Dragstor - The Evil Horde's Wheel-Spinning Warrior from Masters of the Universe

Introducing Dragstor - The Evil Horde's Sinister Wheel Warrior

Dragstor is one of the most unique and memorable characters from the classic Masters of the Universe toy line. As his name implies, Dragstor is part vehicle and part warrior, combining the speed and maneuverability of a high-powered dragster with the ruthless fighting skills of an evil soldier.

Dragstor was first released by Mattel in 1986 as part of the fourth wave of Evil Horde figures. With his sleek vehicle design and sinister features, Dragstor made an immediate impact on Masters of the Universe fans and became a fan-favorite villain over the decades.

The Origins and Background of Dragstor

Dragstor was created and designed by legendary MOTU designer Roger Sweet. Inspired by the popularity of transforming vehicles and robots in 1980s toy lines, Sweet wanted to create a character that could transform from a vehicle into a robot-like warrior. After scrapping initial designs that proved too complex, Sweet settled on the merged robot and dragster concept that became Dragstor.

In the lore of Masters of the Universe, Dragstor hails from the Dark Hemisphere planet of Moratus. He was recruited by Hordak to join The Evil Horde and given advanced weaponry and armor, including his signature motorized battle suit with retractable claws and wheel legs. Dragstor serves The Horde as a merciless hunter and assassin who travels across Eternia at high speeds, capable of spinning and pivoting on his wheels to mow down enemies.

Dragstor's Menacing Design and Accessories

One of the most striking aspects of Dragstor is his fearsome design and attention to detail. His armor is gray, blue, orange, and yellow, with horn-like fins on the helmet giving him a dinosaur or dragon-inspired look. The malicious, robotic appearance of his expressionless helmet face accentuates his villainous nature.

A key feature is Dragstor’s motorized battle suit with real rolling wheels and concealed limbs. By pulling back and releasing the Power Puncher knob, his wheel legs can be engaged to spin him around on his waist. This allows him to roll into battle and trample his foes. When needed, his hidden arms and claws can pop out for hand-to-hand combat.

Some of Dragstor’s other accessories and weapons include:

• Detachable missile launcher - Fires small plastic missiles
• Dragon mouth shield - Attaches over his chest for protection
• Twin axes - One axe clips to each wheel hub
• Mask and cape - His original accessories, often lost or damaged

The Dragster Mode - High-Speed Hunter

What truly makes Dragstor stand out from other MOTU villains is his ability to transform into a dragster vehicle mode. When positioned upright with his limbs retracted and wheel feet flat, he converts into a working high-speed dragster capable of rolling quickly across smooth surfaces.

In the Dragster mode, Dragstor is an ultra-fast hunter and pursuit vehicle for The Evil Horde. With his low-to-the ground stance and spinning rear wheels, he can race after enemies and run them down before they have time to react. The design is sleek and futuristic, with a distinct 80s sci-fi RoboCop vibe - very advanced for a toy of that time.

Versions and Variants

The original Dragstor action figure was released by Mattel in 1986 in both North America and internationally. It featured blue wheels and standard MOTU waist articulation.

In 1988, a slightly revised version was produced by Mattel for international markets only, most notably in Germany. Called "New Dragstor," it had red wheels and improved waist articulation for full 360 degree spinning.

Various special gift sets over the years included Dragstor paired up with vehicles like the Basher Board or characters like Mantenna. Convention exclusives offered recolored versions like the black/yellow Dragstor 2-pack and orange/green "Rotar" repaint.

Mattel also released a 12-inch Super-Sized Dragstor figure that was scaled up in height to match other oversized MOTU figures. This version retained all the original Dragstor's features and gimmicks, with enhanced details and craftsmanship.

Legacy and Influence

Although The Evil Horde was less prominent in MOTU lore and media compared to factions like Skeletor's forces, Dragstor emerged as one of the most popular Horde villains. His memorable design, transforming ability, and striking visual look have made him a standout in the MOTU series for over 35 years.

Dragstor has been featured in MOTU comics, books, games, and cartoons over the decades. More recently, he appeared in the modern Masters of the Universe Classics toy line and the accompanying mini-comics. The Classics version offered an updated sculpt with modern articulation, accessories, and deco paying homage to the original figure.

Dragstor also made an appearance in the 2021 CGI Revelation series on Netflix. In this, Hordak recruits a master artificer named Hurrican to construct Dragstor's armor and weaponized suit. While his role was brief, it underscored Dragstor's importance in MOTU mythos.

For vintage toy collectors and fans, original Dragstors remain highly sought-after for their cool factor. Mint specimens and even loose, incomplete figures can sell for hundreds to thousands. This speaks to the lasting impact of Dragstor's innovative design and his reputation as one of the most striking villains Hordak unleashed upon the Heroic Warriors.

Dragstor Remains a Cornerstone Horde Villain

As a fusion of creepy villain, futuristic vehicle, and clever gimmick, Dragstor stands out as one of the most memorable creations from the heyday of Masters of the Universe toys and characters. For 1980s kids, he was an awesome transforming toy that provided dynamic play. For modern collectors, he's an enduring icon representing the creativity that made MOTU so special.

Whether racing into battle in dragster mode or wheel-spinning as a warrior, Dragstor remains a cornerstone character among Hordak's evil army who exemplifies the toys' blend of imagination, color, and fun.

FAQs

What is Dragstor's role in the Masters of the Universe story?

Dragstor is a villain character aligned with the Evil Horde faction, serving Hordak. He acts as a merciless hunter, assassin, and pursuit vehicle who can track down enemies using his high-speed dragster mode.

What makes Dragstor different from other MOTU characters?

Dragstor’s unique transforming ability sets him apart. He can convert between a robotic warrior mode and a functional dragster vehicle mode. This innovative feature was very rare for an action figure in the 1980s.

How does Dragstor’s motorized feature work?

By pulling back the “Power Puncher” knob on his back and releasing, it engages the wheels on his feet to spin around 360 degrees. This allows him to spin and pivot in place in warrior mode.

What is Dragstor’s origin and backstory?

The evil Hordak recruited Dragstor from the planet Moratus and gave him advanced weaponry and armor. His cruel nature and pursuit skills made him a formidable addition to Hordak’s forces.

Why is Dragstor so popular with MOTU fans and collectors?

His creepy yet cool robotic design, transforming ability, and original play features have made him one of the most memorable villain characters in the MOTU series.