The Original
Black Superhero
The first Black action figure with his own storyline — created in 1985 because a child deserved to see himself as the hero.
Created because a child deserved to be the hero
In 1985, Yla Eason's young son told her he couldn't be a superhero — because he wasn't white. She refused to let that stand.
She researched melanin and built a hero whose power comes from his own skin, consulting Dr. Kenneth Clark, whose landmark doll study helped shape Brown v. Board of Education. The result: Afro styling, accurate skin tone, and a storyline rooted in Royal African ancestry.
Not a sidekick. Not a reboot. The original — with his own story.
Over 40 years of a hero
- 1985
A hero is created
Yla Eason creates Sun-Man™ after her son says he can't be a superhero because he isn't white. She builds a hero whose power comes from his own skin.
- 1985
Olmec Toys is born
Eason founds Olmec Toys to put Sun-Man™ on shelves — the first Black action figure with his own storyline and Royal African ancestry.
- 2021
Mattel brings him back
Mattel, Olmec Toys, and YlaSun sign a licensing agreement to reintroduce Sun-Man™ for the first time since 1985, uniting Rulers of the Sun with Masters of the Universe.
- 2022
Toy Hall of Fame + Doll Legacy Award
Sun-Man™ goes on display as MOTU is inducted into the Strong National Toy Hall of Fame, and Yla Eason wins the 2022 Doll Legacy Award.
- Today
Over 40 years later
The mission still stands: a Black child deserves to see himself as the hero. Sun-Man™ is on shelves worldwide and stepping into a new animated era.
The Legend of Sun-Man™
An animated origin story in the bold spirit of 90s Saturday-morning television — the untold story of Prince Sunni Ali, told at last.
The world took notice
Join the legacy
Get first word on the animated series, drops, and the 40-year story.