Recap: Masters of the Universe: Revelation Comic-Con@Home 2021

 

 

Long overdue, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe has finally been revived for a modern generation. For children of the 80s, the Saturday morning cartoon the beloved memories have not waned. However, it is understandable that networks and producers have been wary about rebooting an animation premised around a toy line after Transformers and TMNT struggled to earn fan acceptance.

Thankfully, Netflix seems to have gone all-in on the gone-but-not-forgotten franchise. To be the face and powerhouse of the relaunch, Netflix went to a fan-favourite fanboy of all 80s nostalgia, Kevin Smith. The recognition of the ultimate fanboy gives this revamped series levity thanks to the director’s well-known adoration of everything pop culture.

With the first part of Masters of the Universe: Revelation dropping on Netflix on the same weekend as San Diego’s virtual Comic-Con@Home, it presented the perfect opportunity to learn about the behind-the-scenes action. And who else could host an event about this cartoon better than Kevin Smith himself; even if he were to have no part in making it, it’s a solid choice.

Joining Smith for the live virtual panel Friday afternoon was a collection of the great voices behind the series. Playing the part of He-Man/Prince Adam himself, Chris Wood. The star of the revamped series, Sarah Michelle Gellar as Teela. New (ish) character to the show, Andra, performed by Tiffany Smith. And Tony Todd, who plays a minor but significant role in Scare Glow.

Much of the special panel was spent boasting about the amount of love put into this series. From the top-down, the return of Masters of the Universe was powered with affection. Smith speaks on how the network executive super-fan that attentively assured the series paid service to the original. But this is not just a remake; the adults are playing with their old toys. As they say in the panel, “this is a grown-up version for grown-ups”.

Additionally, this will not be a retelling of origins but an original concept.  Revelation is a sequel of sorts to the original run. But all the memorable characters make their appearances, and some you may have forgotten. More proof that the new series is a love letter to the original. Especially considering it starts with some of the original Mattel art from the 80s.

Finally, it wouldn’t be Matell’s Masters of the Universe if they weren’t going to sling some toys. And this panel ends with a look at a new original toy, Skelegod. The toy features Skeletor after gaining the power of Grey Skull and becoming the ultimate version of himself. Hopefully, this is a spoiler to how the new series will conclude.

The big reveal for the panel is Kevin Smith’s intentions to continue on the series. Whatever concerns of Smith ditching the project for something shiny and new were quelched. There are lots of plans for this series to continue with all of the great characters returning.

You can watch the full Masters of the Universe: Revelation panel on the official Comic-Con@Home website.