News: Mattel’s Masters of the Universe (MOTU) Welcomes the Multicultural Rulers of the Sun
Parents and children rejoice! New heroes are here to save the world following Mattel’s unveiling of the multicultural Rulers of the Sun action figures that joined their MOTU collections.
Introducing Sun-Man, Digitino, and Space Sumo – the multicultural trio fighting for justice against their arch-enemy “Pig-Head.” Together, these three make up the Rulers of the Sun squad. Let’s get to know them a little up close and personal.
[The Rulers of the Sun | Source: Mattel/the Toy Book]
The Multicultural Rulers of the Sun
Sun-Man, one of the first black superheroes in Mattel’s toy line, debuted in 2021. “The ground-breaking Black action figure — which first hit toy store shelves in 1985 from Olmec Toys — is officially joining forces with Mattel’s vintage toy line in time for the 40th anniversary of Masters of the Universe,” the article says. His origin can be traced back to 1985 when Yla Eason, his creator, was pondering on ideas to having more toy options for her son. “When I originally created the character of Sun-Man, it was to show my son that heroes come in all skin colors,” said Eason. Sun-man’s skin color is an “organic connection” to where he draws his power – from the sun! Equipped with superhero gear such as a shield, sword, and breast plate, Sun-Man has already charmed the little ones!
We don’t know much about Digitino and Space Sumo just yet, but we can settle for ‘Latino computer wizard’ and ‘Asian telekinetic ninja’ for now. Who else has a digital wizard and a telekinetic ninja on their team? That is a powerful trio and Pig-Head won’t stand a chance!
This year, as Mattel celebrates the 40th anniversary of He-Man: Masters of the Universe, adding the new line of culturally diverse figures to the legends is just timely.
Quoting from the article, “This job requires one to be a bit of a toy historian, and I always knew of the existence of Sun-Man, and of the high prices that vintage examples would go for in the Masters of the Universe collecting community,” said Ed Duncan, SVP of Action Figures, Games and Plush Design, & Inventor Relations at Mattel. “Even knowing that, it was only a couple of years ago that I came across Yla’s story, and it really resonated with me as another black toymaker.”
Gleason and Olmec Toys have retained all rights to the character.
Article originally published on The ToyBook:
https://toybook.com/mattels-masters-of-the-universe-welcomes-the-multicultural-rulers-of-the-sun/