Mallrats director Kevin Smith has created Masters of the Universe: Revelation, an upcoming animated series about adult superheroes. This animated series is a sequel to the iconic sword-and-sorcery fantasy animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.
Why would an Indian series about a small-town superhero be of interest? It’s because if you grew up in India in the 1980s, it was just as important as a tumblerful of Roohafza on long summer vacations. It was one of the most popular cartoon shows on the state-run Doordarshan. It was telecasted every weekend and kids waited for it all week.
Children who were Seasons removed from liberalization and American pop culture were still a long way from seeing the sword-and-sorcery-themed show brought the fight to save Eternia’s kingdom from the evil plans of Skeletor’s home. Although it might have been Conan The Barbarian’s tribute or a marketing ploy by Mattel to increase sales of their toys, Indian children enjoyed the show as a rare treat. Entertainment was scarce back then.
What’s the fuss about?
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe were some of the most loved cartoons in India. The new series, as mentioned, is based upon the original, which aired in America in the 1980s. It was produced by Filmation for Mattel’s toys line.
It was aired again in India on Cartoon Network during the 2000s. It left an impression on young minds with its simple good-vs-evil plot, a muscular hero, and thrilling stories of magic, daring, compelling, and scary villains.
The sequel offers a chance for those who have held an imaginary sword above their heads and cried, “By the power of Gray Skull!” to relive fond childhood memories.
What is it?
He-Man’s story seems to be a fairly standard, good vs. evil tale. Perhaps that is what makes it so appealing. It takes place in Eternia on a planet known for magic. Prince Adam, the son of King Randor and Queen Marlena’s, is the hero. He can transform into He-Man, an almost indestructible superhero of man, with the help of a sword called Sword of Power.
He is confronted by the evil forces of Skeletor, a sorcerer who, spoiler alert!, is the uncle to He-Man, and brother to King Randor. Skeletor is determined to take Castle Grayskull as his own, believing that the secret within it will allow him to become the master of all things.
He-Man’s story inspired a spinoff series called She Ra: Princess of Power. It is based on Princess Adora, the title sister of He-Man Princess Adora. She can also transform into She-Ra with the help of Sword of Protection, just like He-Man’s Sword of Power.
The sequel takes place after the events of the original series. It follows Teela who, after Eternia’s destruction, attempts to save the universe with the Sword of Power that is missing.
Creative team
Marc Bernardin, Diya Misra, Tim Sheridan, and Eric Carrasco are the screenwriters for Masters of the Universe: Revelation. The music was composed by Bear McCreary, who is best known for Outlander, The Walking Dead, and other shows.
Voice-cast
Chris Wood is the He-Man. Skeletor is Mark Hamill in Joker mode. Teela is Sarah Michelle Gellar. Liam Cunningham and Liam Cunningham, Lena Headey and Diedrich Bader, Alicia Silverstone, Stephen Root and Griffin Newman, Kevin Conroy, as well as others lend their voices.
Date of release
Masters of the Universe: Revelation will be available on Netflix starting July 23, 2021.
