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.
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.