The status of He-Man as a gay icon and application of queer theory to his character began by the early 2000s. A fictional superhero of the sword and sorcery Masters of the Universe media franchise created by Mattel, and his first appearance was in minicomics packaged with his toy figures. He-Man received his own television series titled He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, which aired for 130 episodes from 1983 to 1985; the series established traits of the character that would remain consistent in future installments of the franchise. He-Man is the alter ego of Prince Adam, who hails from the realm of Eternia and is its defender who, alongside his friends, protects it and the secrets of Castle Grayskull from the evil forces of Skeletor.