‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ Continues the story of Eternia

One of the most anticipated animated series of the year, ‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ with showrunner Kevin Smith brings us back to a world of magic to once again enchant its viewers with the power of Grayskull. Or does it? A lot has been rumored, and said about this latest take on He-Man and Eternia before this series even came out. Expectations are high, and the fandom, both new and seasoned, are caught in the hype. So, let me get this out of the way. This is NOT a reboot. The story doesn’t begin from the origins of He-Man and continues on familiar paths of nostalgia. ‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ is a sequel of events from the 1980s series. This Netflix show takes the story of Eternia and magic forward into uncharted territory. In effect, the story adds to the mythos of a much beloved series.

If there was one aspect of ‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ that jumps out to you full force, it is the animation. The treatment is beautiful, and nostalgic of the way the 1980s series looked like with an updated, but similar feel. The animation delivers a style that will draw long-time fans in while encouraging newer viewers to follow. To accompany the visual spectacle, the musical score matches the feel of the series. The music is all new, but still captures the regal nature of the animation, and compliments it with much gusto. Among the voice actors, the voices of Sarah Michelle Gellar(Teela), Lena Heady(Evil-Lyn), and Mark Hamill (Skeletor) stand out to genuinely capture the feel of the original series that add to the nostalgia. The end result is that we have a new series that pays proper homage to the original series both visually, and audibly.

That being said, the story advances the He-Man mythos in a manner that was heart-wrenching. Long-time fans might call foul with the way the narrative changes from the get-go, though the treatment of the events furthers the story ‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ wishes to tell. The shock factor is real, and by the end of episode one some viewers might find themselves in denial of what actually happened. However, new elements added to the legend of Eternia fully explains the direction of this added narrative.

In ‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ new alliances are formed while old ones are broken. This creates an interesting dynamic among the characters who further the story forward. The existence of magic lies at the heart of the plot of this animated series, and it is placed opposite technology as essential elements for the existence of Eternia. Nevertheless, the series focuses on the importance of magic not just to Eternia, but the continued survival of the universe. It is in this manner that we find our newly-alligned characters setting aside their differences in order to reclaim magic as the foundation of Eternia.

‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ highlights the character development of different characters from this animated franchise. There is a reason why ‘He-Man’ does not form part of the title for this series. You will still see He-Man and Skeletor throughout these five episodes, but other characters in the series take center-stage when the two traditional rivals,He-Man and Skeletor, take a back seat for other characters to shine.

‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ leaves us with an interesting cliffhanger that shows the reigns of magical power in Eternia shift for the worse. This cliffhanger fuels the flames of uncertainty for this sereis. Granted, there is an expectation that magic will be restored to its proper place in the universe. However, it is the manner by which magic will be restored that will determine the ultimate fate and success of this continuing franchise.

As it stands, ‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ leaves us with more questions than answers. Hopefully, we get to see magic restored to the true Masters of the Universe.

‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ is now streaming on Netflix.