Tag Archives: how he-man mastered the universe

Why He-Man is Essential for Gen-X and Beyond

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The person, who created the meme with He-Man, M.A.S.K., The Transformers, and Thundercats captioning it with “Two have to go,” doesn’t understand the history of cartoons and children’s television. (This article uses affiliate leads. If you order from an affiliate lead, our website gets a tiny stipend. But it doesn’t cost you anything.) Brian C. Baer’s book “How He-Man Mastered the Universe” makes it clear that without He-Man, none of the others exist. In fact, there are whole series that would never exist.

The difference between He-Man and every show that came before it was that He-Man was designed to sell toys. Other children’s shows had toys made because the show was successful. He-Man was successful because it sold toys.

In the early 1980s and before, Action for Children’s Television (ACT) fought to keep advertising out of children’s television. They wanted TV for kids that was wholesome, educational, non-violent, and non-commercial. When Reagan became president in 1980s, children’s television was deregulated, and ACT’s work during the 12 years before was undone. Still, they were a powerful group that the networks didn’t want to upset. He-Man would be the first take them on.

He-Man’s first concession was its lack of real violence. For a sword and sorcery show, there is a surprising lack of death. There are some punching scenes, mostly when He-Man punches his fist at the screen and the character he is punching falls down. Much of the violence is directed against robots and creatures rather than humanoids. The larger concession was the moral at the end of every episode. The networks wouldn’t bite on the show, so it was sold to independent stations and became a huge hit.

With all the talk of a new He-Man movie and its casting choices, it’s important to understand just what He-Man is, how it came about, and how it absolutely destroyed the rules of children’s television. You might even want to learn more about the movie that went bankrupt before it could be finished and how it became a cult classic despite its flaws. Brian C. Baer’s “How He-Man Mastered the Universe” is an essential read for any Gen Xer and He-Man enthusiast.

Free Chapbook from Brian C. Baer at Amazing Las Vegas Comic Convention 2019

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While supplies last, you can get a free chapbook “I Haunt the Spaceship” written by Brian C. Baer, author of “How He-Man Mastered the Universe” and “Bad Publicity,” at the Penguinate table (B91). These chapbooks contain three short stories that center around death and the afterlife. Ghosts on spaceships, a serial killer at a “recovery resort,” and the delay of a film production are all part of the fun.

Baer’s extensive knowledge of the pop cultural phenomenon is on display in “How He-Man Mastered the Universe.” His interviews and research are part of the work that he put into the book, but just as important to the book is the reason behind his passion for He-Man. Baer explores how deregulation changed the world of children’s television and how He-Man led the charge.

Baer’s fictional work, “Bad Publicity” is a noir story involving a tabloid reporter and his ghost informer. The trade-off for great information and what it leads to may be more them the reporter is willing to surrender.

Supplies of “I Haunt the Spaceship” are extremely limited. Make your way to table B91 and claim your copy on Friday! (They will be available all weekend if they last that long!)

Author Brian C. Baer Makes His Triumphant Return to Lilac City Comicon 2019

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On Jun 1 and 2, 2019, Author Brian C. Baer will be attending Lilac City Comicon 2019 as a panel moderator and guest author signing books at the Penguinate table (A1). Baer will host panels on both days and will sign books from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at the Penguinate table on Sunday only. You will be able to purchase Baer’s books throughout the weekend.

Baer is the author of “How He-Man Mastered the Universe.” His seminal work on the Master of the Universe franchise examines the social and cultural impacts that the He-Man cartoons had on Children’s television. It also discusses the cult classic film adaptation. Baer’s adept analysis and thorough research bring to light new information that many people aren’t aware of.

By connecting He-Man to the greater cultural and political movements of 1983, Baer achieves something that few authors are capable of. He reveals the reasons why He-Man is truly important to the U.S. culture and allows the reader to draw conclusions about how that has affected the present. On the surface, it’s difficult to fathom how He-Man has affected those who grew up with him.

Baer’s detailed dissection of the He-Man film helps this book to stand out as a labor of love. His own personal connection reinforces the importance of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.

Baer’s “Bad Publicity” is a story about an entertainment journalist who has a ghost helping him dig up dirt on the rich and famous. A noir detective story, “Bad Publicity” is as inventive as it is entertaining. If you like detective or ghost stories, Baer’s book will find a prized place on your shelf.

Baer is offering attendees at Lilac City Comicon 2019 the opportunity to get a collection of his short stories for free. Those who stop by the Penguinate table (A1) will be able to pick up a copy of the chapbook “I Haunt the Spaceship… and other stories” while supplies last!

Baer will be moderating Saturday’s “State of the Comic Book Adaptations” at 4 pm on the Main Stage. On Sunday, after his book signing from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at the Penguinate table, he will moderate the Guest Spotlight panel with Falk Hentschel at noon and the “Moon Knight” fan film screening at 2 pm in room 402c. All times are subject to change.