Masters of the Universe MOTU Mark Taylor Heritage Auctions

The most historic Masters of the Universe auction is happening right now, and almost no one is talking about it. Thanks for the nudge from joshuaskywriter, the talented writer behind the MOTU Origins mini comics, and Mr. Home Arcade (check out his video here too!), we wanted to let the MOTU community know about something truly special. Heritage Auctions is hosting what might be the biggest MOTU auction of all time, featuring original, one-of-a-kind artwork legendary Mark Taylor himself and AFA graded carded figures. These are pieces of toy history—early concept sketches, design work, and never-before-seen items that shaped the entire Masters of the Universe universe. Even more surprising, some of the prices right now are criminally low. But don’t wait—this auction ends on June 5, 2025 and we may never see original Mark Taylor artwork or these incredible toy rarities on the market again. If you’re a collector, a fan, or just someone who grew up on MOTU magic, this is a moment you don’t want to miss. Back in 2023, we featured images of the Eternia playset preproduction clay sculpts. We’ve highlighted some of the rare pieces here but if you want to see ALL of the MOTU goodness, head over to Heritage Auctions!

Heritage Auctions 15 Minute Extended Bidding

Heritage Auctions uses a 15-minute extended bidding system where, after the initial closing time, any bid placed on an item resets a 15-minute countdown—bidding continues until no new bids are placed within a 15-minute window.

Evil Incarnate (aka The King of Styx)

Emerging from Mark Taylor’s early fantasy mythos, this original 1970s concept artwork—titled Evil Incarnate and also known as The King of Styx—offers a haunting glimpse at the skeletal figure who would later evolve into Skeletor. Created before Taylor’s time at Mattel and based on a story he wrote in college around 1971, the mixed media piece measures 24 by 20 inches and features a decayed monarch framed in a circular cut-out, dressed in jagged purple armor with mummy-wrapped legs and a skull-like face crowned in blue. He holds a tattered sword with a purple hilt, a design Taylor would revisit in later iterations. Though not yet Skeletor, this chilling figure laid the foundation for what would become one of the most iconic villains in MOTU history. Recently rediscovered in a forgotten sketchbook during a garage repair, Rebecca Taylor confirmed it as one of several early concepts tied to Mark’s original vision, where gothic horror and fantasy powerfully collide.

The Dwell of Souls

This original concept art print by Mark Taylor, created between 1975 and 1980, captures his early vision for what would become Castle Grayskull—then titled The Dwell of Souls. Rendered in eerie tones of purple, green, and yellow, the castle’s skull-like façade looms over a chaotic battle scene, with enemy forces approaching by boat and clashing at its massive gates. Mounted on an 11 by 14 inch board, the piece radiates a gothic, almost sentient energy, inspired by medieval fortresses and the dark atmosphere of the 1933 King Kong film. A swirl of pale blue clouds sweeps overhead, adding to the castle’s otherworldly presence. Though this version is a modern print, it faithfully preserves the original’s mood and mystery. With minor wear along the edges and a soft corner bend, this piece remains a powerful tribute to the creative roots of the Masters of the Universe mythos and the surreal, brooding legacy of Mark Taylor’s imagination.

Castle Grayskull Pencil Sketch

This original pencil sketch of Castle Grayskull, drawn by Mark Taylor in 1979 and signed “Taylor / 79,” represents the earliest known version of the iconic fortress that would define the Masters of the Universe mythos. Measuring 24 by 19 inches, the piece captures Taylor’s raw, unfiltered vision of Grayskull—not as a traditional castle, but as a haunted, organic structure that felt alive, melting, and ancient. Created during his early years at Mattel, the sketch reflects influences from Skull Island and ancient ritual symbolism, portraying a place of power that existed beyond good and evil. Unlike the later toy version, this concept retained a surreal, decayed atmosphere that hinted at deeper mysteries. This sketch would go on to inspire the prototype sculpt and influence early mini-comics and packaging art, making it a true cornerstone in MOTU history.

Face Shifter

This original concept artwork for Face Shifter, created by Mark Taylor in 1982, offers a rare glimpse into the early experimental phase of Masters of the Universe character design. Rendered in mixed media on illustration board and measuring 15.25 by 20 inches, the piece features a sleek figure in a light blue bodysuit with metallic armor, dark blue boots, and a matching face mask with piercing red eyes. A circular cut-out frames the character, while production notes at the top outline alternate clip-on masks with detailed, high-tech designs. An additional disguised version, cloaked and hooded, appears in the bottom right. Signed and dated by Taylor in the lower right corner, this concept would later influence the development of Man-E-Faces and shows stylistic links to other designs like Terror Claws Skeletor and Flipshot. With visible wear and edge scuffing, the artwork retains the raw creative energy of a design still in flux—a snapshot of Taylor’s imaginative process during one of MOTU’s most defining eras.

Segway

This original 1982 concept artwork by Mark Taylor showcases an early, villainous version of a character who would eventually become Man-E-Faces. Titled Multi-Face and originally named Segway, the figure is rendered in mixed media on illustration board with a clear protective overlay and measures 15.25 by 20 inches. Clad in silver-gray armor with yellow and purple highlights, the character holds a purple staff topped with a clawed, hammer-like head. His blue face, marked by intense eyes and a worried expression, is topped by a long, insectoid helmet with yellow and blue detailing. A second image to the right reveals “face B,” emphasizing the reversible-head concept that would define the final toy. The design leans heavily into an insect-like, villainous aesthetic, offering a darker vision than the hero fans came to know. Signed and dated by Taylor in the lower right, the piece shows toning, edge wear, and light scuffing, preserving the raw, creative energy of a concept still in motion. This artwork captures a pivotal moment in MOTU history, when the line between good and evil was still taking shape in the world of Eternia.

Battle Catapult

Masters of the Universe Battle Catapult Original Artwork by Mark Taylor (Mattel, 1981). This early concept piece channels the raw, inventive energy of Masters of the Universe in its formative years. Drawn by Mark Taylor, the Battle Catapult is a heroic, single-pilot war machine blending medieval siege design with futuristic touches. Colored in sea-green tones and anchored by a bold copper-orange catapult, the vehicle showcases Taylor’s signature mix of mythic and sci-fi influences. Rendered in mixed media on a 14 by 17 inch sheet mounted to a 20 by 25 inch board, the artwork includes production notes detailing launch mechanics and movement. A bird-like figure in the front adds a heraldic flair, echoing the fantasy themes that shaped Eternia. Signed and dated in the lower right, the artwork shows wear along the edges, scuffing near the bottom, surface wrinkling, and a small pinhole—signs of its working life in MOTU’s development. More than a toy design, this is a rare glimpse into the visual storytelling that made the franchise legendary.

Wun-Dar Prototype Test Shot

This prototype first shot He-Man figure, produced by Mattel in 1981, stands as one of the rarest and most legendary pieces from the earliest days of Masters of the Universe. Featuring brown hair, brown fur trunks, and unpainted boots and belt, this rough-cut figure came directly from a former Mattel employee and captures the raw, experimental phase before the final character designs were locked in. Bearing a Taiwan stamp and graded Archival AFA 80 NM, it aligns closely with the mysterious Savage He-Man—often referred to by fans as “Wonder Bread He-Man” despite no confirmed connection to the bread brand. Many believe it originated from a 1983 “Buy 3, Get 1 Free” Mattel mail-away promotion, which delivered a strange, armorless He-Man with dark tan skin and random accessories. Some even tie this figure to Mattel’s early, ultimately abandoned attempt to license Conan the Barbarian, a theory that fueled a legal battle in 1984. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Tom Derby, this piece isn’t just a figure—it’s a prototype grail, a tangible link to the untamed origins of Eternia and one of the most enduring toy mysteries of all time.

Terror Claws Skeletor AFA 85

The 1986 Masters of the Universe Terror Claws Skeletor is a standout variant released as part of the 5th Anniversary Collector’s Edition. This deluxe figure features Skeletor in his signature purple harness, equipped with two removable massive claws and a snapping skull weapon, emphasizing a more brutal, combat-ready version of the evil lord. Presented sealed on a NEW! Series 5 card, this figure is encased in acrylic and graded AFA 85 Y-NM+ with subgrades C80 B85 F90, making it a prized collector’s item. In MOTU lore, Terror Claws Skeletor embodies a fiercer, more aggressive Skeletor, heightening the stakes in his legendary battles against He-Man.

Spydor Early Sample with Box

This rare early sample of the 1984 Masters of the Universe Spydor Evil Stalker vehicle showcases one of the most fearsome and inventive machines from Skeletor’s arsenal. Battery-operated and designed to skitter with unsettling precision, Spydor’s insectoid, bio-mechanical design set it apart from the more traditional fantasy vehicles in the MOTU lineup. This sample comes housed in a plain, unmarked white box, likely used for pre-release testing or internal distribution, and includes original cardboard inserts, an instruction sheet, and a decal sheet with one loose sticker. The motorized spider-like vehicle remains in unused condition, its eight articulated legs, glowing red cockpit, and grasping claws intact. While the box shows signs of significant wear—corner bends, creasing, dents, and scuffs—this early sample represents a rare chance to own a near-pristine example of one of Eternia’s most intimidating rides, blending dark science fantasy with ’80s toy innovation.

Two Bad AFA 80

The 1985 Masters of the Universe Two Bad figure is a standout member of Skeletor’s motley crew, known as the “Double-headed evil strategist.” Featuring a unique dual-headed design that represents two feuding bounty hunters fused into one, Two Bad’s bold asymmetrical sculpt and split color scheme—blue on one side and purple on the other—perfectly highlight the character’s internal conflict. Equipped with a rounded back and spring-loaded arms for battle-ready bear hug action, this figure combines playability with striking visual storytelling. This vintage Two Bad is sealed on a Series 4 card with a mini comic included, encased in acrylic, and graded AFA 80 NM with subgrades C80 B85 F90, making it a prized collectible for MOTU fans and collectors alike.

King Hiss AFA 80

The 1986 Masters of the Universe King Hiss figure captures the cunning leader of the Snake Men in classic vintage style. Disguised in green armor to deceive his foes, King Hiss transforms into a writhing mass of serpents, commanding his army in battle with a shocking surprise twist. This transformation feature made him a standout in the MOTU lineup, blending traditional action figure design with the franchise’s signature themes of hidden powers and shape-shifting villains. This figure is sealed on an unpunched Series 5 card with a mini comic included, encased in acrylic, and graded AFA 80 NM with subgrades C80 B85 F85, making it a prized piece for collectors and fans of the Snake Men saga.

Mr. Home Arcade also did a video about these rare auctions so be sure to check it out!