Princess of Power

Last updated
Princess of Power
Type Dolls/Action Figures
Inventor(s) Mattel
CompanyMattel
Country United States
Availability1984–present

Princess of Power (sometimes abbreviated as POP and informally referred to as She-Ra, after the lead heroine) is a toyline created by Mattel. Among others, it features the characters of She-Ra and Catra on planet Etheria. With its launch in 1984, the toyline spawned a variety of products, including three lines of fashion action figures. The Princess of Power logo and characters are currently used by Mattel as part of the Masters of the Universe Classics toyline.

Contents

The Toys

In 1984, Mattel and Filmation decided to diversify the Masters of the Universe line beyond its traditional realm of "male action" in the hopes of bringing in a young female audience as well. To accompany the Filmation animated series, Mattel created a new line of toys aimed at girls - Princess of Power - with the feminine warrior-woman She-Ra (twin sister of Masters' main hero He-Man) as its main heroine. The toyline featured almost exclusively female characters, all of whom featured an emphasis on hair and clothing, with "real" hair and partially soft-goods costumes. Essentially, the line attempted to fuse the appeal of Masters of the Universe with Mattel's most long-standing success, Barbie. Like its predecessor Masters of the Universe, the POP toy line actually lasted longer than the She-Ra: Princess of Power cartoon series itself.

Mattel Princess of Power Vintage Toys (1984-1987)

Wave 1 / 1984
NameTaglineAllegianceType
She-RaPrincess Adora Becomes She-Ra, Most Powerful Woman in the Universe!The Great RebellionAction Figure
BowSpecial Friend Who Helps She-Ra!The Great RebellionAction Figure
GlimmerThe Guide Who Lights the Way!The Great RebellionAction Figure
KowlThe Know-It Owl!The Great RebellionAction Figure
AngellaAngelic Winged Guide!The Great RebellionAction Figure
FrostaIce Empress of Etheria!The Great RebellionAction Figure
CastaspellaEnchantress Who Hypnotizes!The Great RebellionAction Figure
Double TroubleGlamorous Double Agent!The Great RebellionAction Figure
CatraJealous Beauty!The Evil HordeAction Figure
Swift WindBeautiful Horse Spirit, Becomes Magical Flying Unicorn!The Great RebellionCreature
ArrowTrue Blue Horse Flies BOW to Victory!The Great RebellionCreature
EnchantaBeautiful Swan "Flies" She-Ra and her Friends on Amazing Adventures!The Great RebellionCreature
StormFlies CATRA to Exciting Adventures!The Evil HordeCreature
Crystal CastleShimmmering Castle of Fantasy and Fun for SHE-RA and her Friends!The Great RebellionPlayset
Wave 2 / 1986
NameTag LineAllegianceType
Starburst She-RaThe Most Powerful Woman in the Universe!The Great RebellionAction Figure
FlutterinaBeautiful Lookout "Flies" with Fluttering Wings!The Great RebellionAction Figure
MermistaMist-i-fying Mermaid!The Great RebellionAction Figure
PeekablueWatchful "Feathered" Friend!The Great RebellionAction Figure
PerfumaScent-sational Flower Maiden!The Great RebellionAction Figure
Sweet BeeHoney of a Guide!The Great RebellionAction Figure
Scratchin' Sound CatraJealous Beauty!The Evil HordeAction Figure
EntraptaTricky Golden Beauty!The Evil HordeAction Figure
Crystal Swift WindMagnificent Crystal Unicorn "Flies" She-Ra to Adventure!The Great RebellionCreature
Crystal MoonbeamWinged Stallion Protects Crystal Castle at Night!The Great RebellionCreature
Crystal Sun DancerLovely Winged Protector of Crystal Castle by Day!The Great RebellionCreature
Sea HarpMusical Sea Horse Carries She-Ra and her Friends to Adventure!The Great RebellionCreature
ButterflyerWinged Collector's Case for She-Ra doll and her Friends!The Great RebellionCreature
ClawdeenGlamorous Cat Carries Catra to Adventure!The Evil HordeCreature
Crystal FallsRefreshing Water Wonderland for She-Ra and her Friends!The Great RebellionPlayset
Fantastic Fashions - Deep Blue SecretOcean Blue Outfit with a Secret Map of the Sea!The Great RebellionAccessories
Fantastic Fashions - Fit to be TiedGlamorous Gown with Life-Saving Scarf!The Great RebellionAccessories
Fantastic Fashions - Flight of FancyPretty Pantaloons Plus Magical Sword and Winged Shield!The Great RebellionAccessories
Fantastic Fashions - Flower PowerGarden Party Gown with "Powerful" Surprise Flowers!The Great RebellionAccessories
Fantastic Fashions - Hold on to Your HatPretty Hat Becomes a Secret ShieldThe Great RebellionAccessories
Fantastic Fashions - Ready in RedFurry Winter Outfit Hides a Powerful Suit of Armor!The Great RebellionAccessories
Fantastic Fashions - Rise & ShineLacy Lounging Gown Hides a Sparkly Suit of Armor!The Great RebellionAccessories
Fantastic Fashions - Veils of MysteryLayers of Veils Hide a Secret Sword!The Great RebellionAccessories
Wave 3 / 1987
NameTag LineAllegianceType
Bubble Power She-RaThe Most Powerful Woman in the Universe!The Great RebellionAction Figure
Loo-KeeHides & "Sees" All in Etheria!The Great RebellionAction Figure
NetossaCaptivating Beauty!The Great RebellionAction Figure
SpinnerellaDizzying DefenderThe Great RebellionAction Figure
Shower Power CatraJealous Beauty!The Evil HordeAction Figure
Royal Swift WindMighty "Flying" Unicorn Carries She-Ra to Adventure!The Great RebellionCreature
Silver StormSilver Storm "Flies" Catra to Mischievous Adventures!The Evil HordeCreature
Fantastic Fashions - Blue LightningThe Great RebellionAccessories
Fantastic Fashions - Colorful SecretThe Great RebellionAccessories
Fantastic Fashions - Frosty FurThe Great RebellionAccessories
Fantastic Fashions - Heart of GoldThe Great RebellionAccessories
Fantastic Fashions - Hidden GoldThe Great RebellionAccessories
Fantastic Fashions - Reflections in RedThe Great RebellionAccessories
Fantastic Fashions - Secret MessengerThe Great RebellionAccessories
Fantastic Fashions - Windy JumperThe Great RebellionAccessories

Mattel Princess of Power Unreleased Toys (1985-1987)

The following appear in toy catalogues but were never released.

Unreleased/Prototypes
NameTag LineAlliegianceType
StarlaBright & Beautiful Leader with Star Glitter BackpackThe Great RebellionAction Figure
TallstarMake Lovely Lookout "Grow"The Great RebellionAction Figure
JewelstarFold Hidden Beauty into "Jewel"The Great RebellionAction Figure
Glory BirdFlying Friend and Protector, Make his Wings Flap!The Great RebellionCreature
Bubble CarriageThe Great RebellionVehicle

Cartoon Series (1985-87)

The animated series She-Ra: Princess of Power was produced by Filmation and made its television debut in 1985.

Etheria is ruled by Hordak and the Evil Horde. Raised by Hordak, but actually the long-lost daughter of King Randor and Queen Marlena of Eternia, and twin sister of Prince Adam / He-Man, Princess Adora joins the Great Rebellion to fight against the oppressive Horde. [1] Princess Adora possesses a magic sword, and when she holds it aloft with her right hand and says the magic words, "For the honor of Grayskull... I AM SHE-RA!!!" she is transformed into She-Ra, "The Most Powerful Woman in the Universe." She-Ra is a beautiful blonde woman dressed in a white dress and a red cape, with a golden tiara on her head. [2]

Mattel Masters of the Universe 200X

Only one Princess of Power character was redone as an action figure for the new Masters of the Universe line in 2002-04: She-Ra, herself.

Released as an exclusive in 2004, this new She-Ra figure was made to appeal to fans of both the original and the new toylines, as well as fit in more closely with the other redesigned Masters characters. The new She-Ra still had the rooted, combable hair, but all of her clothing (except for her cape) was made out of molded plastic instead of cloth (unlike the original fashion action figure, who had both a cloth cape and skirt).

Mattel/Super7 Masters of the Universe Classics (2008-2020)

This new line of collector-oriented figures features previously released characters with "classic" retro sculpting and levels of articulation unprecedented for Masters of the Universe toys, and exclusively available online from Mattel's website mattycollector.com. As with the 200X toyline they are once again sculpted by the Four Horsemen, but are predominantly based on the original 1980's line of figures. Super7 took over the manufacture of the line in 2017, under licence from Mattel. The line plans to eventually include characters from all aspects of the Masters of the Universe franchise, including She-Ra (Princess of Power). [3]

The first Princess of Power figure was Princess Adora, as revealed at the 2009 San Diego Comic Con, and was first made available in January 2010. Since then, Adora's alter-ego She-Ra has been released in the Classics line along with Princess of Power male lead Bow and chief villainess Catra. [4] Although they made their original toy appearances in Masters of the Universe, She-Ra villains Hordak, Leech, Mantenna and Grizzlor are also available. [5] New additions to the line from Princess of Power included Bubble Power She-Ra and her beloved steed Swift Wind, and many more characters were released during the following years.

List of POP toys in MOTU Classics
Year of ReleaseNameTag LineAllegianceType
2009HordakRuthless Leader of the Evil HordeThe Evil HordeAction figure
2010AdoraLeader in the Great RebellionThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2010She-RaMost Powerful Woman in the UniverseThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2010GrizzlorHairy Henchman of the Evil HordeThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2011BowSpecial Friend Who Helps She-RaThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2011Map of Etheria (came with Preternia Disguise He-Man)Beautiful Planet of DespondosPoster
2011CatraJealous BeautyThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2011Supergirl vs. She-RaThe Maid of Might/Most Powerful Woman in the UniverseGift Set
2011LeechEvil Master of Power SuctionThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2011Hurricane HordakRuthless Leader with the Wicked Whirling WeaponsThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2011Bubble Power She-RaMost Powerful Woman in the UniverseThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2011Swiftwind (aka Swift Wind)Beautiful Horse, Spirit, Becomes Magical Flying Unicorn!The Great RebellionCreature
2012Star Sisters (Starla, Tallstar & Jewelstar) (with Glory Bird)Bright and Beautiful Leader/Lovely Lookout/Hidden BeautyThe Great RebellionGift Set
2012Shadow WeaverMistress of Dark MagicThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2012Horde PrimeSupreme Ruler of The Horde EmpireThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2012FrostaIce Empress of EtheriaThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2013NetossaCaptivating BeautyThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2013OctaviaWicked Tentacle-Swinging WarriorThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2013CastaspellaEnchantress Who HypnotizesThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2013MantennaEvil Spy with the Pop Out EyesThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2013Horde TroopersEvil Mechanical Enforcers of HordakThe Evil HordeGift Set
2013Kowl (included with End of Wars Weapons Pak)The Know-It OwlThe Great RebellionFigure/Accessories
2013Sea HawkHeroic Etherian PirateThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2014GlimmerThe Guide Who Lights the Way!The Great RebellionAction Figure
2014Map of The Horde Empire (came with Unnamed One)Tyrannical Galactic RulersPoster
2014Kowl (cartoon colours) & Loo-KeeThe Know-It Owl/Hides and Sees All in EtheriaThe Great RebellionAction Figures
2014ScorpiaStinging Horde EnforcerThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2014ModulokEvil Beast of the Thousand BodiesThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2014Double Mischief (aka Double Trouble)Glamorous Double AgentThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2014Hordak (cartoon colours) (with Imp)Evil Leader of the Horde InvasionThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2014Imp as Treasure ChestEvil Shapeshifting SpyThe Evil HordeAccessory
2014FlutterinaBeautiful "Flying" LookoutThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2014Madame Razz (with Broom)Magical Witch of Whispering WoodsThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2014EntraptaTricky Golden BeautyThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2014Sweet BeeHoney of a GuideThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2014Light HopeMagical Protector of the Crystal CastleThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2014She-Ra (Galactic Protector)Galactic ProtectorGalactic GuardiansAction Figure
2014ArrowTrue Blue Horse Flies Bow to VictoryThe Great RebellionCreature
2014MermistaMermaid Friend of She-RaThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2014SpinnerellaDizzying DefenderThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2015HuntaraCourageous Silaxian WarriorNoneAction Figure
2015AngellaAngelic Winged GuideThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2015PeekablueWatchful Feathered FriendThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2015Multi-BotEvil Robot of the Thousand BodiesThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2015PerfumaScent-Sational Flower MaidenThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2015CalixEvil Horde Rock ManThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2015Buzz-Saw HordakRuthless Leader with the Blaster BladeThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2015DragstorEvil Transforming Warrior VehicleThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2016VultakEvil Flying ZookeeperThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2016DesparaPowerful Force Captain of the Evil HordeThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2016General SunderHeroic Former Horde GeneralThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2017Horde TrooperEvil Mechanical Enforcers of HordakThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2018GranitaHeroic Comet CombatantComet WarriorsAction Figure
2018DylamugEvil Robot with Endless ExpressionsThe Evil HordeAction Figure

In 2017 Super7 took over the production of Masters of the Universe Classics and released two more characters from Princess of Power, Granita and Dylamug.

Super7 He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2017-2019)

In 2017 Super7 took over the production of the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe 7" scale toyline. Included for the first time are cartoon-accurate Hordak and Tung Lashor figures from the She-Ra animated series.

List of POP toys in He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
Year of ReleaseNameTag LineAllegianceType
2017Hordak (with Imp)Ruthless Leader of the Evil HordeThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2018Tung LashorEvil Tongue Shooting CreatureThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2018 MantennaEvil Spy with the Pop-Out EyesThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2018She-RaThe Most Powerful Woman in the UniverseThe Great RebellionAction Figure Figure
2018GrizzlorHairy Henchman of the Evil HordeThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2019ModulokEvil Beast of a Thousand BodiesThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2019Shadow WeaverEvil Mistress of Dark MagicThe Evil HordeAction Figure

Super7 Vintage-style Masters of the Universe (2018-2019)

In 2018 Super7 released new action figures in the style of the original 5.5 inch Mattel MOTU toys, including characters from the She-Ra: Princess of Power cartoon.

List of POP toys in Vintage-style Masters Of The Universe
Year of ReleaseNameTag LineAllegianceType
2018She-RaThe Most Powerful Woman in the UniverseThe Great RebellionAction Figure
2018Hordak (cartoon style)Ruthless Leader of the Evil HordeThe Evil HordeAction Figure
2018She-Ra & Hordak (cartoon style)The Most Powerful Woman in the Universe & the Ruthless Leader of the Evil HordeThe Great Rebellion & The Evil HordeGift Set
2019Shadow Orko (from the episode "Shades of Orko")Heroic Court MagicianHeroic WarriorsAction Figure
2019Shadow WeaverEvil Mistress of Dark MagicThe Evil HordeAction Figure

Mattel Princess of Power 2016 Exclusive

In July 2016 Mattel released a new 11 inch She-Ra doll. Exclusively available from MattyCollector, she has rooted hair, includes 3 fabric outfits (Filmation, Classic Toy, and Adora), 2 Swords of Protection, and comes with a mini-comic.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">He-Man</span> Fictional superhero character

He-Man is a superhero and the protagonist of the sword and planet Masters of the Universe franchise, which includes a toy line, several animated television series, comic books, and a feature film. He-Man is characterized by his superhuman strength and in most variations, is the alter ego of Prince Adam. He-Man and his friends attempt to defend the secrets of Castle Grayskull, the planet Eternia, and the rest of the universe from the evil forces of his archenemy Skeletor. He-Man is also the twin brother of She-Ra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">She-Ra</span> Lead character of a 1985 and 2018 animated series

Adora, known by her alter ego She-Ra, is a fictional superheroine in the Masters of the Universe franchise. She is introduced as the protagonist of the 1985 Filmation series She-Ra: Princess of Power, which reveals her to be the long lost twin sister of He-Man. She-Ra again appears in the 2018 reboot She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. A series of toys under her name was produced by Mattel in 1984. She has also appeared in a number of Masters of the Universe comic books, most notably in DC Comics' 2012-2018 MOTU comic series, a roughly 1,000 page single story arc, collected in the 2019 He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Omnibus hardcover release. In these comics and in the Masters of the Universe Classics toyline, she also has an evil persona called Despara. As Despara, she makes an appearance at the end of Rob David and Kevin Smith's 2024 Netflix release Masters of the Universe: Revolution, the third installment of the 2021 Masters of the Universe: Revelation animated series. She also features in multiple story books, mainly Golden Books and Ladybird books, and in some MOTU games.

<i>She-Ra: Princess of Power</i> American animated television series from 1985–1987

She-Ra: Princess of Power is an American animated series produced in 1985 by Filmation. A spin-off of Filmation's He-Man and the Masters of the Universe series, She-Ra was aimed primarily at a young female audience to complement He-Man's popularity with young males. Unlike He-Man, which was based on the Masters of the Universe toy line by Mattel, the creation of She-Ra was a collaboration between Filmation and Mattel. The initial group of characters and premise were created by uncredited writers Larry DiTillio and J. Michael Straczynski for Filmation, while the characters introduced later were designed by Mattel. Mattel provided financial backing for the series, as well as an accompanying toy line. The series premiered in 1985 and was ended in 1987, after 2 seasons and 93 episodes.

<i>Masters of the Universe</i> American media franchise

Masters of the Universe is a sword and planet-themed media franchise created by Mattel. The main premise revolves around the conflict between He-Man and Skeletor on the planet Eternia, with a vast lineup of supporting characters in a hybrid setting of medieval sword and sorcery, and sci-fi technology. A follow-up series, She-Ra: Princess of Power revolves around He-Man's sister She-Ra and her rebellion against The Horde on the planet Etheria. Since its initial launch, the franchise has spawned a variety of products, including multiple lines of action figures, six animated television series, several comic series, video games, books and magazines, a daily newspaper comic strip, and two feature films.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hordak</span> Fictional character from She-Ra princess of power franchise

Hordak is a fictional demonic character in the Masters of the Universe franchise who opposes She-Ra and He-Man, as well as the franchise's main villain, Skeletor, to whom he was once a mentor, and the cause of the latter's ambition and pursuits of evil. Hordak is the main antagonist of the She-Ra: Princess of Power animated series, in which he is the archenemy of She-Ra, He-Man's twin sister.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Castle Grayskull</span> Fictional Masters of the Universe castle

Castle Grayskull is a fictional castle that forms a central location in the Masters of the Universe toy/comic/animation universe and also appears in the 1987 live action adaptation. The concept is credited to Donald F. Glut. The toy set was invented by Roger Sweet. Castle Grayskull was a "major feature of Mattel's line", and was "one of the most famous playsets of all time".

Moss Man is a fictional character from the popular Masters of the Universe (MOTU) franchise.

Snout Spout is a fictional character in the popular Masters of the Universe franchise. He is a cyborg with a human body and a metal elephant head. He serves the Heroic Warriors as a firefighter, his main power being to spray jets of water, stored in a special pack on his back, from his trunk, which he refills periodically from rivers and lakes.

Beast Man is a supervillain in the toy line and cartoon series Masters of the Universe; the savage right-hand man of Skeletor, he can control many wild creatures and has brute strength.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evil-Lyn</span> Fictional supervillainess in the Masters of the Universe

Evil-Lyn is a supervillainess in the Masters of the Universe toy line and the accompanying cartoon series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sorceress of Castle Grayskull</span> Fictional superheroine from the Masters of the Universe franchise

The Sorceress of Castle Grayskull, also known as Teela Na, is a fictional superhero from the Masters of the Universe franchise. Her first appearance was in "He-Man and the Power Sword" (1981).

<i>The Secret of the Sword</i> 1985 US animated film directed by Bill Reed and Gwen Wetzler

The Secret of the Sword, also known as He-Man and She-Ra: The Secret of the Sword, is a 1985 American animated superhero film produced by Filmation. Although released before the series She-Ra: Princess of Power began, the film was a compilation of the first five episodes with minor edits made. The film was part of a trend of theatrically released animated films created by producers of TV shows and toys during the 1980s. It is part of the same continuity as the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon series, and was created by the same Filmation production team and cast. It was the first He-Man theatrical film, and the first theatrical release to feature She-Ra or any Masters of The Universe/Princess of Power characters.

Glimmer is a fictional character in the She-Ra animated television series, part of the Masters of the Universe franchise. First introduced in She-Ra: Princess of Power (1985–1987), she helps lead The Great Rebellion's efforts against the Horde. The daughter of King Micah and Queen Angella, Glimmer holds the title of Princess of Bright Moon in the series. In the original Princess of Power series, she is voiced by Linda Gary.

The Power Sword, also referred to as the Sword of Power or the Sword of Grayskull, is a fictional sword from Mattel's Masters of the Universe toy line. In the original mini-comics produced with the toyline in 1981, the Power Sword was a mystical object split into two parts, which Skeletor tries to obtain and put together in order to gain control over Castle Grayskull. In these early stories, He-Man uses an axe and a shield, rather than the magical sword.

The Masters of the Universe media franchise has appeared in several comic book series. Most were small publications, which were included as bonuses with action figures. Standalone comic-book series were also published by DC, Marvel Comics, London Edition Magazines and Image Comics.

<i>She-Ra and the Princesses of Power</i> 2018 American animated TV series

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is an American animated television series developed for Netflix by ND Stevenson and produced by DreamWorks Animation Television. Like the 1985 Filmation series She-Ra: Princess of Power, of which it is a reboot, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power tells the tale of Adora, an adolescent who can transform into the heroine She-Ra and leads a group of other magical princesses in a rebellion against the evil Lord Hordak and his Horde.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Catra</span> Fictional character in the She-Ra TV series

Catra is a fictional character in the toyline, and animated television series, She-Ra: Princess of Power (1985–86), which is part of the Masters of the Universe franchise. In the 2018 reboot, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Catra is one of the central antagonists for the first four seasons before becoming an ally to the heroes in its final season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Entrapta</span> Fictional character

Entrapta is a fictional character who first appeared in the animated television series She-Ra: Princess of Power. She later reappeared in the reboot series, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, with a bigger role and more character development than her original depiction.

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