Frequently Asked Questions
Spacesuit or straitjacket? You decide.
1. When did the Blackstar series originally air?
From 9/81 to 9/82 on CBS. The first episode, "Search for the Starsword," aired September 12, 1981.
2. How many episodes were produced?
Thirteen, but only nine are available on video. For more information on individual episodes, click here
3. I can't remember all the Trobbits' names. Can you help?
Their names are: Balkar, Terra, Carpo, Poulo, Rif, Gossamer and Burble. If you forget, there's a Trobbit roll-call in the episode "The Air Whales of Anchar."
4. I read somewhere that the character of Blackstar was originally supposed to be African American. Why did this change?
You read correctly. The executives at CBS (where the series originally aired) weren't comfortable with the idea of a black man as the hero/main character and thought Middle America just wasn't ready for that sort of thing. So Filmation went back and changed their hero's complexion, as well as making a number of other changes. To read more about it, check out this page.
An early Filmation model sheet, showing a more detailed Blackstar.
Notice the fur cape, the design of the sword and Warlock's wings.
All seven Dwarves—er, Trobbits
5. I also read somewhere that Blackstar inspired He-Man. Is this true?
In part, yes. In 1981, Mattel planned to release a series of toys based on the Conan film, but after seeing how violent it was, they changed the design of their figures, called their new hero He-Man, and the Masters of the Universe toyline was born. It was only later, when laws regarding toy-based children's programming were relaxed, that Mattel contemplated an animated series based on their new and wildly successful toyline. That's whereBlackstar comes in. Someone at Mattel saw the series and was impressed enough to contact Filmation about doing a half-hour animated series based on He-Man. If you watch He-Man carefully, you'll find a number of Blackstar in-jokes. For example, a purple version of Warlock appears in the episode "The Remedy," while Blackstar himself as a cameo appearance of sorts in "The Temple of the Sun."
6. Where can I get Blackstar toys, videos, etc.?
Try eBay. There are always items up for auction. As for getting the four unreleased episodes, unless you can find someone who videotaped these when they aired, you're out of luck. It's a shame, too, because "City of the Ancient Ones" and "The Zombie Master" are two of the series' best episodes. For a description of these, and others, visit my Episode Review page.
7. Who did the voices for the characters?
Okay, the list is as follows:
Blackstar: George DiCenzo (not one of his better vocal performances, by the way.)
Mara: Linda Gary
Klone: Pat Pinney
The Overlord: Alan Oppenheimer (they don't come much more menacing than this.)
The Trobbits: voiced by Pinney, Oppenheimer and Frank Welker
The Vizir may have been voiced by Lou Scheimer
Erika Scheimer provided the voice for Taleena and probably Katana as well.
8. Was there ever an episode in which Blackstar managed to get both halves of the Powerstar?
No, but he came close several times. The only time we ever see the joined sword is in the introduction and in the episode "Spacewrecked." This is what it looks like:
9. Was there ever an origin episode explaining about the Powerstar and how Blackstar came to Sagar?
No, none. But this was not uncommon. Because cartoons of this era were made to be aired out of their chronological sequence, origin episodes are virtually nonexistent. Even He-Man did not have an origin episode explaining Skeletor, how Prince Adam first became He-Man or how he acquired the Power Sword, although other characters such as the Sorceress and BattleCat were given histories.
10. Will you loan/sell/give me copies of your episodes?
Absolutely not. No. Forget it. No way. And if you still insist on emailing me, don't expect an answer. The episodes are all readily available on eBay now (see below). You should have no problem obtaining a copy.
11. Well, you're not very nice now, ARE you?
I'm perfectly nice, for a Dragon. And remember that old--but true--saying: Meddle not in the affairs of Dragons, for you are crunchy and go well with ketchup.
The Videos:
As I have stated before, only nine of the thirteen Blackstar episodes were released to U.S. video. A few of the other episodes may have been released as subtitled versions in foreign markets, though I know very little about this. At present, you can obtain the videos through websites such as eBay or through private collectors/merchants. If you are doing the latter, please be sure of who you're buying from; there are a lot of dishonest people out there who will promise you anything and deliver nothing. If in doubt, go to one of the public forums such as the Yesterdayland Message Board or the Cartoon Trading Post at www.he-man.org (many He-Fans have heard of Blackstar and many of them have seen it) and ask about a particular trader. You would be amazed at some of the horror stories that others have to tell. If, after this, you still have doubts, don't buy from that person. And please, above all, don't email me asking which videos/episodes I have for sale or trade. I am not selling/trading anything!
Update: the "lost" episodes have been found and are occasionally available on eBay. Yes, I own a copy. No, I will not sell my copy or make copies for you. I simply do not have the capability to duplicate tapes. Do not email me asking me to do so.
Volume One: "Search for the Starsword," "The Quest" and "The Lord of Time"
Volume Two: "The Tree of Evil," "Crown of the Sorceress" and "The Kingdom of Neptul." (Recommended)
Volume Three: "Lightning City of the Clouds," "Mermaid of the Serpent Sea" and "The Air Whales of Anchar."
The Four "Lost" Episodes:
Spacewrecked
The Zombie Master
City of the Ancient Ones
The Overlord's Big Spell
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