He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Beat GI Joe for a World Record
The power of nostalgia is undeniable. Whether it comes from a familiar scent or from a rhythmic tune that transports us back in time, it all comes crashing back every time. Similarly, for many modern adults, the animated show He-Man and the Masters of the Universe brings back tons of memories since every day after school, many people used to sit in front of the TV and watch the superhero go on yet another adventure.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is the First Show Based on an Action Figure
The animated cartoon, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, has created a rich legacy for itself. While GI Joe holds the record for being the first-ever action figure marketed and sold, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe beat GI Joe by releasing the first-ever animated show based on an action figure just one week before the Hasbro figure. This was during the time when agencies were still trying to figure out the line between advertising and programming. The warring toy companies have always been trying to one-up each other and the race continues even today.
Based on the Hasbro action figure, GI Joe got its own show called G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero in September 1983. However, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe was released just one week before the Hasbro series, premiering on September 5, 1983. By beating Hasbro to the punch, Mattel created history and excited audiences with something they had never seen before. The show ran for two seasons and garnered a wide fanbase that still reminisces about the show.
The story of He-Man is also seen as the starting point for superhero fandoms for animated shows. Set in Eternia, Prince Adam gets superhero powers when he wields the Sword of Power. Not only did the show create history, but it also changed the dynamics of television channels and major networks. It was the first animated show on a first-run syndication, and further eliminated the wait for Saturday mornings which usually aired new shows.
Netflix Rebooted He-Man and the Masters of the Universe in 2021
A reimagined version of the nostalgic series is developed by Rob David for Netflix. While the show is still animated, it has come a long way since the 1983 iteration that used rotoscoping for movements in animation. The 2021 show looks cleaner and more vibrant for the younger audiences to enjoy Prince Adam’s story even today. The show follows his journey to power and eventually to becoming the strongest man in the universe.
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Despite many revivals and rebooted shows getting thrashed for including something or the other incorrectly, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe was actually appreciated for its renewed fervor. It stood at 83% approval on Rotten Tomatoes. This also goes on to show how the character and his enigmatic story remain relevant even today for younger audiences to look up to.
Three seasons of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe are streaming on Netflix.
