If you had to use one word to describe the Kevin Smith-helmed Masters of the Universe: Revelation, it’s “unexpected.” Highly anticipated, with an all-star voice cast that includes Mark Hamill, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Lena Headey, the new animated He-Man series is a weird mix of fan service and subversion in equal measure. This isn’t to say that the cartoon isn’t entertaining, with multiple selling points. However, it largely exists in its own bubble, choosing to speak to a pre-existing audience instead of trying to reach a broader modern viewership.
To start with, Masters of the Universe: Revelation is pure sequel. It isn’t a reboot or reimagining, like the 2002 He-Man series or Noelle Stevenson’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. The show drops viewers straight into the sci-fi fantasy action, with yet another Skeletor (Hamill) scheme. Despite the efforts of Prince Adam (Chris Wood) and his super-powered secret identity He-Man, joined by Teela (Gellar), Man-At-Arms (Liam Cunningham), and the Sorceress (Susan Eisenberg), there are catastrophic consequences for Eternia’s magical energy, and, with it, the fate of the universe as a whole.
He-Man for grown-up fans
So begins a darker, more mature Masters of the Universe story. The puns are present, but the overall effect is something with the sensibilities of a contemporary animated series, speaking to older viewers. Think The Legend of Korra as an example.
With no character introductions, or explanations of their relationships, though, Revelation doesn’t provide an entry point to the world of Masters of the Universe. Sorry, curious newcomers. And sorry, 80s kids who were hoping to use the series to introduce their own children to the franchise. You’re better off rewatching the original toy-punting cartoon, finding the Noughties reboot, or waiting for the family-orientated He-Man and the Masters of the Universe reimagining, also coming to Netflix in the near future.
In fact, it’s possible to say that the new series has been made solely for the hardcore fan contingent, packed as it is with references to unresolved plot threads in the old series, iconic character cameos, and obscure trivia about the Mattel toy line. For example, Revelation is that first time that Masters of the Universe action figures King Grayskull and He-Ro have ever appeared in animated form.
Surprise subversion
While Masters of the Universe: Revelation seems geared solely to fanboys (fan-men?), the series is a surprising case of bait and switch – which could frustrate or anger more militant members of its intended audience.
The first episode of Revelation is a full-blown throwback to the 80s cartoon, complete with stylised vehicle designs and overall colour scheme that copy the toyline art. It feels like a fan created homage, with every element deliberately pushed over the top. It’s stilted, silly fun that aligns tonally with the series teaser trailer, which was practically parody.
Following Episode 1, though, fans find themselves watching a far grittier series; one centred on a band of (mostly) women – including a woman of colour for the first time in the franchise. It’s a cynical, bitter, now-sporting-an-undercut Teela who drives the plot in Revelation Part 1. Meanwhile, He-Man and Skeletor are largely sidelined.
It remains to be seen how, or if, Part 2 of Revelation shifts the focus back to “the most powerful man in the universe.” Right now, though, the series is arguably more subversive even than Netflix’s She-Ra reboot, due to the sneaky way it toys with fan expectation.
The effect of modern sensibilities
Even if you struggle to access and make sense of the fan-centred series, you should find things to appreciate in Revelation.
As mentioned already, Masters of the Universe: Revelation enjoys the stylings of contemporary animated series. As a result, characters are more fleshed out than before. This applies especially to Teela, Evil-Lyn (Headey) and bumbling imp Orko (Griffin Newman), the traditional He-Man comic relief. Not that there’s much use to layering personalities if you don’t have a basic pre-existing understanding of who the characters are, of course.
In terms of notable vocal performances, Gellar merges seamlessly with her character. Over time, Headey does the same as Evil-Lyn, managing to escape the shadow of her star casting. Sadly, it’s impossible to divorce Hamill’s Skeletor from his iconic Joker portrayal, as the two are so similarly pitched. Henry Rollins doesn’t have the same problem, at least, with his memorable portrayal of Tri-Klops, reimagined as a cult leader. Meanwhile, Game of Thrones’s Liam Cunningham brings a Liam Neeson-esque, quiet-but-deadly badassery to Man-At-Arms.
As for other elements that make up the new series, in the plus column goes Bear McCreary’s rousing, retro score, which wouldn’t be out of place in a live-action sword-and-sorcery film. The same goes for the exceptional fight choreography, which compensates for animation that’s inconsistent at times.
Speaking of the visuals, from Powerhouse Animation Studios – who’ve been involved in both Netflix’s Castlevania and Blood of Zeus – Masters of the Universe: Revelation leans hard in the direction of the original He-Man, putting a 21st Century spin on the 80s series signature aesthetic. The character designs feel like a fan tribute to the animation style of the earlier period, but with the adolescent power fantasy pushed two steps in an anime direction. Even the women feature crazy, bulging muscles and extreme shadowing, which gives them a stiffness like figures in the old cartoon.
Watch or wait for Part 2?
The final point to make is that Masters of the Universe: Revelation has been split into two parts, with only the first five episodes hitting Netflix this Friday, 23 July. At an average of 25 minutes each, you’ll breeze through the half-series in one or two sittings, reaching Part 1’s cliffhanger ending in no time. Just as it’s getting going, the first instalment ends.
If you have the patience, it’s probably better to wait for Part 2’s as-yet-unannounced release date for a more complete, presumably more satisfying viewing experience.
As it stands right now, Masters of the Universe: Revelation has positioned itself in a strange no man’s land, or minefield – opting to speak solely to fans instead of inviting in casual viewers; and trusting in 80s kids to have a sense of humour, and awareness about the one-note, unrepresentative nature of entertainment that defined their childhood. That’s hella risky, and it remains to be seen whether Revelation Part 2 will “course correct” and deliver on safer series expectations.
| Masters of the Universe: Revelation review | |
Masters of the Universe: Revelation is a bit odd. Some gripes aside, it’s well made, with strong performances, a great score and particularly potent fight choreography. However, this sequel (not a reboot, please note) is orientated solely towards fans, not new viewers. At the same time, its subversive leanings risk alienating nostalgic audiences. Part 1 is equal parts unexpected and ballsy. Evidently only with Part 2 will the show’s true objectives become clear. |
7 |
| Masters of the Universe: Revelation was reviewed on Netflix | |
Geoffrey Tim
An exceptionally well-written review, Noelle.
I’m not sure if this is really for me, though I’m an 80’s kid who had a He-Man obsession. I’ve just sort of…stopped really enjoying all but a few select cartoons. I’ll give it a bash, but knowing what a grumpy old bastard I am now, I’ll probably tap out halfway into the first episode.
Noelle Adams
Geoff, I’d advise you stick through to the end of Episode 2 at least. Episode 1 is quite different from the rest of this half series.
Cain
S2 Cant come fast enough, I liked, and sole dialogs were supreme, but ngl I missed Adam greatly and I need that scratched