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.

Masters of the Universe (2026) failed in theaters, but has since found its power on streaming services.

3. Now many fans really do miss the 1980s

• Most of these franchises were firmly in fantasy and sci-fi genres.
• Without their popularity, fantasy genres may not be popular today.
• Eventually, He-Man got shoved out by Ninja Turtles and others.
• Somehow the Ninja Turtles find new life, while He-Man struggles.
• The new film version from Prime Studios faltered in theaters.
• Stephen liked this flawed fantasy, which did hit a streaming boom.
• Meanwhile, ’80s nostalgia steers new stories like Stranger Things.
• Maybe people want to feel a simple life without 2020s technology.
• Some of them also want a simpler morality of good vs. bad guys.
• But back in the actual 1980s, critics didn’t like simplistic morality.
• And some “80s nostalgia” also forces in the 2020s moral disorder.
• Every era has common graces that are better perceived with time.
• All eras also have unique idols, such as godless/mystical heroism.
• As you grow older, beware the “good old days” temptations.
• Do recall Ecclesiastes 7:10: “Say not, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’ For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.”

Com station Top question for listeners

• Do you have a favorite 1980s fantasy?