For the Honour of Grayskull

Princess Adora and her whole entourage

I am a big fan of Netflix’s new series, with Sea Hawk being my favourite character.

This week, a groundbreaking animation shows how well animation can include all members of society and appeal to a youthful, modern market. When I watched the 2018 reboot, I thought it wouldn’t be as good as the original; we all get things wrong. It is a brilliant piece of animation.

The History

She-Ra: Princess of Power first graced television screens in September 1985 as a direct spin-off from the highly successful He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. Created by Filmation, She-Ra was introduced as a companion series designed to appeal to a young female audience, filling a gap in the market for action-adventure series aimed at girls. The show ran for two seasons, producing a total of 93 episodes.

In 2018, She-Ra was reimagined by Netflix and DreamWorks Animation as She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. This modern reboot, developed by Noelle Stevenson, presented a fresh take on the characters and story, appealing to a new generation while maintaining the essence of the original series. The reboot ran for five seasons, concluding in 2020, and was praised for its inclusive storytelling, nuanced character development, and strong representation of LGBTQ+ themes. The series broke ground with diverse characters and relationships by highlighting LGBTQ+ identities, making it a significant cultural touchstone in children's television.

The Characters

She-Ra/Princess Adora: Princess Adora, the twin sister of Prince Adam (He-Man), transforms into She-Ra, the Princess of Power, by raising her Sword of Protection and declaring, "For the honour of Grayskull!" She-Ra is renowned for her superhuman strength, agility, and ability to communicate with animals.

Hordak: The primary antagonist in the original series, Hordak is the ruthless leader of the Evil Horde. He seeks to conquer the planet Etheria and defeat She-Ra and the Great Rebellion.

Catra: Initially a secondary villain, Catra is Hordak’s force captain and She-Ra’s arch-nemesis. In the 2018 reboot, Catra’s character is significantly expanded, becoming a complex and nuanced rival and sometimes ally.

Glimmer: The Princess of Bright Moon and a vital member of the Great Rebellion, Glimmer can manipulate light and teleport. She is a close friend of Adora and a crucial ally in the fight against the Horde.

Bow: An expert archer and a member of the Great Rebellion, Bow is one of Adora’s most loyal friends. He is known for his bravery and skills with a bow and arrow.

The Plotlines

She-Ra’s episodes typically follow the conflict between the heroic Great Rebellion and the villainous Evil Horde. Common themes include:

• Heroic Battles: The show centres on She-Ra and her allies battling Hordak’s forces to free Etheria from tyranny.

• Friendship and Loyalty: The relationships between characters, especially the bonds of friendship and trust, are central to the series.

• Moral Lessons: Similar to He-Man, each episode of She-Ra often concludes with a moral lesson aimed at the young audience.

The 2018 reboot introduced more intricate story arcs, focusing on themes of identity, belonging, and redemption, resonating with contemporary audiences and addressing complex social issues.

Famous People

The original She-Ra featured the voice talents of Melendy Britt as She-Ra/Princess Adora and George DiCenzo as Hordak. The reboot saw Aimee Carrero voicing Adora/She-Ra alongside a diverse cast that included AJ Michalka (Catra) and Karen Fukuhara (Glimmer).

Notable She-Ra fans include actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish and singer and actress Janelle Monáe, who have publicly expressed their admiration for the series and its impact on representation and storytelling in animation.

Popular Culture

She-Ra has significantly impacted popular culture, especially in portraying a strong female protagonist in a genre dominated by male heroes. The character of She-Ra has become a symbol of female empowerment and has influenced the portrayal of women in animation and beyond.

The 2018 reboot further cemented She-Ra’s cultural significance by addressing LGBTQ+ representation, mental health, and diversity. The show’s inclusive approach resonated with a broad audience and garnered critical acclaim for its progressive storytelling.

Spin-Offs and Related Work

The success of She-Ra has led to various spin-offs and related merchandise:

• Comics and Books: Various comic book series and novels have expanded the She-Ra universe, providing deeper insights into the characters and their adventures.

• Toys and Merchandise: The original series spawned a successful toy line, including action figures and playsets. The reboot also saw a range of merchandise, from dolls and apparel to collectable items.

• Video Games: She-Ra has appeared in various video games, both standalone titles and crossover events in games like Masters of the Universe-themed mobile games.

Financials

She-Ra’s financial success is notable, particularly in the 1980s when the toy line generated substantial revenue. While specific figures for the original series are scarce, the show’s popularity ensured strong merchandise sales. The 2018 reboot also saw significant success, with Netflix’s investment in the series paying off through high viewership numbers and a dedicated fanbase, although specific financial details are not publicly disclosed.

Legacy

The legacy of She-Ra is profound. As one of the earliest examples of a female-led action series, it paved the way for greater gender diversity in animated programming. The character of She-Ra has inspired generations of fans and continues to be a powerful icon of strength and courage.

The 2018 reboot further solidified She-Ra’s place in animation history by addressing modern social issues and promoting inclusivity. The series has been praised for its positive representation of LGBTQ+ characters and its progressive storytelling, leaving a lasting impact on the animation industry and its audience.

Fun Facts

1. Shared Universe: She-Ra was created as the twin sister of He-Man, tying both series together and allowing for crossover episodes.

2. Voice Actors: Melendy Britt, the voice of She-Ra in the original series, also voiced Catra and other characters, showcasing her versatility.

3. Modern Praise: The 2018 reboot won the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Kids & Family Programming in 2019, highlighting its impact on inclusive media.

Conclusion

She-Ra: Princess of Power remains a trailblazing series in animation. From its origins as a companion to He-Man to its groundbreaking 2018 reboot, She-Ra has continually evolved, reflecting societal changes and setting new standards for representation and storytelling in animated series. Its rich history, memorable characters, and enduring legacy make She-Ra a beloved icon in the realm of animation, inspiring audiences old and new with tales of heroism, friendship, and empowerment.