He-Man’s iconic transformation scene from the Masters of the Universe cartoon actually creates a glaring weakness for him. In 2013’s He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #1, published by DC Comics, Prince Adam does his usual transformation into He-Man, complete with all the pyrotechnics; however, the energy it releases, coupled with how loud and bright it is, gives away his location to not one but two different people.
The Masters of the Universe is one of the most iconic toy lines ever, with a rich history stretching back 40 years. The franchise has a long history with comics as well, going back to the original toys from the 1980s, which came bundled with mini-comics. Both Marvel and DC have held the rights to the Masters of the Universe comics, and in 2013 DC inaugurated a new series, under the direction of writer Keith Giffen and artist Pop Mahn. The first He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon, released in the early 1980s, is just as iconic, helping sell millions of toys. Prince Adam would turn into He-Man and help turn back Skeletor’s evil schemes–and the transformation scene, which was featured in every episode, became popular with fans. The scene always begins with Adam lifting the Sword of Power, invoking “the power of Grayskull,” before turning into He-Man in an explosion of light and thunder. He would then yell “I HAVE THE POWER” and then charge into battle. The transformation scene is a fist pumping scene for children of the 80s, and while it is cool, it also sets up a huge weakness for He-Man.
In the issue, written by Giffen and illustrated by Mahn, Hordak’s forces, taking advantage of Skeletor’s death, have invaded Eternia, and under the direction of Despera (Adora, the future She-Ra) have nearly brought the world to its knees. Adora and the Horde Troopers lay siege to King Randor’s palace and during the confusion, Prince Adam slips away and transforms into He-Man, even yelling “I have the power.” Adora and her forces had been specifically seeking He-Man, and the energy released from the transformation gave away his location, essentially leading Adora and the Horde right to him. Teela then finds He-Man to alert him; he asks how she was able to locate him, and she replies that his yelling “I have the power” once again gave him away.
He-Man's Transformation is Cool, But Puts Him at a Disadvantage
He-Man’s transformation scene in the original Masters of the Universe cartoon is cheesy and over the top, but as mentioned earlier, it helped get kids pumped up, and probably went a long way to help selling more toys–but it is loud and releases lots of energy. However, as seen in this issue, this memorable aspect of the character gets turned on its head. Adora and the Horde forces were close to capturing the palace, and stealth would have been He-Man’s friend in this situation. Instead, he underwent his bombastic transformation–and gave himself away. Likewise, as Teela points out, yelling “I have the power” every time does not help him stay hidden either.
For a generation, the original He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon invokes fond memories of their childhood, and no doubt many hear “I have the power” upon the show’s mention. This unforgettable transformation scene is burnt into the hearts and minds of 80s kids–but it also creates a serious weakness for He-Man.