It's funny from how big the "He-Man" franchise has became there have been some camps, from those that really love the original series, She-Ra, and even the 2000 revival. And then of course you've got some of those trolls out there that really love this show.
This is another under the radar gem that despite being part of the franchise has became forgotten. It's kinda understandable why most fans of "He-Man" were slightly put off or even confused by this entry. But this show took place at a time before sequels had rules, they wanted to revive the franchise so they decided to do something different by putting him in space and the future, which I personally thought was a cool idea.
Like any sequel this show indeed had a different feel, some things were the same but also different at the same time. In the original adventures they were planetary based, where in the new "He-Man" we actually see both "He-Man" and "Skelator" on interplanetary adventures which is cool because it really broaden the universe of the franchise showing that there really are more fantastic things going on other than in Eternia. It just really made me fascinating I remember always wondering where else both will go and what we'll see next. This also has a more lighter tone making the show a bit lighthearted, where in the original that also was but there was also a more seriousness to it.
The animation I think is very good which I thought was really cool for it's time; obviously slightly inspired by Japanese Animation as there was a bit more flow and movement with the characters, as well as the detail in background and characters themselves.
I really like the action which I thought in proves on the original because there more motion and a bit more going on. From some of the vechilar and aerial assault action we actually got a lot more of that, even like the designs of the vehicles from both sides where are unique especially the rollers that the mutants ride which are prolific on those standing up motor scooters we now have. Though those vehicles are a bit daft because they don't exactly have the greatest protection as you can easily shoot the driver.
We even see some shootouts which was cool though I wish that both sides got to use their specialized weapons a bit more which is one weak point for the show. And best of all see both He-Man and Skelator use their weapons a lot more, with He-Man's sword they added something to it by actually giving it some magical abilities.
I do like the new ensemble characters and the dynamics formed their solid if not as good as the original ensemble. That is also probably what put some people off because their not the same as in the old, but this is a sequel after all so you can't expect the same thing. The Galactic Guardians their pretty solid/decent I kinda felt they should of been fleshed out a bit more so they'd stand out better but they serve their functions all the same.
Though I think it's the mutants that are the most colorful. I really like Flogg whom despite being in command of an army he's a moron, unable to tell he's being manipulated by Skelator or being duped if it bit him in the butt. Along with his subordinate villain Slushhead whom is true to his name as is probably more moronic than him. Critta I really like how devious and smart she is as well as sexy with that voice despite raspy which I didn't mind and other outfit she wore latter in the series.
And of course He-Man and Skelator. He-Man was still well He-Man but at last he was doing things, he was kicking butt as usual. Skelator though I feel he lacked his menace in this show which is another weak point for the show. But that is a small quibble as is still himself, the voice was good kinda almost sounds a bit like Jack Nickelson. Instead of being a direct leader he's more of a leader behind the scenes. Here we see more of a con artist side to Skelator as he is manipulating and scheming his way to conquest. Which I though was interesting because sometimes people behind the scenes have more power and control than actors of the play.
The music is decent, the theme song is pretty good as it has that futuristic epic tone to it. Though I wouldn't say it makes it on my list of favorite themes, the original theme is still the best.
Yeah the show isn't perfect some bits of humor are kinda lame but that's commonplace in comedy it's always a hit or miss affair. I also would've liked to of had some of the old characters come back (not all that would be too crowded) which I felt would of boosted the series up more just to show that He-Man and Skelator aren't totally out of touch with Eternia, but most importantly help the new dynamics gel better.
I wouldn't mind if they ever made another "He-Man" revival series that they revive this series as well but probably as the form of a season, broaden the mythos even more by having more depth on the characters and the planets they come from, a little more insight into the war and how it's affected both sides and also lets have a few more characters from the original series come to the future with He-Man and Skelator; it's just a thought.
Yeah this series doesn't surpass the original in my book, but it's a solid sequel all the same that I think for fans of the franchise it's at least worth a look or at least when your in the right mood.
Rating: 3 stars
