Many people have been asking for my opinion about Kevin Smith’s latest work on the He-Man franchise for Netflix. As a huge fan of He-Man, I am always excited to see new content related to my favorite fandom. I recently pre-ordered an Orko figure by Mondo and even took an extra job temporarily to feed my collector’s itch and expand my MOTU collection. He-Man was the first hero I ever knew and I’ve always been fascinated by the champions and evildoers’ conflicts across Eternia. As I looked back at my work, I realized (kinda shocked by) how much time I’ve dedicated to this subject alone. Fair to say I might be a little obsessed, to be honest.
A few years ago, when the trailers for Kevin Smith’s Masters of the Universe started appearing, I was excited to return to Eternia and enjoy new adventures. The show promised beautiful animation and had some great voice talents like Mark Hamil (The Joker, Batman Animated, and Arkham games series) and Tony Todd (Candyman, Hatchet, Venom in Sony Spider-Man 2). However, that enthusiasm quickly faded like a fart in the wind once the show actually streamed. I’m not one of the fans who hated it to the point of wanting Kevin Smith’s head on a silver platter, and I don’t think the show was as bad as festering hemorrhoid like many let on about. Frankly, I found the two MOTU Revelation shows to be sinfully boring. The biggest issue was the show’s blatant disregard for the established lore created by the talented and imaginative minds behind the legendarium.
So when MOTU Revolution was announced it was met by a very barren field with maybe an occasional cricket chirp. Maybe a yawn could be heard too. You follow? No one out there (but maybe a handful of folks) gave a single shit about anything more Smith’s team had to bring to Eternia. He already drove everyone off and, frankly, it would take nothing short of a miracle to bring back that offended fan base. Myself included. I was the target audience for a new MOTU series but not even I could dig deep enough to find one good fuck to give about Revolution.
I was completely surprised once Revolution finally streamed. I couldn’t stop watching it and found myself invested, excited, and even entranced by what I was seeing. It was like all that old magic came rushing back to me. Watching each episode back-to-back was a refreshing experience that felt like a return to the glorious days of high adventure. Swords and sorcery flowed across each consequential story, connecting them in a pattern that enhanced and deepened the lore and awe revolving around Castle Grayskull. The show joined both those who protect her and those sworn to take her by force in what can be nothing short of a true classic Ultimate Battleground – something that He-Man has always been known for.
Every episode is well-written, with magic vs technology, and good vs evil all woven together in a sovereign tapestry. Episode one sets the tone, and the series builds on it, culminating in an epic battle between the Masters and the Horde Empire, and, oh yes, He-Man battling none other than Skeletor. It’s a fantastic ending that lives up to the legendary comic runs.
I’ll do my best to avoid spoilers (and believe me I want to go over everything here) but Revolution is packed with throwbacks, homages, and plenty of Easter eggs. However, the show doesn’t rely on these nods to make the story work, and they aren’t just there to wink at the camera. Instead, they’re part of a larger tapestry that’s woven throughout the show and provide something new to discover with each rewatch, and it’s a testament to the show’s quality that I’ve rewatched this thing multiple times now. I also appreciate how Revolution not only respects the established He-Man lore but in fact, adds to it. That’s something not easily accomplished and they did so brilliantly.
Indeed the adventures continue and are a must-see. The team did their homework this time around (a sweet fan of mine said they must have read my articles…bless you for that) and set out to actually tell a genuine Masters of the Universe story worthy of Grayskull.
I would love to go over all the Easter eggs and surprises here so maybe that’ll be a new article. In the meantime do yourself a favor and watch MOTU Revolution.
Manic out!
Nightmare Nostalgia 