The character was created by designer Roger Sweet, who intentionally created the character in such a way for him to be abstract and generic enough to be applied into any context and genre; Sweet also chose the name “He-Man” for being generic. Presenting three different versions of the figure to Mattel—including a soldier and a spaceman—the barbarian version of the character was chosen and developed into the character’s current form. The television series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe mushroomed the selling of Mattel’s toys and was a hit success in the 1980s, gaining 9 million viewers in its first year in the USA alone and being broadcast to at least 37 countries.

He-Man has been singled out for the homoeroticism and gay subtext surrounding his character. Many critics have taken note of his queer-coded nature and perceived homo𝑠e𝑥uality, particularly in his relationships with other male characters; such as Skeletor. Since his creation He-Man has achieved gay icon status and amassed an LGBT following; something which Mattel is aware of and receptive to.