodated additional heavier accessories and body armor while standing when supporting later action figures like “Dragon Blaster Skeletor.” Collectors commonly believe that Mattel may have used some of the original Skeletor molds for the upper body and torso to manufacture the later versions of “Dragon Blaster Skeletor.” Although “Dragon Blaster Skeletor” was released in 1985, it may still show the markings of 1981 in some variations. The 1981 more considerably sized boot variation does not have the two markings on the forehead; however, the 1984 Mexico large boot version has the forehead markings.
Accessory Variants
This action figure was also no stranger to accessory variations and can be pretty confusing to collectors attempting to match the right accessories to the correct action figure version. Two primary categories seem to be present, with several different Taiwan and USA variations, although many unmarked or numbers only versions are also standard. It would be logical to match the Taiwan accessories with the Taiwan manufactured action figure, although this can become challenging due to a large number of variations.
The variant can typically be identified with alternative markings, SKU numbers, and slight color differences. Other noted manufacturing changes collectors may find that some of the earlier Taiwan-produced accessories also included an increase in the length of the straps on his chest harness.
Packaging Variations
The packaging for the Skeletor 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.
