Created in 1981, Mattel's Masters of the Universe toys were led by macho superhero He-Man, the "Power Punch"–packing fighting machine. Powered by rubber-band pull-and-release body movements, He-Man took on toy enemies while partnering with pals Stratos, Teela and Mat-At-Arms until they all received TV deals. Their cartoon success fanned their popularity as action figures, and by the 1983 Christmas season, He-Man was atop every little boy's list.