He-Man
He-Man is a superhero and the protagonist of the sword and planet franchise Masters of the Universe, which includes a toy line, several animated television series, comic books, and two feature films. 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 uncle and archenemy Skeletor. He-Man is also the twin brother of She-Ra.
The character was created by designer Mark Taylor, who based the character on his childhood drawings. One of Taylor's designs was used by Mattel designer Roger Sweet in his pitch to Mattel for a new action figure line. Sweet also chose the name "He-Man" and suggested that it have a twist-action waist. Sweet sculpted and presented three different versions of the figure to Mattel—including a soldier, spaceman, and barbarian—the barbarian version was chosen and developed into the character's current form. Afterwards, Sweet was taken off the project and Taylor was assigned principal design duties.
The television series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe rapidly increased the selling of Mattel's toys and was a huge success in the 1980s, gaining nine million viewers in its first year in the US alone and being broadcast to at least 37 countries. The massive success of the series led to a feature-length movie in 1985, He-Man and She-Ra: The Secret of the Sword, from the same production team, and a shared continuity, spin-off/sister series She-Ra: Princess of Power. There was also a primetime, hour-long Christmas special, He-Man and She-Ra: A Christmas Special.
Since his creation, He-Man has often attracted attention for his perceived homoeroticism, with critics and academics recognizing the gay subtext surrounding his character. Following the airing of the original cartoon, He-Man has become a gay icon and amassed an LGBT following; particularly among gay men.
Tapestry
- 2025-11-28T00:00:00.000000Z
Deep Waters
- 2024-11-22T00:00:00.000000Z
Starbound
- 2024-08-27T00:00:00.000000Z
Cotton Castles
- 2024-04-26T00:00:00.000000Z
A Dark Turn
- 2022-07-08T00:00:00.000000Z
Possibilities
- 2022-05-06T00:00:00.000000Z
Being Us
- 2022-04-08T00:00:00.000000Z
Similar Artists