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He-Man 
has a real special place in the hearts of all of us at YBFREE.com. Who knew that in less than a year after looking at the popular series it would return as part of the Cartoon Network’s resurrected series of cartoons? Awaiting possible failure with predetermined disappointment I sat through the first movie of the new He-Man regime, and I can honestly say that the memories came back to me and it was all-good.
The people that put this 90-minute movie together really did their homework. Every single character is an evolution of their original character. Almost everything from the old series is here with a much better look. From Skeletor to He-Man up to Stratos and Mer-Man all are present. The changes that are made to certain characters are welcome. The only unwelcome change is made to the Sorceress, who looks more like Tee-la now, but not as loving as the original Sorceress looks (major Egyptian influences here). However, Tee-la now has an anime look to her, much younger with those big eyes. Evil-Lyn is no longer Tee-la’s counterpart. She looks older and wiser; much more powerful than before and almost on par with her ruthless leader. Even Adam, the boy who would be He-Man has become younger, 16 to be exact. He is thinner and while a learned fighter, he has a cocky I don’t care attitude that often leads him into trouble. This is probably the more welcome change as it gives Adam a chance to mature so that he and his alter ego can become much more alike as the series progresses.
The animation is a mix of anime and American style that is a perfect. While I would say that the animation is better than the original series because the characters are more defined,the action sequences baginin’, and a storyline that surpassed the original. I still feel that the old cartoon did a better job with the whole cinematography and the architecture of places like Snake Mountain and Castle Greyskull.
My only complaint with this series was the voice acting. Adam whines too much, but maybe that works with his new childish attitude but I hope it will develop into something better as the series evolves. Skeletor also annoys me. I don’t like his voice at all, it sounds like he is trying to be a little too sinister. Fans, alas Cringer doesn’t talk and Orko is not as annoying and overbearing as before. But the story totally makes up for these downfalls. It is a little darker and the fight scenes kick supreme ass as Man-at-Arms battles more and Tee-la shows her strength. He-Man actually makes mistakes in battle, and this adds a realistic component to the show.
What makes this show truly stand out is that all of the nagging questions that have been following us for nearly twenty-years are answered. What did Skeletor really look like before he lost his face? Who defended Eternia until He-Ma came into being? I was blown away by what I saw and can’t wait to see these characters develop as the series moves on. Excited is not the word that describes how I feel right now. I just wonder what 80’s show will return next. Who said you can’t go back again?
Send comments and questions about this article to Blackhart@ybfree.com.