BY THE POWER OF GRAYSKULL! Netflix Masters Of The Universe Revelation: Part 1, doesn’t quite have the power, unfortunately. Super fanboy and director, Kevin Smith is at the helm of this new reboot of this epic sword and sorcery show. Powerhouse Animation Studios, known for the celebrated Castlevania anime series, has returned once again to help Smith craft a visually striking new series. Mattel created the original toy line, also return to help produce the new show. Masters Of The Universe: Revelation, is meant to be a direct sequel to the original 1983 He-man: The Masters of the Universe animated series, while still being appealing to a new younger audience.
After a fierce battle between He-Man and Skeletor, voice by Chris Wood and Mark Hamill, Eternia is fracture forever. Magic is dying throughout the land, as Teela, voiced by Sarah Michelle Gellar, bands together with old friends and enemies to reforge the missing Sword of Power and to prevent the end of the Universe. On her epic journey, the once-proud warrior will, at last, discover the secrets of Castle Grayskull.
Masters of the Universe: Revelation does it best to retain the aesthetic, characteristic, and sensibility of the original 1983 animated series, however, it adds an updated visual and irrelevant narrative. Show-runner Kevin Smith gives fans old and new, plenty of references, easter eggs, and even at times dives deep into Masters of the Universe lore. The cheesy one-liners of the old animated series are here as well, with some respectable tongue-in-cheek mockery of it.
There are many things to love about the new anime series, particularly the designs and animation. Powerhouse Animation Studios deliver the fans yet another jaw-dropping, gorgeous, and fantastical action-packed battles scenes. However, there were at times the animation felt stiff and the weight of high intense impact felt weak. All the characters are given a new updated and edgier design, while still being true to their original character design from the old series. Each character's designs are fitting to their character's personality.
Like the first avenger, Kevin Smith assembles a super team of impressive voice talents. Lena Headey as Evil-Lynn and Liam Cunningham as Man-At-Arms were standouts performances providing such emotional range for their characters. Stephen Root as Cringer and Griffin Newman as Orko voice performances are noteworthy. Chris Wood as Prince Adam/He-man was a perfect casting fit, although He-Man voice could have been a little deeper. A veteran of voice acting, Mark Hamill stays true to the original voice of Skeletor but completely different with an exaggerated cartoony menacing voice. Personally would have like to see it as more like Tony Todd’s Scare Glow. Legendary actor and original voice of Skeletor, Alan Oppenheimer return as the voice of Moss-Man
Despite all the great things that come with Masters Of The Universe: Revelation, there are still many flaws. Even though all the marketing was heavily focused on He-Man and Skeletor and Kevin Smith reassured fans, this new anime is about He-Man. Fans quickly discovered it was really a Teela show. This reveal isn’t a flaw, however, Teela was turned into an entitled and bratty teenage daughter. Sarah Michelle Gellar's performance as the voice of Teela was dry and emotionless. One could compare Teela to Rey from Star Wars, a Mary Sue with no real character traits or development. Orko had more character development than Teela did, however, there still is Part 2.
Even with the flaws, in which marketing and Kevin Smith created, Masters of the Universe: Revelation still has action-packed animation, an ensemble of top-tier voice acting, and plenty of homage to the original cartoon.
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