He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

Having grown up watching the original, I didn't care for this show at first. I didn't like the first few episodes because they were more Troll Hunters and Clone Wars than Masters of the Universe. I think it wasn't until around the 4th episode that I started to like the show. It finally felt like MOTU, but in a different universe.

I recommend giving this show a chance. Battle Cat is the best part of the show. The whinny, insecure He-Man, not so much.

First things first. This is way better than Kevin Smiths revelation! I can actually see myself watching the entire season after watching the first 5 eps.

It will not appeal to everyone, it is clearly aimed at a younger audience with it's animation style and its characterisations, but the dialog is wonderful and the animation fluid and dynamic.

I found myself liking the characters quite quickly which is something Kevin Smith never managed. Some of the the female characters are a tiny bit over-macho as if the things we would call a boy dumb or possibly suicidal for make a girl appear strong, but don't get me wrong, compared to a lot of what we have been getting lately this is surprisingly balanced. I never felt like I was being beaten over the head with a woke bible at any point.

The aesthetic grew on me, a bit like clone wars 3d did and the vehicle designs are pretty cool. Some good toys coming for Christmas no doubt.

My biggest annoyance was that cringer constantly forgets he has teeth, you will see what I mean.

Overall once I got over the initial shock of just how different it was to the established He-Man universe It managed to put a smile on my face.

Thumbs up from me.

Here we have an actual reboot with some tone shifts and reimagined points from the original done in an enjoyable and interesting way. It's just as cheesy as the original would seem to most now, buts it's fun and the characters are likable. It was almost immediately charming for me despite going into it with a negative impression of the trailer and freshly stinging opinion of Revelations. The animation will be the biggest obstacle for the shows popularity and for new viewers; it comes across as outlandish in its exaggerations and is obviously meant to also appeal to younger audiences. The action and transformation sequences still look nice and are appropriately flashy. It grows on you. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe also runs a fantastic cast with every voice feeling natural and appealing. A special shout to Ben Diskin who does an incredible and hilarious job as Skeletor. (weighted score: 8/10 and a solid 7/10 all things considered)

Granted, when I saw the trailer for this second new 2021 series from Netflix which brought back to life my childhood hero He-Man, I have to admit that I wasn't immediately sold, nor were I particularly thrilled. Why? Well, the art style just seemed to be aiming at a very young audience here. But still, it being a "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" series, of course I opted to watch it.

Initially, I wasn't particularly swayed as I started watching this new 2021 series, but I gave it the benefit of the doubt and kept watching all 10 episodes of season one. And I have to say that while this 2021 version of "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" definitely was nowhere near close to its source material, then it actually started to grow on me.

The story told in this new series is reminiscent to the old classics, but then again, it is totally changed, for better or worse. The storyline was fast paced, which was actually a good thing, and I have to say that the storyline, if you totally ignore everything you've learned from the 1980s or 2000s series, then it is actually entertaining enough.

And they made some very radical changes to the lore and the characters. Without delving too much into detail, then some of these changes were not sitting particularly well with me as it totally ignored already established characters, backgrounds and lore. Sure, I get that this new 2021 series is aimed at a brand new audience, but come on, changing things around like that is most likely not going to go well with the older fans - such as myself, for example.

Visually, then the art and drawing style used in this 2021 new series is something of an acquired taste, because it definitely is unique. Sure, there were some charm and appeal to the art style, and it was beautifully drawn, but it was just too chunky and bulky.

The 2021 series "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" is watchable and entertaining for what it is, but this is not going to be a long-run pleaser for the older fans of the franchise.

Essentially then the 2021 "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" series is a re-make or re-invention of the franchise that we didn't really need, and thus feels fully and wholly unnecessary.

My rating of the 2021 Netflix series "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" lands on a six out of ten stars. It actually turned out to be better and more entertaining than what the trailer initially lead to show. I was impressed, sure, but certain things changed just doesn't sit well with me.

After the disappointing and divisive "MOTU Revelations" earlier in the year I was certainly apprehensive about this new take on the He-Man franchise.

The art style and re-working of certain characters concerned me as an "OG fan" even if it was clear this version would be aimed at a much younger audience.

But not only was this show a hit with my 7 year old son, but I found myself really enjoying it too!

As is quite often the case with most nostalgic properties and comic book adaptations, there seems to be a current trend of "subverting" expectations, gender and sexuality politics being shoehorned in and well, just changes for the sake of making changes.

What I loved about this show is I really didn't feel any of that. Yes Ram Man has been gender swapped and Teela and The Sorceress (The Eldress now) have been race swapped, but I honestly felt these changes served to strengthen the show instead of detracting from it and brought some more balance to the cast of characters which in this day and age can only help to attract that all important new generation of fans.

The main reason I liked this show way more than Kevin Smith's effort was that although the emphasis is on teamwork and family, He-Man is still front and centre in his own show as he should be.

He was proactive, caring and above all else GOOD.

I'm sure this version of MOTU will also be divisive among the core fanbase but I believe the spirit of the original was upheld and properly respected.

I hope this show is a hit with kids and we can all enjoy more He-Man in many years to come.

We have the power.