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Since its inception in the 1980s, the Masters of the Universeheroes have been serving up some compelling action, but some are far more powerful than others. With a an action cartoon series, movie specials, and a sister show, this mythical world has spawned some powerful beings. With every episode, Skeletor's evil schemes to take over Greyskull had become more and more elaborate. He-Man and his trusted companions had to outwit his advances and protect the people of Eternia. She-Ra bravely took on Hordak, and they both joined forces to defeat their enemies together.
The series came back a few times, with a reboot in 2002 and another in 2021, as well as more comic book and video game outings. A live-action Masters of the Universe movie reboot is on the way, and the yearning for all things nostalgic continues. This serves as a reminder of how impactful this world has been. Masters of the Universe takes place in a world of magical weapons, advanced technology, and ancient beasts that enthrall and enchant.
10 Orko
His Abilities Work Slightly Differently Depending On Where He Is
The floating magician may appear small but is very powerful indeed. Originally from the land of Trolla, his abilities work slightly differently depending on where he finds himself. The original '80s cartoon portrayed him as a bit of a calamity, causing trouble for his friends, but his loyalty was never in question.
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Subsequent series were able to showcase his powers more, and he'd always been a close ally to Prince Adam. All of Orko's iterations have showcased his powerful magical abilities that work best when he has his wand. He was even able to control He-Man's sword at one point, and the comics showcase him holding his own against Skeletor.
He's also much better at controlling them in his home world. His innate power was so hard to pinpoint that he even blew up Hordak's Mind Sweeper as it tried to scan him. Though he may be a conundrum and a thorn in the side of Man-At-Arms, his strength cannot be argued.
9 Evil-lyn
Skeletor's Second In Command
This powerful witch is Skeletor's second in command, and can easily hold her own in a male-dominated world. She was easily the most intelligent of the Evil Warriors, she had a thirst for power that was perhaps what would lead to her downfall. As she switched allegiances, while trying to take Skeletor's powers for herself, this created a feeling of mistrust between the two that wouldn't let him see her as a loyal companion.
Certain romantic undertones between the two were explored in some productions, but her own ambition was always at the forefront. Evil-Iyn's powers in the 1980s cartoon were vast though, as she was able to teleport, perform mind-control, shoot blasts from her hands and her eyes, and create powerful storms.
She was also a master of disguise, which allowed her to carry out her schemes with unrivaled levels of deception. This ambitious and powerful sorceress could wield her magic with the help of a crystal-covered wand, but she was more than capable of conjuring it with no help at all.
8 Battle Cat
He Can Take On Many Beastly Opponents
With the help of the power of Greyskull, Adam transforms a cowardly lion into a brave and powerful companion to He-Man. As Cringer, the animal is constantly filled with fear and is extremely timid. In Battle Cat form, he gains impressive strength, allowing him to take on many beastly opponents. His speed allows him to transport He-Man to safety, and the powers he possesses give him a very sassy personality.
Subsequent animations have portrayed him as even bulkier and stronger than the original 1980s version, and he was able to hold his own in many a fight.
Subsequent animations have portrayed him as even bulkier and stronger than the original 1980s version, and he was able to hold his own in many a fight. While many other beings in this universe utilize magic or intrigue to achieve their goals, Battle Cat can rely on his own innate strength and sharp claws. It's also clear that as a trusted companion to He-Man and brave protector of the people of Eternia, this is one tough cat.
7 Hordak
The Lead Antagonist To She-Ra, The Princess of Power
The former mentor of Skeletor, and leader of the Evil Horde, he was betrayed by his former mentee and escaped to another realm. As the lead antagonist to She-Ra, The Princess of Power, he terrorizes the people of Eternia with his power-hungry schemes. His lair, the Fright Zone, is a technologically evolved fortress where with the help of an army as well as the sorceress, Shadow Weaver, he hatches his evil plans.
This reliance on technology is evident in how his powers are portrayed, as he transforms his body into various types of weaponry including guns and cannons, and looks to be wearing a sort of elaborate armor that protects him. His tactical skills, use of mind-control, and large armies allow him to wield a decent amount of power, but he had been beaten by She-Ra and Skeletor in various iterations of this character's animated journey.
6 Teela Na
A Very Strong Character When She's At Greyskull
The Sorceress of Castle Greyskull, this powerful protector is the one who watches over the magical fortress and keeps everyone within it safe. The mother of Teela, she had been given her abilities by the Pool of Power, she holds the keys to Greyskull's magical secrets. It is because of her that Adam is given the magical sword that allows him to use his powers. Similarly, she kept Princess Adora safe, and when the time was right, allowed her to transform into She-Ra.
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While her powers within the fortress are unmatched, and she's able to imbue others with powers and pass along her vast wisdom, she's not as powerful beyond its walls. Though she can turn into a magical falcon Zoar, and telepathically communicate with her allies, she is at her strongest when she's at Greyskull. She's also brave and devoted to the people she protects.
5 Shokoti
She Is As Powerful As She Is Evil
The Evil Witch of Eternia is as powerful as she is wicked. Utilizing her powers of illusion, Shokoti can make anyone see anything she wants and get them to submit to her. Though originally defeated and imprisoned in a mysterious tomb, her power is such that she's able to recruit followers who help her escape from this containment.
This level of elaborate prison suggests she must have been an intimidating adversary. She can also shoot beams from her eyes and hands and commands an army of tentacled beings, called Darklings, that can fly. Though her appearance in the Universe wasn't too long, she showed herself to be incredibly powerful and vicious.
With plans to sacrifice He-Man, Battle Cat, and Ram Man to the Sleeping Beast. Even when Shokoti was effectively defeated, it seemed as though her power was just transported somewhere else, just waiting for another chance to strike.
4 Granamyr
An Ancient Dragon With Great Powers
Hailing from Darksmoke, this ancient Dragon received his great powers from the Pit of Powers long before even the Sorceress of Grayskull received hers. The formidable sorcerer in his own right, he had previously fought the evil Shadow Wing, as well as having gone through a war with humans which had left him and his kind, wary of them. He leads the other dragons as he shies away from the presence of humans.
Granamyr's encounters with He-Man had gradually changed his opinion of mankind, and he had seen a glimmer of hope in this inferior species. As an imposing beast with scales, sharp teeth, and a large tail, his physical attributes only add to his powers. He-Man would not be able to take him on physically, instead, he'd have to resort to trying to outsmart him if it came to it.
3 Skeletor
A Powerful Opponent In Every Way Possible
The unrelenting nemesis to He-Man and the leader of the Evil Warriors, Skeletor is a powerful opponent in every way. A powerful sorcerer, he also has various scientific and technological skills that allow him to create powerful machinery to fight his enemies. Skeletor can teleport himself back to Snake Mountain, with just a few words.
His mystical weapon of choice is the Havoc Staff, which can fire bolts of force or be used to focus even more powerful forms of magic. Skeletor also been shown to dispel energy from his body, like bolts of lightning and electricity. Skeletor is also incredibly powerful physically. He's been able to take on He-Man in combat and has an impressive physique and raw strength.
His intellect and ability to lead an army, and form alliances with other antagonists prove him an imposing force. While he ultimately does not reach his goal of taking over Greyskull, he has come close on a few occasions, and it'll be fascinating to see what future iterations of this villain will look like.
2 She-Ra
One Of The Most Powerful Masters of the Universe
The Princess of Power is the alter ego of Adora, Prince Adam's long-lost twin sister. Just like her brother, she obtains her powers from the magical sword of Greyskull, which gives her strength beyond measure. She's also innately strong-willed, and fair and can utilize the training she received while brainwashed by the Horde to her advantage. She-Ra has the power to heal and cast force fields of protection.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983) has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The empathy and care she displays as Adora is amplified when she's in her more powerful form. She's able to telepathically communicate with animals and continually uses her abilities for good. The swords she uses can change into a variety of other weapons and she's masterful at using them all.
Though physically weaker in her human form, she displays a lot of intelligence and cunning that would give her an edge in many a fight. As She-Ra, her super-human strength, amplified speed, unmatched reflexes, and near-invincibility make her one of the most powerful Masters of the Universe.
1 He-Man
The Strongest Of Them All With Incredible Physical Abilities
When imbued by the magical force of his Power Sword, he becomes He-Man, the strongest Master of the Universe. His physical abilities are unmatched, and the kind-hearted nature of Prince Adam is amplified as he becomes more powerful. He-Man's endurance allows him to withstand explosions, his stamina lets him fight for extended periods, and he's often shown taking on tasks that nobody else can even attempt.
His physical abilities are unmatched, and the kind-hearted nature of Prince Adam is amplified as he becomes more powerful.
He-Man also likes to rely on his wit and cunning to take on his adversaries, and resorts to brute force and violence as a last resort. Fast and acrobatic, he's able to run circles around anyone with his super-speed. A master of weaponry, he can handle his sword as well as several other pieces of arsenal.
Along with Battle Cat, they form a fierce duo who can handle any situation. Masters of the Universe's He-Man is a natural-born leader and represents the people of Eternia with courage, integrity, and the type of power that's used responsibly and with great care.
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Masters of the Universe
Masters of the Universe is a multimedia franchise that began with Mattel's 5.5-inch action figures in 1982. Like many popular toys in the '80s, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe received their own TV show starting a year later in 1983. The franchise has received various TV shows, games, comic books, and even a live-action movie starring Dolph Lundgren in 1987.
Created by Roger Sweet
Character(s) He-Man , Skeletor , Prince Adam , Cringer , Battle Cat , Beast Man , Man-At-Arms , Orko , Teela
English (US) ·