Masters of the Universe: Controversial Sword & Sorcery Show or Toy Marketing?

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In the ’80s, the animated show “Masters of the Universe” was a huge hit. Although it ran for just two seasons, its impact has endured thanks to its devoted fanbase and the constant stream of memes based on Skeletor, the series’ main villain.

The show “Masters of the Universe” faced its share of debates due to its popularity. This groundbreaking children’s TV series stood out with its sword-and-sorcery-themed action, but it was often criticized by advocates who viewed it as merely a tool for advertising toys and related merchandise.

Eternia, He-Man, and a World of Sword and Sorcery

The fictional universe of Masters of the Universe is set within a popular storytelling style known as “fantasy adventure,” which often features sword-wielding characters, magic, sorcery, and battles between good and evil. This genre was particularly prevalent in films during the 1980s, with examples like Conan the Barbarian, Krull, Red Sonja, Fire and Ice, Dragonslayer, and Yor: The Hunter from the Future.

In comparison to its contemporaries, Masters of the Universe stood out by catering to a younger audience. Most animated shows at that time revolved around good versus evil, with He-Man and Skeletor representing this struggle in Masters of the Universe. The show thrived on action related to sword and sorcery, but it also boasted an array of distinctive characters. Notably, Masters of the Universe featured strong, intelligent female leads like Teela and She-Ra, who could tackle complex predicaments independently.

Backlash and Controversy From Critics and Many Others

Although the show “Masters of the Universe” was a hit among its viewers and cherished by numerous fans, it also had its share of critics and controversy. The main criticism against “Masters of the Universe” wasn’t about its content, but its origins. It is essential to note that “Masters of the Universe” was one of several children’s cartoons created by a toy company, specifically Mattel in this instance. Mattel and Hasbro, two prominent companies in the production of children’s toys, were behind many popular shows during that time, including “G.I. Joe,” “Jem,” “My Little Pony,” and “Transformers.

The shows faced severe criticism from ACT (Action for Children’s Television), an advocacy group who believed these shows were merely disguised advertisements for toys instead of offering high-quality entertainment. Many issues surrounding shows like “Masters of the Universe” and their ilk eventually led to the Children’s Television Act of 1990, which aimed to limit commercial advertising time in children’s programs to a specific number of minutes per hour. This law was designed to prevent long-format commercials, as many people considered them excessive.

In the heat of cultural conflicts during the 1980s, even the Masters of the Universe weren’t spared. The uproar over heavy metal music and the supposed satanic hysteria appeared as an unexpected enemy, targeting He-Man and the inhabitants of Castle Grayskull. Indeed, a 1984 film titled “Deception of a Generation” leveled accusations that Masters of the Universe had connections to the occult.

In modern times, the starkly dramatic portrayal by author Phil Phillips regarding fear seems almost amusing. Instead of denying Christ’s existence, as Phillips describes in his tale, a young child instead claims “He-Man is the ruler of the universe.” Nevertheless, some Christian writers have offered a more favorable interpretation of the classic cartoon Masters of the Universe. In 2012, The Restless Pilgrim published an article suggesting that the show could be compared to the works of author C.S. Lewis, serving as an allegory for Christian beliefs.

In spite of criticism from traditionalists and supporters of children’s programming, it’s clear that Masters of the Universe resonates deeply with those who were introduced to it through the cartoon. Regardless of its commercial motives, the show carries a profound message that is inherent to its essence. Essentially, Masters of the Universe portrayed the eternal battle between good and evil, a concept that’s vital for children to grasp. Imaginative play and fantastical narratives are essential for fostering a robust imagination, and Masters of the Universe provided us with the means to do so.

Where Can I Watch ‘Masters of the Universe’?

Right now, you can catch the real-life adaptation of “Masters of the Universe” on Pluto TV. If you’re more into animation, you can find the series on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV. Go ahead and exercise your choice!

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2025-04-27 03:35