1987 Mattel BraveStarr Tex Hex (MOC)

BraveStarr was Filmation's answer to Masters of the Universe: a science fiction Western set on the planet New Texas, featuring a Galactic Marshal named BraveStarr who drew on Native American mythology for his powers. The animated series aired in 1987-1988, supported by a Mattel action figure line that produced some of the most distinctive and underappreciated toy sculpts of the late 1980s. Tex Hex, BraveStarr's primary villain, is the standout figure from the line, and finding him Mint on Card (MOC) is a genuine challenge four decades later.

BraveStarr and the Space Western

Filmation produced the BraveStarr animated series as both a spiritual successor to He-Man and as a creative leap into new genre territory. The space Western setting, with its mix of futuristic technology, cowboy culture, and supernatural powers, was genuinely original for 1987 children's television.

Marshal BraveStarr drew on four animal spirits for his powers: Eyes of the Hawk for enhanced vision, Ears of the Wolf for super hearing, Strength of the Bear for enhanced strength, and Speed of the Puma for enhanced speed. These power phrases became part of the show's cultural footprint.

The series was notable for its public service messages, with episodes addressing themes including drug addiction, peer pressure, and prejudice with unusual directness for children's programming of the era.

Tex Hex: The Villain

Tex Hex is BraveStarr's primary antagonist, a spectral outlaw in service to the series' main villain Stampede. His design is immediately striking: a ghostly, pallid figure with an armored vest, hat, and a visually memorable combination of Old West villain aesthetics with supernatural elements.

The figure captures this design with a detailed sculpt that represents some of Mattel's best work on the BraveStarr line. The pale, nearly skeletal face, the armored torso, and the accessory complement make Tex Hex visually distinct from the contemporaneous action figure market.

The Mattel BraveStarr Figure Line

Mattel produced the BraveStarr figure line in 1987-1988 to accompany the animated series. The figures are in approximately 5-inch scale, smaller than the 7-inch Masters of the Universe figures but consistent with other late-1980s action figure lines.

The line included:

• BraveStarr (the hero, in multiple variants)

• Tex Hex (primary villain)

• Deputy Fuzz (bear-like deputy)

• Thirty/Thirty (cyborg horse companion)

• Sandstorm (another villain)

• Several additional characters

The Thirty/Thirty figure was notable as a large-scale horse figure with a rifle. The line did not achieve the commercial success of He-Man, and production was limited. The result is that complete figures from this line, particularly in their original packaging, are genuinely scarce compared to more successful toy lines of the era.

MOC (Mint on Card) Standards

For action figure collectors, MOC (Mint on Card) means the figure is still attached to its original blister card, with the blister package intact and the card backing in excellent condition.

Key condition factors for BraveStarr MOC:

Card condition: The cardboard backing should be flat, without bends, yellowing, or moisture damage. The Mattel card back graphics include the BraveStarr logo and character art.

Bubble integrity: The plastic blister bubble must be fully sealed and clear, without yellowing, cracks, or detachment from the card.

Figure and accessories: All original accessories should be present inside the bubble.

Card punch: If the original hanging hole punch is intact, that confirms the card has not been opened and resealed.

Value Guide

Amazon marketplace listings for Tex Hex in very good condition appear at around $44, confirming the accessible end of the market for played-with examples. MOC examples are significantly rarer and command the premiums listed above.

Collecting BraveStarr

BraveStarr occupies a specific niche in vintage toy collecting: a high-quality line from a credible manufacturer, associated with an animated series that has a dedicated nostalgic following, produced in limited quantities because of the show's modest commercial success. This combination of quality and scarcity without the mass-market saturation of He-Man or Transformers makes it rewarding for collectors who enjoy discovery rather than competing for the most-collected items.

Tex Hex as the primary villain with distinctive design is the trophy piece of the line.

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