He-Man Disses the Toy Universe
So you don’t think the toy business can get nasty? Check out this Mattel trade ad from 1982. While Star Wars seems to be the most obvious target of the most powerful man in the universe, you can also spot a couple of straight-arm Joes in the mist, namely Scarlett and Flash. There’s also a figure from Sgt. Rock, and even poor Father Mulcahy from MASH gets a shot across the bow. A low blow, but I guess ‘roid rage can do that to you.
Can you imagine the modern legal ramifications if a company did this today?
Back before Hasbro bought up Kenner, and then had Mattel for desert. I guess Scarlett and Flash’s company had the last laugh, although with GiJoe on indefinite hold maybe the jokes on us.
Ok, L-R I see: Sgt Rock figure (Gunner?), Star Wars Hoth Luke, GI Joe Flash, Scarlett, He-Man, Legend of the Lone Ranger figure (Butch Cassidy?), Mash figure (Fthr Mulcahey), UNKNOWN (only see a leg), UNKNOWN (possibly Metal Men), SW Hoth Rebel Trooper, C-3PO, R2-D2.
Can anyone I.D. the two I can’t?
The figure behind the Hoth Rebel Trooper appears to be from Eagle Force. It looks shorter, and there’s no mistaking that gold metal finish.
”He-Man should bow, to the competition” G.I. Joe:A Real American Hero”,just like all the rest of the competition, listed in this 1982 ad.”
The add shows its age. He-man [and Motu in general] was popular in the early 80’s but my the mid 80’s competition was getting fierce and by the time the 1987 movie was released, motu’s popularity was pretty low. The 1989 reboot didnt bring in many new fans and it alienated many of the older ones
It reminds me of the Hasbro ad where their Sgt. Slaughter figure was standing over LJN WWF wrestlers.
Han is the figure behind he-man that you can only see the leg of. You can see a tad of his vest on the left side. Cobra officer between hemans legs. Can barely see the silver cobra symbol.
I agree, I see a silver Cobra logo too. Between He-Man’s legs.