Tooned In: Masters of the Universe – Tales of Eternia (2026)

Happy Saturday morning!

First, given the subject matter today, I know you’re wondering what I thought of the Masters of the Universe movie. Basically, the first half was hit and miss, but once we head to Snake Mountain, we get a better balance. And even then it’s almost like one pulled a Serious Switch at that moment to stop the film from going full James Gunn/MCU Style. And the series of post-credit scenes are probably the most satisfying ones to me, in a long time. I’m kind of glad Amazon is being stubborn about it underperforming (like a Bizarro Roman Reigns 2015 push, sort of…). But maybe next time streaming it would be a better strategy?

Now underneath the talk, good and bad, about the movie, a new MOTU cartoon dropped on YouTube, presented in the minisodes style, meaning “episodes” are under 5 minutes. The premiere segment turned up this week:

HE-MAN’S SECRET POWER

At Castle Grayskull, He-Man is fighting off Beast Man and Trap Jaw, and the character design is simplified and has the Flash look you’d expect from loads of modern cartoons, but there’s enough nods to the Filmation look. The music reminds me of Power Rangers a bit with the frantic electric guitars. Anyhow, Skeletor being impaled (and Beast Man slashed) should give away what the true nature of this “fight” was: a training sequence by Man-At-Arms, who is inspired by both the 80s version and Idris Alba’s portrayal. He-Man returns to being Prince Adam, and insists on being trained in his civilian identity. Yes, it is the trope of Adam wanting to be a hero without the Power Sword’s help, seen in both Filmation and Mike Young Productions. Unfortunately, Beast Man overhears the promise of “no He-Man today,” and reports this to Skeletor. And we begin to realize that while the heroes are played straight with a little comedy (like the second half of the film!), the Evil Warriors are the goofballs of the series. Beasty, for example, gets distracted with his birdwatching hobby. Still a good balance, though. Also, we’re back to the standard “only three others share this secret” format, yeah, this may or may not be a spoiler too.

Back at the castle, Teela has arrived and sees Adam training, backhanded comments ensue. She’s played a bit younger like in MYP. But then Skeletor and his henchmen are here to take advantage of his archenemy being nowhere to be seen. Adam insists he can fight alongside his friends, leading to an exchange I liked: Teela – “One training session does not turn you into He-Man!” Duncan – “No, for that you need a magic sword!” Skel overpowers the heroes and uses his magic to trap the heroes with parts of nearby bones that, when you zoom out, look like they might be used for, I don’t know, battle some day? Then a local show where guys and robots watch bad movies can paint them red and pass them off as space dogs. Said show might become a cult classic that still gets revivals to this day! Anyway, Duncan of course tells Adam he doesn’t have to use his strength when he can think of a solution. And so he distracts Skeletor by insisting that he’s afraid of He-Man and his ability to not rely on magic powers, ironically getting flung into the sky by Skel’s magic powers…which allow him time to transform and turn the tide for the Heroic Warriors, and we’re not in the 80s anymore, this includes fisticuffs. The bad guys retreat, ending with what might be Skeletor’s new catchphrase/ascended meme, “Until next time!” Even Teela gives Adam props for his bravery, and we end with vague silhouette outlines with a female voice also congratulating the prince. I wonder who the Sorceress, er, heck that could be.

Well, I came in ready to watch it, shrug, and say, “Well it’s meant to be a kids’ show.” But I was pleasantly surprised. Nothing like a Teen Titans Go! or Thundercats Roar! type disappointment, it was actually well done for what it was and I may very well follow this.