I Have the Power!

Masters of the Universe has always been one of my favorite franchises. The battles between Heman and Skeletor were a joy to watch as a kid. I especially enjoyed collecting the toys. I had a good amount of them, and was very sad when I had to let them go. Unfortunately, living in an apartment in New York City had its consequences. I'll never forget the stories I used to create as a child, and the gifts it provided me in becoming a better writer. Physical play had an important role in my development that the digital space cannot replace. 

As I set up all my action figures and vehicles getting ready for battle, I used to dream of all their powers as they fought with the intensity and look of the animation from the television show. Teela beating Merman in a fight or Beastman getting the best of Stratos were some of the battles I put together. Masters of the Universe (MOTU) had such a diverse set of toys that you were able to create just about anything. 

MOTU’s compatibility with other toy lines was one of its big pluses. I used to have my MOTU figures take on my WWF action figures in the ring. There is nothing better than having Ram Man take on Hulk Hogan in the ring. Hulkamania didn't always work against a Masters of the Universe. I used to have Skeletor give him the leg drop for an amazing victory. 

These toys gave me the best imaginative experiences. I worry that the children of today will not have that same connection to play due to most of their experiences being in the digital arena. The ability to touch the figures, and get ideas from their features were a big part of my imaginative process. In my opinion, you can't get that from a digital experience, at least not as much as a physical connection. It was that unreal bond with my toys that helped me see beyond and master the toybox in my room. I mean let’s face it; I was the master of their universe. It was the process of physical play that allowed that to happen, and not realizing it at the time it helped me perform a character analysis of them. 

I know my writing improved from my physical play. I thank Masters of the Universe for giving me very special moments in my childhood. I only hope the children of today can get the same power and use it to take on the Skeletors in their everyday life. 

Then all the generations can unite and shout, "I HAVE THE POWER!"