Teela (Original Action Figure – 1982)

 

Character Profile

Teela is the Captain of the Royal Guard in Eternia and one of the strongest female warriors in the Masters of the Universe mythos. Raised by Man-At-Arms, Teela is brave, fierce, and loyal. In early mini-comics and marketing materials, she was sometimes presented as the Goddess (a different character), leading to confusion due to shared sculpt and accessories. In Filmation's animated series, she became one of He-Man’s closest allies and a central character in Eternian lore.

Figure Overview

• Toyline: Masters of the Universe

• Wave: Wave 1 (1982, Original 8-Back)

• Release Year: 1982

• Manufacturer: Mattel

• Figure Type: Female humanoid buck with unique accessories

• Action Feature: Spring-loaded twist punch

Design & Sculpt

Teela was the only female figure in the first wave and used a slim female buck with sculpted armor details. Her face features detailed eyes, makeup, and a regal headpiece. She came molded in light tan with painted red-brown hair and boots.

Her cobra armor and staff were originally meant for the “Goddess” character, but were included with all Teela figures, further blurring the line between the two. Despite that, Mattel sold her solely as Teela in the U.S. and most international markets.

Accessories

Teela came with:

• Removable red cobra snake armor – wraps around her head and shoulders

• Snake staff – long, red serpent-headed staff

• Shield – round and also red

• No sword or blaster

Packaging

Teela was released on:

• 8-Back blister card (1982) – showing original lineup

• 12-back and beyond as line expanded

• Came with a mini-comic, though some international releases had different comics

• Some early cards referred to her as “Warrior Goddess”

Card art showed her wearing the cobra armor prominently, enhancing the confusion with the Goddess character.

🌍 International Releases & Variants

🇹🇼 Taiwan

• U.S. standard release

• Red snake armor and staff, matte finish

• Highest sculpt detail and paint quality

🇲🇾 Malaysia

• Slight color differences in skin tone

• Snake armor straps often glossier

• Later reissues found on 12-back and beyond

🇲🇽 Mexico (Aurimat / Rotoplast)

• “Los Amos del Universo” boxed or carded

• Skin tone tends to be darker

• Softer plastic, paint overspray common

🇪🇸 Spain (Congost)

• Congost cardbacks with Teela name translated

• Some had differently colored eyes or darker lips

• Materials slightly cheaper; shield often unpainted

🇧🇷 Brazil (Estrela)

• “Guerreiros do Universo” version

• Glossy paint finish, vibrant red accessories

• Plastic felt waxier

🇦🇷 Argentina (Top Toys)

• Pale skin, chunkier legs

• Armor didn’t always fit snugly

• Rare, and condition varies drastically

🇮🇳 India (Leo Toys)

• Very simplified sculpt and soft plastic

• Often found with missing or incorrectly molded accessories

• Sloppier paint jobs

🇻🇪 Venezuela (Rotoplast)

• Soft details, squishier shield

• Rare to find with all accessories

Collector’s Notes

• Loose Complete: Can fetch a higher price than many male figures from Wave 1, due to rarity of female characters and accessory loss

• Snake Armor: Often missing or damaged; complete versions are valuable

• Goddess Confusion: Some collectors seek two Teelas to display both “Teela” and “Goddess” appearances

• Mint on Card: 8-backs are highly collectible; Congost and Estrela versions are sought after

• Top Toys & Leo Variants: Extra rare due to fragile plastic and low production numbers