MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE: REVELATION. Refreshed yet familiar

For people born in the 1980s, He-Man was essentially the first real superhero. The animated series quickly achieved cult status and remains a true “guilty pleasure” for today’s adult fans. So when Netflix announced a continuation — not a reboot! — of the original He-Man series, thousands of thirty- and forty-somethings around the world practically howled with delight. And they shouldn’t be disappointed — Masters of the Universe: Revelation is a refreshed yet familiar, charmingly corny story about the superhero from Castle Grayskull.

The creators of the new He-Man adventures — including head writer Kevin Smith — took quite a risk by choosing to continue Prince Adam’s story rather than launching the typical Hollywood reboot. On one hand, it’s an understandable gesture toward the show’s core audience: longtime fans who still remember storylines from the original series. On the other hand, this approach significantly reduces the chances of attracting new viewers for whom this may be their first encounter with He-Man. And it must be said that Masters of the Universe: Revelation is a classic “for fans only” — or rather “mostly,” because the animated series Smith has created remains an engaging production that’s simply enjoyable to watch, yet the Masters of the Universe universe, with all its kitsch, will mainly appeal to loyal devotees.

Although even they may not be entirely pleased — the fact that He-Man’s name isn’t in the title is no accident. Prince Adam is, of course, one of the characters in this new take on Masters of the Universe, but he is far from playing the lead role, which has led to plenty of negative reactions. But perhaps that’s enough to say without straying into spoiler territory.

Kevin Smith has made a series that is a full-on homage to the original material — complete with grandiose speeches, groan-worthy jokes, and episodes filled with bizarre, often ridiculously named monsters and magical beings. Masters of the Universe: Revelation feels like a mix between The Fellowship of the Ring — with its central dangerous quest — and any installment of Star Wars or The Avengers.

The universe built around Mattel’s early-’80s toy line is exceptionally colorful, and the amount of action packed into each episode should satisfy even the most demanding viewers. This time, however, the kingdom of Eternia also spends a lot of time on emotions, loneliness, self-discovery, and the burden of expectations. Villains turn out to have souls (don’t worry, we’re not talking about Skeletor!), and heroes have doubts — which gives this fantastical tale a distinctly human dimension. Those expecting a testosterone-fueled throwback to the old days will be disappointed — in this version, women have quite a lot to say, if not the most.

It’s already clear that Masters of the Universe: Revelation has divided viewers. The show, which boasts an impressive voice cast — including Mark Hamill, Lena Headey, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Liam Cunningham — is unlikely to please everyone who wages a crusade against anything new or different under the banner of “things used to be better.” But with a bit of open-mindedness, there’s plenty to appreciate in Revelation.

It’s visually striking — the refreshed animation looks genuinely great — and at times funny, and certainly nostalgic. Because despite some unexpected narrative choices, it’s still the same Eternia and the same Castle Grayskull.