Geek It! Animation Review: SHE-RA and the Princesses of Power

Need a new isolation fix? Why not start on an animated series like Netflix’s SHE-RA AND THE PRINCESSES OF POWER? Now that all five seasons are released, here is our review of She-Ra‘s Season 1 so you can finally start your She-Ra marathon!

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For many older animation fans, SHE-RA AND THE PRINCESSES OF POWER is a return to the popular ’80s series. For the younger audience who has yet to encounter She-Ra, it is a chance to get sucked into the world of comic book heroes. And we are totally living it for She-Ra.

Joining the likes of Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel, She-Ra is a modern and feminist-powered story that aims to inspire, encourage, and ignite girl-power with positive vibes. Produced by award-winning author Noelle Stevenson, DreamWorks’ She-Ra and the Princesses of Power revolves around 16-year-old Adora who has lived with the Horde for as long as she can remember.

Pursuing a career in the military, it is her ambition to protect Etheria from the threat of the Princess Rebellion. Being the model student she is, Adora is soon promoted to Force Captain of the team — a dream goal that she has always wanted since she was a young girl.

However, this all changes when Adora encounters the Sword of Protection in the Whispering Woods and she becomes blessed with the power of ‘She-Ra’. Experiencing strange visions of the past and future, her secret excursion gets her captured by two Rebels, Princess Glimmer and Bow. Much to her horror, she soon gets educated about the outside world and Horde’s true nature. With everything she was taught about the outside world now exposed as a lie, Adora decides to join the Rebellion as … She-Ra.

Compared to the original version, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is targeted at a younger audience. Rather than being a voluptuous figure, this revamped She-Ra is designed to be younger and more tomboy. In terms of her character design, She-Ra’s battle costume is much more practical in this reincarnation — a tunic, metallic epaulettes, skin-tight leggings, and armoured boots. With a strong will and the determination to save everyone, Adora is a fitting candidate for She-Ra. 

Of course, there needs to be an antagonist in order to drive the story forward. Adora’s newfound allegiance to the Resistance has pit her against her former best friend Catra. Feeling abandoned by the disappearance of her friend, Catra’s ambitions have now enabled her to rise in the ranks of the Horde. Now both on opposing sides, we see an angsty rivalry brewing between the two former friends. 

To be honest, we haven’t been this excited about an animated series for a long time. Not only do we love a good (yet cliche) rivalry, but we admire the diversity of characters presented in this series. Not only are they unique in shape and ethnicity, but they each have their own personalities and traits, bringing life into the Princess Alliance and the story itself.  

Much to our disappointment, the animation style in She-Ra and the Princesses of Power appear strongly ‘computer-generated’ at times. We expected more from this modern animation, especially when it boasts similar style to other cartoons such as Steven Universe and Adventure Time.

However, as expected of a revamped ’80s cartoon, the art direction is intricately fresh and varnished with beautiful pastel colours and background designs. Accompanied by a contemporary ’80s synth-inspired soundtrack, it is evident that this show has an ambitious vision in revamping an old-school cartoon for a modern audience.

And of course, we cannot forget the series’ epic opening ‘Warriors‘ by Aaliyah Rose. The song gets you seriously pumped for what’s to come — it would be disrespectful to skip the song! 

RATING: 8/10 

Overall: SHE-RA AND THE PRINCESSES OF POWER offers a spectacular package that will appeal to both old and new fans of She-Ra. It is great entertainment at best — a bit of comedy, drama, action, and girl-power mania. It’s no wonder that this series has taken the world of animation by storm! 

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