All 6 Classic Masters Of The Universe Characters Killed Off By He-Man’s New Show….
In 2021, Netflix premiered Masters of the Universe: Revelation, a new animated series that continues the legacy of the iconic He-Man and the Masters of the Universe franchise. Created by Kevin Smith, the series sought to revive the classic characters of Eternia while also introducing new narratives and deeper character arcs. However, one of the most controversial aspects of the show was its approach to the original cast of characters, especially in terms of who lived, who died, and how they were depicted.
In a significant departure from the tone of the original 1980s cartoon, Masters of the Universe: Revelation made bold choices that not only shocked long-time fans but also left a lasting impact on the lore of the series. Among the most shocking decisions was the fate of several classic characters, many of whom were killed off in the first few episodes of the show, making way for newer characters and storylines.
Here’s a closer look at the deaths of the six classic Masters of the Universe characters who were killed off in Revelation and how these events altered the fabric of Eternia’s mythology.
1.He-Man/Prince Adam
Arguably the most controversial death in *Masters of the Universe: Revelation was that of He-Man himself. At the end of the first episode, He-Man is killed in a battle with Skeletor. The show’s bold decision to kill off the titular character so early in the series stunned many viewers. He-Man’s death serves as a plot device to kickstart the main conflict of the show. After He-Man dies, Prince Adam’s transformation into He-Man is severed, creating an opportunity for other characters to step up and assume greater roles in the narrative.
For many, the death of He-Man represented a departure from the hero-centric nature of the original cartoon, where He-Man was the undisputed champion of good. His death sets the stage for the emergence of Teela, who becomes the central character of the series, but for some fans, it felt like a betrayal of the original material.
2. Skeletor
Yes, even Skeletor, He-Man’s arch-nemesis, meets his demise in *Revelation Though Skeletor is resurrected in the series’ final act, his death at the hands of He-Man’s energy blade marks a dramatic shift in the villain’s role in the universe. In the show, Skeletor’s death occurs during the climactic battle, but his soul is not completely eradicated, setting the stage for his eventual resurrection. While Skeletor’s return to life is inevitable in the grand mythology of Masters of the Universe, this moment signified a key turning point in the show’s exploration of the balance between life and death.
3. Man-At-Arms (Duncan)
Man-At-Arms, one of the original series’ most beloved characters, also meets a tragic fate in *Masters of the Universe: Revelation*. His death is one of the earliest in the series and highlights the show’s darker tone. Duncan’s passing serves as a catalyst for Teela’s personal journey, as she is forced to confront the reality that her mentor and father figure has fallen. Man-At-Arms dies in the battle to prevent Skeletor from gaining ultimate power, sacrificing himself to protect the magic of Eternia.
The emotional weight of his death is not lost on the audience, as it shifts the focus toward Teela’s emotional growth and her need to take up the mantle of leadership. His death is a painful but necessary plot device that propels the series forward.
4. Teela (as the new He-Man)
Teela’s transformation into a central character is one of the most prominent developments in *Revelation*. After the death of He-Man, Teela initially feels betrayed by her friends and the secrets kept from her, especially by her father, Man-At-Arms. However, in her quest to save Eternia, Teela comes into her own, discovering her own powers and eventually becoming the new “He-Man” in a figurative sense. While Teela does not physically die, her emotional and psychological transformation marks the end of her old identity and the birth of a new one.
Teela’s journey is less about the traditional hero’s transformation and more about her finding her strength in a world that feels without hope. Her metaphorical death represents the shedding of old expectations and the embracing of her own destiny.
5. Evil-Lyn
Evil-Lyn’s death is a pivotal moment in *Masters of the Universe: Revelation Unlike Skeletor, who is merely resurrected, Evil-Lyn undergoes a profound transformation in the series. After Skeletor’s death, she takes on a more complex role as a character seeking redemption. However, her loyalty to Skeletor ultimately leads to her downfall. She dies during a pivotal battle to save Eternia, though she does so with a sense of purpose and, in some ways, redemption.
Evil-Lyn’s arc is one of the most intricate in the series, as she is forced to come to terms with her past mistakes and the damage she’s caused. Her death is not just a physical loss, but a representation of the internal struggle she faces between good and evil, power and sacrifice.
6. Orko
The death of Orko, the goofy and lovable magician from the original series, also struck a deep emotional chord with fans. Orko, who is often the comic relief in the Masters of the Universe universe, is given a more serious and poignant role in Revelation. In an unexpected twist, Orko dies while attempting to protect the people of Eternia. His death is perhaps the most heart-wrenching, as it subverts the usual tone of his character, revealing the depths of his selflessness and courage.
Orko’s passing is especially significant because it marks the loss of a character who was integral to the heart of the series. His comedic persona was always a source of levity, but his death reveals that even the most lighthearted characters in *Masters of the Universe* are capable of immense sacrifice when it comes to saving the universe.
Conclusion
The deaths of these six classic characters in *Masters of the Universe: Revelation* shocked many fans, who were accustomed to a more heroic, often invincible portrayal of the Eternian cast. The deaths, while controversial, served to deepen the series’ narrative, adding layers of complexity and emotional stakes to the plot. He-Man’s death, in particular, marked a dramatic shift away from the traditional hero’s journey, creating space for other characters like Teela to emerge as the true saviors of Eternia.
The show’s bold choices regarding character deaths were not just about shocking the audience but about exploring deeper themes of legacy, sacrifice, and transformation. While these deaths may have alienated some fans, they provided an opportunity for a fresh perspective on the Masters of the Universe mythology and ensured that the series would resonate with a new generation of viewers, while still honoring the legacy of the original characters.
In the end, these deaths weren’t just about the loss of characters; they symbolized the passing of old ideas, paving the way for a more nuanced, mature, and emotionally rich iteration of the *Masters of the Universe* universe.
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