SAN DIEGO, Calif. - July 19, 2001 - Today, He-Man® and the Masters of the Universe® are re-introduced to the world with a new look and a new attitude by Mattel, Inc. at the Comic-Con International 2001 Convention. Back from Castle Grayskull® and armed with his sword of power, He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe, re-joins the Masters of the Universe to once again battle the forces of evil and their tyrannical leader, Skeletor®. Nearly 20 years after He-Man was first introduced, Mattel is bringing back an updated version of the warrior from Eternia, and introducing the "Secret of Grayskull" to a new generation of fans.

In February 2002, Mattel's newly re-designed product line for He-Man and the Masters of the Universe will be on shelves across the nation. He-Man, along with his friends Stratos™ and Man-At-Arms®, are back with their unique talents and powers as they battle their evil enemy, Skeletor, and his minions, Beast Man™ and Mer-Man™.

"He-Man and the Masters of the Universe embody the classic tale of good versus evil," said Mark Sullivan, Senior Vice President, Boys/Entertainment at Mattel. "It is a story that all generations can relate to, and after 20 years we are thrilled to bring these characters back to life with action figures and accessories that will entertain kids and parents as they discover the magic of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe."

Not only do the Masters of the Universe have a new look, but they also represent the collaboration of award-winning design team the Four Horsemen and master painter Ken Kelly. The Four Horsemen, who are known throughout the action figure industry as the finest at their craft, designed and sculpted the new He-Man model. Kelly, known worldwide for his illustrations of sword and sorcery, and heroic fantasy, conceived and painted the new image of the warrior.

The line of action figures has been re-designed with updated looks and features as a new era of children look forward to discovering the magic and mystery of the man whose strength and courage know no equal. As many parents remember, each individual character has their own extraordinary talents and unique history:

• He-Man, the hero, is the alter ego of Prince Adam™, a member of the royal family in Eternia. He uses his amazing strength to lead the Masters of the Universe in their battle to protect the Secret of Grayskull from Skeletor and his minions.
• Stratos, a feathered winged warrior, is the leader of Avion and a lifelong friend of He-Man. He helps He-Man battle evil, and uses his jetpack - which can launch missiles - to travel the skies.
• Man-At-Arms, an armament specialist, is the mentor of young Prince Adam. He carries a mace and arm cannon, and is one of only three people who know of the alter ego of Prince Adam.
• Skeletor, the skull-faced mutant, is the evil leader of the forces that rule the dark side of Eternia. Skeletor lives at Snake Mountain and uses black magic and sorcery in his efforts to defeat the Masters of the Universe and discover the Secret of Grayskull, allowing him to rule Eternia.
• Beast Man, a wicked henchmen answering to Skeletor, is a brutish monster with a lion's mane who uses a savage stun whip to discipline others. Beast Man has the ability to control creatures with his mind, a talent he uses to his advantage in efforts to destroy the Masters of the Universe.
• Mer-Man, the ocean warlord, lives underwater and wreaks havoc in the seas on behalf of Skeletor. He carries a trident and sword made from scales and shark teeth, and all underwater monsters obey his commands.

In addition to the wide array of heroic warriors and evil enemy action figures, Mattel is also planning to bring back a collection of the characters' favorite accessories, such as the their land, air and battle vehicles. Approximate retail prices for the action figures and accessories will range from $7.99 - $24.99.
Visit MastersOfTheUniverse.com for more information.

There will be an exclusive RTM interview with The Four Horsemen posted here tomorrow.