Easter Eggs in MOTU: Revelation [Cartoon and Comic]

[Jukka]

We currently have seen

• Netflix "Part One" (5 episodes)
• Dark Horse prequel comic issue #1
• Dark Horse prequel comic issue #2
• Dark Horse prequel comic issue #3
• Dark Horse prequel comic issue #4
• Netflix "Part Two" (latter 5 episodes)

For MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE REVELATION and I thought it would be fun to round up all the nods, homages and easter eggs we can find.


I bet there are some youtubers who will make maybe "top 10 easter eggs you MISSED" videos, and heck I'll make a video on the topic in near future.
But wanted to have one place to collect all possible things here.
Any help appreciated!

• INTRODUCTION THEME uses painted images by Rudy Obrero (Castle Grayskull 2012 Classics box), Esteban Maroto (Skeletor, Beast Man, Evil-Lyn), Earl Norem (Adam turning into He-Man from BCI 2005)+(He-Man on Battle Cat), William George (group shot of heroes and villains) [episode 01].

VINTAGE TOY AND MINI-COMIC [1982-1987] References

• "You look like a Warrior Goddess!" [episode 01]
• Tapestry "heroic" inside Grayskull (vintage playset) [episode 01]
• Evil-Lyn's magic wand is in both long and short form [episode 01]
• The Orb Container inside Grayskull looks a bit like the device in ”The Magic Stealer” minicomic. [episode 01]
• "Smells like... Pine!" [episode 01]
• Powersword acting as a "key" for unlocking (vintage minicomics Glut/Alcala) [episode 01]
• Roton vehicle [episode 01]
• Bashasaurus vehicle [episode 01]
• Sky Sled flying vehicle [episode 01]
• Man-At-Arms calls Night Stalker as "Night Mare" (which was the prototype name, and in german audioplay and comics) [episode 01]
• Powersword halved in two [episode 01]
• Snake Mountain appearance, wolf-gate, green tentacles and net from playset [episode 02]
• The motherboard Tri-Klops worships, has appearance of SCREECH toy [episode 02]
• Man-At-Arms uses a mace (vintage accessory) [episode 03]
• Roboto is a creation of Man-At-Arms [episode 03]
• Preternia (from minicomic, but here used in totally new context to represent "heaven") [episode 04]
• Turbodactyl 1987 "Powers of Grayskull" [episode 05]
• Three Towers of Eternia (Central lion tower, viper tower, grayskull tower) playset [episode 05]
• Sharella (reference to the girl see in Megator box art, later also appeared in Classics line) [episode 05]
• Wundar (vintage toy) [episode 05]
• Bionatops 1987 "Powers of Grayskull" [episode 05]
• He-Ro (ancestor of He-Man) 1987 "Powers of Grayskull" [episode 05]
• Horde-mention, as He-Ro fighting against them. But this could be a Classics reference, since original He-Ro fought only Snake Men. [episode 05]
• Orlax creature (pink tentacle in vintage Grayskull dungeon/Dwell of Souls -sticker) [comic issue 01]
• Orlax creature in dungeon with Duncan [episode 07]
• Dragstor, Modulok, Mosquitor, Leech and Mantenna are part in Evil Horde [comic issue 02]
• Skeletor confirms he is an interdimensional demon ("He-Man and the Powersword" minicomic, as well as Filmation) [episode 07]
• Duncan has a tattoo on his left shoulder, which represents the King's Guard. The symbol is a reference to vintage 87 Randor armor. With the two dots representing Light Hemisphere and Dark Hemisphere. [episode 07]
• Vintage sticker playset art (by Mark Taylor's wife Rebecca) with eye-design on the floor at Castle Grayskull [episode 07]

GOLDEN BOOKS AND KIDS STUFF BOOKS (1983) References

• Castle Grayskull used to be Hall of Wisdom (transmorphed) from book "Castle Grayskull" [episode 01, comic 04]
• Inside Grayskull is Orb of Power (book "Castle Grayskull") [episode 01]
• Goat Man (book "Secret of the Dragon's Egg") [episode 06, episode 09]

LADYBIRD BOOKS (1983) References

• Skelcon army [episode 01]

FILMATION STUDIOS (1983) References

• "Only four others share this secret..." (reminiscent of the Filmation introduction theme, now updated with Cringer) [episode 01]
• Prince Adam briefly holds the Sword of Power across his chest during transformation sequence [episode 01]
• The Shaping Staff ("The Shaping Staff") [episode 01]
• Faker associated with Shaping Staff and infiltration to Grayskull [episode 01]
• "I am Adam, Prince of Eternia and..." [episode 01]
• "I am Adam, Prince of Eternia and...and defender of the secrets of Castle Grayskull! And this is my fearless friend, Cringer." [episode 06]
• "...fabulous secret powers would be revealed to me..." [episode 06]
• Hover Robot / Robot Knight ("The Curse of the Spellstone" and other episodes) [episode 01]
• Queen Marlena knows Adam's secret identity ("The Rainbow Warrior", which also is referenced in STAR/Marvel comic, but in that comic Randor also knew.) [episode 01]
• Evil-Lyn using the name "Majestra" in a disguise (from "The Shaping Staff" which disguise looks completely different) [episode 02]
• Evil-Lyn using an old woman disguise (many episodes, like "The Royal Cousin") [episode 02]
• The old woman that helped raise and teach Evil-Lyn magic was Magestra, bearing the look Evil-Lyn later will use as disguise [comic issue 03]
• In Tri-Klop's motherboard-room, there are gargoyle-like statues, reminiscent of the creatures in Skeletor's throne room ("Diamond Ray of Disappearance") [episode 02]
• Cringer got his name thanks to Teela ("Battlecat") [episode 02]
• Eternia is located at the center of the Universe [episode 02]
• The fountain with magical water (the Fountain in City of Aridan "The Witch and the Warrior") [episode 03]
• The Crystal Sea ("Teela's Quest") [episode 03]
• Orko talks about forgetting things at Crystal Sea (reminiscent of Teela's memory wipe there) [episode 03]
• Evil-Lyn's hair is white ("The Witch and the Warrior", also in MYP series) [episode 03]
• Aquaticans ("City Beneath the Sea") [episode 03]
• Trollan items like Orko's pyramid inside Man-At-Arms' hut ("Dawn of Dragoon" etc) [episode 03]
• Orko's home planet is called Trolla [episode 04]
• Shadowbeasts ("Teela's Quest" and other episodes, though here they are using them in a totally new way) [episode 04]
• The name "Kuduk" used for a Sorceress from ancient Eternia (name is an homage to Kuduk Ungl, who was the immediate-predecessor of modern day Sorceress in "Origin of the Sorceress", but here they are using it in a totally new way) [episode 05]
• Eternium (also in MYP series) [episode 05]
• Younger Duncan's flashback outift (episodes "Teela's Quest" and "The Remedy") [episode 06]
• The mirror has a special crisscross effect which is reminiscent of the Filmation special effects on Grayskull's magic windows [episode 07]
• Skeletor has the Evil Horde symbol on his belt in flashback. Based on the prequel comic story. (Reference of Skeletor as the apprentice of Hordak in "Secret of the Sword") [episode 08]

UK COMICS AND ANNUALS BY LONDON EDITIONS (1984-1989) References

• A member of pink-skinned race Auriconians with horns appears in Royal Palace [episode 01, episode 07]
• the Glove of Globolah (from 1986 "Glove of Globolah" story, the glove might even rival the power of Grayskull) [episode 02]

LIVE-ACTION MOTU (1987) References

• "For those who control Grayskull control the power, the power to be Masters of the Universe!" (last part in introduction narration reminiscent of movie opening) [episode 01]
• The Sorceress inside a magical barrier, as she resists Skeletor. Similar how Skeletor held her prisoner in movie [episode 01]
• "Let this be our final battle!" as said by Skeletor in the film [episode 01, episode 10]
• Teela's locater device (used by Man-At-Arms when Eternians encounter a cow) [episode 02]
• Weakened Sorceress reminiscent how she was withering as Skeletor's captive [episode 03]
• "I've waited a long time for this!" as said by Blade in the film [episode 04]
• Flying discs (which also appear in Filmation and 2002 cartoon, but it seems these are a movie reference) [episode 05]
• Saurod and Blade make an appearance [comic 03]
• Blade appears inside Grayskull to fight Teela [episode 09]
• Pig Boy appears next to other Evil Warriors [episode 06, episode 09]

MIKE YOUNG PRODUCTIONS (2002) References

• Teela twisting Adam's arm behind his back ("The Beginning part I") [episode 01]
• Members of Pelleezian race in Royal Palace ("Out of the Past") [episode 01]
• Followers of Tri-Klops have hoodies that somewhat look like MYP Hordak's Wizards (later in Classics named as "Wraiths") [episode 03]
• Faceless One (no head) at the entrance to Subternia [episode 03]
• Subternia ("Underworld", though used in totally different context as "hell" in new cartoon) [episode 04]
• Well of Darkness ("History", though name-only and used in different context where Scare Glow sends Teela) [episode 04]
• the name "Oracle" ("Power of Grayskull", a Trollan wizard in ancient Eternia. Used in new context here. Fan theories in 2002 suggested maybe Orko ages backwards and really was the same being) [episode 04]
• King Grayskull ("Power of Grayskull") [episode 05, comic issue 01]
• Veena [comic issue 01]
• King Hsss and Snake Men appearance [comic issue 01]
• Despondos mentioned [comic issue 02]
• Evil-Lyn younger hairstyle reminiscent of her young design ("Price of Deceit") [episode 8]

CLASSICS (2008) References

• Tapestry "evil" inside Grayskull (Classics playset) [episode 01]
• Doomseekers inside Snake Mountain (originally 200x reference, but these use Classics color scheme) [episode 02]
• The names Vikor and Wun-Dar (spelled Wundar in the credits) being used for those characters.
• Powersword said to be forged by Trollan mages [episode 05]
• Moss Man depicted as an ancient being [episode 05]
• Clamp Champ's real name "Raenius" [episode 06]
• Panthor has a helmet [episode 09]

MODERN DC COMICS (2012-2020) References

• He-Man's chest emblem "H" was prominently in 2014 "Eternity War" and other story arcs (original symbol from 1984 Battle Armor He-Man) [episode 01]
• Teela and Andra's outfits reminiscent of Trap Jaw's mercs in 2012 comic mini-series [episode 02]
• Evil-Lyn calls upon "Zoar" in her spell casting (Eternity War reference) [episode 04]
• Skelegod appearance has influences from DC Universe crossover and "Eternity War" issues [episode 05]
• Evil-Lyn becomes a Sorceress with a bat-themed outfit ("Eternity War" comic had Horokoth as bat symbol for Starseed, where Evil-Lyn also transformed) [episode 06]

CONCEPT ART and MISC References

• "Take it from someone who has seen battle, cat." [episode 01]
• Lt Andra (name used from STAR/Marvel comic) [episode 02]
• Vykor sketch (originally Mark Taylor's Conan, which later was repurposed as He-Man) [episode 05]
• "As if" a reference to Queen Marlena voice actress' Alicia Silverstone's character in movie "Clueless" [episode 09]
• title "Hope, For a Destination" is a reference to the 4NONBLONDES 1992 song "What's Up". Used in 2005 by SLACKCIRCUS for a satirical music video titled "Fabulous Secret Powers." [episode 09]
• title "Comes with Everything You See Here" references toy-commercials and their narrated dialogue [episode 10]
• Producers Ted Biaselli, Rob David and showrunner Kevin Smith appear as Eternian citizens during fight sequence [episode 10]

[BooperScoop]

Does anyone know who the two guys talking to Sharella were?

[VZX]

You can briefly see the banners inside Castle Grayskull in the first episode when Faker is holding the Sorceress. You can see both the banner from the original, vintage CG toy and the newer "evil" banner that also came with the Classics Grayskull.

Also, during the large battle in front of Castle Grayskull in the first episode, the diamond thing that is blasting at the bad guys is placed in the same spot the laser canon would be on the Castle Grayskull toy. That can not be a coincidence.

Evil Lyn mentions Zoar when she creates the portal to Preternia.

The new H symbol on He-Man is from the Battle Armor He-Man toy (and other variants).

[Durendal]

Does anyone know who the two guys talking to Sharella were?

I really want to know this as well. I'm guessing they must also have been protectors of the sword of power at some point. King Grayskull tells Adam that there were many "He-Men" before him and there will be many after.

[Feezle]

This seemed like an easter egg.

PA Teela.JPG

[Original Man]

Going beneath Castle Grayskull where the power was that the council of elders left, seemed like a 200X reference. Th Hall of Wisdom or the Castle's new look reminded me of something in Eternia War as well.

[Reviews2D]

Would Skeletor referring to himself as a god in the 5th episode be a movie refence?

[Penny Dreadful]

UK COMICS AND ANNUALS BY LONDON EDITIONS (1984-1989) References
A member of pink-skinned race with horns appears in Royal Palace [episode 01]

They're called Auriconians in the UK Annual.

CLASSICS (2008) References

The names Vikor and Wun-Dar (spelled Wundar in the credits) being used for those characters.

[davelove81]

Hero being king grayskull s son is straight from the modern DC comics and confirmed in the dark horse prequel comic , even though it's not explicitly stated in revelation

Teela and Andra being dressed like trapjaws desert cyborg minions from the first DC six issue arc

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[danielsan52]

Did I see a Kex?

There was also the Tapestries from Toy Castle Grayskull.

[Adam_Prince of Eternia]

• Evil-Lyn using the name "Majestra" in a disguise (from "The Shaping Staff") [episode 02]
• Evil-Lyn using an old woman disguise (many episodes, like "The Royal Cousin") [episode 02]

To me, this was a goof, because she is named "Majestra" in her Zennia disguise.

I also thought Andra swinging at Trap Jaw, and him eating what was in her hand, as a reference to "Diamond Ray of Disappearance" when he does that to Teela.

[Drakken]

That is an impressive list. Lots of Easter eggs. To be honest, the interaction between Cringer and Teela when talking about Adam pulled my heart's strings.

[Ornclown]

For Filmation: Orko's magic backfiring on him and Teela's weapon emulating the Sword of Protection (can turn into pretty much anything...)

Also, Moss Man camouflaged during Teela and Adam's conversation... and he makes flowers grow around Orko's tribute (ala Perfuma.)

Also, the area where the villagers were getting the magic water seemed to be a reference to the fountain of life from the Witch and the Warrior...

For the 1987 movie: When Sorceress is de-powered, she looks an awful lot like the Sorceress in Skeletor's captivity.

Mattel toys: the statue that was dispensing the nano-drink looked like a reference to Screech.



These might be stretching it a bit...

[Stinkor]

I’ve got one. In the Filmation episode The Problem with Power at about the nine or ten minute mark, Skeletor traps Orko in a bubble. Orko does the same thing to Cringer in MOTUR.

[Drakken]

There's one scene that I think was an Easter egg as well. When Cringer jumps on Adam is just like in The Secret of the Sword when Adam returns with Adora. Here Adam returned from the dead.

[davelove81]

Not sure if this counts ,but the UK comics has a story " dogs of war " , the opening line of which is " cry havok and unleash the dogs of war" , which I'm sure Tri klops paraphrased in episode 2 when he says " cry havoc , and unleash the cogs of war "

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[davelove81]

And also , another one from modern DC , the whole concept of " the magical first planet of creation , as eternia fares so does the universe " etc

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[Rikki Roxx]

So cool seeing how much stuff went into this series. Very impressive how many different parts of the lore they pulled from.

[Pundar]

I really want to know this as well. I'm guessing they must also have been protectors of the sword of power at some point. King Grayskull tells Adam that there were many "He-Men" before him and there will be many after.

This has been driving me crazy too, their costumes look so familiar! Are they references to something?
6B89D816-A3F7-4442-A50B-EC5ABFC8235D.jpg
19CC58DD-E4D6-46EE-ACBC-813B2DEE2698.jpg
I didn’t even make the Sharella connection, so I’m hoping someone on here recognizes these two as well!

[davelove81]

This has been driving me crazy too, their costumes look so familiar! Are they references to something?
6B89D816-A3F7-4442-A50B-EC5ABFC8235D.jpg
19CC58DD-E4D6-46EE-ACBC-813B2DEE2698.jpg
I didn’t even make the Sharella connection, so I’m hoping someone on here recognizes these two as well!

The white guy looks like hes dressed in tytus armour ? Or possibly vokan ...the black guy could be based on sun man ?

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[Durendal]

The white guy looks like hes dressed in tytus armour ? Or possibly vokan ...the black guy could be based on sun man ?

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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...ff44d9877b.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...66fe74c83d.jpg

Nah, too different. I think they're both characters we've never seen before.

Black and Latino past He-Men confirmed!

[anytimepally]

I think they're both characters we've never seen before.

If they are characters we've never seen before, they had a real chance here to come up with great armor designs. Too bad.

But hey, they look like something they would've used in the 80s, so they fit in.

[davelove81]

I wonder why dare isn't in Preternia but he-ro is ? Anyway , vokan and sun man was just a wild guess


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[Bobert Bobinski]

Pretty sure we get 'Spirit of the Castle' from the old mini comics in episode 4 before Scareglow appears from the green mist after the gate to Preternia is opened.Apologies for the image quality (better to see it animated) check my profile image for comparisonIMG_20210728_0155512.jpg

[ehenyo]

I'm pretty sure the soundtrack has a minor motif referencing the 1987 movie. Take a listen:

at 1:20


at 7:07