328. How Did 1980s Franchises Forge the World of Modern Fantasy?

Last summer the new He-Man movie kind of failed at theaters. Stephen enjoyed the film! Others did not care so much, especially if they didn’t grow up in the 1980s. But last week, after the death of voice actor Peter Cullen, fans celebrated the legacy of Transformers. And last month, the Masters of the Universe remake film wielded the power of Grayskull to rule streaming media. No matter your age, big franchises from forty years ago have shaped the fantasy worlds we know today. How can Christians look back on this era with discernment and appreciation for good nostalgia?

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1. Of note: some fans truly did miss the ’80s

• For many of you, the 1980s came and went before you were born!
• Stephen and Zack lived through most of the 1980s decade.
• And yet both of them only remember portions of the time.
• For his part, Stephen knew only the 1980s homeschool culture.
• It was the neighbor kids who had He-Man and Rainbow Brite
• Alas, Stephen never knew that fandom or any of the others, really.
• And he only vaguely recalls some of these obscure/old franchises.
• So if he sounds like a distant anthropologist, that is the reason!

2. From Star Wars to He-Man and beyond

• Recap: George Lucas and Kenner created modern toy franchises.
• Mass factories, network TV, and cable made a kids’ merch boom.
• Aside note: some Christians had some legit/silly concerns about it.
• Mattel lost on Star Wars, but made its own franchise: He-Man.
• This blended John Carter, DnD, mysticism, and superheroes.
• Meanwhile, other boys’ and girls’ brands took over toy stores.
• Zack’s notes about growing up in the 1980s and any toys he had.
• Last week beloved voice actor Peter Cullen (Transformers) died.
• Fans love his sincere voice for “gentle, powerful” Optimus Prime.
• That plus GI Joe, despite flaws, did seem to honor real heroism.