Masters of the Universe: Revelation has been an interesting series to review. Coming from the mind of Kevin Smith, with voice talents like Lena Headey, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Mark Hamill, it had everything it needed to be a fan favourite, especially with the more adult tone and look Netflix brought to the series. But somehow, fans on the internet did not like the limited screen time of the two most popular characters, He-Man and Skeletor. Thankfully, Smith has rectified this in Part 2, and while not everything works, it feels like a love letter to the classic series.
Masters of the Universe: Revelation Part 2 picks up right where Part 1 leaves off. For anyone that was expecting a slow burn like the first instalment, things have been mixed up this time around. With Skeletor now in possession of Castle GreySkull and the Sword of Power, he is bent on finally killing He-Man. With the powers of a god, he quickly works to destroy the lands of Eternia and bring on his new kingdom, with him at the helm.
With scenes of souls being damned, to old friends and known characters being turned with Skeletor’s power, this is some of the darkest you will ever see Masters of the Universe. It also sets the tone for the series, where the heroes are now forced to regroup, and take the fight back to Skeletor, finding new powers along the way. It is a trope seen in countless movies and series, and for a show about a man that calls the power of the gods and somehow loses his clothing in the process, it works.
“The issues in Masters of the Universe: Revelation Part 2 arise when Smith tries to subvert expectations”
The issues in Masters of the Universe: Revelation Part 2 arise when Smith tries to subvert expectations, giving more characters the power of He-Man, with the final act feeling more like a Dragon Ball Z episode than a take on the classic series. Don’t get me wrong, there are some fantastic developments along the way, with Evil-Lyn, Teela, and even some minor characters finding new strength and standing out in ways they have never done before. As much as the final act can be frustrating, there are plenty of touches that will make fans of the toy line or even the original series find plenty to love.
Beyond the storyline, the animation and look of the series are fantastic. Netflix put a budget behind this show, and it is apparent in every frame on display. As bombastic as the final battles are at times, there is a lot of care and attention to detail all over these segments. The visuals are stunning, and it gives many characters never given a time to shine in the original series’ new life.
The voice acting is another area I can’t say enough about. The talent pool on display in Masters of the Universe: Revelation Part 2 is staggering. Mark Hamill steals the show as Skeletor, with each scene he is in filled with a mix of menace and a lighthearted whim that few voice talents can muster. The rest of the cast is given room to breathe, with all the voice actors bringing their A-Game to the roles, embodying them, and giving them life like you have never heard.
Kevin Smith knows the subject, and brings some true life to a series that started as a way to sell toys. Not everything works, and some of the choices I imagine work better on paper, but if you loved He-Man before, and have been on the fence about checking this new series out, Part 2 makes it all worth it. Masters of the Universe: Revelation is a unique take on the subject, but one all fans need to jump on Netflix and see what you are missing.
