Beastman

SUMMARY:
Beastman, the “savage henchman” was produced in Taiwan, Malaysia, Mexico (Aurimat), Argentina (Top Toys), Venezuela (Rotoplast), Brazil (Estrela), France, Spain, and India (Leo). He is equipped with a spring-loaded waist that swings back with a power punch.

The France Beastman is generally characterized by vibrant orange skin tones, soft head with off-white paint and light blue face highlights, as well as large white dots in the eyes. The accessories are dark red and painted with a dark blue circular emblem. 

The initial release of Beastman was released with a Taiwan head, no white dot in the eyes, MADE IN FRANCE marked-torso, and (unconfirmed but highly likely) Taiwan accessories. This is a recurring theme with figures first released on trapezoid cards (the name of the figure inside an orange trapezoid), where various figures such as He-man, Zodac, faker, etc… had Taiwan heads with Taiwan accessories. 

The following release on Yellow Border cards contain the characteristics that we associate with France Beastmans, such as the French head with large white dots, and all accessories marked FRANCE. Some Beastmans have also been found with mismatched front/back belt colors (yellow front, green back). 

A rare variation exists of the armor accessories, in which the Harness emblem is unpainted. The accessories are light red, as opposed to the standard dark red color. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
1. Vibrant orange skin tones
2. Soft head with off-white paint, and light blue face highlights
3. Large white dots in the eyes

MARKED: © Mattel. Inc. 1981 MADE IN FRANCE
HARNESS MARKED: 5043-2269 FRANCE 1981
ARM CUFFS: 5043-2279 FRANCE / 5043-2249
WHIP: MADE IN FRANCE

ACCESSORIES VARIATIONS:
1. Taiwan marked (unconfirmed)
2. France marked, dark red, blue painted emblem
3. France marked, light red, unpainted

VARIATION:
1. First release with Taiwan Head
2. France head with France accessories