The original Masters of the Universe toy line went through a mere six waves from 1982-1987 (OK, seven if you count the two “Laser Light” figures that were never released in the U.S.). The last wave offered a much more diverse assortment of characters than the previous waves, from Scareglow to King Hiss to Snake Face to, well, Gwildor. And it also finally gaves MOTU fans a figure of one of the prominent characters in the cartoon series: Prince Adam’s dad, King Randor.

Of course, King Randor goes as far back as the original He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Bible, written by Michael Halperin in 1982 before the cartoon was even created. He’s appeared since then in every incarnation of the He-Man story, including the New Adventures (where, in the first episode, he and his wife Marlena finally found out the truth about their son Adam).

Since those early days, Randor’s history has been greatly expanded. We now know that Skeletor was once in fact Keldor, Randor’s half-brother, and that Skeletor’s facial deformity is a result of a battle with Randor. (Keldor may even be the true ruler of Eternia by birth, but the Elders rather understandably interceded with the right of succession). (more…)