He-Man was not the first cartoon based on a toy or product

[Werewolf]

The first Barbie cartoon was Barbie and the Rockers out of this world in 1987.

[tmthor]

Sort of True You could not make toys based on Children's cartoons from 1969 - 1982 because a law was passed. some skirted it slightly but to do a full on cartoon toy line series was a big no no.
it was 2 cartoons that prompted it I believe it was because of Captain Hot wheels and the Barbie mysteries in 1969 but I could be wrong.

[Earth 2 Chris]

^True, but I think the toy aisle-to-TV shows were prevalent in the 80s that He-Man gets a lot of credit for it. I knew G.I. Joe was around the same time, but I had no idea it was only 7 days later! AND, those G.I. Joe comic and toy commercials were airing before, and they had the same animation style and music, character designs, etc.

Chris

[Werewolf]

Here's a few that beat He-Man and Skeletor to animation.

Raggedy Ann and Andy 1941
Hot Wheels 1969
Strawberry Shortcake 1980
Pac-Man 1982
Shirt Tales 1982

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe didn't air until September 5th 1983 and only beat GI JOE to the air by seven days.