I was 9 years old when I saw my first He Man and the Masters of the Universe episode back I. 1983. I remember it as clear as day, all cool cartoons needs to be rented via Betamax back in the day and He Man vol 1 was a new release at my local video store.
After seeing the first of 6 tightly packed episodes in 1 Beta Max tape (Teela's Quest), I was instantly hooked! I studied really hard to get good grades to watch further episodes and even extra hard to get the toys!
I loved my first He-Man Action figure and begged my parents for a Skeletor as well so they can fight. I made my own Castle Grayskull and Snake Mountain via boxes and pails as the real ones were very expensive for a mid-class Filipino family living in the Philippines. Nevertheless with my continued strong performance at school, my Dad ended up buying Battle Cat, Panthor, Ram-Man, Stratos, Beast Man and MerMan as these were the only ones released at the time.
This cartoon contributed greatly to my youth and the toys expanded my imagination! Teela and Evil-Lyn were purchased for my new Baby Sister and stayed in mint condition until she turned 1!
Now why this long-winded feedback, when they expanded the toy-line and new characters were introduced eg Mekanek, Roboto, Clawful, Whiplash, Buzz Off, Moss Man, etc you always read about their intro in the accompanying He Man Figure mini-comics, and brief appearances in the episodes, but it was not enough.
He Man and the Masters of the Universe is the story of He Man's adventures with his friends defeating the evil forces of Skeletor and we enjoyed the run as kids watching the episodes as they become available. The 2k series revival captured this essence as well, and was great fan service especially when we were introduced to Grayskull himself and further expanding the Mythology. Pity it did not go to to the She Ra storyline.
This MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE REVELATION is about the rest. It's about the other figures that we spent hundreds of dollars on back in the day, and now as a late 40's successful family man, trying to re-live the nostalgia of this beloved series and toy line, I am grateful that storylines are created to give the other characters some light and of course with He Man in the background.
I agree with the fortysomethings reaction on this series. The 80s episodes were not always about He Man but any attempt to show his friends were also never enough. I was hoping to see MOUR iteration of Uncle Montork at Trolla, or even a mention of Dragonmyr buy maybe someday.
Watching Part 1 left me in awe and and craving for more. I hope He Man continues to appear in. the series and Part 2 provides further context to the entire Universe. To see the repercussions of the 'Fabulous Secret Powers' only shared to 3 others was a delight, and Randor and Teela's reaction and the remorse of the secret holders were classic! Did Teela suffer from PTSD hence the hairstyle? I hope she becomes the Snake Sorceress.
This show is great and hope it continues. Please keep the He Man and Skeletor rivalry alive and hope they will give some dedicates episodes to He-Ro as well. Great to hear his voice finally through the talents of Phil Lamar. Justin Long did a great Roboto and Teela's SMG and Evil-Lyn LH were great, but Mark Hamill's Skeletor is still the scene stealer!
Please continue this Kevin and Co and don't listen to the trollers out there. Great Job and will work extra hard again so my wife will let me Binge on Part 2!
Kudos 🤙👊